[{"id":"doi:10.1126/sciadv.aed4951","type":"article-journal","title":"Impact-processed nitrogen-bearing organics in Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 lunar regolith.","abstract":"The Moon has preserved a unique record of organic matter delivered and reworked by asteroid and comet impacts. Here, we report diverse organic phases (particle-like, adhering-like, and inclusion-like) on the surfaces of lunar regolith grains returned by the Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 missions. They are predominantly amorphous carbon–like, containing N- and O-bearing functionalities and amide (─CONH─) linkages. The lunar organics show δD, δ 13 C, and δ 15 N values more negative than those of insoluble organic matter reported in carbonaceous chondrites and asteroids, consistent with impact-induced evaporation-condensation and surface reworking. The presence of solar wind implantation signatures in the organics supports long-term exposure on the lunar surface. Together, these findings suggest that the impacts both delivered and chemically processed organic matter on the lunar surface, generating N- and O-bearing functionalities.","author":[{"family":"Dong","given":"Mingtan"},{"family":"Hao","given":"Jialong"},{"family":"Changela","given":"HG"},{"family":"Tian","given":"Hengci"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Shengxuan"},{"family":"He","given":"Yuyang"},{"family":"Liu","given":"XC"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xiaoguang"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Sen"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Wenbo"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Yangting"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.aed4951","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aed4951","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-026-68824-3","type":"article-journal","title":"Saturation of space weathering in shaping lunar regolith particle morphology.","abstract":"The lunar mare regolith preserves tripartite records of volcanism, impacting, and space weathering. However, previous studies based on limited soil particle numbers were hindered by issues of sample representativeness. Here we conduct micro-CT scans of bulk soil samples from Chang'e-5 (nearside) and Chang'e-6 (farside), and develop machine learning-based image segmentation and classification methods to identify a vast number of basalt, agglutinate, breccia, and monomineralic particles. The Chang'e-5 basalt exhibits higher plagioclase content than Chang'e-6, while agglutinates from Chang'e-6 have lower void ratios, respectively indicating different lava origins and more intense micrometeorite bombardment for farside Chang'e-6. Despite their contrasting volcanic and impacting histories, the soil particles for these youngest nearside/farside samples exhibit similar morphometric distributions, suggesting that space weathering reached saturation in shaping surficial soil particle morphology in ~ 2.2 million years or less. These findings may extend to other mare regions and help establish space weathering models for other airless bodies.","author":[{"family":"Luo","given":"Ao"},{"family":"Cui","given":"Yifei"},{"family":"Guo-Dong","given":"Wang"},{"family":"Nie","given":"Jiayan"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Chuansheng"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Zihan"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yang"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Qi"},{"family":"He","given":"Huaiyu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-026-68824-3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-68824-3","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41598-026-35759-0","type":"article-journal","title":"Bioremediation of lunar regolith simulant through mycorrhizal fungi and plant symbioses enables chickpea to seed.","abstract":"Food sustainability is a significant challenge for long-term space travel. Plants can provide fresh nutrition, reducing reliance on packaged foods. Using Lunar regolith simulant (LRS), we tested a methodology to create a productive growth medium for horticultural crops on the Moon. We leveraged chickpea (Cicer arietinum), Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), and Vermicompost (VC) to enhance plant stress tolerance, sequester contaminants, and improve substrate structure. Chickpeas were cultivated in LRS/VC mixtures, with or without AMF, under climate-controlled conditions. Plants seeded successfully in mixtures containing up to 75% LRS when inoculated with AMF. While the number of seeds declined with increasing LRS concentration, seed size remained stable. Higher LRS concentrations induced stress; however, plants grown in 100% LRS inoculated with AMF demonstrated an average extension of two weeks in survival compared to non-inoculated plants. AMF colonized roots across all mixtures, including 100% LRS, demonstrating the ability to establish symbioses under extreme conditions. We also observed improvement in the structural properties of LRS by forming aggregates capable of withstanding extreme conditions, potentially mitigating particle-related hazards. These results provide a baseline for chickpea establishment and yield in amended LRS while demonstrating biological improvements in regolith properties.","author":[{"family":"Atkin","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Pierson","given":"Elizabeth"},{"family":"Gentry","given":"Terry"},{"family":"Santos","given":"Sara"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-026-35759-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35759-0","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41526-025-00501-z","type":"article-journal","title":"Behaviors of lunar regolith simulants under varying gravitational conditions.","abstract":"Understanding the behavior of regolith in varying gravity conditions, is critical for space exploration and future missions. In this work, the gravity-driven hopper flow of lunar regolith simulant in different gravitational accelerations (terrestrial, lunar) is first observed experimentally. Numerical simulations (DEM) are then developed to understand the role which cohesive interparticle forces play in such gravity-driven flow, using the theoretical framework of granular Bond number. Qualitative comparison between a terrestrial experiment and numerical simulation validated this framework. Following that, we numerically studied the dynamic behavior under varying gravitational conditions (from terrestrial to lunar to asteroid gravitational accelerations). We find that this behavior is extremely sensitive to the interplay of the gravity conditions and the attractive/cohesive forces among particles. The numerical and experimental results show that the complex interaction of these forces can drastically change the dynamics of the material producing effects relevant for variable gravity applications.","author":[{"family":"Madden","given":"Ian"},{"family":"Muruganandam","given":"Sathyashri"},{"family":"Missaoui","given":"Amine"},{"family":"Gries","given":"Oliver"},{"family":"Kollmer","given":"Jonathan"},{"family":"Dangelo","given":"Olfa"},{"family":"Sinharay","given":"Suman"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-025-00501-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00501-z","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-9589252/v1","type":"article-journal","title":"Enhancing Extraterrestrial Regolith Based Agriculture using Microbial Symbioses and In Situ Nutrient Sources","abstract":"Abstract Long-term human presence on the Moon and Mars requires sustainable, resource-efficient food production systems. Regolith-based agriculture (RBA) utilizes planetary regolith (mineral, inorganic soils) as a growth substrate capable of providing nutrients for extraterrestrial agriculture. Previous experiments indicate plants grown in Apollo-returned and simulated lunar and martian regolith suffer stress from nutrient limitation and metal toxicity. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbioses with most crops and have the ability to significantly reduce these stresses by delivering nutrients and water previously unavailable to a plant, as well as aiding in phytoremediation of contaminants and toxins. Legumes form symbioses with both nodule-forming nitrogen (N) fixing bacteria and AMF. Since lunar and martian simulated regolith lack bioavailable N, its supplementation, through bacterial symbiosis, for legumes, or fertilizer for other crops, is essential for plant survival and biomass production. Our experiments test the influence of AMF on five crops grown in simulated lunar and martian regolith, measuring survival and biomass production for all crops, and comparing yield between urea-derived N and biosolid (derived from human wastewater) fertilizer in maize. All crops successfully grew in both regoliths. Mycorrhizal inoculation produced crop-specific improvements in performance metrics; some crops showed enhanced biomass production while others exhibited improved nodulation or leaf health. Biosolid fertilization consistently surpassed urea N in maize, exhibiting increased biomass, yield of produce, leaf chlorophyll content, and some tissue nutrients in lunar regolith. AM fungi and bioregenerative fertilizers enhance regolith-based crop vitality, offering a potential pathway toward agricultural self-sufficiency on the Moon and Mars.","author":[{"family":"Lee","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Bass","given":"Alexis"},{"family":"Spann","given":"Sedona"},{"family":"Walker","given":"Xanthe"},{"family":"Edwards","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Johnson","given":"Nancy"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9589252/v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9589252/v1","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00267","type":"article-journal","title":"Lunar and Martian Regolith Simulants Desorb and Weather after Exposure to Bioregenerative Life Support System Effluent.","abstract":"The extraction of plant essential nutrients from extraterrestrial regolith will be necessary to ensure the sustainability of lunar and martian agriculture. An essential instrument of these outposts will be bioregenerative life support systems (BLiSS) that attempt to fully recycle nutrients from organic wastes. While BLiSS may not be fully efficient and lead to a reduction in the quantity of some elements, it is necessary to explore if regolith can be used to fortify the composition of BLiSS effluent. Lunar (JSC-1A) and martian simulants (MGS-1) were reacted with a high-fidelity BLiSS effluent from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in a 24 h batch experiment and compared to reactions with an inorganic nutrient solution and water. Net sorption and dissolution of elements were determined by quantification of reacting solutions using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), with P demonstrating Langmuir and Zn and K demonstrating Freundlich sorption isotherms. The lunar simulant desorbed sizeable quantities of S, followed by Ca and Mg, while the martian simulant desorbed S, followed by Mg, Ca, and Na. Elemental bonding of C, N, P, and Ca was observed on the simulant solid phase with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) after reaction with BLiSS solution. Minerals after experimentation were observed using scanning electron microscope-electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), revealing pitting in JSC-1A and covering of nanoparticles in MGS-1. There were marked differences between the reactions of the inorganic nutrient solution compared to BLiSS effluent, indicating the necessity to study high-fidelity solutions over single-element model systems. Overall, lunar and martian regoliths contain highly soluble components that may fortify BLiSS effluents with valuable metals and plant essential nutrients.","author":[{"family":"Coker","given":"Harrison"},{"family":"Saetta","given":"Daniella"},{"family":"Tessema","given":"Misle"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Jackson"},{"family":"Richardson-Gongora","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Fischer","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Roberts","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Roberson","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Howe","given":"Julie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00267","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00267","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.rpth.2025.103342","type":"article-journal","title":"Extraterrestrial regolith is hemostatic and potentially suitable for hemorrhage control in space.","abstract":"Background Long-duration space missions beyond low Earth orbit pose increased risks of injuries to astronauts. Traumatic hemorrhage will be a cause of preventable death. Due to payload constraints, in situ production of medical materials is essential. Regolith from the Moon, Mars and asteroids is rich in silicates which may serve as a hemostatic agent. Objectives Here, we aim to evaluate whether extraterrestrial regolith simulants (ETRS), their mineral components, and meteorites can activate coagulation through coagulation factor XII (FXII), and control bleeding. Methods The procoagulant potential of Lunar and Martian regolith simulants, their component silicate minerals, and meteorite samples were assessed in vitro. Plasma clotting turbidity, thrombin generation and FXIIa chromogenic assays were performed using either normal or FXII-inhibited/immunodepleted human plasma. Zeta potential and silicon dioxide content were also plotted against the time to fibrin clot formation. In vivo efficacy of CSM-LHT-1 (Lunar), CSM-MGS-1C (Martian), and NWA-869 chondritic meteorite were assessed in a pilot study using a porcine model of penetrating hemorrhage. Results All ETRS samples accelerated clotting, thrombin generation and FXII activation in normal plasma with reduced effects in either FXII-immunodepleted or -inhibited plasma. Phyllosilicates showed greater procoagulant activity than framework silicates. In vivo, wounds treated with regolith remained clotted longer and lost less blood compared to gauze alone, with NWA-869 chondrite meteorite significantly improving clotting and blood loss. Conclusions Extraterrestrial regolith activated coagulation in a FXII-dependent manner and reduced blood loss in a trauma model of penetrating hemorrhage. This suggests extraterrestrial regolith may be used as a hemostatic agent during space missions.","author":[{"family":"Ali-Mohamad","given":"Nabil"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Ting"},{"family":"Juang","given":"Lih"},{"family":"Peng","given":"Nuoya"},{"family":"Cau","given":"Massimo"},{"family":"Cannon","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Kastrup","given":"Christian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.rpth.2025.103342","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpth.2025.103342","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3389/fenvc.2025.1581103","type":"article-journal","title":"Nanoscale investigations of complex microbial interactions with terrestrial and extraterrestrial minerals using STEM based approach: implications for life on Earth and beyond","abstract":"Our recent investigations using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) based approach address tungsten-microbial interactions as a microbial strategy to withstand harsh environments, microbial metal extraction capacities for bioleaching/biomining operations, astrobiological implication of microbial-mineral interactions, and Mars-relevant biosignatures as traces of life that can be detected in the physicochemical conditions beyond Earth. By means of STEM based nanoscale resolution ultrastructural studies coupled to energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), we have investigated remarkable metal redox events and unique ultrastructural features of the mineral-microbial interfaces with regard to the mechanisms of mineral biotransformation mediated by various chemolithoautotrophs; the subcellular localization of metal incorporation and binding sites; the chemical nature of the metal complexes formed at the microbe-mineral interfaces; and biomineral patterns formed during the biotransformation of terrestrial minerals and astromaterials. Our results indicate that microbial cells form a robust, metal-bearing cell crust that may help microorganisms withstand harsh environments and serve as potential biosignature for the search of life. During the biomineralization of the microbial cell surface with tungsten, a tungsten-encrusted layer with a thickness of 37 ± 7 nm and a W content of 76.3% (Wt) was formed around the Metallosphaera sedula cells. When cultivated on the genuine Noachian Martian breccia Northwest Africa (NWA) 7,034, M. sedula cells were encrusted in a mineral layer of 28 ± 2 nm thickness and a P, Fe, Mn, and Al content of 9.62% (Wt), 11.65% (Wt), 4.29% (Wt), and 2.82% (Wt), respectively. During these investigations, we have developed an efficient combined approach of microbiology, wet chemistry and STEM based spectroscopy nanoanalysis. This work highlights the biologically-mediated processing of (extra)terrestrial materials, provides implications for natural samples and biotechnological processes, and represents a special interest for space exploration missions.","author":[{"family":"Milojevic","given":"Tetyana"},{"family":"Albu","given":"Mihaela"},{"family":"Letofsky-Papst","given":"Ilse"},{"family":"Mashchenko","given":"Artem"},{"family":"Milojević","given":"Tetyana"},{"family":"Letofskypapst","given":"Ilse"},{"family":"Мащенко","given":"АГ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fenvc.2025.1581103","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvc.2025.1581103","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s42004-026-01966-z","type":"article-journal","title":"Distribution of extraterrestrial nucleobases, other N-heterocycles, and their precursors in a sample from asteroid Bennu.","abstract":"The recent discovery of all five canonical nucleobases in samples from Bennu provides compelling evidence that some of life's ingredients were synthesized abiotically in the parent body of this asteroid and/or its precedent components. However, due to the sample availability and the limited method for the analysis, the detailed distribution of nucleobases in the samples remains elusive. Here we report the concentrations of a diverse suite of nitrogen (N)-heterocycles including nucleobases extracted by 2% and 20% hydrochloric acid from a homogenized Bennu sample. The detection of both canonical and non-canonical nucleobase pairs confirms that these biologically important compounds are extraterrestrial. Pyrimidines are more abundant than purines-like the Orgueil meteorite, but unlike the Murchison meteorite and asteroid Ryugu samples-suggesting preferential synthesis in ammonia-rich ices from the outer Solar System. The distribution of other N-heterocycles is consistent with extensive aqueous alteration on the parent body. High concentrations of urea underscore its role in N-heterocycle synthesis. Our findings offer important information on the prebiotic inventory of N-heterocycles in the Solar System.","author":[{"family":"Oba","given":"Yasuhiro"},{"family":"Koga","given":"Toshiki"},{"family":"Takano","given":"Yoshinori"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Hirakawa","given":"Yuta"},{"family":"Sunami","given":"S"},{"family":"Furukawa","given":"Yoshihiro"},{"family":"Yamazaki","given":"Tomoya"},{"family":"Tomaru","given":"Takuto"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Connolly","given":"Harold"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42004-026-01966-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-026-01966-z","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1645014","type":"article-journal","title":"From Earth to Mars: a perspective on exploiting biomineralization for Martian construction.","abstract":"resource utilization (ISRU) technologies is imperative. This perspective article explores the potential of biomineralization as a low-energy, sustainable alternative to conventional construction methods, such as Portland cement and thermal sintering approaches proposed for lunar applications, which are often energy-intensive and constrained by material specificity. Following an assessment of the chemical composition of Martian regolith, its suitability as a substrate for various biomineralization pathways, particularly those aligned with ISRU constraints, is evaluated. Special emphasis is placed on identifying biological pathways that are not only metabolically compatible with Martian geochemistry but can also function as a co-culture, mutually supporting each other's survival and activity under Martian environmental stresses. The most promising microbial consortia for biocementation are proposed for future extraterrestrial construction applications. The integration of robotics and automation in biocementation-based additive manufacturing using Martian regolith as a construction feedstock is discussed. Advanced robotic systems equipped with multi-axis extrusion nozzles, sensor suites, and real-time flow control are proposed for the construction of structurally resilient geometries on Mars. As a flexible, scalable, and ISRU-compatible technology, biocementation holds promise not only for infrastructure construction but also for integrated resource cycles, producing oxygen and ammonia as byproducts. Biocementation-based ISRU construction represents a synergistic pathway toward sustainable human presence on Mars, enabling robotic fabrication of critical infrastructure from locally available materials.","author":[{"family":"Khoshtinat","given":"Shiva"},{"family":"Long-Fox","given":"Jared"},{"family":"Hosseini","given":"Seyed"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1645014","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1645014","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c04827","type":"article-journal","title":"Transcrystalline Fracture of Minerals on the Moon.","abstract":"To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to identify the mechanical mode from an atomic-level experimental observation and theoretical analysis of microfracture of minerals on the Moon. This vivid case comes from the focused anorthite in the Chang'e-5 lunar soil samples, where microstructural evidence reveals transcrystalline fracture patterns and localized amorphous domains that may correlate with high-velocity impacts. Such findings are crucial for revealing the extreme occurrence of the early Moon via the paradigm of materials science, i.e., coincidence with the collision and impact on the Moon. Thus, it may enrich our understanding of the Moon's evolution and thereby inspire future studies of relevant extraterrestrial bodies.","author":[{"family":"Liang","given":"Qing"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Zhou"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xiujuan"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xinyang"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Meiqi"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Zhen"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Zhenzhen"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Rui"},{"family":"Zou","given":"Meng"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Qiang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Wei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c04827","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c04827","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.2183/pjab.102.012","type":"article-journal","title":"Extraterrestrial &lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt;He flux variability during the Triassic recorded in pelagic bedded cherts of Japan.","abstract":"Interplanetary dust particles are highly enriched with 3He implanted by the solar wind, enabling the reconstruction of extraterrestrial dust fluxes to Earth from sedimentary 3He records. However, the fluxes of extraterrestrial dust during periods predating the Cretaceous remain poorly constrained. In this study, we present the first comprehensive reconstruction of extraterrestrial 3He fluxes for much of the Triassic period (approximately 246–212 Ma) based on pelagic-bedded cherts preserved in Jurassic accretionary complexes in Japan. We reconstructed extraterrestrial 3He fluxes after correcting for dilution by radiolarian-derived biogenic silica. The records reveal long-term flux enhancements during the Ladinian and late Carnian (Tuvalian) intervals, reaching amplitudes approximately 2–3 times the background level and persisting for ∼3–4 Myr. These features are inconsistent with short-lived influx events, such as comet showers or asteroid breakups, and are instead comparable to long-term background variations in the Cretaceous and Cenozoic records. A sharp 3He flux peak at ∼215–216 Ma is accompanied by elevated 3He/4He ratios, indicating a sudden influx of fine-grained extraterrestrial material. The timing of this excursion closely coincides with the Manicouagan impact event (215.4 Ma), suggesting a link between asteroid disruption and enhanced dust production during the Triassic.","author":[{"family":"Onoue","given":"Tetsuji"},{"family":"Setoyama","given":"Kohei"},{"family":"Sato","given":"Honami"},{"family":"Shiohara","given":"Takuma"},{"family":"Takahata","given":"Naoto"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.2183/pjab.102.012","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2183/pjab.102.012","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00124","type":"article-journal","title":"Photothermal Polarimetric Nanoscopy: An Emerging Technique for Fingerprinting Minerals of Extraterrestrial Origin.","abstract":"Nanospectroscopic investigations of the mineralogical composition of materials returned via sample-return missions are crucial for our understanding of the origin and evolution of planetary objects in our Solar System. Here, we show that the emerging technique of photothermal polarimetric nanoscopy, a variant of atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy, enables one to derive infrared fingerprint spectra of minerals noninvasively on the nanoscale. Besides the spatially resolved identification of specific minerals and mineral phases, the evaluation of the polarization dependence of the photoinduced nanomechanical response, in combination with optical reference data, may allow the deduction of valuable structural information on individual nanocrystallites or grains embedded in solid matrices.","author":[{"family":"Shay","given":"T"},{"family":"Hinrichs","given":"K"},{"family":"Pavlov","given":"SG"},{"family":"Stojanovic","given":"N"},{"family":"Weber","given":"I"},{"family":"Morlok","given":"A"},{"family":"Gensch","given":"M"},{"family":"Hinrichs","given":"Karsten"},{"family":"Pavlov","given":"SG"},{"family":"Stojanović","given":"Nikolina"},{"family":"Gensch","given":"Michael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00124","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00124","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1007/s00792-026-01426-5","type":"article-journal","title":"Extreme Arabian environments and their microbiomes: new frontiers for astrobiology and biosignature discovery.","abstract":"Astrobiology assesses the habitability of planetary bodies and the potential for extraterrestrial life. Analog environments on Earth serve as sites for studying extreme environments that resemble extraterrestrial conditions, aiding in validating life-detection methods, mission instrumentation, and biosignature preservation. These environments function as a source of model microorganisms and communities that define the habitability and biochemistry of such extraterrestrial environments. Well-known analog environments include the Atacama Desert (Chile) for space mission validation, the McMurdo Dry Valleys (Antarctica) for Mars analog studies, and Rio Tinto (Spain) for extreme acidic environments. Although significant research has been conducted on these sites, various alternative environments may also offer valuable opportunities for astrobiological studies. Saudi Arabia encompasses a variety of pristine (or with minimal anthropic influence) extreme environments with conditions analogous to extraterrestrial settings (e.g., deserts and salt flats as analogs to Mars, and terrestrial and marine volcanic fields as analogs to icy moons), yet their potential remains largely unexplored. Recent studies have identified a volcanic crater with sodium phosphates and chlorates that mimics Enceladus’s ocean chemistry, and researchers have cultured Halalkalibacterium halodurans strains with adaptations to survive these conditions, offering valuable biological models. Additionally, complex metabolic landscapes with implications for icy moon habitability have been observed in Red Sea systems, which could be employed as valuable natural laboratories in astrobiological research. Furthermore, these findings underscore the potential of the Saudi Arabian extremophilic microbiome for space-related research. This review explores the microbial diversity of extreme environments in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing their potential as new terrestrial analogs to Mars and icy moons and the role of their microbiomes as terrestrial proxies for extraterrestrial life.","author":[{"family":"Schultz","given":"Júnia"},{"family":"García-Martínez","given":"Paula"},{"family":"Altalhi","given":"Sharifah"},{"family":"Kontis","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Santos","given":"Alef"},{"family":"Rosado","given":"Alexandre"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00792-026-01426-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00792-026-01426-5","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-026-69575-x","type":"article-journal","title":"Space ionizing radiation triggers the formation of peptides and organophosphates on olivine surfaces.","abstract":"Abstract Bioorganic molecules, such as amino acids, nucleobases, and sugars, are widely distributed in space. Here, we utilized the Chinese Space Station to carry out an investigation on the solid-state condensation reactions of these “prebiotic organic molecules” under the combined effects of ionizing radiation and forsterite. Cumulative low-dose ionizing radiation can trigger dipeptide formations and phosphorylation of riboses. Dipeptide yields increased 41-fold due to the synergistic effect of forsterite plus sodium trimetaphosphate (P 3 m). P 3 m is activated upon irradiation to phosphorylate nucleosides into nucleotides. Under ionizing radiation, forsterite can promote hydroxyapatite to serve as an accessible phosphorus source for activating amino acids to form peptides. These findings indicate that complex biomolecules can be formed abiotically in space through ionizing radiation activation with the assistance of forsterite in certain radiation - resistant environments distant from planetary surfaces. It implies that apart from transporting prebiotic organic molecules to Earth, space can also provide opportunities for the in-situ assembly of ordered biomolecules from these disordered materials.","author":[{"family":"Ding","given":"Ruiwen"},{"family":"Qiu","given":"Shiwen"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Xiaofan"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Mengya"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Zou","given":"Zhiyun"},{"family":"Ying","given":"Jianxi"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Binquan"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Yufen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-026-69575-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69575-x","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41526-026-00576-2","type":"article-journal","title":"Yeast-driven biomanufacturing in space: synergizing cellular agriculture for sustainable extraterrestrial habitats.","abstract":"Human expansion into deep space necessitates sustainable life support. Current prepackaged food systems face nutritional, logistical, and psychological limits on long missions. Cell agriculture, particularly yeast-based biomanufacturing, emerges as a pivotal solution. Yeast's genetic flexibility, metabolic resilience, and tolerance to extreme conditions make it an ideal chassis for in-situ food and nutrient production. This review systematically explores yeast's application in creating closed-loop space food systems, analyzing its progress, challenges, and future potential for enabling sustained extraterrestrial presence.","author":[{"family":"Yin","given":"Yishu"},{"family":"Gao","given":"Heqi"},{"family":"Xiao","given":"Dan"},{"family":"Ju","given":"Ting"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Jiayu"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Yuanbing"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Lishui"},{"family":"Lu","given":"Weihong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-026-00576-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-026-00576-2","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s42004-026-01969-w","type":"article-journal","title":"Redox chemistry of early Earth and the origin of life.","abstract":"Multiple controversial scenarios have been proposed explaining the emergence of life, both from environmental and chemical perspectives. These scenarios discuss environmental settings including deep-ocean hydrothermal vents, volcanic lakes, hot springs, and geysers, which could have served as the cradle for life. Environmental conditions varied by energy, chemical elements, minerals, transition metals, dynamic light-dark, hot-cold, and wet-dry cycles for the first organic synthesis. Other controversies concern the type of organisms that could have appeared first: either heterotrophic or autotrophic. The heterotrophic theory suggests that the first organic compounds were abiotically synthesized from simple inorganic molecules accumulating in the oceans and concentrating in coacervates, which functioned as early pre-cellular structures. The chemoautotrophic theory argues that life originated from inorganic compounds, rather than from organic matter establishing proto-metabolic pathways in primary producers. All of the above-mentioned theories rely on redox reactions that created necessary conditions and molecules for the origin of life. This review explores evidences that reconcile the dominant theories, including that: (i) the Hadean atmosphere was weakly oxidizing, but transiently reducing, (ii) hydrothermal systems provided energy for organic synthesis supporting both heterotrophs and chemoautotrophs, (iii) organic compounds were transported between different environments, and (iv) life emerged in multiple local environments.","author":[{"family":"Moldogazieva","given":"Nurbubu"},{"family":"Terentiev","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Mokhosoev","given":"Innokenty"},{"family":"Astakhov","given":"Dmitry"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42004-026-01969-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-026-01969-w","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/life16050747","type":"article-journal","title":"Diverging Mineral Chemistry of Iron and Nickel Throughout Earth's Changing Redox Conditions Reveals Foundation for Their Evolution as Protein Cofactors.","abstract":"Iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) were both foundational to early metabolism, yet their biological trajectories diverged as Earth's surface redox state changed. Here, we integrate mineral chemistry network analysis, protein metal-site coordination-sphere analysis, and curated redox comparisons to test how geochemistry and metalloprotein architecture co-evolved. Mineral network analyses show broader electronegativity variation and network diversity for Fe-bearing minerals through time relative to Ni-bearing minerals. In structural analyses of protein metal centers in a combined Fe/Ni protein structure set, it is shown that Fe- and Ni-associated environments differ in amino-acid composition, hydropathy structure, and cysteine representation. The greater chemical diversity and electronegativity variation in Fe minerals mirror the higher redox and structural versatility of Fe-binding proteins. The presence of Fe in a broader range of mineral and protein environments demonstrates the chemical adaptability of the metal, from the anoxic Archean to oxidative Earth surface conditions following the Great Oxidation Event. Iron, with its broad redox potential range in Fe-oxidoreductases, has a central role in both anaerobic and aerobic metabolisms. Nickel, by contrast, is less widespread in biology. Today, Ni is predominantly employed in deeply branching anaerobic pathways and by proteins with narrower redox potential ranges. Our results show that evolutionary processes, constrained by metal chemistry, habitually utilize Fe as a redox generalist while retaining Ni in specialized roles. The divergent paths of Ni and Fe, from rocks to proteins, demonstrate the intimate relationship between planetary geochemistry and metabolic origins on Earth and suggest that Fe/Ni geochemistry may inform habitability assessments in extraterrestrial environments when interpreted within specific planetary environmental contexts.","author":[{"family":"Jelen","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Peralta","given":"Yarissa"},{"family":"Morrison","given":"Shaunna"},{"family":"Christensen","given":"Beth"},{"family":"Moore","given":"Eli"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life16050747","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life16050747","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1111/1751-7915.70286","type":"article-journal","title":"Subsurface Life on Earth as a Key to Unlock Extraterrestrial Mysteries.","abstract":"The first forms of life on Earth were microbial, preceding the evolution of multicellular life by more than two billion years. Based on our current understanding of the origin of life, it is likely that the first life forms on any extraterrestrial world would also be microbial. Due to the extreme temperatures, radiation or aridity on most planetary surfaces, such extraterrestrial microbes would most likely dwell in subsurface environments. Earth's subsurface features a wide range of environments, including deep marine sediments, crustal aquifers, rock fracture fluids, hydrocarbon reservoirs, caves and permafrost soils. These environments are known to host an immense diversity of life forms, predominantly microbes that survive or even thrive under extreme conditions and energy scarcity. Life's ability to endure and possibly evolve in Earth's subsurface lends credence to the possible existence of life beyond our planet and provides a blueprint for the extraterrestrial life forms and biosignatures we might expect. The exploration of space via extraterrestrial samples analysed on Earth, in situ extraterrestrial analyses, and remote sensing continue to advance our search for and understanding of potential biosignatures on other planetary bodies. But by investigating Earth's deep, dark and isolated ecosystems, we not only broaden our understanding of life's adaptability but also refine our strategies and technologies for detecting life on other planets and moons. Subsurface exploration is not just a frontier of Earth science-it is a cornerstone of astrobiology and in the pursuit of understanding the multitude of processes that could create and sustain life anywhere. In this opinion article, we discuss the latest highlights in subsurface research and technology, how Earth's subsurface environments serve as models for potential environments on other planetary bodies, why insights into subsurface microbiomes inform the search for life elsewhere, and which technologies and developments will advance the field in the future.","author":[{"family":"Vidal","given":"Emeline"},{"family":"Lindsay","given":"Melody"},{"family":"Bradley","given":"James"},{"family":"Osburn","given":"Magdalena"},{"family":"Ruff","given":"SE"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/1751-7915.70286","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.70286","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04185","type":"article-journal","title":"A Low-Background, High-Flatness Mounting Method for In Situ SIMS Isotopic Analysis for Fine-Grained Samples.","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Accurate in situ determination of water content and hydrogen isotopes in minerals is essential for understanding magmatic processes on Earth and other planetary bodies. However, such measurements are technically challenging due to low hydrogen concentrations and contamination from atmospheric water vapor. Common mounting methods─such as alloy mounts, indium mounts, and thin sections─are often unsuitable for fine, loose-grained samples. Here, we present a simple and effective mount preparation technique using quartz glass substrates with minimal epoxy resin. This method is optimized for NanoSIMS analysis, achieving ultralow hydrogen background (∼8 ppm) and high-vacuum conditions (∼1.4 × 10 –10 mbar) with the aid of a custom-designed liquid nitrogen cold trap, while maintaining excellent sample surface flatness. The mounts also proved compatible with high-precision oxygen isotope analysis by large-geometry secondary ion mass spectrometry (LG-SIMS), yielding δ 18 O reproducibility better than 0.30‰ (2SD). This preparation approach enables reliable, high-precision isotopic analysis of fine-grained and extraterrestrial materials and is broadly applicable in microanalytical research.","author":[{"family":"Gao","given":"Yubing"},{"family":"Hao","given":"Jialong"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Zhan"},{"family":"He","given":"Huicun"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Guoqiang"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Sen"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Yangting"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04185","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c04185","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/acs.analchem.4c05804","type":"article-journal","title":"Cross-Scale Multimodal Imaging for Organic Matter in Extraterrestrial Samples.","abstract":"The analysis of extraterrestrial organic matter in samples returned by space missions provides a unique opportunity to study prebiotic chemistry. A comprehensive understanding of the occurrence and composition of organic matter is fundamental to unraveling its origin and evolutionary history. However, the scarcity and complexity of these materials pose considerable analytical challenges. Here, we developed a cross-scale multimodal imaging workflow that integrated mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) and vibrational spectroscopy imaging, including desorption electrospray ionization coupled quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DESI-Q-TOF/MS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), focal plane array-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FPA-FTIR), and optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy (O-PTIR). This workflow was applied to the Murchison meteorite, with the objective of establishing spatial associations between mineral phases, molecular composition, functional groups, and isotopic composition on a scale from the millimeter to the submicron. The spatial resolution of DESI has been improved from 100 to 200 to 20 μm, enabling spatial correlation with other imaging techniques. For the first time, the enrichment of organic matter─including CHN, CHO, and CHNO compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)─in fine-grained rims (FGRs) surrounding silicate chondrules has been observed. Furthermore, the cross-scale multimodal imaging also reveals differences in organic matter composition between Ca-carbonate and phyllosilicates, as well as spatial heterogeneity within the latter. This workflow provides a new paradigm for studying the complex occurrence and composition of organic matter in various research fields, enhancing our understanding of prebiotic materials in the solar system.","author":[{"family":"Dong","given":"Mingtan"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Hao","given":"Jialong"},{"family":"Jia","given":"Xiaofei"},{"family":"Ou","given":"Yang"},{"family":"Lo","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Cao","given":"Bobo"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Sen"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Yangting"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.analchem.4c05804","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.4c05804","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2517723123","type":"article-journal","title":"Multiple formation pathways for amino acids in the early Solar System based on carbon and nitrogen isotopes in asteroid Bennu samples.","abstract":"Samples collected from the carbonaceous near-Earth asteroid Bennu and delivered to Earth by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission contain organic molecules relevant to prebiotic chemistry. Stable isotopic measurements of extraterrestrial soluble organic matter provide critical insights into the formation pathways and alteration histories of such molecules, which hold significance for understanding the origins of life. We leverage state-of-the-art techniques for picomolar-scale isotopic analyses of amino acids in samples of Bennu and, for comparison, the carbonaceous meteorite Murchison. We report intramolecular δ 13 C values for glycine, which have not previously been measured in extraterrestrial materials; molecular-averaged δ 13 C values for amino acids, aldehydes, and ketones; and δ 15 N values for glycine, β-alanine, and D/L-glutamic acid. Intramolecular carbon isotope patterns of glycine in Bennu contrast with those in Murchison, suggesting distinct formation pathways. We explore several formation mechanisms and hypothesize that the observed glycine in Murchison formed dominantly by a Strecker-like synthesis under aqueous conditions, whereas the glycine currently found in Bennu may have formed mainly by modified radical–radical reactions in primordial ices at the cold, outer reaches of the early Solar System and retained its isotopic values throughout accretion and multiple episodes of aqueous alteration. This hypothesis is supported by the highly 15 N-enriched δ 15 N values in Bennu amino acids (+170 to 277‰). Differences in the δ 15 N values of D- and L-glutamic acid (Δ = 87‰) in Bennu affirm published reports of enantiomeric differences in meteoritic amino acids and challenge the assumption of isotopic uniformity between amino acid chiral pairs.","author":[{"family":"Baczynski","given":"Allison"},{"family":"Mcintosh","given":"Ophélie"},{"family":"Simkus","given":"Danielle"},{"family":"Mclain","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Elsila","given":"Jamie"},{"family":"Matney","given":"Mila"},{"family":"House","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Freeman","given":"Katherine"},{"family":"Connolly","given":"HC"},{"family":"Lauretta","given":"DS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2517723123","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2517723123","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/s25247689","type":"article-journal","title":"Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Analysis of Lithium: A Comprehensive Review.","abstract":"Lithium has emerged as a pivotal material for the global energy transition, yet its supply security is challenged by limited geographical availability and growing demand. These constraints highlight the need for analytical methods that are not only accurate but also sustainable and deployable across the entire lithium value chain. In this context, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) offers distinctive advantages, including minimal sample preparation, real-time and in situ analysis and the potential for portable and automated implementation. Such features make LIBS a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing lithium extraction, refining and recycling processes. This review critically examines the recent progress in the use of LIBS for lithium detection and quantification in geological, industrial, biological and extraterrestrial matrices. It also discusses emerging applications in closed-loop recycling and highlights future prospects related to the integration of LIBS with artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance analytical accuracy and material classification.","author":[{"family":"Legnaioli","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Lorenzetti","given":"Giulia"},{"family":"Poggialini","given":"Francesco"},{"family":"Campanella","given":"Beatrice"},{"family":"Palleschi","given":"Vincenzo"},{"family":"Iuliis","given":"Silvana"},{"family":"Depero","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Borgese","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Bontempi","given":"Elza"},{"family":"Raneri","given":"Simona"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/s25247689","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/s25247689","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.crmicr.2026.100580","type":"article-journal","title":"Proteomics of long-term acclimation of the desert cyanobacterium &lt;i&gt;Chroococcidiopsis&lt;/i&gt; sp. CCMEE 029 in perchlorate-rich medium and its implications for &lt;i&gt;in situ&lt;/i&gt; resource utilization on Mars.","abstract":"• Proteome analysis supports Chroococcidiopsis sp. 029 for ISRU on Mars. • Perchlorates induce enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants responses. • Perchlorates activate secondary metabolism and polyhydroxybutyrate biosynthesis. • Chroococcidiopsis sp. 029 harbors methylotrophic potential for life support systems. Space exploration demands sustainable technologies to minimize reliance on Earth-based resources. The extreme-tolerant cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029 exhibits remarkable resistance to perchlorate salts ubiquitously found on Martian soil, holding promise for in situ resource utilization. Exploring the proteomic responses to this chaotropic agent is fundamental for understanding the mechanisms of salt-stress response in cyanobacteria and to develop biotechnologies based on local resources to support human outposts. Hence, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, we analyzed the protein expression after 21 days of cultivation in the presence of increasing perchlorate concentrations with triplicates per experimental condition (|log 2 FC| ≥ 0.5; FDR ≤ 0.05). This study shows that this cyanobacterium displays a broad suite of enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms for mitigating reactive oxygen species, as well as formaldehyde assimilation capacity from the RuMP pathway. The upregulation of polyhydroxybutyrate and siderophore biosynthesis further supports its suitability for putative bioplastic production, nutrient mobilization, and plant protection in extraterrestrial environments. Overall, Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029 modulates its metabolism to maintain energy balance, support growth, and synthesize biotechnologically relevant compounds. This versatility underscores its suitability as a candidate for Martian bioprocessing, where robustness, low resource requirements and multifunctionality are paramount. By providing molecular insights into cyanobacterial stress responses, this research advances our understanding of microbial adaptation to environmental constraints occurring on Mars and lays the groundwork for optimizing microbial biotechnologies to support astronauts in long-term missions on the red planet.","author":[{"family":"Rigano","given":"Gabriele"},{"family":"Doellinger","given":"Joerg"},{"family":"Lasch","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Stefano","given":"Giorgia"},{"family":"Fernandez","given":"Beatriz"},{"family":"Santo","given":"Loredana"},{"family":"Billi","given":"D"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.crmicr.2026.100580","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crmicr.2026.100580","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1007/s11214-026-01265-y","type":"article-journal","title":"Exo-Geoscience Perspectives Beyond Habitability.","abstract":"This article reviews the emerging field of exo-geoscience, focusing on the geological and geophysical processes thought to influence the evolution and (eu)habitability of rocky exoplanets. We examine the possible roles of planetary interiors, tectonic regimes, continental coverage, volatile cycling, magnetic fields, and atmospheric composition and evolution in shaping long-term climate stability and biospheric potential. Comparisons with Earth and other planets in the Solar System highlight the diversity of planetary conditions and the rarity of conditions relevant to life. We also discuss contingency and convergence in planetary and biological evolution as they relate to the spread of life in the universe. The observational limits of current and planned missions are assessed, emphasizing the need for models that connect internal dynamics to detectable atmospheric and surface signatures as well as the need for laboratory measurements of planetary properties under a wide range of conditions. The large number of exoplanets promises opportunities for empirical and statistical studies of processes that may have occurred earlier in Earth's history, as well as for the other pathways rocky planets and biospheres may take. Thus, exo-geoscience provides a framework for interpreting exoplanet diversity and refining strategies for detecting life beyond the Solar System.","author":[{"family":"Spohn","given":"Tilman"},{"family":"Roberge","given":"Aki"},{"family":"Way","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Duarte","given":"João"},{"family":"Miozzi","given":"Francesca"},{"family":"Baumeister","given":"Philipp"},{"family":"Byrne","given":"PK"},{"family":"Lineweaver","given":"Charles"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-026-01265-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-026-01265-y","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1093/nsr/nwaf277","type":"article-journal","title":"Argon-based geochronology: advances, limitations and perspectives.","abstract":"ABSTRACT Given that K constitutes about 3 wt.% of Earth's crust and is present in most rock-forming minerals, and that Ar diffusion in minerals is temperature-dependent, Ar-based geochronology (40Ar/39Ar and K–Ar dating) can date most rocks and also reveal their thermal history. This paper reviews recent advances and longstanding limitations in 40Ar/39Ar and K–Ar geochronology, and provides perspectives into future research on Ar-based geochronometers. Over the past two decades, multi-collector noble gas mass spectrometry has witnessed remarkable advancements in both sensitivity and resolution. Successive upgrades of mass spectrometer generations have significantly enhanced the precision of Ar isotope measurements, enabling a comprehensive revision and optimization of 40Ar/39Ar dating standard minerals. To achieve high-precision 40Ar/39Ar dating and minimize inter-laboratory discrepancies, researchers are focusing on refining the potassium decay constant, developing standardized mineral separation techniques, and harmonizing irradiation and data processing protocols. These efforts are pivotal for improving the analytical precision of low-K and young samples, thereby expanding the application frontiers of 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. For in situ planetary dating, the K/Ar method currently remains the only feasible radiometric technique among radioactive isotope systems. Addressing challenges in simultaneous K and Ar measurements will facilitate streamlined acquisition of reliable datasets. Moreover, research is advancing toward a deeper understanding of Ar diffusion behavior in minerals—beyond temperature-dependent volume diffusion—to clarify its impact on 40Ar/39Ar data interpretation and geological significance. To further advance argon-based geochronology, the scientific community is committed to continuous exploration and resolution of methodological limitations inherent in these dating approaches.","author":[{"family":"Chang","given":"Su‐chin"},{"family":"Shi","given":"Wenbei"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Yinzhi"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Fei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1093/nsr/nwaf277","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwaf277","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2404256121","type":"article-journal","title":"Organic matter and biomarkers: Why are samples required?","abstract":"The search for evidence of past prebiotic or biotic activity on Mars will be enhanced by the return of samples to Earth laboratories. While impressive analytical feats have been accomplished by in situ missions on the red planet, accessing the capabilities of Earth's global laboratories will present a step change in data acquisition. Highly diagnostic markers of past life are biomarkers, organic molecules whose architecture can be attributed to once living organisms. Similar organic molecular structures can also be used to identify the prebiotic steps that preceded any emergence of life. The style of modification or degradation of such organic structures indicates their agents of change, including oxidants, radiation, heating, water, and pressure. For biomarker analysis, sample return provides enhanced opportunities for sample preparation and analyte isolation. The augmentation of biomarker data with spatial information provides the opportunity for confirmatory data but is a multistep and multitechnique process best achieved here on Earth. Efficient use of returned samples will benefit from lessons learned on Earth's ancient records and meteorites from Mars. The next decade is a time when analytical capabilities can be improved as we prepare for the delivery of carefully selected and collected extraterrestrial samples containing potential evidence of the development or even emergence of past life on Mars.","author":[{"family":"Sephton","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Steele","given":"A"},{"family":"Westall","given":"Frances"},{"family":"Schubotz","given":"Florence"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2404256121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2404256121","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-025-61201-6","type":"article-journal","title":"Sulfide minerals bear witness to impacts across the solar system.","abstract":"Sulfide minerals are ubiquitous in extraterrestrial sample collections and serve as a unique record of the microstructural and chemical characteristics resulting from exposure to interplanetary space on airless planetary surfaces. Among these features are Fe-rich whiskers, identified in samples returned from asteroids and the Moon. While whisker production has previously been attributed to solar wind irradiation, the origin of these enigmatic features is poorly constrained. Here we perform in situ heating experiments to simulate micrometeoroid bombardment of sulfide minerals in the transmission electron microscope. Our results demonstrate that whiskers can form through impact events on airless surfaces and show that sulfides are recording evidence for micrometeoroid bombardment across the solar system. This work contributes to a better understanding of sulfur-depletion previously detected on asteroid surfaces and could be particularly important for the interpretation of data from upcoming missions to sulfide or metal-rich worlds, including asteroid Psyche.","author":[{"family":"Thompson","given":"MS"},{"family":"Davidson","given":"J"},{"family":"Schrader","given":"DL"},{"family":"Zega","given":"TJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-61201-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61201-6","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41526-026-00567-3","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbial biomining from asteroidal material onboard the international space station.","abstract":"Expanding human space exploration necessitates technologies for sustainable local resource acquisition, to overcome unviable resupply missions. Asteroids, some of which rich in metals like platinum group elements, are promising targets. The BioAsteroid experiment aboard the International Space Station tested the use of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) to extract 44 elements from L-chondrite asteroidal material under microgravity. Penicillium simplicissimum enhanced the release of palladium, platinum and other elements in microgravity, compared to non-biological leaching. For many elements, non-biological leaching was more effective in microgravity than on Earth, while bioleaching remained stable. Metabolomic analysis revealed distinct changes in microbial metabolism in space, particularly for P. simplicissimum, with increased production of carboxylic acids, and molecules of potential biomining or pharmaceutical interest in microgravity. These results demonstrate the impact of microgravity on bioleaching, highlighting the need for optimal combination of microorganisms, rock substrate, and conditions for successful biomining, in space and Earth.","author":[{"family":"Santomartino","given":"Rosa"},{"family":"Blanco","given":"Giovanny"},{"family":"Gudgeon","given":"Alfred"},{"family":"Hafner","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Stirpe","given":"Alessandro"},{"family":"Waterfall","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Cayzer","given":"Nicola"},{"family":"Pichevin","given":"Laetitia"},{"family":"Calder","given":"Gus"},{"family":"Birkenfeld","given":"Kira"},{"family":"Waajen","given":"Annemiek"},{"family":"Mclaughlin","given":"Scott"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-026-00567-3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-026-00567-3","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1002/anie.202508098","type":"article-journal","title":"Gypsum Gardens: Self-Assembled Tubular Structures of Calcium Sulfate with Relevance for the Detection of Extraterrestrial Life.","abstract":"Abstract Form is a common and intuitive criterion to distinguish between the realm of living species and the inanimate nature. However, there are in fact no strict boundaries in terms of morphology, as exemplified by so‐called chemical gardens, which form by self‐assembly in purely inorganic systems and yet closely mimic the appearance of trees and other plants. While such structures have been reported for a broad range of compositions–most notably silicates of various types of metal cations as well as prominent (bio)minerals like calcium carbonate or phosphate–one important material has been missing in the comprehensive list of these chemobrionic systems: calcium sulfate. In the present work, we succeeded in preparing well‐developed CaSO 4 ‐based chemical gardens by addition of a concentrated solution of sodium sulfate to solid crystals of calcium chloride. The formed structures were characterized in detail with respect to their growth behavior, mineralogy, and texture. We find hollow tubular architectures consisting of oriented gypsum crystals and delineating smooth curvatures with multiple branching sites. Beyond the sheer beauty of these self‐assembled mineral structures, the results of our study bear deep implications for the detection and interpretation of potential past life on Mars, where abundant deposits of calcium sulfate exist. In addition, the current picture of geochemical environments on the early red planet is fully consistent with the experimental conditions used in the present work, rendering the formation and presence of chemical gardens on Mars plausible.","author":[{"family":"Reigl","given":"Selina"},{"family":"Wagner","given":"Elisabeth"},{"family":"Pimentel","given":"Carlos"},{"family":"Kunz","given":"Werner"},{"family":"Driessche","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Kellermeier","given":"Matthias"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1002/anie.202508098","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202508098","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0328347","type":"article-journal","title":"RETRACTED: A 12,800-year-old layer with cometary dust, microspherules, and platinum anomaly recorded in multiple cores from Baffin Bay.","abstract":"The Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis (YDIH) posits that ~12,800 years ago Earth encountered the debris stream of a disintegrating comet, triggering hemisphere-wide airbursts, atmospheric dust loading, and the deposition of a distinctive suite of extraterrestrial (ET) impact proxies at the Younger Dryas Boundary (YDB). Until now, evidence supporting this hypothesis has come only from terrestrial sediment and ice-core records. Here we report the first discovery of similar impact-related proxies in ocean sediments from four marine cores in Baffin Bay that span the YDB layer at water depths of 0.5-2.4 km, minimizing the potential for modern contamination. Using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and laser ablation ICP-MS, we detect synchronous abundance peaks of metallic debris geochemically consistent with cometary dust, co-occurring with iron- and silica-rich microspherules (4-163 μm) that are predominantly of terrestrial origin with minor (<2 wt%) ET contributions. These microspherules were likely formed by low-altitude touchdown airbursts and surface impacts of comet fragments and were widely dispersed. In addition, single-particle ICP-TOF-MS analysis reveals nanoparticles (<1 μm) enriched in platinum, iridium, nickel, and cobalt. Similar platinum-group element anomalies at the YDB have been documented at dozens of sites worldwide, strongly suggesting an ET source. Collectively, these findings provide robust support for the YDIH. The impact event likely triggered massive meltwater flooding, iceberg calving, and a temporary shutdown of thermohaline circulation, contributing to abrupt Younger Dryas cooling. Our identification of a YDB impact layer in deep marine sediments underscores the potential of oceanic records to broaden our understanding of this catastrophic event and its climatological impacts.","author":[{"family":"Moore","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Tselmovich","given":"VA"},{"family":"Lecompte","given":"Malcolm"},{"family":"West","given":"Allen"},{"family":"Culver","given":"Stephen"},{"family":"Mallinson","given":"David"},{"family":"Baalousha","given":"Mohammed"},{"family":"Kennett","given":"James"},{"family":"Napier","given":"WM"},{"family":"Bizimis","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Adedeji","given":"Víctor"},{"family":"Sutton","given":"Seth"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1371/journal.pone.0328347","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0328347","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00312","type":"article-journal","title":"Aeroponic Technology for Accelerated Weathering of Extraterrestrial Regolith to Extract Plant Essential Nutrients and Generate Arable Soils.","abstract":"Advancements in off-world food and fiber production should seek to utilize regolith as a source of nutrients and prepare it for use as a solid plant growth substrate. Towards this goal, aeroponic biowaste streams containing both inorganic nutrients and root system efflux from plants provide an opportunity for accelerated weathering and enhancement of extraterrestrial soils. To test this hypothesis, an aeroponic system was built that contained Martian simulant (Mars Mojave Simulant-2; MMS-2), inert sand, and a no-filter control to evaluate the in-line filters for simultaneous mineral weathering and recycling of biowastes from wheat. The growth performance of wheat in aeroponics was highly productive across all treatments. After inundation with biowastes from the aeroponic system growing wheat for 40 days, MMS-2 sorbed P and K and released Al, B, Ca, Fe, Mn, Na, and S into the nutrient solution. Generated plant biowaste was mixed into MMS-2 and sand treatments, which increased the extractable Fe, K, Mg, P, and S in MMS-2. Substrate chemical properties were quantified (e.g., total C and N, total and extractable elements, pH, EC, particle size, and P species). Augmentation of MMS-2 with aeroponic biowastes followed by amendment with plant residue greatly improved wheat growth compared with the unmodified MMS-2, which resulted in plant death. This technology expands lunar/Martian base agriculture by offering a means to acquire nutrients from weathered regolith while simultaneously improving the fertility of extraterrestrial soils.","author":[{"family":"Coker","given":"Harrison"},{"family":"Denvir","given":"Aenghus"},{"family":"Robertson","given":"Isaiah"},{"family":"Shackelford","given":"Caleb"},{"family":"Li","given":"W"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Chia"},{"family":"Watters","given":"Rachel"},{"family":"Sparks","given":"Donald"},{"family":"Smith","given":"AP"},{"family":"Howe","given":"Julie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00312","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00312","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72866-y","type":"article-journal","title":"Ammonium-bearing phyllosilicate grains detected in Ryugu and Bennu samples via infrared spectroscopy.","abstract":"Understanding the nature of nitrogen reservoirs in primitive small bodies is fundamental for tracing the evolution of volatiles in the early Solar System and their contribution to prebiotic chemistry. Here we report the identification, via infrared spectroscopy, of ammonium (NH4+)-bearing phyllosilicates inclusions in samples returned from carbonaceous asteroids Ryugu and Bennu. Typically hundreds of micrometers in size, they exhibit highly similar near-infrared spectral profiles in both collections, pointing to a generic formation process across this class of primitive objects. This process implies a chemical path that likely starts with highly soluble ammonium salts trapped in ices and mixed with anhydrous silicates, as detected on comet 67 P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, and ends with ammoniated phyllosilicates, and a few less soluble ammonium salts such as the Hydrated Ammonium Magnesium Phosphorus-rich grains found in Ryugu and Bennu. These second-generation ammonium-bearing species were thus able to contribute efficiently to the delivery of nitrogen to terrestrial planets. Ammonium-bearing phyllosilicates are identified in Ryugu and Bennu asteroid samples. These stable phases may have transported essential volatiles across the solar system, offering a key mechanism for delivering life-essential elements to early Earth.","author":[{"family":"Jiang","given":"T"},{"family":"Baklouti","given":"D"},{"family":"Pilorget","given":"C"},{"family":"Loizeau","given":"D"},{"family":"Hatakeda","given":"K"},{"family":"Mahlke","given":"M"},{"family":"Nardelli","given":"L"},{"family":"Pivert-Jolivet","given":"TL"},{"family":"Bibring","given":"JP"},{"family":"Sheppard","given":"R"},{"family":"Aleon-Toppani","given":"A"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"R"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-026-72866-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-72866-y","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4417340114","type":"article-journal","title":"Fungal–Mineral Interaction: Astrobiology Insights from Iron-Rich Mineral Alteration by an Extremophile Black Fungus","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Iron-rich minerals, such as hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ), are prominent constituents of the Martian surface; they are considered to be potential indicators of past aqueous activity and habitability. This study investigated the interaction between the extremophilic black fungus Rhinocladiella similis LaBioMMi 1217 and hematite under simulated laboratory conditions on Mars, focusing on redox-mediated dissolution processes, metabolic adaptations, and biosignature formation. The fungus was cultivated with powdered and polished hematite substrates, and mineral alteration was monitored through physicochemical measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Genome mining was performed to identify and map genes involved in iron metabolism. The metabolic profile of the fungus under hematite treatment was assessed via untargeted metabolomics. Over 15 days, the cultures exhibited marked acidification (pH decreased from 7.0 to 4.7) and a 10-fold increase in the dissolved Fe 2+ ion concentration (26–270 mg/L), indicating metabolically driven iron reduction. SEM revealed surface etching and localized roughening consistent with microbially induced weathering, whereas these changes were absent in the abiotic controls. Genes linked to siderophore biosynthesis ( sidA, sidC, sidD, sidF, sidH, sidI, and sidL ) and reductive iron assimilation ( FET3, FTR1, and FRE1 ) were identified. Untargeted metabolomics confirmed the secretion of organic acids, iron-chelating siderophores (e.g., ferrichrome C), and redox-active aromatic compounds in the presence of hematite, supporting a multifaceted strategy that combines acidification, chelation, and redox mediation. Collectively, these results show that the fungus actively promotes hematite dissolution through organic molecule-mediated mechanisms. Such interactions hold astrobiological relevance, as fungal modification of hematite might lead to the production of diagnostic chemical and mineralogical biosignatures, informing future life-detection strategies on Mars.","author":[{"family":"Santos","given":"Alef"},{"family":"Molodon","given":"Fluvio"},{"family":"Schultz","given":"Júnia"},{"family":"Alves","given":"Mauricio"},{"family":"Rosado","given":"Alexandre"},{"family":"Konhauser","given":"Kurt"},{"family":"Rodriguesfilho","given":"Edson"},{"family":"Yeşilbaş","given":"Merve"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/jacsau.5c01365","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.5c01365","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/s25206368","type":"article-journal","title":"Sensing While Drilling and Intelligent Monitoring Technology: Research Progress and Application Prospects.","abstract":"Obtaining accurate information on stratigraphic conditions and drilling status is necessary to ensure the safety of the drilling process and to guarantee the production of oil and gas. Sensing while drilling and intelligent monitoring technology, which employ multiple sensors and involve the use of intelligent algorithms, can be used to collect downhole information in situ to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient drilling and mining operations. These approaches are characterized by effective sensing and comprehensive utilization of drilling information through the integration of multi-sensor signals and intelligent algorithms, a core component of machine learning. The article summarizes the current research status of domestic and international sensing while drilling and intelligent monitoring technology using systematically collected relevant information. Specifically, first, the drilling-sensing methods used for in situ acquisition of downhole information, including fiber-optic sensing, electronic-nose sensing, drilling engineering-parameter sensing, drilling mud-parameter sensing, drilling acoustic logging, drilling electromagnetic wave logging, and drilling seismic logging, are described. Next, the basic composition and development direction of each sensing technology are analyzed. Subsequently, the application of intelligent monitoring technology based on machine learning in various aspects of drilling- and mining-status identification, including bit wear monitoring, stuck drill real-time monitoring, well surge real-time monitoring, and real-time monitoring of oil and gas output, is introduced. Finally, the potential applications of sensing while drilling and intelligent monitoring technology in deep-earth, deep-sea, and deep-space contexts are discussed, and the challenges, constraints, and development trends are summarized.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Xiaoyu"},{"family":"Yao","given":"Zongwei"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Tao"},{"family":"Chang","given":"Zhiyong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/s25206368","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/s25206368","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/acsomega.5c02748","type":"article-journal","title":"A High Spatial and Depth Resolution Deep-UV 266 nm Wavelength Laser-Based Integrated LIBS, Fluorescence, and Raman System for Probing Lunar and Planetary Simulants and Geological Materials.","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide A high spatial and depth resolution deep-ultraviolet (UV) 266 nm wavelength laser-based integrated laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), fluorescence, and Raman (LFR) system was developed for qualitatively probing lunar and planetary simulants and geological materials. The LFR system involves the use of a simple, low-weight, and compact LFR optical head (6 cm × 3 cm × 5 cm) consisting of common optics (filters, lens, and optical fibers) while being supported by an external single deep-UV pulsed laser source at 266 nm wavelength and a shared spectrometer for multifunctional Raman, fluorescence, and LIBS spectroscopy. A spatial resolution of about 15 μm was achieved and can be further decreased to under a μm. The submicron depth resolution was achieved by the 266 nm wavelength laser ablation process and can be further improved to tens of nanometers. The performance of the integrated LFR system was evaluated by probing both standard materials (organic and inorganic) as well as previously characterized simulants and geological materials, which predominantly consisted of mixtures of silicates and oxides of various metals. The obtained LIBS spectra agreed well with the literature, and no significant spatial and depth variation in composition was noted. The optical head was correctly able to obtain good Raman signatures from a range of materials, including organic (alcohol, alkanes, amino acids, and polymer) and inorganic species (sulfates, carbonates), such as water, selenite, and calcite. Analysis of the LIBS spectra correctly revealed the presence of major elements, such as Mg, Si, Fe, Al, Ca, Mn, and Ti, in the basalt, gneiss, meteorite, and simulants. This work establishes a foundation for developing single laser-spectrometer-based compact multifunctional deep-UV spectroscopic systems performing both Raman and LIBS alongside fluorescence, paving the way for further advancements toward miniaturization.","author":[{"family":"Aryal","given":"Anil"},{"family":"Kanaujia","given":"Pawan"},{"family":"Surampudi","given":"Atchutananda"},{"family":"Bower","given":"DM"},{"family":"Hewagama","given":"T"},{"family":"Prasad","given":"Narasimha"},{"family":"Moore","given":"WB"},{"family":"Gupta","given":"Mool"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsomega.5c02748","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c02748","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/life15010117","type":"article-journal","title":"Resilience of <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> to Simulated Atmospheric Gas Compositions of Mars, Jupiter, and Titan.","abstract":"This study investigates the resilience of the unicellular green microalga Chlorella vulgaris to extreme atmospheric conditions simulating those of Mars, Jupiter, and Titan. Using Earth as a control, experiments were conducted under autotrophic and mixotrophic conditions to evaluate the organism’s photosynthetic efficiency, oxygen production, and biomass growth over 2, 5, and 12 days. Photosynthetic performance was analyzed through chlorophyll a fluorescence induction (JIP-test), metabolic activity via gas chromatography, and biomass accumulation measurements. Despite the extreme atmospheric compositions—ranging from the CO2-rich, low-pressure Martian atmosphere to the anoxic atmospheres of Jupiter and Titan—C. vulgaris demonstrated resilience and a functional photosynthetic apparatus, maintaining growth and oxygen production. Notably, the Martian atmosphere enhanced photosynthetic performance, with fluorescence curves and Fv/Fm ratios surpassing Earth-like conditions, likely due to elevated CO2 and low pressure. Under mixotrophic conditions, the addition of glucose further enhanced metabolic activity and biomass growth across all atmospheres. These findings highlight the potential of C. vulgaris for bioregenerative life support systems, enabling oxygen production, CO2 sequestration, and resource cultivation in extraterrestrial habitats. The study showcases the organism’s adaptability to extreme environments, with implications for astrobiology, space exploration, and sustainable extraterrestrial ecosystems. These findings expand habitability criteria and explore extremophiles’ potential to support life beyond Earth.","author":[{"family":"Likai","given":"Ariela"},{"family":"Papazi","given":"Aikaterini"},{"family":"Kotzabasis","given":"Kiriakos"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life15010117","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life15010117","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-026-70656-0","type":"article-journal","title":"Diverse organic molecules on Mars revealed by the first SAM TMAH experiment.","abstract":"The search for organic matter on Mars has rapidly evolved in the past decade with simple aromatic, S-heterocycles, and aliphatic organic molecules detected in Gale crater. We report the in situ detection of >20 organic molecules from clay-bearing sandstones in the ~3.5-billion-year-old Knockfarrill Hill member of Glen Torridon, Gale crater, by the Sample Analysis at Mars instrument suite onboard the Curiosity rover. These molecules were liberated by the onboard tetramethylammonium hydroxide wet chemistry experiment. Diverse thermochemolysis products, including benzothiophene, methyl benzoate, and single and dicyclic aromatic molecules were released and detected by evolved gas analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results indicate the experiment successfully released molecules preserved in ancient macromolecular or free organic matter within Martian bedrock despite ~3.5 billion years of diagenesis and radiation exposure.","author":[{"family":"Williams","given":"Amy"},{"family":"Eigenbrode","given":"JL"},{"family":"Millán","given":"M"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Ross"},{"family":"Mcintosh","given":"Ophélie"},{"family":"Teinturier","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Roach","given":"Janelle"},{"family":"Malespin","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Mcadam","given":"Amy"},{"family":"Mahaffy","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Bryk","given":"AB"},{"family":"Buch","given":"A"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-026-70656-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-70656-0","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1007/s11214-024-01132-8","type":"article-journal","title":"Low-Temperature Aqueous Alteration of Chondrites.","abstract":"Abstract Chondritic meteorites (chondrites) contain evidence for the interaction of liquid water with the interiors of small bodies early in Solar System history. Here we review the processes, products and timings of the low-temperature aqueous alteration reactions in CR, CM, CI and ungrouped carbonaceous chondrites, the asteroids Ryugu and Bennu, and hydrated dark clasts in different types of meteorites. We first consider the nature of chondritic lithologies and the insights that they provide into alteration conditions, subdivided by the mineralogy and petrology of hydrated chondrites, the mineralogy of hydrated dark clasts, the effects of alteration on presolar grains, and the evolution of organic matter. We then describe the properties of the aqueous fluids and how they reacted with accreted material as revealed by physicochemical modelling and hydrothermal experiments, the analysis of fluid inclusions in aqueously formed minerals, and isotope tracers. Lastly, we outline the chronology of aqueous alteration reactions as determined using the 53Mn-53Cr and 129I-129Xe systems.","author":[{"family":"Lee","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Alexander","given":"CMO"},{"family":"Bischoff","given":"A"},{"family":"Brearley","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Dobrică","given":"E"},{"family":"Fujiya","given":"Wataru"},{"family":"Guillou","given":"Corentin"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Kooten","given":"Elishevah"},{"family":"Krot","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Leitner","given":"J"},{"family":"Marrocchi","given":"Yves"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-024-01132-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-024-01132-8","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2404254121","type":"article-journal","title":"Fundamental constraints and questions from the study of martian meteorites and the need for returned samples.","abstract":"Physical materials from planetary bodies are crucial for understanding fundamental processes that constrain the evolution of the solar system, as samples can be analyzed at high precision and accuracy in Earth-based laboratories. Mars is the only planet outside of Earth from which we possess samples in the form of meteorites. Martian meteorites (n > 350) have enabled constraints to be placed on various aspects of the red planet’s formation and evolution, notably: that Mars accreted and differentiated rapidly; that the planet has a complex volatile element evolution; and that it has always been volcanically active with a rich and diverse magmatic history. Meteorites have limitations, however, with lack of field context, restricted lithological diversity compared to the martian surface, and with no sampling of a major portion of Mars’ history between 4.1 and 2.4 billion years ago. Returned samples from Mars have the potential to fill these gaps and answer many open questions driven by the study of meteorites, as well as reveal new fundamental research questions. Key questions that Mars Sample Return is likely to answer regard the basic evolution of the martian interior and surface, its potential for habitability and the possibility of past life, and calibration of age dating of the martian surface. Samples of various lithologies and different ages collected at Jezero crater by the Perseverance rover will aid in better understanding our own planet and will answer outstanding questions regarding Mars’ future geological evolution and habitability.","author":[{"family":"Udry","given":"Arya"},{"family":"Ostwald","given":"Amanda"},{"family":"Day","given":"James"},{"family":"Hallis","given":"LJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2404254121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2404254121","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s43247-025-02417-8","type":"article-journal","title":"Meteorite-common amino acid induces clay exfoliation and abiotic compartment formation.","abstract":"Clay surfaces have been invoked as crucial components in the origin of life processes due to their ability to concentrate organics and abiotically catalyse (bio)polymer production. Still, the importance of the mutual nature of organo-clay interactions and the effects of off-world organics in this interplay is a largely unexplored realm. We demonstrate a previously unrecognised phenomenon that occurs upon the transient interaction of montmorillonite clay with the meteorite-common, non-proteinogenic γ-aminobutyric acid. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction show that an irreversible structural change is induced by the off-world species. A distinct partial clay exfoliation is correlated with the formation of nanoscale cavities in the mid-layers of the original structure, observable using transmission electron microscopy. This work demonstrates that an exogenous amino acid can alter clay and introduce 3D confined nano-environments, which may facilitate compartmentalisation in prebiotic times. Our findings also highlight new sustainable nanocomposite synthesis routes applicable in environmental/materials sciences. Exposure of montmorillonite clay to γ-aminobutyric acid produces nano-scale cavities between clay interlayers which could generate the compartmentalization needed for disequilibrium in prebiotic chemistry, according to observations of experimental products","author":[{"family":"Bezaly","given":"Orr"},{"family":"Petrignani","given":"Annemieke"},{"family":"King","given":"Helen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-025-02417-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02417-8","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41598-025-86842-x","type":"article-journal","title":"Radon on Mars and the Moon derived from Martian and lunar meteorites.","abstract":"The radioactive gas radon-222, a fluid and aerosol tracer in Earth’s lithosphere and atmosphere, can also reveal subtle rock physics processes in extraterrestrial environments, such as those involving water, but remains poorly constrained in planetary bodies due to the limited number of samples available. Here we measure the effective radium-226 concentration ( EC Ra ) of six Martian and nine lunar meteorites to derive radon source terms for Martian and lunar rocks. EC Ra values are 0.029–0.78 and 0.045–0.80 Bq kg −1 for Martian and lunar meteorites, respectively (0.041 ± 0.003 Bq kg −1 for falls and 0.28 ± 0.02 Bq kg −1 for finds), lower than most terrestrial rocks but similar to other meteorites and terrestrial primitive basalts. The effect of terrestrial alteration on EC Ra and its temperature sensitivity are also determined experimentally. Radon emanation coefficient values are 2.1–17% (mean: 8.1 ± 2.5%) for Martian meteorites and 0.43–11% (mean: 5.5 ± 1.0%) for lunar meteorites. Mean estimated surface radon fluxes for Mars and the Moon are 0.16–0.60 and 0.33–0.44 mBq m −2 s −1 (78–280 and 160–210 atoms m −2 s −1 ), respectively, much lower than on Earth (21 mBq m −2 s −1 or 10 4 atoms m −2 s −1 ). Our meteorite analyses constrain radon emanation on Mars and the Moon and provide a basis for current and future in-situ measurements.","author":[{"family":"Girault","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Ferrière","given":"L"},{"family":"Sadaka","given":"Carine"},{"family":"Rojo","given":"Íñigo"},{"family":"Losno","given":"R"},{"family":"Moynier","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Perrier","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Meslin","given":"Pierre‐yves"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-025-86842-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86842-x","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41598-024-83392-6","type":"article-journal","title":"Nanoscale characterization of space weathering in lunar samples.","abstract":"Nanoscale Fourier transform infrared (Nano-FTIR) imaging and spectroscopy correlated with photoluminescence measurements of lunar Apollo samples with different surface radiation exposure histories reveal distinct physical and chemical differences associated with space weathering effects. Analysis of two sample fragments: an ilmenite basalt (12016) and an impact melt breccia (15445) show evidence of intrinsic or delivered Nd 3+ and an amorphous silica glass component on exterior surfaces, whereas intrinsic Cr 3+ and/or trapped electron states are limited to interior surfaces. Spatially localized 1050 cm −1 /935 cm −1 band ratios in Nano-FTIR hyperspectral maps may further reflect impact-induced shock nanostructures, while shifts in silicate band positions indicate accumulated radiation damage at the nanoscale from prolonged space weathering due to micrometeorites, solar wind, energetic x-rays and cosmic ray bombardment. Our observations demonstrate that space weathering alterations of the surface of lunar samples at the nanoscale may provide a mechanism to distinguish lunar samples of variable surface exposure age.","author":[{"family":"Grice","given":"AM"},{"family":"Stancil","given":"PC"},{"family":"Ghafariasl","given":"Mahdi"},{"family":"Singh","given":"S"},{"family":"Gamage","given":"Sampath"},{"family":"Schaible","given":"Micah"},{"family":"Abate","given":"Yohannes"},{"family":"Lang","given":"Karl"},{"family":"Orlando","given":"Thomas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-83392-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-83392-6","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41598-025-98179-6","type":"article-journal","title":"Near-infrared spectral variation in Ryugu particles and implication for rapid space weathering by solar UV radiation.","abstract":"The 2.7 µm absorption band, represented by OH groups, in the near-infrared reflectance spectra of primitive Solar System bodies could be an indicator of the cause and degree of space weathering. We compared the absorption bands of particles sampled from the surface (chamber A) and the excavated subsurface (chamber C) on the C-type asteroid Ryugu by the JAXA Hayabusa2 mission. We developed a fitting method using multiple Gaussians to precisely calculate the band's peak position and depth, providing more reliable information on space weathering effects. We found that the chamber A particles were divided into groups Aα with shorter peak position and deeper band depth (non or poorly space weathered) and Aβ with longer peak position and shallower band depth (rich in space weathering). Chamber C particles are partly show intermediate characteristics between Aα and Aβ, which might imply weak space weathering by solar UV radiation during three months between the excavation by impact experiment and sampling by Hayabusa2. Supplementally, our preliminary experiment of UV irradiation to Ivuna meteorite showed decrease of 2.7 µm band depth and longward shift of the peak position, and further study is needed to investigate the effect of short-term UV space weathering on carbonaceous asteroids.","author":[{"family":"Furukawa","given":"Shuhei"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Hatakeda","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Kanemaru","given":"Rei"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Pilorget","given":"C"},{"family":"Hamm","given":"Vincent"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"R"},{"family":"Loizeau","given":"D"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-025-98179-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98179-6","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41550-024-02472-9","type":"article-journal","title":"Abundant ammonia and nitrogen-rich soluble organic matter in samples from asteroid (101955) Bennu.","abstract":"Abstract Organic matter in meteorites reveals clues about early Solar System chemistry and the origin of molecules important to life, but terrestrial exposure complicates interpretation. Samples returned from the B-type asteroid Bennu by the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer mission enabled us to study pristine carbonaceous astromaterial without uncontrolled exposure to Earth’s biosphere. Here we show that Bennu samples are volatile rich, with more carbon, nitrogen and ammonia than samples from asteroid Ryugu and most meteorites. Nitrogen-15 isotopic enrichments indicate that ammonia and other N-containing soluble molecules formed in a cold molecular cloud or the outer protoplanetary disk. We detected amino acids (including 14 of the 20 used in terrestrial biology), amines, formaldehyde, carboxylic acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and N-heterocycles (including all five nucleobases found in DNA and RNA), along with ~10,000 N-bearing chemical species. All chiral non-protein amino acids were racemic or nearly so, implying that terrestrial life’s left-handed chirality may not be due to bias in prebiotic molecules delivered by impacts. The relative abundances of amino acids and other soluble organics suggest formation and alteration by low-temperature reactions, possibly in NH 3 -rich fluids. Bennu’s parent asteroid developed in or accreted ices from a reservoir in the outer Solar System where ammonia ice was stable.","author":[{"family":"Glavin","given":"DP"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Alexander","given":"CMO"},{"family":"Aponte","given":"José"},{"family":"Baczynski","given":"Allison"},{"family":"Barnes","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Bechtel","given":"HA"},{"family":"Berger","given":"EL"},{"family":"Burton","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Caselli","given":"P"},{"family":"Chung","given":"Angela"},{"family":"Clemett","given":"SJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41550-024-02472-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02472-9","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2512461122","type":"article-journal","title":"Prebiotic organic compounds in samples of asteroid Bennu indicate heterogeneous aqueous alteration.","abstract":"NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission characterized the asteroid Bennu and delivered pristine samples of its regolith to Earth. Coordinated analyses of this primitive, carbonaceous material are elucidating the abiotic formation and inventory of prebiotic organic compounds in the early Solar System. Using pyrolysis and wet-chemistry techniques, we analyzed aggregate (unsorted particulate) material and three distinct stones that appear to correspond to different boulder types observed by the spacecraft. Results from the aggregate were consistent with previous work that detected the five canonical nucleobases and 14 of the 20 α-amino acids utilized by life to synthesize proteins. However, our analytical approach tentatively uncovered trace signals of a fifteenth α-amino acid, tryptophan, which has not been detected previously in extraterrestrial materials. Further, we found that the distributions of insoluble and soluble-derived organics differ between distinct stones, suggesting heterogeneous geologic processing within Bennu's parent body. The distributions of alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons resemble those in aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrites and are consistent with an abiotic origin through aqueous reactions. Our findings expand the evidence that prebiotic organic molecules can form within primitive accreting planetary bodies and could have been delivered via impacts to the early Earth and other Solar System bodies, potentially contributing to the origins of life.","author":[{"family":"Mojarro","given":"Angel"},{"family":"Aponte","given":"José"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Elsila","given":"Jamie"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"DP"},{"family":"Connolly","given":"HC"},{"family":"Lauretta","given":"DS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2512461122","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2512461122","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-025-61705-1","type":"article-journal","title":"Magnetic signatures and origins of ferromagnetic minerals in Chang'e-6 lunar farside soils.","abstract":"Ferromagnetic minerals in lunar materials record key information regarding the Moon’s ancient dynamo, impact events, and space weathering. However, interpreting the magnetic signals is complicated by their diverse origins and properties. Here, we present comprehensive magnetic and mineralogical results of farside lunar soils returned by Chang’e-6 mission from the South Pole-Aitken Basin. Compared to nearside samples, these soils exhibit higher magnetic susceptibility and saturation magnetization, and the highest saturation remanence, despite weak local crustal magnetic anomalies. Advanced electron microscopy reveals two primary mineralogical populations: nickel-poor iron particles with euhedral shapes in basalt clasts (magmatic origin) and nickel-rich metallic iron and Fe-Ni alloys in breccias, agglutinates, and glassy materials (impact origin). These findings offer insights into the formation of magnetic minerals on the lunar farside, thereby enhancing our understanding of lunar dynamo evolution and crustal magnetic anomalies. Chang’e-6 mission’s analysis of farside lunar soils reveals stronger magnetic properties than nearside samples and identifies distinct magmatic and impact-formed minerals. This offers insights into the Moon’s magnetic history and crustal anomalies.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Jinhua"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Xing"},{"family":"Gong","given":"Zheng"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jiawei"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Weiwei"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Kelei"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Yuqin"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Xu"},{"family":"Gu","given":"Lixin"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Yi"},{"family":"Li","given":"Qiuli"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-61705-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61705-1","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41561-025-01741-0","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogical evidence for hydrothermal alteration of Bennu samples.","abstract":"Samples of asteroid (101955) Bennu delivered by the OSIRIS-REx mission offer the opportunity to study pristine planetary materials unchanged by exposure to the terrestrial environment. Here we use a combination of X-ray diffraction and various electron microscopy techniques to explore the detailed mineralogy of Bennu samples and determine the alteration history of the planetesimal protolith from which they originated. The samples consist largely of hydrated sheet-silicate minerals, namely nanoscale serpentine and saponite of varied grain size, which are decorated with micro- to nanoscale Fe-sulfides, magnetite and carbonates. We observe sheet silicates parallel and normal to sulfide surfaces and as inclusions in sulfides; sulfur-rich veins transecting the sheet-silicate matrix; zoned carbonates and phosphates and sulfide and magnetite grains exhibiting embayment. The mineralogical evidence indicates alteration of accreted minerals by a fluid that evolved with time, leading to etching, dissolution and reprecipitation. Sulfide compositions indicate alteration at ~25 °C, similar to conditions inferred for asteroid (162173) Ryugu and Ivuna-type (CI) chondrite meteorites. The fluid probably evolved from neutral to alkaline, culminating with the precipitation of highly soluble salts. We conclude that Bennu's protolith comprised mainly nanometre to micrometre silicates, with fewer chondrules and calcium-aluminium-rich inclusions than those of most chondrite groups.","author":[{"family":"Zega","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Mccoy","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Keller","given":"LP"},{"family":"Gainsforth","given":"Z"},{"family":"Singerling","given":"SA"},{"family":"Manga","given":"Venkateswara"},{"family":"Harrison","given":"CS"},{"family":"Libourel","given":"G"},{"family":"Prince","given":"BS"},{"family":"Thomas","given":"Cristina"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41561-025-01741-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-025-01741-0","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2404248121","type":"article-journal","title":"Perspectives on Mars Sample Return: A critical resource for planetary science and exploration.","abstract":"Mars Sample Return (MSR) has been the highest flagship mission priority in the last two Planetary Decadal Surveys of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (hereafter, \"the National Academies\") and was the highest priority flagship for Mars in the Decadal Survey that preceded them. This inspirational and challenging campaign, like the Apollo program's returned lunar samples, will potentially revolutionize our understanding of Mars and help inform how other planets are explored. MSR's technological advances will keep the NASA and European Space Agency at the forefront of planetary exploration, and data on returned samples will fill knowledge gaps for future human exploration. Investigations of the ancient rocks collected in and around Jezero crater, as well as samples of the regolith and atmosphere, will be fundamentally different in scope, depth, and certainty from what is achievable with spaceborne observations. Returned Mars samples can address critical science issues including the discovery and characterization of ancient extraterrestrial life, prebiotic organic chemistry, the history of habitable planetary environments, planetary geological, geochemical, and geophysical evolution, orbital dynamics of bodies in the early Solar System, and the formation and evolution of atmospheres.","author":[{"family":"Mcsween","given":"HY"},{"family":"Hamilton","given":"VE"},{"family":"Farley","given":"Kenneth"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2404248121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2404248121","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0319840","type":"article-journal","title":"RETRACTED: Shocked quartz at the Younger Dryas onset (12.8 ka) supports cosmic airbursts/impacts contributing to North American megafaunal extinctions and collapse of the Clovis technocomplex.","abstract":"Shocked quartz grains are an accepted indicator of crater-forming cosmic impact events, which also typically produce amorphous silica along the fractures. Furthermore, previous research has shown that shocked quartz can form when nuclear detonations, asteroids, and comets produce near-surface or \"touch-down\" airbursts. When cosmic airbursts detonate with enough energy and at sufficiently low altitude, the resultant relatively small, high-velocity fragments may strike Earth's surface with high enough pressures to generate thermal and mechanical shock that can fracture quartz grains and introduce molten silica into the fractures. Here, we report the discovery of shocked quartz grains in a layer dating to the Younger Dryas (YD) onset (12.8 ka) in three classic archaeological sequences in the Southwestern United States: Murray Springs, Arizona; Blackwater Draw, New Mexico; and Arlington Canyon, California. These sites were foundational in demonstrating that the extinction or observed population bottlenecks of many megafaunal species and the coeval collapse/reorganization of the Clovis technocomplex in North America co-occurred at or near the YD onset. Using a comprehensive suite of 10 analytical techniques, including electron microscopy (TEM, SEM, CL, and EBSD), we have identified grains with glass-filled fractures similar to shocked grains associated with nuclear explosions and 27 accepted impact craters of different ages (e.g., Meteor Crater, 50 ka; Chesapeake Bay, 35 Ma; Chicxulub, 66 Ma; Manicouagan, 214 Ma) and produced in 11 laboratory shock experiments. In addition, we used hydrocode modeling to explore the temperatures, pressures, and shockwave velocities associated with the airburst of a 100-m fragment of a comet and conclude that they are sufficient to produce shocked quartz. These shocked grains co-occur with previously reported peak concentrations in platinum, meltglass, soot, and nanodiamonds, along with microspherules, similar to those found in ~28 microspherule layers that are accepted as evidence for cosmic impact events, even in the absence of a known crater. The discovery of apparently thermally-altered shocked quartz grains at these three key archaeological sites supports a cosmic impact as a major contributing factor in the megafaunal extinctions and the collapse of the Clovis technocomplex at the YD onset.","author":[{"family":"Kennett","given":"James"},{"family":"Lecompte","given":"Malcolm"},{"family":"Moore","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Kletetschka","given":"G"},{"family":"Johnson","given":"John"},{"family":"Wolbach","given":"Wendy"},{"family":"Mitra","given":"Siddhartha"},{"family":"Maiorana-Boutilier","given":"Abigail"},{"family":"Adedeji","given":"Víctor"},{"family":"Young","given":"M"},{"family":"Witwer","given":"Timothy"},{"family":"Langworthy","given":"Kurt"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1371/journal.pone.0319840","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319840","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4408122675","type":"article-journal","title":"Asteroid mining: ACT&amp;Friends’ results for the GTOC12 problem","abstract":"In 2023, the 12th edition of Global Trajectory Competition was organised around the problem referred to as \"Sustainable Asteroid Mining\". This paper reports the developments that led to the solution proposed by ESA's Advanced Concepts Team. Beyond the fact that the proposed approach failed to rank higher than fourth in the final competition leader-board, several innovative fundamental methodologies were developed which have a broader application. In particular, new methods based on machine learning as well as on manipulating the fundamental laws of astrodynamics were developed and able to fill with remarkable accuracy the gap between full low-thrust trajectories and their representation as impulsive Lambert transfers. A novel technique was devised to formulate the challenge of optimal subset selection from a repository of pre-existing optimal mining trajectories as an integer linear programming problem. Finally, the fundamental problem of searching for single optimal mining trajectories (mining and collecting all resources), albeit ignoring the possibility of having intra-ship collaboration and thus sub-optimal in the case of the GTOC12 problem, was efficiently solved by means of a novel search based on a look-ahead score and thus making sure to select asteroids that had chances to be re-visited later on.","author":[{"family":"Izzo","given":"Dario"},{"family":"Märtens","given":"Marcus"},{"family":"Beauregard","given":"Laurent"},{"family":"Bannach","given":"Max"},{"family":"Acciarini","given":"Giacomo"},{"family":"Blazquez","given":"Emmanuel"},{"family":"Hadjiivanov","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Grover","given":"Jai"},{"family":"Heißel","given":"G"},{"family":"Shimane","given":"Yuri"},{"family":"Yam","given":"Chit"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s42064-024-0204-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42064-024-0204-x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411350520","type":"article-journal","title":"Technical Challenges and Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (ELSI) for Asteroid Mining and Planetary Defense","abstract":"Advances in the field of asteroid dynamics continue to yield new knowledge regarding the behavior and characteristics of asteroids, allowing unprecedented levels of accuracy for predicting trajectories and contributing to impact avoidance strategies. Meanwhile, more detailed information regarding the physical composition of asteroids has reignited interest in asteroid mining as a potential new resource sector. This article considers some of the technical, ethical, legal and social issues facing global planetary defense efforts and off-world mining proposals. It considers issues such as claim jumping, weaponization of the space environment and ownership issues for resources extracted from space.","author":[{"family":"Kendal","given":"Evie"},{"family":"Milligan","given":"Tony"},{"family":"Elvis","given":"M"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/aerospace12060544","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12060544","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410431571","type":"article-journal","title":"Optical mining of carbonaceous chondrite simulants: Testing and lessons learned in asteroid mining research","abstract":"Optical Mining harnesses solar energy to extract volatiles for use in space- mainly water- from volatile-rich, car- bonaceous chondrite asteroids—particularly those in the 10-m size range. This size range is ideal for first-generation Optical Mining technology, being small enough to process with just a few years of development while large enough to likely contain sufficient water to ensure profitability. The harnessed light is concentrated and directed on the sur- face of an asteroid to induce thermal spalling, producing small fragments and releasing water from hydrated minerals (e.g. Serpentine) contained within the heated spalls. Depending on the type of mineral, other volatiles may also be produced as well (such as CO 2 from carbonates). This mining method is part of the broader APIS (Asteroid Provided In-Situ Systems) architecture to enable water production and delivery in space, which is currently under development by the Trans Astronautica Corporation (TransAstra). Achieving this is a notable step in the direction of expanding humanity’s industrial capability beyond Earth. This paper presents the results of testing a portion of this technology at the Colorado School of Mines in a relevant vacuum environment (TRL 5), using a compositional asteroid simulant called “Nectar”. The results include data from an Optical Mining testing campaign- covering irradiance distribution of the mining beam, excavation rates/ water production rates as functions of beam irradiance, and Thermogravimetric Analysis coupled with Mass Spectroscopy (TGA - MS) testing performed on mined samples. Additionally, this paper examines how mineral morphology and beam irradiance affect the spallation mechanism, as well as identifying an optimal irradiance for maximum excavation and volatile production. Finally, this paper discusses key lessons learned, including the importance of precise beam control, the impact of the brittle-to-ductile transition on the mining process, and the role of volatile release in enhancing thermal spallation of weak asteroid material.","author":[{"family":"Broslav","given":"Timofey"},{"family":"Dreyer","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Sercel","given":"Joel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.04.033","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.04.033","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/biomimetics10110752","type":"article-journal","title":"Bioinspired Drilling for Extraterrestrial Applications.","abstract":"This review presents the novel synthesis of nature-inspired drilling strategies specifically tailored for extraterrestrial environments, where conventional technologies fail under the environmental conditions and power and mass constraints. Biomimetic drilling, inspired by insects, mollusks, reptiles, and other organisms, offers novel solutions for extraterrestrial subsurface exploration. Numerous organisms efficiently penetrate materials with low energy, using little force, and adapt to flexible substrates, which are essential capabilities for use off this planet. Traditional rotary and percussive drills do not function well under microgravity, at the end of the temperature spectrum, or in low energy and mass environments, such as landers which are typically under 300 kg and 200 W of power available. Nature-inspired approaches such as the reciprocating carpenter bee style have been shown to reduce overhead forces by as much as 50%; clam-like fluidization reduces drag by 90%; and sandfish-inspired methods improve mobility in granular media by 40%. These also improve the in situ resource utilization (ISRU) approaches for efficient sampling, water ice extraction, and planetary surface operations. This paper focuses on bio-drilling with other biological models, their engineering analogs, and exploration models for off-Earth use. Based on this synthesis, the paper recommends prioritizing dual-reciprocating and oscillatory mechanisms for near-term missions, while pursuing hybrid, AI-driven, and wear-resistant designs for long-term exploration. These approaches will help to improve penetration efficiency, reduce power demands, and extend the drilling system's lifespan in challenging extraterrestrial environments.","author":[{"family":"Battsengel","given":"Gal"},{"family":"Melkoumian","given":"Noune"},{"family":"Harvey","given":"David"},{"family":"Akmeliawati","given":"Rini"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/biomimetics10110752","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10110752","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-025-56088-2","type":"article-journal","title":"Developing an alternative medium for in-space biomanufacturing.","abstract":"In-space biomanufacturing provides a sustainable solution to facilitate long-term, self-sufficient human habitation in extraterrestrial environments. However, its dependence on Earth-supplied feedstocks renders in-space biomanufacturing economically nonviable. Here, we develop a process termed alternative feedstock-driven in-situ biomanufacturing (AF-ISM) to alleviate dependence on Earth-based resupply of feedstocks. Specifically, we investigate three alternative feedstocks (AF)-Martian and Lunar regolith, post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate, and fecal waste-to develop an alternative medium for lycopene production using Rhodococcus jostii PET strain S6 (RPET S6). Our results show that RPET S6 could directly utilize regolith simulant particles as mineral replacements, while the addition of anaerobically pretreated fecal waste synergistically supported its cell growth. Additionally, lycopene production using AF under microgravity conditions achieved levels comparable to those on Earth. Furthermore, an economic analysis shows significant lycopene production cost reductions using AF-ISM versus conventional methods. Overall, this work highlights the viability of AF-ISM for in-space biomanufacturing.","author":[{"family":"Lee","given":"Hakyung"},{"family":"Diao","given":"Jinjin"},{"family":"Tian","given":"Yuxin"},{"family":"Guleria","given":"Richa"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Eunseo"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Alexandra"},{"family":"Savage","given":"M"},{"family":"Yeh","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Roberson","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Blenner","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Yinjie"},{"family":"Moon","given":"Tae"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-56088-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56088-2","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/microorganisms14071496","type":"article-journal","title":"Methane Production on Mars-Relevant Clay Minerals and Simulant Regolith.","abstract":"Over the course of Martian history, the presence of atmospheric carbon dioxide and potential subsurface molecular hydrogen (H2), in addition to potential surface and subsurface liquid water, suggests that the Martian subsurface, at minimum, may once have been habitable, particularly to autotrophic chemosynthetic microorganisms. In addition, the widespread nature of clays and other minerals on Mars could have provided sufficient nutrients to support microbial life. Here we tested four methanogenic species (Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanobacterium formicicum, Methanothermobacter wolfeii, and Methanococcus maripaludis) in the presence of illite, nontronite, and Mojave Mars Simulant (MMS), in their standard growth medium. We aimed to determine whether the presence of certain Mars simulants inhibited, promoted, or had no effect on methane (CH4) production by these microorganisms. The same methanogens were also tested in the presence of montmorillonite, H2, sodium sulfide (Na2S), and bicarbonate buffer to determine if this clay could support biotic CH4 production. Three of the four methanogens tested (M. barkeri, M. formicicum, and M. wolfeii) were capable of CH4 production in the presence of both clay minerals and MMS, as well as in cultures containing only 10% (w/v) montmorillonite, H2, Na2S, and bicarbonate buffer. Conversely, M. maripaludis, a halophile, showed the greatest sensitivity of the four methanogens tested; however, the presence of 5% (w/v) montmorillonite enabled greater CH4 production under certain circumstances compared to cultures containing the organism’s standard growth medium alone. Overall, these results suggest that the presence of clay minerals on Mars does not preclude the survivability and growth of methanogens in a potential subsurface habitat. In fact, these geological components may provide sufficient nutrients to support microbial growth and survivability.","author":[{"family":"Mickol","given":"Rebecca"},{"family":"Waddell","given":"William"},{"family":"Wray","given":"James"},{"family":"Pohlkamp","given":"Ryan"},{"family":"Kern","given":"Chandler"},{"family":"Kral","given":"TA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/microorganisms14071496","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14071496","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1098/rstb.2024.0281","type":"article-journal","title":"Origins of life: the possible and the actual.","abstract":"The questions of how life forms, whether life is an inevitable outcome and how diverse its presentation could be remain some of the most profound in science. Investigations into the origin of life confront key issues such as uncovering key constraints and universal features of life, the plausibility of alternative biochemistries and the transition from purely chemical systems to information-bearing, evolvable entities. Many of these issues can be associated with early cell formation and evolution. Thus, protocellular systems have emerged as a key focus of study. Here, the community can ask questions about physical constraints and the co-evolution of energy, matter and information. The pursuit of these answers spans a wide range of disciplines, including geochemistry, statistical physics, systems and evolutionary biology, artificial life, synthetic biology and information theory, and reflects the inherently interdisciplinary nature of origin-of-life research. This article surveys key theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches that have shaped our current understanding, while outlining the major unresolved challenges that continue to drive the field forward. It also summarizes and contextualizes the articles in this special issue that address these questions.This article is part of the theme issue 'Origins of life: the possible and the actual'.","author":[{"family":"Solé","given":"Ricard"},{"family":"Kempes","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Stepney","given":"Susan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1098/rstb.2024.0281","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2024.0281","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02694-5","type":"article-journal","title":"Nitrogen- and oxygen-rich organic material indicative of polymerization in pre-aqueous cryochemistry on Bennu's parent body.","abstract":"Nitrogen-containing organic compounds play key biological roles, and their identification in primitive astromaterials such as meteorites can shed light on the origin of life. However, meteorites are typically contaminated by uncontrolled exposure to Earth. Here we show that pristine samples returned from asteroid Bennu contain polymeric organics exceptionally rich in nitrogen and oxygen. These polymers contain a variety of functional groups including amines, amides, N-heterocycles, and aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, among others. They are seen in a carbonaceous vein with mineral inclusions and in multilayered organic sheets. Their morphology and composition indicate formation from pre-aqueous N-rich precursors and later modification during aqueous alteration. These findings demonstrate that asteroids like Bennu contain complex nitrogen-rich organic phases formed by pre-aqueous and aqueous processes, and they expand the known inventory of potential prebiotic extraterrestrial compounds.","author":[{"family":"Sandford","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Gainsforth","given":"Z"},{"family":"Nuevo","given":"Michel"},{"family":"Marcus","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Bechtel","given":"Hans"},{"family":"Ogliore","given":"RC"},{"family":"Jones","given":"Clive"},{"family":"Domínguez","given":"G"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"DP"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Mccoy","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41550-025-02694-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-025-02694-5","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09413-0","type":"article-journal","title":"Redox-driven mineral and organic associations in Jezero Crater, Mars.","abstract":"The Perseverance rover has explored and sampled igneous and sedimentary rocks within Jezero Crater to characterize early Martian geological processes and habitability and search for potential biosignatures1–7. Upon entering Neretva Vallis, on Jezero Crater’s western edge8, Perseverance investigated distinctive mudstone and conglomerate outcrops of the Bright Angel formation. Here we report a detailed geological, petrographic and geochemical survey of these rocks and show that organic-carbon-bearing mudstones in the Bright Angel formation contain submillimetre-scale nodules and millimetre-scale reaction fronts enriched in ferrous iron phosphate and sulfide minerals, likely vivianite and greigite, respectively. This organic carbon appears to have participated in post-depositional redox reactions that produced the observed iron-phosphate and iron-sulfide minerals. Geological context and petrography indicate that these reactions occurred at low temperatures. Within this context, we review the various pathways by which redox reactions that involve organic matter can produce the observed suite of iron-, sulfur- and phosphorus-bearing minerals in laboratory and natural environments on Earth. Ultimately, we conclude that analysis of the core sample collected from this unit using high-sensitivity instrumentation on Earth will enable the measurements required to determine the origin of the minerals, organics and textures it contains. A geological, petrographic and geochemical survey of distinctive mudstone and conglomerate outcrops of the Bright Angel formation on Mars reveals textures, chemical and mineral characteristics, and organic signatures that warrant consideration as potential biosignatures.","author":[{"family":"Hurowitz","given":"JA"},{"family":"Tice","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Allwood","given":"Abigail"},{"family":"Cable","given":"Morgan"},{"family":"Hand","given":"KP"},{"family":"Murphy","given":"Ashley"},{"family":"Uckert","given":"Kyle"},{"family":"Bell","given":"JF"},{"family":"Bosak","given":"Tanja"},{"family":"Broz","given":"Adrian"},{"family":"Clavé","given":"Elise"},{"family":"Cousin","given":"A"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41586-025-09413-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09413-0","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/ma19040784","type":"article-journal","title":"Utilisation of Sulphur By-Products in Diverse Civil Engineering Applications: A Systematic Review.","abstract":"Sulphur, a major by-product of the oil and gas industry, has emerged as a promising construction material in both sulphur concrete (SC) and sulphur-extended asphalt (SEA) applications. This review examines the development, properties, and uses of these sulphur-based construction materials over a century by following PRISMA guidelines for systematic literature selection. A bibliometric analysis highlights a surge in research activity over the last two decades. The key advantages of sulphur concrete include rapid strength gain (achieving ~50 MPa within 1-2 days) and exceptional chemical durability in extreme environments. Sulphur-bound materials exhibit high corrosion resistance, low water permeability, and full recyclability upon reheating. Challenges such as thermal shrinkage-induced brittleness and temperature sensitivity have been mitigated by using polymer-modified sulphur and mix design optimisation. Sulphur-extended asphalts benefit from increased stiffness, stability, and cost savings compared to conventional mixtures. Enhanced performance has been observed at sulphur replacement levels of 20-40% in asphalt binders. The review also summarises mixed formulations, mechanical properties, durability metrics, and innovative applications ranging from acid-resistant industrial structures to sustainable pavement materials and even extraterrestrial construction. The environmental benefits, such as up to 40% GHG reduction and complete recyclability of sulphur-based concretes, align with circular economy goals. Future research directions include improving ductility, advancing 3D printing techniques, and field validation of long-term performance. Overall, sulphur by-products can be transformed into valuable construction materials that address waste management and infrastructure durability.","author":[{"family":"Qureshi","given":"Mohsin"},{"family":"Al-Shamakhi","given":"Ali"},{"family":"Rumhi","given":"Mohammed"},{"family":"Javid","given":"Muhammad"},{"family":"Badaruzzaman","given":"Wan"},{"family":"Al-Kindi","given":"Ghassan"},{"family":"Tawfeeq","given":"Wadhah"},{"family":"Belwal","given":"Rakesh"},{"family":"Al-Handasi","given":"Hajir"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ma19040784","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19040784","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41526-025-00490-z","type":"article-journal","title":"Feeding the cosmos: tackling personalized space nutrition and the leaky gut challenge.","abstract":"Long-duration space missions pose serious challenges to astronaut nutrition and health due to the altered environment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This study examines the nutritional composition of crops grown in space, identifying deficiencies in key nutrients such as calcium and magnesium, along with variable antioxidant profiles. These imbalances may impact astronaut physiology, particularly bone health and immune function, and are potentially linked to altered gene expression pathways in microgravity. Emerging evidence also suggests increased intestinal permeability, referred as leaky gut syndrome, which further disrupts nutrient absorption and immune regulation. To mitigate these issues, we evaluate targeted strategies including bioengineering of nutrient-dense crops, incorporation of antioxidant-rich species, and personalized nutrition guided by pharmacogenomics. Approaches such as biofortification and tailored supplementation are proposed to address these challenges. This work contributes to the development of resilient space agriculture systems that support astronaut health during deep space missions and future planetary habitation.","author":[{"family":"Barcenilla","given":"Borja"},{"family":"Rivero","given":"R"},{"family":"Lynch","given":"Anne"},{"family":"Cromer","given":"Walter"},{"family":"Gong","given":"Jie"},{"family":"Harandi","given":"Bijan"},{"family":"Stegmann","given":"M"},{"family":"Le","given":"Hanh"},{"family":"Lundine","given":"Devon"},{"family":"Chung","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Puig","given":"Jordi"},{"family":"Mikhailova","given":"K"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-025-00490-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00490-z","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2404253121","type":"article-journal","title":"Mars Sample Return: From collection to curation of samples from a habitable world.","abstract":"NASA's Mars 2020 mission has initiated collection of samples from Mars' Jezero Crater, which has a wide range of ancient rocks and rock types from lavas to lacustrine sedimentary rocks. The Mars Sample Return (MSR) Campaign, a joint effort between NASA and ESA, aims to bring the Perseverance collection back to Earth for intense scientific investigation. As the first return of samples from a habitable world, there are important challenges to overcome for the successful implementation of the MSR Campaign from the point of sample collection on Mars to the long-term curation of the samples on Earth. In particular, the successful execution of planetary protection protocols adds well-warranted complexity to every step of the process from the two MSR Program flight elements to the ground element at the sample receiving facility (SRF). In this contribution, we describe the architecture of the MSR Campaign, with a focus on infrastructure needs for the curation (i.e., the clean storage, processing, and allocation) of pristine Martian samples. Curation is a science-enabling and planetary protection-enabling activity, and the curation practices described in this contribution for the SRF and any long-term curation facility will enable the sample safety assessment, initial scientific investigations of the samples, and establish the MSR collection as a scientific resource that will enable generations of science and discovery through studies of the returned Mars samples. The planetary protection and curation processes established for MSR will provide critical insights into potential future sample return missions from other habitable worlds like Enceladus and Europa.","author":[{"family":"Mccubbin","given":"FM"},{"family":"Farley","given":"Kenneth"},{"family":"Harrington","given":"AD"},{"family":"Hützler","given":"Aurore"},{"family":"Smith","given":"CL"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2404253121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2404253121","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1126/sciadv.adz2567","type":"article-journal","title":"Magmatic immiscibility provides phosphate for prebiotic chemistry.","abstract":"Phosphorus is essential for extant and nascent life. However, phosphate's low terrestrial abundance and the poor aqueous solubility of phosphorus-bearing minerals pose major hurdles for prebiotic chemistry. Here, we show that silicate-phosphate immiscibility in volcanic melts could have provided a widely available mechanism for the local enrichment of phosphate. Starting with a phosphorus-enriched Archean melt, we observe that rapid cooling results in the formation of immiscible glassy droplets with up to 21 weight % phosphorus pentoxide, which can be delivered to the surface by volcanic processes. In aqueous leaching, we detect millimolar phosphate concentrations, which enable the synthesis of phosphorylating agents such as polyphosphates and imidazole phosphate with up to 34% yield. These results demonstrate how volcanic processes can enrich phosphate to fuel prebiotic chemistry.","author":[{"family":"Weller","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Matreux","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Smokers","given":"Iris"},{"family":"Schmid","given":"Almuth"},{"family":"Mast","given":"Christof"},{"family":"Dingwell","given":"Donald"},{"family":"Braun","given":"Dieter"},{"family":"Scheu","given":"Bettina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adz2567","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adz2567","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1605909","type":"article-journal","title":"Deep-sea microbially influenced corrosion and biomineralization.","abstract":"Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) and biomineralization are widely observed in marine, deep-sea, freshwater, and soil ecosystems. Recently, MIC and biomineralization associated with biofouling have significantly impacted marine resources, including deep-sea minerals and organisms. Notably, uncontrolled biomineralization by certain microorganisms, such as barnacles adhering to ship hulls, can lead to structural damage and economic challenges due to biocorrosion. Biomineralization can be categorized into induced mineralization and controlled mineralization. In natural environments, induced biomineralization is the predominant process. The mechanisms of induced biomineralization and MIC in extreme deep-sea environments have attracted significant attention. The factors influencing these processes are highly complex. The microbial-material interfaces serve as the primary sites for key biochemical reactions driving biocorrosion and biomineralization. Within these interfaces, biofilms, their secreted extracellular polymers, and extracellular electron transfer mechanisms play crucial roles in these processes. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of MIC and biomineralization under deep-sea environmental conditions is essential. Investigating the relationship between these phenomena and exploring their underlying mechanisms are critical for both research advancements and industrial applications.","author":[{"family":"Ge","given":"Yingchun"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Can"},{"family":"Etim","given":"Ini‐ibehe"},{"family":"Khan","given":"Sikandar"},{"family":"Li","given":"Chengpeng"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Luhua"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jia"},{"family":"Yi","given":"Peijia"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jiazhi"},{"family":"Sand","given":"Wolfgang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Ruiyong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1605909","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1605909","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41598-025-24253-8","type":"article-journal","title":"Photostability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in hydrated magnesium sulfate under Martian ultraviolet irradiation to assist organics detection on Mars.","abstract":"The Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument, which is mounted on the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, detected Raman signals in spectral regions relevant to organics, plausibly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), co-located with sulfate minerals, in the Quartier abrasion of the Issole outcrop in the Jezero crater floor on Mars. In order to ascertain the plausibility of the organic origin of these signals, it is essential to determine whether organics can withstand the effects of ambient Martian ultraviolet (UV) radiation after they are exposed by the Perseverance's abrasion tool and prior to the analysis by SHERLOC. In this work, the stability under Martian-like UV irradiation of PAHs like 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene and benzo[a]pyrene in hydrated magnesium sulfate, one of the main sulfate phases present in Quartier, is investigated. Our findings indicate that the spectroscopic features of 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene and benzo[a]pyrene in hydrated magnesium sulfate remain unaltered when exposed to UV radiation comparable to that experienced at Jezero crater over a period of dozens of Martian days (or sols). Consequently, due to the photoprotective properties of this mineral, after the abrasion exposes them to the radiation, these compounds can still be detectable by the SHERLOC measurement and also by SuperCam because some organic bands fall in its infrared spectral range. In addition, photoproducts due to the UV exposure for both PAHs were detected. These results corroborate the hypothesis that the Raman signals detected by SHERLOC co-located with sulfates may arise from organic compounds.","author":[{"family":"Alberini","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Fornaro","given":"Teresa"},{"family":"Garcíaflorentino","given":"Cristina"},{"family":"Poggiali","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Biancalani","given":"Sole"},{"family":"Renzi","given":"Francesco"},{"family":"Grazioso","given":"Tommaso"},{"family":"Tasinato","given":"Nicola"},{"family":"Jiménez","given":"Daniela"},{"family":"Vicenteretortillo","given":"Á"},{"family":"Becucci","given":"Maurizio"},{"family":"Cloutis","given":"EA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-025-24253-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-24253-8","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1007/s11214-025-01264-5","type":"article-journal","title":"Water Versus Land on Temperate Rocky Planets.","abstract":"Water and land surfaces on a planet interact in particular ways with gases in the atmosphere and with radiation from the star. These interactions define the environments that prevail on the planet, some of which may be more amenable to prebiotic chemistry, some to the evolution of more complex life. This review article covers (i) the physical conditions that determine the ratio of land to sea on a rocky planet, (ii) how this ratio would affect climatic and biologic processes, and (iii) whether future astronomical observations might constrain this ratio on exoplanets. Water can be delivered in multiple ways to a growing rocky planet - and although we may not agree on the contribution of different mechanism(s) to Earth's bulk water, hydrated building blocks and nebular ingassing could at least in principle supply several oceans' worth. The water that planets can sequester over eons in their solid deep mantles is limited by the water concentration at water saturation of nominally anhydrous mantle minerals, being in sum likely less than 2000 ppm of the planet mass. Water is cycled between mantle and surface through outgassing and ingassing mechanisms that, while tightly linked to tectonics, do not necessarily require plate tectonics in every case. The actual water/land ratio at a given time then emerges from the balance between the volume of surface water on the one hand, and on the other hand, the shape of the planet (its ocean basin volume) that is carved out by dynamic topography, the petrologic evolution of continents, impact cratering, and other surface-sculpting processes. By leveraging the contrast in reflectance properties of water and land surfaces, spatially resolved 2D maps of Earth-as-an-exoplanet have been retrieved from models using real Earth observations, demonstrating that water/land ratios of rocky exoplanets may be determined from data delivered by large-aperture, high-contrast imaging telescopes in the future.","author":[{"family":"Guimond","given":"Claire"},{"family":"Spohn","given":"Tilman"},{"family":"Berdyugina","given":"SV"},{"family":"Byrne","given":"PD"},{"family":"Coltice","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Glaser","given":"Donald"},{"family":"Lingam","given":"Manasvi"},{"family":"Lineweaver","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Cawood","given":"Peter"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-025-01264-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-025-01264-5","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/acsomega.5c07173","type":"article-journal","title":"Analytical Development for Detecting Femtomole-Level Organophosphorus Compounds in Biogeochemical Samples by Ion Chromatography/High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.","abstract":"Phosphorus (P) is a crucial element for life, and its organic forms play a central role in modern biology. Therefore, the analysis of their presence in environmental samples is important for evaluating the biogeochemistry of P and the P cycle on the Earth. Herein, we developed a high-sensitivity, high-resolution analytical technique for detecting organophosphorus compounds using ion chromatography (IC) with Orbitrap-mass spectrometry (Orbitrap-MS). The IC method clearly separated organophosphorus compounds, including alkyl phosphonates and alkyl phosphates, from other organic molecules and inorganic ions. The online combination of IC and Orbitrap-MS enabled the quantification of organophosphorus compounds with concentrations as low as ∼10 fmol and their molecular identification in the presence of various interfering organic substances. The feasibility of the developed and optimized IC-Orbitrap-MS method was confirmed by analyzing deep-sea sediments obtained from 343 m below the seafloor. This developed analytical technique can also be applied to biogeochemical and astrochemical molecular surveys of organophosphorus compounds in natural environments.","author":[{"family":"Hirakawa","given":"Yuta"},{"family":"Koga","given":"Toshiki"},{"family":"Suzuki","given":"Takahiro"},{"family":"Ohkouchi","given":"Naohiko"},{"family":"Takano","given":"Yoshinori"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsomega.5c07173","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c07173","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-025-58865-5","type":"article-journal","title":"Polycyclic aromatics in the Chang'E 5 lunar soils.","abstract":"Abstract Polycyclic aromatics are ubiquitous in the interstellar medium and meteorites, yet the search for lunar polycyclic aromatics remains a significant challenge. Here, we analyze Chang’E-5 lunar soil samples, revealing polycyclic aromatic concentrations of 5.0–9.2 µg/g (average: 7.4 ± 1.4 µg/g). Their aromatic structures are highly condensed, comparable to ~4 nm graphene sheets, and distinct from terrestrial analogs, such as wood char, soot and kerogen. While meteorite impacts are the most likely sources, the stable carbon isotope composition of polycyclic aromatics in Chang’E-5 lunar soil (δ 13 C: −5.0 ± 0.6‰ to +3.6 ± 1.3‰) is more enriched in 13 C compared to that in meteorites. This enrichment suggests a de novo formation mechanism during meteorite impacts, involving the conversion of non-aromatic organic matter—which is more enriched in δ 13 C—into polycyclic aromatics. This process may play a significant role in carbon accretion in lunar regolith, as the resulting polycyclic aromatics are more stable and resistant to degradation compared to smaller organic molecules (e.g., amino acids), which are largely destroyed during impact events.","author":[{"family":"Zhong","given":"Guangcai"},{"family":"Yi","given":"Xin"},{"family":"Gao","given":"Shutao"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Shizhen"},{"family":"Mo","given":"Yangzhi"},{"family":"Tian","given":"Lele"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Buqing"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Fu"},{"family":"Liao","given":"Yuhong"},{"family":"Li","given":"Tengfei"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Liangliang"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Yunpeng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-58865-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58865-5","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/s26010341","type":"article-journal","title":"Recent Advances in Raman Spectral Classification with Machine Learning.","abstract":"Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive analytical technique based on molecular vibrational properties. However, its practical application is often challenged by weak scattering signals, complex spectra, and the high-dimensional nature of the data, which complicates accurate interpretation. Traditional chemometric methods are limited in handling complex, nonlinear Raman data and rely on tedious, expert-knowledge-based feature engineering. The fusion of data-driven Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) methods offers a robust solution, enabling the automatic learning of complex features from raw data and achieving high-accuracy classification and prediction. The present study employed a structured narrative review methodology to capture the research progress, current trends, and future directions in the field of ML-assisted Raman spectral classification. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the application of traditional ML models and advanced DL architectures in Raman spectral analysis. It highlights the latest applications of this technology across several key domains, including biomedical diagnostics, food safety and authentication, mineralogical classification, and plastic and microplastic identification. Despite recent progress, several challenges remain: limited training data, weak cross-dataset generalization, poor reproducibility, and limited interpretability of deep models. We also outline practical directions for future research.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Yonghao"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Yizhan"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Junjie"},{"family":"Qi","given":"Jiantao"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Changjing"},{"family":"Xue","given":"Yuhua"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/s26010341","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/s26010341","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08495-6","type":"article-journal","title":"An evaporite sequence from ancient brine recorded in Bennu samples.","abstract":"Abstract Evaporation or freezing of water-rich fluids with dilute concentrations of dissolved salts can produce brines, as observed in closed basins on Earth 1 and detected by remote sensing on icy bodies in the outer Solar System 2,3 . The mineralogical evolution of these brines is well understood in regard to terrestrial environments 4 , but poorly constrained for extraterrestrial systems owing to a lack of direct sampling. Here we report the occurrence of salt minerals in samples of the asteroid (101955) Bennu returned by the OSIRIS-REx mission 5 . These include sodium-bearing phosphates and sodium-rich carbonates, sulfates, chlorides and fluorides formed during evaporation of a late-stage brine that existed early in the history of Bennu’s parent body. Discovery of diverse salts would not be possible without mission sample return and careful curation and storage, because these decompose with prolonged exposure to Earth’s atmosphere. Similar brines probably still occur in the interior of icy bodies Ceres and Enceladus, as indicated by spectra or measurement of sodium carbonate on the surface or in plumes 2,3 .","author":[{"family":"Mccoy","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Zega","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Thomas-Keprta","given":"KL"},{"family":"Singerling","given":"SA"},{"family":"Brenker","given":"Frank"},{"family":"Timms","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Rickard","given":"William"},{"family":"Barnes","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Libourel","given":"G"},{"family":"Ray","given":"S"},{"family":"Corrigan","given":"CM"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41586-024-08495-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08495-6","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/ijms26178318","type":"article-journal","title":"Enhanced Plant Growth on Simulated Martian Regolith via Water Chemistry Optimisation: The Role of RONS and Nano/Micro-Bubbles.","abstract":"Development of sustainable agriculture on Mars is a critical step towards its colonisation. However, Martian regolith is coarse-grained, and its mineral profile differs significantly from that of terrestrial arable soil, resulting in poor seed germination success and stunted plant development. This study investigates whether germination success and plant growth can be improved by exposing seeds and plants to water enriched with either i) biochemically active reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated by atmospheric pressure plasma (PAW) or (ii) nano-/micro-bubbles and minerals such as potassium and calcium extracted from Aquapulse® feldspar (APW), a type of rock that is readily available on Mars, at different stages of the crop lifecycle. As a crop model, microgreen crops of B. oleracea and M. sativa are chosen for their short growth cycle, low resource requirements, and high nutritional value. For B. oleracea crops, soaking of seeds in PAW followed by irrigation with APW led to an increase in germination by ~566.7%, in biomass by 412.4%, and in chlorophyll content by 17.7% compared to crops grown using normal water for seed soaking and irrigation. For M. sativa crops, the use of APW for soaking and irrigation yielded an increase of 41.7% in seed germination and 45.2% in crop biomass, whereas the use of PAW for both soaking and irrigation resulted in the greatest improvement in seed germination, 41.7%, when compared to control. These results suggest that, with further optimisation, a regiment of treatment with PAW and APW in place of normal water can be used to address stage-specific challenges of the crop lifecycle in Martian regolith. As amending Martian regolith with a minimum of 1% organic matter is required to promote healthy plant development, further studies should investigate the use of plasma-mediated reforming of biowaste for in situ production of e.g., biochar.","author":[{"family":"Sasi","given":"Syamlal"},{"family":"Prakash","given":"Priyanka"},{"family":"Hayden","given":"Steve"},{"family":"Dooley","given":"David"},{"family":"Poiré","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Tao"},{"family":"Weerasinghe","given":"Janith"},{"family":"Levchenko","given":"Igor"},{"family":"Prasad","given":"Karthika"},{"family":"Alexander","given":"Katia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ijms26178318","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178318","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1126/sciadv.adt3048","type":"article-journal","title":"In situ crystallographic mapping constrains sulfate precipitation and timing in Jezero crater, Mars.","abstract":"Late-stage Ca-sulfate-filled fractures are common on Mars. Notably, the Shenandoah formation in the western edge of Jezero crater preserves a variety of Ca-sulfate minerals in the fine-grained siliciclastic rocks explored by the Perseverance rover. However, the depositional environment and timing of the formation of these sulfates are unknown. To address this outstanding problem, we developed a technique to map the crystal orientations of these sulfates in situ at two stratigraphically similar locations in the Shenandoah formation, allowing us to constrain the burial depth and paleoenvironment at the time of their precipitation. Our crystal orientation mapping results and outcrop-scale fracture analyses reveal two different generations of Ca-sulfates: one likely precipitated in the shallow subsurface and a second one that formed at a burial depth below 80 meters. These results indicate that two studied locations capture two different times and distinct chemical conditions in the sedimentary history of the Shenandoah formation, providing multiple opportunities to evaluate surface and subsurface habitability.","author":[{"family":"Jones","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Flannery","given":"David"},{"family":"Hurowitz","given":"JA"},{"family":"Tice","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Schrank","given":"Christoph"},{"family":"Allwood","given":"Abigail"},{"family":"Tosca","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Catling","given":"David"},{"family":"Vanbommel","given":"SJ"},{"family":"Knight","given":"Abigail"},{"family":"Ganly","given":"Brianna"},{"family":"Siebach","given":"KL"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adt3048","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adt3048","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.14279/depositonce-24668","type":"article-journal","title":"Photothermal polarimetric nanoscopy","abstract":"Nanospectroscopic investigations of the mineralogical composition of materials returned via sample-return missions are crucial for our understanding of the origin and evolution of planetary objects in our Solar System. Here, we show that the emerging technique of photothermal polarimetric nanoscopy, a variant of atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy, enables one to derive infrared fingerprint spectra of minerals noninvasively on the nanoscale. Besides the spatially resolved identification of specific minerals and mineral phases, the evaluation of the polarization dependence of the photoinduced nanomechanical response, in combination with optical reference data, may allow the deduction of valuable structural information on individual nanocrystallites or grains embedded in solid matrices.","author":[{"family":"Shay","given":"T"},{"family":"Hinrichs","given":"Karsten"},{"family":"Pavlov","given":"SG"},{"family":"Stojanovic","given":"N"},{"family":"Weber","given":"I"},{"family":"Morlok","given":"A"},{"family":"Gensch","given":"Michael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.14279/depositonce-24668","URL":"https://doi.org/10.14279/depositonce-24668","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2502.01716","type":"manuscript","title":"Design of Engineered Living Materials for Martian Construction","abstract":"As the next step in extraterrestrial exploration, many engineers and scientists around the country revealed their intense interest to enable multiplanetary human life, including colonizing Mars. This study proposes that architecture on Mars can be realized by a synthetic lichen system, composed of diazotrophic cyanobacteria and filamentous fungi, which produce abundant biominerals and biopolymers to bond Martian regolith into consolidated building blocks. These self-growing building blocks can be assembled into a wide range of structures. Diazotrophic cyanobacteria will 1) fix carbon dioxide and dinitrogen from the atmosphere and convert them into oxygen and organic carbon and nitrogen sources to support filamentous fungi; and 2) give rise to high concentrations of carbonate ions because of photosynthetic activities. Filamentous fungi will 1) bind metal ions onto fungal cell walls and serve as nucleation sites to promote biomineral precipitates; and 2) assist the survival and growth of cyanobacteria by providing them water, minerals, additional carbon dioxide, and protection. This report presents the major progress of the project. It has been tested and confirmed that such co-culture systems can be created, and they grow very well solely on Martian regolith simulants, air, light, and an inorganic liquid medium without any additional carbon or nitrogen sources. The cyanobacterial and fungal growth in such co-culture systems is significantly better than their axenic growth due to mutual interactions. The amounts and morphologies of the precipitated crystals vary remarkably depending on the cultivation condition.","author":[{"family":"Rokaya","given":"Nisha"},{"family":"Carr","given":"Erin"},{"family":"Wilson","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Jin","given":"Congrui"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2502.01716","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2502.01716","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W4411886866","type":"article-journal","title":"Mantle contributions to global tungsten recycling and mineralization","abstract":"Abstract Tungsten deposits are typically associated with crust-derived evolved granitoids. Whether the mantle has contributed to tungsten mineralization, however, is unknown. Here, we provide new and compiled helium‒argon‒mercury‒strontium‒neodymium isotope data in South China and tungsten provinces elsewhere to evaluate this contribution. Our analysis shows that oceanic-subduction-related extension is more likely to facilitate intense tungsten mineralization than other geodynamic processes, e.g., continental collision, post-collisional extension, and intracontinental rifting. During this process, the mantle provides heat for inducing slab devolatilization, whereby abundant helium‒argon‒mercury‒(fluorine) are mobilized into the crust. The 1.8‒1.2 Ga neodymium model ages of the source rocks coincide with the Nuna supercontinent cycle, together with deep-time zircon data, suggesting that the considerable tungsten enrichment of the crust over geological time resulted from mantle-plume-related activities. The above hypothesis is confirmed by the proportion of tungsten-rich basement rocks in major tungsten provinces, highlighting the essential role of the mantle in tungsten recycling and mineralization.","author":[{"family":"Yang","given":"Jie"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Jing"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Mei"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Rui"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Williamsjones","given":"Anthony"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Qian"},{"family":"Yin","given":"Runsheng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-025-02471-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02471-2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7117130262","type":"article-journal","title":"Searching for extraterrestrial life advances terrestrial sustainability","abstract":"Astrobiology, while traditionally focused on understanding the origin of life on Earth and the potential for life elsewhere, offers powerful tools and insights for addressing urgent challenges on our planet. We call for a deliberate integration of astrobiological research with applied science. Knowledge gained from biological systems and study sites on Earth that guide investigation of planetary bodies in our solar system can inform strategies for carbon capture, low-carbon energy production, waste remediation, and biotechnology. Therefore, we argue that astrobiology must evolve to become a bidirectional science that not only explores the cosmos but also supports sustainable life on Earth. Astrobiology’s insights from biological systems and extreme environments on Earth can directly advance sustainable technologies, from energy production to bioremediation. This perspective urges a deliberate translation of astrobiology to applied sciences to support both planetary stewardship and the search for life beyond Earth.","author":[{"family":"Howells","given":"Alta"},{"family":"Fontana","given":"Catherine"},{"family":"Elkassas","given":"Sabrina"},{"family":"Tristan","given":"A"},{"family":"Kashyap","given":"Srishti"},{"family":"Howells","given":"Alta"},{"family":"Elkassas","given":"Sabrina"},{"family":"Caro","given":"Tristan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-67794-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67794-2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4408391363","type":"article-journal","title":"Five-stage multielement separation procedure: A unique and essential tool for the multi-isotopic analyses of precious (<30 mg) extraterrestrial materials","abstract":"The latest and ongoing sample return missions from extraterrestrial objects present an opportunity to expand our knowledge of the chemical composition and subsequent evolution of the Solar System, beyond the information that can be obtained from the study of meteorites. Nevertheless, a potential limitation of such missions, at least in the foreseeable future, would be the recovery of a limited amount of sample. In light of these considerations, we have developed a multi-element chemical separation protocol utilizing a sample amount of approximately 25 mg. With this sample amount (and less), we can successfully separate elements including Mg, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Sr, Zr, Mo, Ba, REEs, Hf, W, Pb, and U. This includes the crucial elements Ti and Cr, whose isotopic compositions are used for the latest classification of meteorites, and in turn the parent asteroidal materials. The new method achieved chemical yields for these elements after separation of greater than 90% for both major and trace elements in the Murchison meteorite (with an exception for Pb with 85%). The corresponding total procedural blanks were negligible, representing less than 0.1% for the majority of the elements. This method was specifically designed for the analysis of small samples (<30 mg) of extraterrestrial materials from sample return missions, such as Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx. It will be of significant application in future missions such as MMX and Artemis where limited quantities of asteroidal, cometary, planetary, and other primitive Solar System solids will be returned.","author":[{"family":"Gautam","given":"Ikshu"},{"family":"Yokoyama","given":"Tetsuya"},{"family":"Horan","given":"MF"},{"family":"Carlson","given":"Richard"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.2343/geochemj.gj25003","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2343/geochemj.gj25003","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7171708288","type":"article-journal","title":"Exploration of extraterrestrial biosignatures and planetary habitability: A prospect","abstract":"China’s deep space exploration has achieved remarkable accomplishments and is now undergoing a significant strategic transition from an engineering-driven program to one that integrates engineering and science. This shift provides a timely opportunity for China to systematically define the development directions and overall framework of planetary science by targeting scientific frontiers, focusing on key research areas, and addressing major scientific questions. In this context, we provide an in-depth analysis of the crucial role of searching for potential biosignatures and investigating planetary habitability for understanding the origin of life. We systematically review the current research state and emerging trends in this field at both the domestic and international levels. Furthermore, we identify three key scientific themes that require urgent attention: planetary habitability, the search for extraterrestrial biosignatures, and the co-evolution of life and habitable environments. For each theme, the major underlying scientific questions are further clarified. Based on these scientific priorities, we also propose key target celestial bodies and critical detection scenarios for future missions. The results are expected to provide important theoretical support for defining scientific objectives and informing the top-level design in China’s future planetary exploration endeavors.","author":[{"family":"Hou","given":"Zengqian"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jizhong"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Yuming"},{"family":"Geng","given":"Lei"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Hui"},{"family":"Dong","given":"Yazhou"},{"family":"Fan","given":"Siteng"},{"family":"He","given":"Jiansen"},{"family":"Kong","given":"Dali"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yiliang"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Mang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.fmre.2026.07.006","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fmre.2026.07.006","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7124421247","type":"article-journal","title":"Extraterrestrial bioconstruction technology system: Bridging space station applications and deep-space missions","abstract":"&lt;p&gt;Microbe-driven bioconstruction offers a promising approach to sustainable deep-space habitats as missions shift from short-term exploration to long-term human presence. This review presents the first full-lifecycle bioconstruction paradigm that integrates Earth-derived extremophilic microorganisms, space station validation, and in-situ utilization of Lunar and Martian resources. It addresses gaps in extraterrestrial bioconstruction strategies. The proposed four-stage paradigm begins with biological pioneering using extremophilic microorganisms to establish survival conditions. This is followed by biological conversion of extraterrestrial resources for metal extraction, thereby enabling the synthesis of building materials through biological fabrication and their in-situ assembly into integrated habitats. The final stage involves integration into a self-sustaining life support system for long-term habitation. Key challenges include limited adaptability under compound space stresses, slow screening processes, limited in-orbit validation, and uncertain material longevity. Recommended directions include AI-driven strain optimization, expanded space and lunar experiments, and predictive modeling of material behaviour to support the development of resilient and resource-efficient extraterrestrial habitats.&lt;/p&gt;","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Sheng"},{"family":"Gan","given":"Yidong"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Cheng"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Ding","given":"Lieyun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.59717/j.xinn-life.2026.100193","URL":"https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-life.2026.100193","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7167902432","type":"article-journal","title":"Regolith–polymer composites for structurally functional components in extraterrestrial environments","abstract":"Developing in-situ functional materials for Mars is essential for sustainable habitat construction and load-bearing applications. However, most regolith-based fabrication methods rely on hydration or high-temperature processing, which are incompatible with the low-pressure, anhydrous Martian environment. Here, a regolith–polymer composite is developed using Martian regolith consolidated with a minimal fraction of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as a recyclable binder. A low-energy process combining moderate pressure (100–350 MPa) and temperature (~220 °C) enables densification without water or oxygen, while enhancing HDPE crystallinity and interfacial bonding between particles and layers. The resulting composites exhibit high mechanical performance, achieving a compressive strength of 61 MPa and a modulus of 2.56 GPa at 10 wt% HDPE, comparable to conventional construction materials. Increasing the HDPE content from 10 wt% to 30 wt% induces a transition from a stiff, strength-dominated response to a more ductile, deformation-tolerant behavior. Thermal cycling over 30 simulated Martian day–night periods shows negligible degradation in mechanical properties. These results demonstrate a sustainable, resource-efficient material system for extraterrestrial manufacturing, enabling mechanically tunable structural components from locally available regolith and recycled polymer resources.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Xinnian"},{"family":"Alanis","given":"Juan"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Yinong"},{"family":"Ozevin","given":"Didem"},{"family":"Pan","given":"Yayue"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s44334-026-00103-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s44334-026-00103-x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412468252","type":"article-journal","title":"Ocular trauma in microgravity: In-flight diagnostics and extraterrestrial strategies for management","abstract":"Long-duration spaceflight missions (including the International Space Station [ISS]) are in one of the most remote and harsh environments humans live and work in. Medical emergencies in space are even more complicated in an already high-risk environment. Despite training, ISS crewmembers face many challenges in diagnosing and managing disease with limited diagnostic capability and equipment on the ISS, restricted medication availability, delayed access to medical professionals; and the latency of space missions. Ocular trauma (e.g., cabin contact with equipment, chemical exposure, and foreign body entry) has been well-documented in previous ISS missions, highlighting the vulnerability of crewmembers' vision. While no serious vision loss has yet occurred, the risk of ocular injuries during future commercial and lunar missions remains significant. We review the utilization of onboard diagnostic tools and potential management modalities with current ISS resources for mitigating long-term effects of ocular trauma in the unique microgravity environment of spaceflight. We aim to assess the overall medical preparedness for future space exploration to ensure the well-being and ocular health of crewmembers during extended missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.","author":[{"family":"Suh","given":"Alex"},{"family":"Szeto","given":"J"},{"family":"Ong","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Armstrong","given":"G"},{"family":"Gibson","given":"CR"},{"family":"Mader","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Lipsky","given":"William"},{"family":"Waisberg","given":"Ethan"},{"family":"Berdahl","given":"John"},{"family":"Hinkle","given":"David"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Andrew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.survophthal.2025.07.006","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.survophthal.2025.07.006","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406903227","type":"article-journal","title":"Mechanochemical Reactivity of Ribonucleosides Mediated by Inorganic Species: Implications for Extraterrestrial Organic Matter Interpretation","abstract":"Metal species and carbonate are often found as minerals in extraterrestrial rocky bodies. Based on this, the mechanochemical-induced degradation of canonical purine and pyrimidine ribonucleosides into their corresponding nucleobases mediated by some of the main constituents of those materials (iron, nickel, or aluminum) was accomplished. In some cases, the previous heating of the samples intensified mechanochemical degradation. Additionally, carbonate acts as an activator for ribonucleoside degradation with a catalyst (a Lewis acid ion); however, it has almost no effect on ribonucleoside degradation in the absence of a catalyst. These results can contribute to the hypothesis that organic matter in extraterrestrial samples could have undergone mechanochemical reactions (i.e., shock/impact events), from its formation until its journey to Earth. Mechanochemical energy could occur in planetesimal accretion, asteroid formation (i.e., through planetesimal disintegration), and meteoroid atmospheric entry. Additionally, this hypothesis can clarify and relate some identified biosignatures with pathways of prebiological evolution.","author":[{"family":"Maia","given":"Gustavo"},{"family":"Gonçalves","given":"Catarina"},{"family":"Carvalho","given":"Ana"},{"family":"André","given":"Vânia"},{"family":"Galvão","given":"Adelino"},{"family":"Ribeiro","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Pinheiro","given":"Pedro"},{"family":"Silva","given":"José"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/app15031363","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031363","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7171819429","type":"article-journal","title":"Hydrogen peroxide on Mars and icy moons: Implications for the search for extraterrestrial signatures of prebiotic chemistry","abstract":"ABSTRACT Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is increasingly recognized as an important molecule in prebiotic chemistry that potentially had a large impact on life’s early evolution. We highlight recent examples of H 2 O 2 in prebiotic syntheses that model potential protometabolic reactions. Recent discoveries have revealed multiple abiotic production mechanisms for H 2 O 2 , suggesting its prevalence in prebiotic and extraterrestrial environments, an idea that is supported by the detection of H 2 O 2 in the Martian atmosphere and on the surfaces of icy moons. Given that Earth’s active geological processes have erased records of the earliest prebiotic chemical processes, we hypothesize that extraterrestrial environments that produce H 2 O 2 such as Mars and icy moons may still have similar types of chemistry occurring, and the discovery of such reactions by advanced space missions would offer invaluable insights into prebiotic chemistry. To test our hypothesis, experimental and theoretical studies aimed at modelling prebiotic chemistry in these H 2 O 2 -producing environments are required. We propose the general principle of “Where There is Water, There is H 2 O 2 ” as an astrobiology guideline that supplements and refines the traditional “Follow the Water” approach used to plan space missions.","author":[{"family":"Lin","given":"Mang"},{"family":"Yi","given":"Ruiqin"},{"family":"Fahrenbach","given":"Albert"},{"family":"Cleaves","given":"HJ"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Yi‐gang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.fmre.2026.07.007","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fmre.2026.07.007","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410220833","type":"article-journal","title":"Origin and Evolution of Extraterrestrial Ozone in the JWST, JUICE, and Europa Clipper Era: A Laboratory Investigation","abstract":"Ozone (O 3 ) is considered among the most promising biosignatures to look for inside and outside the solar system, i.e., in planetary atmospheres and surfaces as well as in the atmosphere of exoplanets. Recent studies show that the O 3 detection in exoplanetary atmospheres is already achievable with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and also the search for O 3 ice on the surface of several icy worlds will be soon possible thanks to the JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) and Europa Clipper space missions (in addition to JWST). In this context, we noticed that there is a lack of insight when considering the possible radiolytic production of O 3 within ices of different oxygen-bearing species which may be found on icy extraterrestrial surfaces (and consequently also released to enrich their atmospheres). We report here a comparative laboratory study on the production of O 3 from several ion irradiated ices and icy mixtures: CO, CO:N 2, CO:SO 2, CO 2, H 2 O:CO 2, N 2 O, NO 2:N 2 O 4, and pure O 2 . The samples were processed with 200 keV protons (unless otherwise specified) and analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy at 16 K. Our aim is to contribute to the understanding of how much O 3 could be produced by energetic charged particles irradiating different oxygen-bearing ice species and compare these results to the case of O 2 ice. We believe that the results presented in the current study may have a great scientific impact, especially in view of the future exploration of the icy worlds of the solar system and the current and future exploration of exoplanets by the ongoing and the upcoming space missions.","author":[{"family":"Fulvio","given":"D"},{"family":"Urso","given":"Riccardo"},{"family":"Scirè","given":"C"},{"family":"Baratta","given":"GA"},{"family":"Strazzulla","given":"G"},{"family":"Palumbo","given":"ME"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00415","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00415","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413780370","type":"article-journal","title":"Fe-Ti vs. Fe-Fe charge transfers: A comprehensive review and its applications in minerals and glasses","abstract":"Abstract Iron-titanium (Fe-Ti) charge transfer is mentioned in numerous articles as the source of the coloration of many natural minerals and some manufactured materials, but no global review of this phenomenon has been provided so far. Iron and titanium are ubiquitous in nature and are often found in the same material as Fe2+ and Fe3+, and Ti4+ (more rarely Ti3+). When Fe and Ti ions are in close geometric proximity in an oxide or (alumino)silicate structure, charge transfer can occur between the two ions, even though their concentration might be below 100 ppm. This results in a variety of absorption features that contribute to the color of minerals. A debate remains on the exact nature of Fe/Ti electronic transition, i.e., Fe2+ + Ti4+ → Fe3+ + Ti3+ or the reverse, but solving this issue is not within the scope of the present work. Ascertaining a metal-metal charge transfer is often not straightforward. This review compiles existing knowledge on Fe-Ti charge transfer in both crystalline and amorphous materials and identifies several key characteristics in more than 40 different materials. A charge transfer is associated with broad, intense, optical absorption bands that decrease in intensity at elevated temperatures. It is also strongly pleochroic in non-isotropic materials. Until now, Fe-Ti charge transfer transitions have been primarily described in the 2.25 to 3.1 eV range, corresponding to yellow to orange to brown colors, with notable exceptions such as blue sapphire or kyanite, and green andalusite. This review suggests that Fe-Ti charge transfer can occur across the entire visible spectrum, and the position of the absorption band correlates with the Fe-Ti interatomic distance. This correlation highlights the presence of multiple crystallographic sites for both Fe and Ti in many oxides, leading to multiple Fe-Ti bands within these materials (e.g., sapphire, ilmenite, pseudobrookite). Finally, the use of metal-metal distances is suggested to differentiate this heteronuclear Fe-Ti charge transfer from the common homonuclear charge transfer Fe2+-Fe3+.","author":[{"family":"Vigier","given":"Maxence"},{"family":"Evans","given":"Helen"},{"family":"Rossman","given":"George"},{"family":"Jobic","given":"Stéphane"},{"family":"Fritsch","given":"Emmanuel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.2138/am-2025-9835","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2025-9835","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415357083","type":"article-journal","title":"Toward Sustainable Mining: Exploring Alternative Mineral Resources and Innovative Extraction Techniques","abstract":"The relentless pace of industrialisation and globalisation has precipitated the rapid depletion of surface mineral deposits, presenting a formidable challenge to conventional mining operations and exerting a detrimental impact on their profitability. This depletion, coupled with the escalating demand for minerals, has driven prices to unprecedented highs, thereby inflating operating costs across various industries. Traditional surface and underground mining methods, struggling to meet burgeoning demands, contribute significantly to environmental degradation and substantial energy consumption. In response to these challenges, this study advocates for a paradigm shift from conventional mining methods and mineral resources toward untapped alternatives that hold the potential for enhanced economic viability and sustainability. Utilising environmentally friendly techniques and adopting more economical approaches becomes paramount in addressing the pressing demands of the current era and securing resources for future generations. This short review examines potential alternative mineral resources and the associated mining methods, including fluidised mining, deep-sea mining, brine mining, urban mining, in-situ and heap leaching, and space mining. A meticulous evaluation of the state-of-the-art technologies developed for these unconventional methods is conducted, including an assessment of their respective advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the study deliberates on the prospects of each approach, elucidating their potential contributions to alleviating the global metal crisis. This research provides insights that can inform sustainable mining practices and guide the industry toward a more environmentally responsible and economically viable future. The urgency of such a transition is underscored by the need to address the challenges posed by conventional mining and ensure the availability of mineral resources for generations to come.","author":[{"family":"Faradonbeh","given":"Roohollah"},{"family":"Shah","given":"Mohammad"},{"family":"Bahadori","given":"Moein"},{"family":"Jang","given":"Hyoongdoo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/mining5040066","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/mining5040066","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412078461","type":"article-journal","title":"Development of a new sample holder and sample holder container for coordinated surface analyses (micro-IR, XPS, FE-SEM, and micro-Raman) and ion irradiation experiments of extraterrestrial materials","abstract":"Abstract The Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx missions have successfully returned pristine materials from the carbonaceous asteroids Ryugu and Bennu, respectively. These missions offer a unique opportunity to study space weathering processes, primarily driven by solar wind irradiation and micrometeorite bombardment, which continuously affect the surface of airless bodies. Coordinated surface and sub-surface techniques, including micro-infrared spectroscopy (micro-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and micro-Raman spectroscopy, have proven particularly valuable for unveiling the nature of these intricate processes. However, a sample holder specifically designed for extraterrestrial samples to facilitate coordinated surface analyses has yet to be reported. This study presents the development and application of a new sample holder (SH) and sample holder container (SHC), specifically designed to optimize the efficiency of coordinated surface analyses of extraterrestrial materials while preserving their integrity. The SH securely holds irregular millimeter-sized, high-friable grains (e.g., Ivuna-type carbonaceous chondrites) for sequential analyses such as micro-IR, XPS, FE-SEM, micro-Raman, and ion irradiation. The latter is critical for simulating space weathering processes. The SH was designed with high-purity materials, including molybdenum and alumina (Al2O3), ensuring low chemical contamination risk and high-mechanical stability. The SHC complements this setup by providing a secure solution for transporting samples among different facilities. It allow to maintain an inert gas environment or high vacuum condition to prevent contamination from exposure to the terrestrial atmosphere. This combined system was successfully applied in the coordinated surface analysis of two Ryugu grains, preserving their chemical and physical integrity while facilitating detailed investigations into space weathering effects. These technical advancements provide a robust framework for multidisciplinary research on sensitive extraterrestrial materials, ensuring accurate and precise results and securing sample integrity throughout the coordinated analyses. Graphical Abstract","author":[{"family":"Shehaj","given":"Xhonatan"},{"family":"Pratesi","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Caporali","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Cortigiani","given":"Brunetto"},{"family":"Rubino","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Scirè","given":"C"},{"family":"Baratta","given":"GA"},{"family":"Angrisani","given":"Marianna"},{"family":"Dirri","given":"Fabrizio"},{"family":"Scarpellini","given":"Alice"},{"family":"Longobardo","given":"A"},{"family":"Occhipinti","given":"Gianfranco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40623-025-02245-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-025-02245-2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413789710","type":"article-journal","title":"Refining the sensitivity of new physics searches with ancient minerals","abstract":"Paleodetection has been proposed as a competitive method for detecting dark matter and other new physics interactions, complementing conventional direct-detection experiments. In this work, we utilize simulations to improve the modeling of track-length distributions. Our findings suggest that previous studies have overestimated the number of tracks caused by weakly interacting particles, and that the lowest observable dark matter mass should be higher than previously predicted. These differences are mainly attributed to the fact that (a) the recoil energy–track-length relation is not one to one, (b) at low recoil energies, a substantial fraction of recoils do not yield any tracks, and (c) at high energies, electronic stopping becomes dominant, resulting in a track-length barrier at ∼ 200 nm . In addition to WIMPs, we also modeled tracks from generalized coherent elastic neutrino nucleus scattering ( CE ν NS ) via new light mediators and estimated the projected sensitivity for these interactions.","author":[{"family":"Fung","given":"Audrey"},{"family":"Lucas","given":"Thalles"},{"family":"Balogh","given":"Levente"},{"family":"Leybourne","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Vincent","given":"Aaron"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1103/clvr-mhx5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1103/clvr-mhx5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410788106","type":"article-journal","title":"Homrit Akarem Post-Collisional Intrusion, Southeastern Desert, Egypt: Petrogenesis of Greisen Formed in a Cupola Structure and Enrichment in Strategic Minerals","abstract":"The greisens discussed in the present study are associated with the Homrit Akarem post-collisional granites, which are exposed near the western edge of the Egyptian Nubian Shield in the Southeastern Desert of Egypt. The Homrit Akarem granites intruded into Neoproterozoic country rocks, with sharp intrusive contacts. The marginal parts of the Homrit Akarem intrusion underwent extensive post-magmatic metasomatism, resulting in the formation of albitized granite and greisens. The Homrit Akarem greisens occur as veins and stockworks, which can be classified into four types: muscovite-rich, cassiterite-rich, topaz-rich, and beryl-rich greisens. Based on petrographic inspection, we identified ore minerals (cassiterite, beryl, topaz, muscovite, Nb-Ta oxides, tourmaline, fluorite, and corundum) in the greisens using electron probe microanalysis. The Homrit Akarem mineralized greisens were formed in a magmatic cupola above A-type magma, where fluid–rock interactions played a significant role in their formation. The accumulation of residual volatile-rich melt and exsolved fluids in the apical part of the magma chamber produced albitized granite, greisens, and quartz veins that intruded into the peripheries of the granitic intrusion and its surrounding country rocks. The variation in the mineralogy of the studied greisens indicates the diverse chemical composition of both the hydrothermal/magmatic fluids and the host granites. The simultaneous decrease in temperature and pressure is considered a crucial factor that controlled mineralization in the apical parts of the magma chamber. The occurrence of cassiterite, beryl, topaz, tourmaline, muscovite, and Nb-Ta oxides in the studied greisens suggests a potential polymetallic deposit of industrial minerals.","author":[{"family":"Azer","given":"Mokhles"},{"family":"Surour","given":"Adel"},{"family":"Moussa","given":"Hilmy"},{"family":"Maurice","given":"Ayman"},{"family":"Sami","given":"Mabrouk"},{"family":"Maaty","given":"Moustafa"},{"family":"Akarish","given":"Adel"},{"family":"Heikal","given":"Mohamed"},{"family":"Elnazer","given":"Ahmed"},{"family":"Elsagheer","given":"Mustafa"},{"family":"Mubarak","given":"Heba"},{"family":"Seddik","given":"Amany"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/geosciences15060200","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15060200","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7125011112","type":"article-journal","title":"Influence of minerals on aldose formation during hydrothermal processes in meteorite parent bodies","abstract":"Abstract Various prebiotic organic compounds have been identified in meteorites. Understanding the origins of these compounds is essential to comprehending prebiotic chemistry in the early Solar System. Regarding sugar formation, the formose reaction—polymerization of formaldehyde under alkaline aqueous conditions—has been considered a plausible prebiotic process in the meteorite parent bodies. However, studies on the influence of minerals on this reaction are limited. In this study, we conducted hydrothermal experiments to examine the impact of three silicate minerals—olivine, antigorite (Mg-rich serpentine), and saponite—on the production of aldose sugars under geochemically plausible conditions in the meteorite parent bodies during aqueous alteration. The presence of these minerals enhanced aldose production, indicating promoting effects on the formose reaction. With the presence of ammonia in the initial solutions, the minerals enhanced aldose formation at 1 day of the heating experiments. However, the aldoses decreased at 3 and 7 days of the heating experiments. This is probably because ammonia promoted the formation of other compounds by consuming aldoses. These mineral–organic interactions may have played a significant role in the prebiotic chemical evolution in meteorite parent bodies, possibly contributing to the inventory of organic compounds delivered to early Earth.","author":[{"family":"Fujii","given":"Taiyu"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Shunpei"},{"family":"Hirakawa","given":"Naoki"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Kensei"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40645-025-00793-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40645-025-00793-5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7160533457","type":"article-journal","title":"Anhydrous minerals in asteroid Bennu: Evidence for well‐preserved primordial components","abstract":"Abstract Aqueously altered carbonaceous astromaterials are dominated by secondary minerals, but a minor fraction of primary, anhydrous silicates and oxides escape alteration, offering insight into the original composition of asteroid parent bodies. We report the mineralogy, petrology, mineral chemistry, and oxygen isotopes of anhydrous minerals—50 olivine grains, 12 pyroxene grains, two spinel grains, and one hibonite grain—in aqueously altered particles returned from asteroid Bennu by the OSIRIS‐REx mission. These primordial grains are heterogeneously distributed, being more abundant (up to a few area percent for olivine) in less aqueously altered clasts. Olivine is typically forsteritic (Fo 100 –Fo 93 ), but we found three fayalitic examples (Fo 80 –Fo 75 ). Of the pyroxenes, seven grains are enstatite (En 100 –En 94 ); two are enstatite with more Fe (En 83 and En 87 ); one is Fe‐rich, low‐Ca clinopyroxene; one is Mg‐rich, aluminous low‐Ca pyroxene; and one is high‐Al, Ca‐rich clinopyroxene. Chromium is present in olivine grains at high abundances (up to 1.3 wt% Cr 2 O 3 ), indicating that the grains have not experienced significant thermal metamorphism. The olivines fall into two clusters: one with 16 O‐rich compositions (δ 18 O = −43 to −51‰) typical of refractory inclusions in carbonaceous chondrites and one with comparatively 16 O‐poor compositions (δ 18 O = −11 to +7.5‰) more typical of chondrules. Pyroxenes all fall in the 16 O‐poor cluster (δ 18 O = −2.6 to +13.5‰). For both olivine and pyroxene, the more Fe‐rich examples are associated with heavier oxygen isotope compositions. One isolated spinel grain has an oxygen isotope composition typical of Ca‐Al–rich inclusions, whereas a spinel–hibonite object has an unusual oxygen isotope composition consistent with fractionated unknown nuclear (FUN) compositions. Together, our data suggest that Bennu's parent body accreted a population of finer grained (≤10 μm) silicate and oxide grains that as a population are distinct from the anhydrous minerals in most chondrite groups but comparable to those in CI chondrites. The Bennu samples, as well as those from asteroid Ryugu and CI chondrites, appear to have accreted from a distinct reservoir that may have been in the outer protoplanetary disk.","author":[{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Franchi","given":"IA"},{"family":"Salge","given":"T"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"X"},{"family":"Jones","given":"Ross"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Almeida","given":"NV"},{"family":"Schofield","given":"PF"},{"family":"Bates","given":"HC"},{"family":"Cortescalderon","given":"EA"},{"family":"Kawasaki","given":"N"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Y"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70151","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70151","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7167366758","type":"article-journal","title":"The role of minerals in prebiotic evolution: Implications for identifying worlds with the potential for life’s origin","abstract":"ABSTRACT Understanding the origin of life requires explaining how abiotic molecules transitioned into the first living systems within plausible geological settings. Increasing evidence suggests minerals as active participants in prebiotic evolution. By adsorbing and concentrating reactants, catalyzing key reactions, stabilizing intermediates, and providing protective microenvironments, minerals may have helped to overcome thermodynamic and kinetic barriers, thereby enabling a cascade of prebiotic reactions to proceed toward the earliest life. In this review, we synthesize current experimental and theoretical advances to examine the contributions of minerals across the successive stages of prebiotic chemistry, from the formation of simple precursors and biomolecular monomers to polymerization, compartmentalization, and protocell assembly. We propose that these processes were unlikely to have unfolded within a single environment because different prebiotic reactions imposed distinct physicochemical demands. Instead, prebiotic evolution probably proceeded through complementary reactions distributed among multiple geological settings, including hydrothermal vents, terrestrial hot springs, and potentially extraterrestrial niches, with intermediates being preserved and then transported across spatial and temporal geological scales to link otherwise disconnected evolutionary stages. Building on this view, we identify specific minerals capable of facilitating key reactions at different stages of prebiotic evolution and propose that their combined occurrence as characteristic mineral assemblages may provide mineralogical indicators for assessing a planet’s geological potential to support life’s emergence. This mineral-centered perspective complements conventional biosignature-based approaches in astrobiology, and highlights mineralogy as a powerful tool in the ongoing search for habitable worlds and life beyond Earth.","author":[{"family":"Lu","given":"Houze"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Liang","given":"Dehai"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.fmre.2026.07.002","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fmre.2026.07.002","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410695898","type":"article-journal","title":"Effects of Subduction Fluids and Fractional Crystallization on the Magnetic Minerals Formation in the Back‐Arc Basin","abstract":"Abstract (Titano)magnetite is the major magnetic carrier in igneous rocks, whether it can decode the influence of subduction fluids and fractional crystallization characteristics in back‐arc basins is unclear. Here, we performed petrographic and magnetic analyses on volcanic samples from the Okinawa Trough, with titanomagnetite as the dominant magnetic mineral. Results show that the Curie temperature of Ti‐rich titanomagnetites (T c TM‐R ) not only has the potential to identify the influence of subduction fluids in back‐arc basins but also can be used to differentiate basalts and basaltic andesites that have been formed in different geologic settings. Additionally, the magnetic domain state ranges from single domain to multi‐domain as the fractional crystallization proceeds. Our study illustrates that magnetic properties of titanomagnetite are potential tracers for subduction fluids and fractional crystallization, which is of referential significance for research on relatively scarce samples from subduction zones and even extraterrestrial bodies.","author":[{"family":"Xu","given":"Jie"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Zhaoxia"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Xia"},{"family":"Li","given":"Sanzhong"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xiyao"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Long"},{"family":"Song","given":"Haonan"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Yuying"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yuzhen"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Zehua"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Kun"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Qingsong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2025gl115006","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2025gl115006","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412601457","type":"article-journal","title":"Photodegradation of the biomarker L-histidine induced by edge sites of a clay mineral in the Martian harsh UV environment","abstract":"Clay minerals are thought to play a crucial role in preserving organics on Mars due to their high surface area and expandable interlayers, ideal for adsorbing and intercalating organic molecules. Our study simulated the adsorption of L-histidine, an amino acid potentially diagnostic of life, on the clay mineral saponite, in a slightly acidic aqueous environment as possibly present on Mars during the Hesperian era, followed by a desiccation event and then high UV irradiation typical of the subsequent Amazonian era. For comparison, the same experiments were performed also at alkaline pH. X-Ray Diffraction and Infrared and Deep Ultraviolet Raman and fluorescence spectroscopies were used to characterize the mineral-molecule interactions, indicating that molecules are partly intercalated in the interlayers of saponite at acidic pH and partly co-precipitated with saponite at alkaline pH, while the remainder is adsorbed on lateral edges in both cases. Surprisingly, UV irradiation experiments revealed faster degradation of L-histidine when adsorbed on saponite compared to its pure form at both pHs, suggesting a photocatalytic behaviour of this nano-sized clay mineral, driven by active surface edge sites, despite potential shielding by interlayer sites for the part of L-histidine molecules intercalated in the interlayers at acidic pH. Degradation/alteration of L-histidine adsorbed on saponite occurs in a few hours under Martian UV flux, suggesting that photocatalysis induced by active surface edge sites of clays might have contributed to the depletion of organics in clays at the highly UV-irradiated surface of Mars on very short timescales.","author":[{"family":"Garcíaflorentino","given":"Cristina"},{"family":"Alberini","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Biancalani","given":"Sole"},{"family":"Mcintosh","given":"Ophélie"},{"family":"Brucato","given":"JR"},{"family":"Madariaga","given":"Juan"},{"family":"Jaber","given":"Maguy"},{"family":"Fornaro","given":"Teresa"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.icarus.2025.116757","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2025.116757","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7136295414","type":"article-journal","title":"A complete set of canonical nucleobases in the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu","abstract":"Abstract Organic molecules delivered from extraterrestrial materials may have played a key role in supplying building blocks for life on Earth. Here we report all five canonical nucleobases—purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine and uracil)—in samples returned from the C-type asteroid (162173) Ryugu by JAXA’s Hayabusa2 mission and compare the results with data from similar extraterrestrial material. Ryugu samples contain nearly equal amounts of purines and pyrimidines, whereas Murchison is enriched in purines and Bennu and Orgueil in pyrimidines. Samples from Ryugu, Bennu and Orgueil, which have a similar mineralogy and elemental composition, show purine-to-pyrimidine ratios negatively correlating with ammonia. These observations indicate that the nucleobases in these samples may have formed via a shared pathway depending on the physicochemical environment of the respective parent bodies. The detection of diverse nucleobases in asteroid and meteorite materials demonstrates their widespread presence throughout the Solar System and reinforces the hypothesis that carbonaceous asteroids contributed to the prebiotic chemical inventory of early Earth.","author":[{"family":"Koga","given":"Toshiki"},{"family":"Oba","given":"Yasuhiro"},{"family":"Takano","given":"Yoshinori"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Ogawa","given":"Nanako"},{"family":"Sasaki","given":"Kazunori"},{"family":"Sato","given":"Hajime"},{"family":"Yoshimura","given":"Toshihiro"},{"family":"Ohkouchi","given":"Naohiko"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41550-026-02791-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-026-02791-z","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406614288","type":"article-journal","title":"Metasomatic Alteration of Type 3 Ordinary and Carbonaceous Chondrites","abstract":"Abstract Metasomatism refers to the process during which a pre-existing rock undergoes compositional and mineralogical transformations associated with chemical reactions triggered by the reaction of fluids which invade the protolith. It changes chemical compositions of minerals, promotes their dissolution and precipitation of new minerals. In this paper, we review metasomatic alteration of type 3 ordinary (H, L, LL) and carbonaceous (CV, CO, CK) chondrites, including ( i ) secondary mineralization, ( ii ) physicochemical conditions, ( iii ) chronology ( 53 Mn- 53 Cr, 26 Al- 26 Mg, 129 I- 129 Xe) of metasomatic alteration, ( iv ) records of metasomatic alteration in H, O, N, C, S, and Cl isotopic systematics, ( v ) effects of metasomatic alteration on O- and Al-Mg-isotope systematics of primary minerals in chondrules and refractory inclusions, and ( vi ) sources of water ices in metasomatically altered CV, CO, and ordinary chondrites, and outline future studies.","author":[{"family":"Krot","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Petaev","given":"MI"},{"family":"Piani","given":"Laurette"},{"family":"Marrocchi","given":"Yves"},{"family":"Fujiya","given":"Wataru"},{"family":"Pravdivtseva","given":"OV"},{"family":"Dobrică","given":"E"},{"family":"Vacher","given":"Lionel"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Lee","given":"M"},{"family":"Kooten","given":"Elishevah"},{"family":"Jacobsen","given":"Ben"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-025-01135-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-025-01135-z","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411942384","type":"article-journal","title":"The first meteoritic ammonium mineral: Discovery of boussingaultite in the Orgueil CI1 carbonaceous chondrite","abstract":"Abstract The enigma of ammonium mineral speciation in the solar system has no proven solution due to the lack of data on the real minerals serving as space ammonium carriers. We herein report on the discovery of the first ammonium mineral in meteoritic substance and show its relevance to compositional and spectral characteristics ascribed to hypothetical ammonium phases in cometary and asteroidal bodies. Chemically distant from previously inferred volatile organics or ammoniated phyllosilicates, the mineral is an aqueous metal-ammonium sulfate related to the picromerite group—a family of so-called Tutton’s salts. Nickeloan boussingaultite, (NH4)2(Mg,Ni)(SO4)2·6H2O, was discovered in Orgueil, a primitive carbonaceous chondrite closely related to (162173) Ryugu and (101955) Bennu, the C-type asteroids. The available spectroscopic, chemical, and mineralogical data signify that natural sulfates related to boussingaultite-nickelboussingaultite series perfectly fit into the role of bound ammonia carriers under conditions of cometary nuclei and carbonaceous asteroids. The potential technogenic contamination of astromaterial samples and the difficulties in electron microprobe determination of ammonium are discussed in the context of recently published reports on the discovery of lunar and asteroidal ammonium-containing minerals.","author":[{"family":"Britvin","given":"Sergey"},{"family":"Vereshchagin","given":"Oleg"},{"family":"Vlasenko","given":"Natalia"},{"family":"Krzhizhanovskaya","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Ivanova","given":"MA"},{"family":"Volkova","given":"Irina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.2138/am-2025-9851","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2025-9851","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415031913","type":"article-journal","title":"Determine the Elemental Composition of Minerals From Complex Solid‐Solution Series by Raman Spectroscopy: Implications for Mars Exploration Missions","abstract":"ABSTRACT Garnets are minerals offering valuable insights into geological and planetary processes, in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial contexts. Their presence in metamorphic rocks, as well as in meteorites, makes them key indicators of the conditions under which they formed, such as pressure, temperature, and chemical environment. This information is valuable for understanding the history and evolution of planetary bodies, including Earth and Mars. Developing automatic classification models for garnets using Raman spectroscopy has a potential application for planetary exploration, particularly for the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) on the Rosalind Franklin rover of the upcoming ExoMars mission. In this work, we used a dataset combining spectra from ADAMM and RRUFF databases, ensuring a well‐distributed representation of the two main garnet groups: pyralspites and ugrandites. The spectra from ADAMM were obtained using the RLS SIM, a laboratory version of RLS, while RRUFF data helped increase the number of samples in the dataset. After standardizing all data, we designed a two‐step classification model: a top‐level model to classify into the two main groups and two specific models to classify the garnet type within each group. We tested multiple machine learning algorithms, including support vector machine (SVM), k‐nearest neighbors (KNN), artificial neural networks (ANN), decision tree, and naive Bayes. The top‐level classification reached 100% accuracy in testing, while the final combined model achieved 80.42% accuracy. These results demonstrate that machine learning and Raman spectroscopy can effectively classify garnets, providing a valuable tool for planetary missions and mineralogical studies.","author":[{"family":"Julvegonzalez","given":"Sofía"},{"family":"Manrique","given":"JA"},{"family":"Veneranda","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Renedo","given":"Pilar"},{"family":"Vega","given":"Paula"},{"family":"Reyesrodríguez","given":"Iván"},{"family":"Mayoral","given":"María"},{"family":"Jiménez","given":"Sergio"},{"family":"Asenjo","given":"Lidia"},{"family":"Sanzarranz","given":"Aurelio"},{"family":"Huerga","given":"Elena"},{"family":"Iglesias","given":"Jaime"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1002/jrs.70055","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.70055","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416291133","type":"article-journal","title":"The role of extremophile microbiomes in terraforming Mars","abstract":"Terraforming Mars toward sustainable life-supporting ecosystems poses unprecedented challenges. Extremophilic microbes, which thrive in Earth's most extreme environments, offer promising biological strategies for initial Mars colonization providing tools for resource mobilization and atmospheric engineering. This review synthesizes experimental evidence on microbial survival Mars-simulated conditions, highlights the ecological roles of extremophilic microbial consortia in biogeochemical cycling. We further discuss cutting-edge synthetic biology approaches to enhance microbial resilience. Yet, we emphasize the need to shift focus from single-species assessments to complex, synergistically interacting microbial communities, which may hold the key to establishing self-sustaining extraterrestrial biospheres. Finally, we consider planetary protection, ethical concerns, and future research priorities to responsibly perform Mars terraforming.","author":[{"family":"Coleine","given":"Claudia"},{"family":"Delgadobaquerizo","given":"Manuel"},{"family":"Rosado","given":"Alexandre"},{"family":"Zerboni","given":"Andrea"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42003-025-08973-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-08973-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411218227","type":"article-journal","title":"Data Process of Net-Zero Revolution for Transforming Earth and Beyond Sustainably","abstract":"This research examines the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into global net-zero emissions strategies, with a focus on both terrestrial and extraterrestrial sustainability. The objectives include quantifying AI’s impact on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving energy efficiency, and optimizing resource utilization, a particularly critical but underexplored domain. A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising a systematic literature review, a meta-analysis of quantitative data, and case study evaluations. Advanced mathematical models, including logistic growth and optimization equations, were applied to predict trends and assess the effectiveness of AI. The results reveal that AI-driven innovations achieve emissions reductions of 15–30% across energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors, with predictive maintenance optimizing energy utilization by 20% and extending equipment lifespans. AI-enabled smart grids improved energy efficiency by 26.7%, surpassing the 20% benchmark in prior studies. Specific applications include optimized fuel usage and predictive modeling, which can cut emissions by up to 20%. Quantitative data demonstrated significant cost savings of 20% across sectors. Statistical tests confirmed results with p-values < 0.05, indicating strong significance. This study underscores AI’s transformative potential in achieving net-zero goals by extending sustainability frameworks. It provides actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, advocating for the broader adoption of AI to address global environmental challenges.","author":[{"family":"Afolabi","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Malachi","given":"Idowu"},{"family":"Olawumi","given":"Adebukola"},{"family":"Oladapo","given":"Bankole"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/su17125367","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125367","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415300511","type":"article-journal","title":"Preaccretionary origin of clay minerals in CI chondritic objects? Insights from the Orgueil clay mineralogy and iron oxidation state","abstract":"Phyllosilicates are the main phases in carbonaceous Ivuna-type (CI) materials and major carriers of water (structural OH) as well as of some organic matter adsorbed on their surfaces. Understanding their formation is therefore crucial for reconstructing the history of water and carbon in the early Solar System. While typically interpreted as products of extensive aqueous alteration under asteroidal conditions, their presence in CI chondrites, whose bulk composition matches that of the solar photosphere, remains a paradox. To investigate their formation processes, we characterized the crystal structure and proportion of phyllosilicates in the Orgueil CI meteorite using X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile modeling on oriented preparations as well as Fe valences by Mössbauer spectroscopy at room and helium temperatures. The XRD modeling confirms the presence of discrete smectite and serpentine, along with two randomly stacked (R0) mixed-layer minerals (MLMs): serpentine-mica (90 %-10 %) and serpentine-smectite-mica (50 %-30 %-20 %), the latter being dominant across all size fractions. Mössbauer spectroscopy reveals that discrete serpentine and the R0 serpentine-mica MLM are Fe²⁺-rich, while the discrete smectite and the R0 serpentine-smectite-mica MLM contain 80 % Fe³⁺. The coexistence of these distinct Fe valences, the unusual serpentine-smectite-mica clay structure, the presence of mica layers within MLMs, and their structural homogeneity across size fractions appear to be incompatible with low-temperature aqueous alteration at equilibrium. Instead, they support a pre-accretionary origin for phyllosilicates, likely involving gas-grain interactions or condensation process.","author":[{"family":"Viennet","given":"JC"},{"family":"Amano","given":"Kana"},{"family":"Delbes","given":"Ludovic"},{"family":"Lavina","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Hubert","given":"F"},{"family":"Bernard","given":"Sylvain"},{"family":"Yaroslavtsev","given":"Sergey"},{"family":"Bessas","given":"Dimitrios"},{"family":"Chumakov","given":"AI"},{"family":"Celse","given":"Jean"},{"family":"Gounelle","given":"M"},{"family":"Rémusat","given":"Laurent"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119678","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119678","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7128704133","type":"article-journal","title":"Hot Springs as Reservoirs of Valuable Microbes, Metabolites, and Minerals with Ecological, Biotechnological and Bioeconomic Perspectives","abstract":"Hot springs represent unique geothermal ecosystems where extreme physicochemical conditions intersect with remarkable microbial diversity and metabolic innovation. These natural laboratories harbor specialized communities of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic microorganisms that have evolved exceptional adaptations to elevated temperatures, extreme pH, and high salinity. This review synthesizes current understanding of hot spring systems as multifunctional natural resources, examining their roles in fundamental microbiology, biotechnology, and sustainable development. We explore the ecological principles governing microbial community assembly, the taxonomic and functional diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, and the genomic mechanisms underlying thermophilic adaptation. Hot springs yield enzymes revolutionizing molecular biology and industrial catalysis, bioactive metabolites with pharmaceutical potential, and novel bioremediation capabilities including plastic degradation. Beyond biological significance, these systems contain valuable minerals and rare earth elements, supporting an emerging bioeconomy integrating wellness tourism, bioprospecting, and sustainable resource extraction. However, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding viral ecology, horizontal gene transfer, eukaryotic diversity, and climate change impacts. We emphasize that hot springs merit renewed interdisciplinary attention as model systems for understanding extremophile physiology, early life evolution, and the development of nature-based biotechnological solutions. Realizing their full potential requires balanced management strategies that preserve ecosystem integrity while enabling responsible utilization of these irreplaceable geobiological resources.","author":[{"family":"Wirajana","given":"IN"},{"family":"Vaghamshi","given":"Nilam"},{"family":"Ariantari","given":"Ni"},{"family":"Sawur","given":"Agustino"},{"family":"Ratnayani","given":"Ketut"},{"family":"Antaliya","given":"Komal"},{"family":"Atara","given":"Smita"},{"family":"Ghelani","given":"Anjana"},{"family":"Dudhagara","given":"Dushyant"},{"family":"Dudhagara","given":"Pravin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/bacteria5010012","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria5010012","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416357226","type":"article-journal","title":"The Qingzhen reaction, a fine‐grained mineral assemblage associated with djerfisherite in some EH3 chondrites: Alteration on the EH parent body","abstract":"Abstract Enstatite chondrites formed under extremely reducing conditions in the protoplanetary disk. They are derived from two or more parent bodies, EH and EL, and both EH and EL groups contain petrologic type 3–6 samples. The rare lithophile‐ and halogen‐bearing sulfide, djerfisherite, occurs in low abundance in enstatite chondrites, most frequently in the EH3 chondrites. In some EH3 chondrites, but not in EL chondrites, djerfisherite is associated with a fine‐grained mineral assemblage, termed the “Qingzhen Reaction,” which has previously been interpreted as an alteration product of djerfisherite. The Qingzhen Reaction is notable as perhaps the only record of fluid‐mediated alteration on the EH parent body. In this study, we undertook a high‐resolution chemical and mineralogical analysis of the Qingzhen Reaction and its djerfisherite host, in order to determine its composition, relationship to djerfisherite and its formation environment. We show that the Qingzhen Reaction is an alteration product of djerfisherite, predominantly comprised of porous troilite with remnant djerfisherite. Trace quantities of halite and (likely) sphalerite are also present. We suggest that the Qingzhen Reaction formed by the interaction of an anhydrous fluid with djerfisherite on the EH parent body.","author":[{"family":"Ardle","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Jones","given":"RH"},{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Tartèse","given":"Romain"},{"family":"Clay","given":"PL"},{"family":"Odriscoll","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Burgess","given":"R"},{"family":"Smith","given":"William"},{"family":"How","given":"Colin"},{"family":"Hughes","given":"Lewis"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70073","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70073","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416905527","type":"article-journal","title":"Bio-essential sugars in samples from asteroid Bennu","abstract":"Deliveries of organic molecules from space, such as those found in carbonaceous meteorites, have long been hypothesized as a source of the inventory of the first life on Earth. This hypothesis is strengthened by detections of two of life’s fundamental building blocks—nucleobases and protein-building amino acids—in pristine samples returned by spacecraft from the carbonaceous asteroids Bennu and Ryugu. However, life also requires sugars, which cannot be searched for in Ryugu samples due to limited available mass, and their presence in some meteorites is equivocal owing to terrestrial exposure. Here we analyse an extract from a sample of asteroid (101955) Bennu collected by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft and identify several bio-essential sugars, including ribose (RNA sugar) and glucose (metabolism substrate). These sugars complete the inventory of ingredients crucial to life. Their distribution is consistent with that in the condensation products of formaldehyde solution. Given that Bennu contains formaldehyde and originates from an ancient parent asteroid that underwent long-term alteration by aqueous fluids, we postulate that the detected sugars formed in the parent asteroid from brines containing formaldehyde. This indicates that material with all three components necessary to life could have been dispersed to prebiotic Earth and other inner planets. Samples returned from asteroid Bennu contain bio-essential sugars such as ribose and glucose that may have formed in the parent asteroid from brines containing formaldehyde, according to a geochemical study.","author":[{"family":"Furukawa","given":"Yoshihiro"},{"family":"Sunami","given":"S"},{"family":"Takano","given":"Yoshinori"},{"family":"Koga","given":"Toshiki"},{"family":"Hirakawa","given":"Yuta"},{"family":"Oba","given":"Yasuhiro"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Saigusa","given":"Daisuke"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Takaaki"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"DP"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41561-025-01838-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-025-01838-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407373076","type":"article-journal","title":"Characterization of Amino Acid Nanolayers and Their Interactions under Simulated Planetary Conditions","abstract":"Laboratory experiments extend our possibility to understand the behavior of organic molecules under extraterrestrial conditions. In the scope of such simulation experiments, organic molecules are often prepared as thin films, embedded in ice matrices, or adsorbed onto mineral surfaces. Albeit a single-species approach often adequately mimics the conditions to be studied, there are scenarios where the interactions between different organic molecules should be considered. In this work, we investigate the interaction of the two simplest α-amino acids, glycine and alanine, while codeposited as homogeneous nanolayers. Our results demonstrate that their interaction leads to deposition patterns, infrared signatures, and electronic properties that cannot be predicted by studying each molecular species in isolation. We conclude that organic interactions influence the photochemistry and spectroscopic signatures of biomolecules potentially present in planetary environments of interest such as Titan's surface.","author":[{"family":"Gonçalves","given":"Diogo"},{"family":"Hofmann","given":"Florence"},{"family":"Drauschke","given":"Janina"},{"family":"Wipf","given":"Severin"},{"family":"Urso","given":"Riccardo"},{"family":"Ferraria","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Rego","given":"AMBD"},{"family":"Bocková","given":"Jana"},{"family":"Meinert","given":"Cornelia"},{"family":"Elsaesser","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Pedras","given":"Bruno"},{"family":"Martins","given":"Zita"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00334","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00334","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406015998","type":"article-journal","title":"The hidden role of heterotrophic bacteria in early carbonate diagenesis","abstract":"Abstract Microbial impacts on early carbonate diagenesis, particularly the formation of Mg-carbonates at low temperatures, have long eluded scientists. Our breakthrough laboratory experiments with two species of halophilic aerobic bacteria and marine carbonate grains reveal that these bacteria created a distinctive protodolomite (disordered dolomite) rim around the grains. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the protodolomite formation, while solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed bacterial interactions with carboxylated organic matter, such as extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). We observed a significant carbon isotope fractionation (average δ13C = 11.3‰) and notable changes in Mg/Ca ratios throughout the experiments. Initial medium δ13C was − 18‰, sterile sediments were at 2‰ (n = 12), bacterial-altered sediments were − 6.8‰ (n = 12), and final medium δ13C was − 4.7‰. These results highlight the role of bacteria in driving organic carbon sequestration into Mg-rich carbonates and demonstrate the utility of NMR as a tool for detecting microbial biosignatures. This has significant implications for understanding carbonate diagenesis (dissolution and reprecipitation), climate science, and extraterrestrial research.","author":[{"family":"Sánchezromán","given":"Mónica"},{"family":"Chandra","given":"Viswasanthi"},{"family":"Mulder","given":"Sebastian"},{"family":"Areias","given":"Camila"},{"family":"Reijmer","given":"John"},{"family":"Vahrenkamp","given":"Volker"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-84407-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-84407-y","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4413380502","type":"article-journal","title":"Geopolymer Chemistry and Composition: A Comprehensive Review of Synthesis, Reaction Mechanisms, and Material Properties—Oriented with Sustainable Construction","abstract":"Geopolymers are an environmentally sustainable class of low-calcium alkali-activated materials (AAMs), distinct from high-calcium C–A–S–H gel systems. Synthesized from aluminosilicate-rich precursors such as fly ash, metakaolin, slag, waste glass, and coal gasification fly ash (CGFA), geopolymers offer a significantly lower carbon footprint, valorize industrial by-products, and demonstrate superior durability in aggressive environments compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Recent advances in thermodynamic modeling and phase chemistry, particularly in CaO–SiO2–Al2O3 systems, are improving precursor selection and mix design optimization, while Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and hybrid ML-thermodynamic approaches show promise for predictive performance assessment. This review critically evaluates geopolymer chemistry and composition, emphasizing precursor reactivity, Si/Al and other molar ratios, activator chemistry, curing regimes, and reaction mechanisms in relation to microstructure and performance. Comparative insights into alkali aluminosilicate (AAS) and aluminosilicate phosphate (ASP) systems, supported by SEM and XRD evidence, are discussed alongside durability challenges, including alkali–silica reaction (ASR) and shrinkage. Emerging applications ranging from advanced pavements and offshore scour protection to slow-release fertilizers and biomedical implants are reviewed within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Identified knowledge gaps include standardization of mix design, LCA-based evaluation of novel precursors, and variability management. Aligning geopolymer technology with circular economy principles, this review consolidates recent progress to guide sustainable construction, waste valorization, and infrastructure resilience.","author":[{"family":"Kumar","given":"Sri"},{"family":"Kinuthia","given":"John"},{"family":"Oti","given":"Jonathan"},{"family":"Adeleke","given":"Blessing"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ma18163823","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18163823","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4411948214","type":"article-journal","title":"Biomaterials for organically generated habitats beyond Earth","abstract":"Sustaining life beyond Earth requires the creation of habitats, which is typically assumed to require costly transport of high-mass components from Earth. Here, we investigate an alternative approach based on in situ fabrication using biologically generated materials. We show that several common biomaterials are capable of blocking UV radiation, transmitting visible light, and maintaining pressure differences sufficient to permanently stabilize liquid H 2 O in a vacuum or low-pressure environment. As a proof of concept, we then demonstrate growth of eukaryotic green alga in a 3D printed PLA bioplastic habitat under Mars-relevant conditions of a 600 Pa CO 2 background atmosphere. Our results demonstrate that products of biology itself can be used to create habitats in extraterrestrial environments. This approach is scalable, sustainable, and plausibly could be extended to construction of human habitats in the future.","author":[{"family":"Wordsworth","given":"Robin"},{"family":"Quayum","given":"Rafid"},{"family":"Kocharian","given":"Elida"},{"family":"Pearson","given":"Ann"},{"family":"Portillo","given":"Xavier"},{"family":"Yang","given":"M"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Nangle","given":"Shannon"},{"family":"Church","given":"George"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adp4985","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adp4985","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411921627","type":"article-journal","title":"Mechanical softening of lunar olivine probed via nanoindentation and high-pressure X-ray diffraction measurements","abstract":"The mechanical properties of minerals in planetary materials are not only interesting from a fundamental point of view but also critical to the development of future space missions. Here we present nanoindentation experiments to evaluate the hardness and reduced elastic modulus of olivine, (Mg, Fe) 2 SiO 4 , in meteorite NWA 12008, a lunar basalt. Our experiments suggest that the olivine grains in this lunaite are softer and more elastic than their terrestrial counterparts. Also, we have performed synchrotron-based high-pressure X-ray diffraction (HP-XRD) measurements to probe the compressibility properties of this meteorite and, for comparison purposes, of three ordinary chondrites. The HP-XRD results suggest that the axial compressibility of the orthorhombic b lattice parameter of olivine relative to terrestrial olivine is higher in NWA 12008 and also in the highly-shocked Chelyabinsk meteorite. The origin of the observed differences is discussed. A simple model combining the results of both our nanoindentation and HP-XRD measurements allows us to describe the contribution of macroscopic and chemical-bond related effects, both of which are necessary to reproduce the observed elastic modulus softening. Such joint analysis of the mechanical and elastic properties of meteorites and returned samples opens up a new avenue for characterizing these highly interesting materials.","author":[{"family":"Grèbol-Tomàs","given":"Pau"},{"family":"Ibáñez","given":"Jordi"},{"family":"Trigorodríguez","given":"JM"},{"family":"Peñaasensio","given":"Eloy"},{"family":"Oliva","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Díaz-Anichtchenko","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Botella","given":"Pablo"},{"family":"Sánchez-Martín","given":"J"},{"family":"Turnbull","given":"R"},{"family":"Errandonea","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Liang","given":"Akun"},{"family":"Popescu","given":"Cătălin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gsf.2025.102110","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2025.102110","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415692519","type":"article-journal","title":"Implausibility of hypophosphate on the early Earth and today","abstract":"The in-fall of meteorites, interstellar dust particles and other extraterrestrial material during the late accretion period on the early Earth is speculated to have contributed significant quantities of inorganic phosphorus (P) minerals, including in the form of the mineral schreibersite, (Fe, Ni)3P. This mineral readily corrodes in water to form various soluble inorganic P species including both reduced oxidation state and condensed P compounds. Hypophosphate ( $$\\text{HP}_{2}{\\text{O}}_{6}^{{3 - }}$$ ) is a reduced P species produced as a consequence of this corrosion process with a nominal + 4 oxidation state. Yet hypophosphate is not observed in natural water nor have any signs of it been found in ancient rocks, despite observations of phosphite ( $${\\text{HPO}}_{3}^{{2 - }}$$ ). In the present work, we study the chemistry of hypophosphate under both aqueous and anhydrous geochemical conditions, including the effects of pH, oxic and anoxic environments, hydrothermal conditions, mild heating, oxidizing solutions, and exposure to UV light. We show that hypophosphate most commonly disproportionates into phosphite ( $${\\text{HPO}}_{3}^{{2 - }}$$ ) and phosphate ( $${\\text{HPO}}_{4}^{{2 - }}$$ ) under aqueous conditions, and these in turn form condensed phosphorus species such as pyrophosphite, pyrophosphate, and isohypophosphate. Under anhydrous and high-temperature conditions (e.g., 250–400 °C for 2–9 days), hypophosphate both oxidizes and disproportionates to species such as phosphite, phosphate, pyrophosphate, pyrophosphite, isohypophosphate, trimetaphosphate, and triphosphate. At elevated temperatures and under anhydrous conditions (350 °C and above), hypophosphate is completely oxidized, forming only phosphates. Thus, hypophosphate is lost through disproportionation reactions at low temperature, and by oxidation at high temperature, suggesting that it is not stable for geologic timescales, and hence any evidence of this molecule in early Earth materials has been lost.","author":[{"family":"Gull","given":"Maheen"},{"family":"Centlivre","given":"Jakob"},{"family":"Feng","given":"Tian"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Johnsonfinn","given":"Kristin"},{"family":"Rogers","given":"KL"},{"family":"Mccallum","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Pasek","given":"Matthew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s44371-025-00340-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44371-025-00340-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411057009","type":"article-journal","title":"Advancements in Mars Habitation Technologies and Terrestrial Simulation Projects: A Comprehensive Review","abstract":"This review examines advancements in Mars habitation technologies, emphasizing Earth-based analog missions and closed-loop life support systems critical for long-duration human presence on the Red Planet. The paper categorizes major simulation projects—including Biosphere 2, Yuegong 1 (Lunar Palace 1), SAM, MaMBA, and CHAPEA—and analyzes their contributions to habitat design, psychological resilience, and environmental control. Technological domains such as in situ resource utilization (ISRU), habitat automation, and extraterrestrial health care are evaluated with respect to current limitations and future scalability. Additionally, the paper explores regulatory, economic, and international cooperation aspects, highlighting their significance in enabling sustainable settlement. By integrating empirical data from terrestrial experiments and recent space initiatives, this review offers a comprehensive assessment of readiness and gaps in Mars habitation strategies.","author":[{"family":"Zhong","given":"Yubin"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Tao"},{"family":"Han","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Feiyang"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Dan"},{"family":"Fang","given":"Zhen"},{"family":"Pan","given":"Linxin"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Chen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/aerospace12060510","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12060510","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413299854","type":"article-journal","title":"Robotics for Space Exploration: From Mars Rovers to Lunar Missions","abstract":"Robotics has become an indispensable element in the exploration of extraterrestrial environments, enabling scientific discoveries in domains that are otherwise inaccessible or hazardous to human presence. This survey paper provides a comprehensive overview of the development, deployment, and future direction of robotic systems specifically designed for space exploration, with a focus on missions to Mars and the Moon. Beginning with a historical perspective, the paper explores early robotic missions that laid the foundation for current technologies, including the Soviet Luna program and NASA’s Viking missions. It highlights the technical advancements and scientific achievements of iconic Mars rovers such as Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance, examining their mobility mechanisms, autonomous navigation systems, power sources, and onboard scientific instruments. Parallel to Martian exploration, the paper discusses lunar robotics, including legacy missions like Lunokhod and Apollo Lunar Rovers, as well as emerging platforms under NASA’s Artemis program. The survey further investigates key innovations in space robotics, such as autonomous decision-making, advanced locomotion systems, and energy efficiency in harsh environments, while addressing challenges like radiation exposure and communication latency. Finally, it explores future trends, including in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), robotic construction of habitats, and human-robot collaboration. By synthesizing past, present, and emerging trends, this paper serves as a detailed resource for understanding the critical role of robotics in advancing humanity’s reach beyond Earth, offering insights to guide future research and mission planning.","author":[{"family":"Hussain","given":"Babar"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Jiandong"},{"family":"Fareed","given":"Sidra"},{"family":"Uddin","given":"Subhan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.64229/z94fvn06","URL":"https://doi.org/10.64229/z94fvn06","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7125801130","type":"article-journal","title":"Abiotic sugar enantiomers in the CI carbonaceous chondrite Orgueil","abstract":"The uneven detection of prebiotic organic compounds in meteorites-where amino acids and nucleobases are commonly identified but sugars remain rare and poorly characterized-limits our understanding of extraterrestrial organic chemistry. This discrepancy is striking given that laboratory simulations of interstellar ice chemistry readily produce complex sugars. Here we report the simultaneous analysis of sugar and amino acid enantiomers in a meteorite sample. Multiple aldoses were detected in the Orgueil meteorite, including ribose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose, and the ketopentose ribulose, several of which display near-racemic distributions consistent with an extraterrestrial origin. Recovery experiments demonstrate that sugar abundances are severely underestimated. Despite this limitation, pentose abundances are comparable to those of some C4-C5 amino acid enantiomers, implying higher true concentrations. These results indicate efficient abiotic sugar formation in space and suggest that meteorites may have delivered a broader range of prebiotically relevant sugars to early Earth than previously recognized.","author":[{"family":"Leyva","given":"Vanessa"},{"family":"Robert","given":"Manuel"},{"family":"Pepino","given":"Raphaël"},{"family":"Bocková","given":"Jana"},{"family":"Meinert","given":"Cornelia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-026-68709-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-68709-5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413409775","type":"article-journal","title":"The variety and origin of materials accreted by Bennu’s parent asteroid","abstract":"The first bodies to form in the Solar System acquired their materials from stars, the presolar molecular cloud and the protoplanetary disk. Asteroids that have not undergone planetary differentiation retain evidence of these primary accreted materials. However, geologic processes such as hydrothermal alteration can dramatically change their bulk mineralogy, isotopic compositions and chemistry. Here we analyse the elemental and isotopic compositions of samples from asteroid Bennu to uncover the sources and types of material accreted by its parent body. We show that some primary accreted materials escaped the extensive aqueous alteration that occurred on the parent asteroid, including presolar grains from ancient stars, organic matter from the outer Solar System or molecular cloud, refractory solids that formed close to the Sun, and dust enriched in neutron-rich Ti isotopes. We find Bennu to be richer in isotopically anomalous organic matter, anhydrous silicates, and light isotopes of K and Zn than its closest compositional counterparts, asteroid Ryugu and Ivuna-type (CI) carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. We propose that the parent bodies of Bennu, Ryugu and CI chondrites formed from a common but spatially and/or temporally heterogeneous reservoir of materials in the outer protoplanetary disk.","author":[{"family":"Barnes","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Nguyen","given":"AN"},{"family":"Abernethy","given":"FAJ"},{"family":"Bajo","given":"Ken‐ichi"},{"family":"Bekaert","given":"David"},{"family":"Bloch","given":"Elias"},{"family":"Brennecka","given":"GA"},{"family":"Busemann","given":"H"},{"family":"Cowpe","given":"John"},{"family":"Crowther","given":"SA"},{"family":"Ek","given":"Mattias"},{"family":"Fawcett","given":"Lydia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41550-025-02631-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-025-02631-6","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4416337400","type":"article-journal","title":"From the bench to the reactor: engineered filamentous fungi for biochemical and biomaterial production","abstract":"Filamentous fungi can convert a wide variety of naturally occurring chemical compounds, including organic biomass and waste streams, into a range of products. They have long been used for industrial organic acid production and food preparation. In this review, we will discuss production of products such as organic acids, lipids, small molecules, enzymes, materials, and foods, and highlight advances in metabolic and protein engineering, including CRISPR-Cas9-mediated strain improvements. We discuss to what extent these products are already being made on a commercial scale, as well as what is still required to make certain promising concepts industrially and commercially relevant. Despite significant progress, the systematic application of synthetic biology to filamentous fungi remains in its infancy, with many opportunities for discovery and innovation as new strains and genetic tools are developed. The integration of fungal biotechnology into circular and bio-based economies promises to address critical challenges in waste management, resource sustainability, and the development of new materials for terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications, but requires further developments in genetic engineering and process design.","author":[{"family":"Subramanian","given":"Venkataramanan"},{"family":"Adler","given":"Meaghan"},{"family":"Benyamin","given":"Marcus"},{"family":"Pullen","given":"Randi"},{"family":"Servinsky","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Kozlowski","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Decker","given":"Stephen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s13068-025-02712-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13068-025-02712-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7154273093","type":"article-journal","title":"Direct observation of organic molecules in asteroid ryugu revealed by high-resolution atomic force microscope","abstract":"A diverse variety of organic matter exists in space. Since these extraterrestrial organic materials preserve chemical information from the early solar system, their identification has been extensively studied. However, detailed structural information has remained limited. Here we investigate organic matter from the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu using a high-resolution atomic force microscope (AFM). We directly resolve the chemical structures of individual organic molecules from the asteroid. We find a wide variety of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), many of which are unexpectedly large in size. The largest one is composed of approximately 100 fused rings, significantly larger than the extraterrestrial PAHs identified in previous ensemble-level analyses. These PAHs exhibit non-planar structures incorporating five-, six-, seven-, and even eight-membered rings. Such complex structures can be resolved in detail only through single-molecule AFM analysis.","author":[{"family":"Iwata","given":"Kota"},{"family":"Oba","given":"Yasuhiro"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Sugimoto","given":"Yoshiaki"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-026-71484-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-71484-y","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410057329","type":"article-journal","title":"Characterizing Ferrihydrite Transformation Products in Near‐Saturated Brine Environments: Implications for Fe‐Oxide Formation on Mars","abstract":"Abstract Ferrihydrite has been observed within the Martian regolith; therefore, ferrihydrite transformation pathways are likely critical to iron cycling and mineral transformation on Mars and other extraterrestrial systems. Data from Mars rovers and orbiters indicate that ferrihydrite is associated with significant salt deposits. Previous studies show these salts likely formed as the planet desiccated and may rehydrate to form modern brines today that strongly influence(d) mineral alteration. We hypothesize that the salts observed on Mars' surface may help preserve ferrihydrite for longer periods than typically observed on Earth. This study investigates the effects of brine chemistry on ferrihydrite alteration through laboratory experiments. Lab‐synthesized ferrihydrite was reacted with near‐saturated brines and ultra‐pure water at 20°C for 30 days in a series of batch reactor experiments. X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy showed that ferrihydrite was preserved without evidence of dissolution/transformation in near‐saturated solutions of MgSO4, Na2SO4, and NaClO4, while additional iron‐oxyhydroxide phases formed in other brines. We also compared mineral reaction products formed from freeze‐dried ferrihydrite and undried ferrihydrite slurry. The freeze‐dried ferrihydrite was more likely to be preserved, whereas ferrihydrite in a slurry resulted in the precipitation of goethite and lepidocrocite, indicating that particle aggregation and/or drying history affect ferrihydrite stability and alteration. Overall, ferrihydrite remained largely unaltered in the presence of concentrated sulfate and perchlorate brines. In the context of soils/regolith observed on Mars, our research demonstrates that ferrihydrite is more likely to be preserved when found in areas where these salts are dominant, and desiccated in a cold/arid environment prior to brine exposure.","author":[{"family":"Barbre","given":"Kaydra"},{"family":"Madden","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Hodges","given":"Caitlin"},{"family":"Madden","given":"MEE"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024je008650","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024je008650","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/acs.inorgchem.5c01765","type":"article-journal","title":"A Chemical Bonding Interpretation of Unusual Compressibility Trends in Hydrated Magnesium Sulfates.","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Hydrated magnesium sulfates (MgSO 4 · n H 2 O) are known to form multiple hydration states ( n = 0–11) and are essential in planetary science and thermochemical energy storage. Despite their significance in detecting extraterrestrial water reservoirs or in mineral (de)hydration cycles, it is still necessary to understand how the structure–property relationships of these materials evolve at different hydration levels when pressure is applied. Through a systematic first-principles computational investigation, we elucidate the key structural factors governing the densification mechanism under hydrostatic pressure of MgSO 4 · n H 2 O crystals. At zero pressure, we propose a useful and transferable rule of thumb that allows for straightforward evaluation of the crystal volume at any hydration level. At increasing pressure, our polyhedral and chemical bonding analyses reveal that the presence in the structure of coordinated and/or interstitial water molecules is the main factor determining the compressibility of these hydrated salts. These findings provide useful insights into the role of hydration in controlling the stability and mechanical properties of hydrated materials under extreme conditions.","author":[{"family":"Kebede","given":"Getachew"},{"family":"Franco","given":"R"},{"family":"Izquierdoruiz","given":"Fernando"},{"family":"Lobato","given":"Álvaro"},{"family":"Recio","given":"JM"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.inorgchem.5c01765","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.5c01765","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1126/sciadv.adp3333","type":"article-journal","title":"Persistent but weak magnetic field at the Moon's midstage revealed by Chang'e-5 basalt.","abstract":"The evolution of the lunar magnetic field can reveal the Moon's interior structure, thermal history, and surface environment. The mid-to-late-stage evolution of the lunar magnetic field is poorly constrained, and thus, the existence of a long-lived lunar dynamo remains controversial. The Chang'e-5 mission returned the heretofore youngest mare basalts from Oceanus Procellarum uniquely positioned at midlatitude. We recovered weak paleointensities of ~2 to 4 microtesla from the Chang'e-5 basalt clasts at 2 billion years ago, attesting to the longevity of the lunar dynamo until at least the Moon's midstage. This paleomagnetic result implies the existence of thermal convection in the lunar deep interior at the lunar midstage, which may have supplied mantle heat flux for young volcanism.","author":[{"family":"Cai","given":"Shuhui"},{"family":"Qin","given":"Huafeng"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Huapei"},{"family":"Deng","given":"Chenglong"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Saihong"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Ya"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Chi"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Xu"},{"family":"Gu","given":"Lixin"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xiaoguang"},{"family":"Shen","given":"Zhongshan"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"M"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adp3333","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adp3333","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-025-60743-z","type":"article-journal","title":"Sulfur isotopes from the lunar farside reveal global volatile loss following the giant impact.","abstract":"The Moon is strongly depleted in volatile elements and exhibits heavier isotopic signatures (e.g., K, Zn) than the Earth. However, the pronounced nearside–farside dichotomy and uneven distribution of volatiles across lunar interior raise the question of whether such heavier isotopic signatures resulted from a global giant impact or local magmatic processes. Here we report high sulfur contents (1800 ± 400 µg/g) and δ34S values (0.83 ± 0.16‰, 2SE, n = 17) in Chang’e-6 basalt from lunar farside, with similar δ34S values in two nonmare crustal clasts. These values fall within the range reported for nearside mare basalts and basaltic meteorites of different ages and mantle sources, indicating a broadly homogeneous δ34S composition across lunar interior that is ~2‰ heavier than the Earth’s mantle. This isotopic signature cannot be explained by core formation or late accretion and is best attributed to global volatile loss during the Moon-forming impact. Subsequent magma ocean evolution and mantle overturn drove heterogeneous volatile budget in lunar mantle. Chang’e-6 farside samples show heavy δ³⁴S values similar to the nearside, supporting global lunar volatile loss induced by the giant impact.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Yiheng"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Zaicong"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Wen"},{"family":"Zong","given":"Keqing"},{"family":"She","given":"Zhenbing"},{"family":"He","given":"Qi"},{"family":"Zheng","given":"Jia"},{"family":"Li","given":"Tianyang"},{"family":"Pan","given":"Fabin"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Chen"},{"family":"Crnobrnja","given":"Kosta"},{"family":"Xiao","given":"Long"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-60743-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60743-z","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3389/fmicb.2026.1769675","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbially-induced carbonate precipitation in coal-associated environments: opportunities and challenges.","abstract":"Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has emerged as a promising biotechnological approach for addressing coal dust pollution in mining and industrial environments. Among the various biological agents, urease-producing bacteria play a central role in catalyzing urea hydrolysis, leading to the generation of carbonate ions that react with calcium to form calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ). This biologically formed mineral binds dust particles, enhances surface stability, and reduces airborne pollutant dispersion. While MICP presents clear environmental and structural advantages, including low toxicity, long-term ecological compatibility, and compatibility with natural ecosystems, the underlying mechanisms, particularly the microbial adhesion to coal particles and subsequent mineralization dynamics, remain poorly understood. High production costs, sensitivity to environmental conditions, and lack of large-scale validation have also limited the practical implementation of microbial dust suppressants. This review provides a comprehensive look at the current research on the biological processes and application strategies of MICP in coal dust suppression, emphasizing the role of ureolytic bacteria, carrier systems, and calcium sources. Furthermore, it explores recent advancements in microbial strain selection, additive incorporation, and delivery methods that aim to optimize microbial survival and mineralization efficiency in real-world mining conditions. Future perspectives are discussed to support the development of cost-effective and scalable microbial formulations, paving the way for green and durable solutions in mine dust management.","author":[{"family":"Tastambek","given":"Kuanysh"},{"family":"Malik","given":"Azhar"},{"family":"Akimbekov","given":"Nuraly"},{"family":"Digel","given":"Ilya"},{"family":"Altynbay","given":"Nazym"},{"family":"Nussipov","given":"Damir"},{"family":"Kamenov","given":"Bekzat"},{"family":"Sherelkhan","given":"Dinara"},{"family":"Turaliyeva","given":"Moldir"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Yaya"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Xiangrong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2026.1769675","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1769675","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2501614122","type":"article-journal","title":"Impactor relics of CI-like chondrites in Chang'e-6 lunar samples.","abstract":"The impact history of the Moon provides the opportunity to better understand mass transfer in the Solar System. While Earth's meteorite collection serves as a key reference for material flux in the Earth-Moon system, it suffers from profound biases arising from Earth's orbital dynamics and atmospheric filtering. Systematic identification and classification of meteorites on the airless Moon thus provide additional critical constraints for reconstructing the primordial accretion history and impactor population of the inner Solar System. However, identifying impactors on the Moon remains challenging due to their vaporization upon colliding at high velocities with the lunar surface. In situ remote sensing has previously detected chondritic impactor materials in the South-Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin of the far side of the Moon. The first opportunity to measure materials from the SPA basin has come via the Chang'e-6 (CE-6) mission, which returned samples from the Apollo basin inside the SPA basin. In this study, we screened seven olivine-porphyritic clasts as potential impactor relics in regolith returned by the CE-6 mission. These clasts were identified, via textural characterization, olivine Fe-Mn-Zn systematics, and in-situ triple oxygen isotopes, as impact relics solidified from melted chondritic parent bodies. Intriguingly, the parent body of all the identified impactor relics in this study resemble CI-like chondrites, a volatile-rich meteorite group that is relatively rare in Earth's meteorite collection. The detection and classification of these impactor relics impose significant constraints on the proportions of meteoritic materials in the Earth-Moon system and their potential contributions to water inventories on the lunar surface.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Jintuan"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Zhiming"},{"family":"Cui","given":"Zexian"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Qing"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Le"},{"family":"He","given":"Peng‐li"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Jingyou"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Chengyuan"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yanqiang"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Jiangze"},{"family":"Cao","given":"Yonghua"},{"family":"Head","given":"JW"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2501614122","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2501614122","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s42004-025-01632-w","type":"article-journal","title":"Polymerization and replication of primordial RNA induced by clay-water interface dynamics.","abstract":"In the study of life's origins, a key challenge is understanding how RNA could have polymerized and subsequently replicated in early Earth. We present a theoretical and computational framework to model the non-enzymatic polymerization of ribonucleotides and the template-dependent replication of primordial RNA molecules, at the interfaces between the aqueous solution and a clay mineral. Our results demonstrate that systematic polymerization and replication of single-stranded RNA polymers, sufficiently long to fold and acquire basic functions (>15 nt), were feasible under these conditions. Crucially, this process required a physico-chemical environment characterized by large-amplitude oscillations with periodicity compatible with spring tide dynamics, suggesting that large moons may have played a role in the emergence of RNA-based life on planetary bodies. Interestingly, the theoretical analysis presents rigorous evidence that RNA replication efficiency increases in oscillating environments compared to constant ones. Moreover, the versatility of our framework enables comparisons between different genetic alphabets, showing that a four-letter alphabet -particularly when allowing non-canonical base pairs, as in current RNA- represents an optimal balance of replication speed and sequence diversity in the pathway to life.","author":[{"family":"Alejandre","given":"Carla"},{"family":"Aguirretamaral","given":"Adrián"},{"family":"Briones","given":"Carlos"},{"family":"Aguirre","given":"Jacobo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42004-025-01632-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-025-01632-w","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4411554806","type":"article-journal","title":"Moon Meteorite Dar al Gani 400: Utilizing Mössbauer and Raman Spectroscopy for Extraterrestrial Research","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Space agencies worldwide are seeking promising analytical tools or novel combinations of established techniques to broaden our understanding of extraterrestrial processes. The constraints for extraterrestrial missions are quite high in terms of volume, mass, power consumption, radiation resistance and data transmission of the instruments used.In this work, the Dar al Gani 400 meteorite (DAG 400), which was found in 1998 in the respective meteorite field in the Libyan Sahara, is utilized as a model for extraterrestrial research employing Mössbauer and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, optical and X-ray microscopic (XRM) investigations were carried out, which provided images of the surface and interior of the meteorite, respectively, and further supported the results.For Mössbauer spectroscopy, the miniaturized Mössbauer spectrometer MIMOS II, which has already gained recognition in extraterrestrial research on Mars, was employed for phase determination. This finding serves as a crucial demonstration that the miniaturized Mössbauer spectrometer MIMOS II is well-suited for future space missions and the analysis of extraterrestrial materials.Notably, this study represents a novel application of Mössbauer spectroscopy in the analysis of DAG 400. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of phase assignment through the analysis of DAG 400, and it underscores the potential for further insights through the determination of oxidation states and mineralogical composition. Our work also underscores the pivotal role of multimodal and complementary analytical methodologies in this domain.","author":[{"family":"Groß","given":"René"},{"family":"Wetzel","given":"Christoph"},{"family":"Zheng","given":"Lei"},{"family":"Kahra","given":"Christoph"},{"family":"Pawlak","given":"Justus"},{"family":"Tran","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Kilic","given":"Maximilian"},{"family":"Gaber","given":"H"},{"family":"Roth","given":"Bernhard"},{"family":"Renz","given":"Franz"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00117","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00117","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406213648","type":"article-journal","title":"Beyond Homochirality: Computer Modeling Hints of Heterochiral Proteins in Early and Extraterrestrial Life","abstract":"Agent-based simulations are set to describe the early biotic selection of oligomers made of monomers of different chirality. The simulations consider the spatial distribution of agents and resources, the balance of biomass of different chirality, and the balance of chemical energy. Following the well-known Wald's hypothesis, a disadvantage is attributed to the change in chirality along the biochemical sequence. A racemic amino acid budget is considered, based on findings in meteorites and the results of Miller's experiments. It is also hypothesized that the very first life forms were heterotrophic. Given these assumptions, our simulations showed that biological sequences were not strictly homochiral and had few chirality changes. These results suggest that the current dominance of homochiral species may have been preceded by a more structurally varied biochemistry. This might be reflected in the few known heterochiral proteins, whose structures are based neither on alpha-helices nor on beta-sheets. Extraterrestrial life forms might be based on such heterochiral proteins.","author":[{"family":"Casimo","given":"Gianluigi"},{"family":"Longo","given":"Gaia"},{"family":"Longo","given":"S"},{"family":"Longo","given":"Savino"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2024.0072","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2024.0072","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414043260","type":"article-journal","title":"Detecting and preserving biosignatures in sulfate minerals prone to instability","abstract":"Abstract Sulfate minerals on Mars have garnered attention due to their potential to unravel the planet’s geological past and serve as repositories of biosignatures. Among these, hydrated sulfate minerals, including mirabilite (Na2SO4·10H2O), present unique challenges due to their instability under most Earth conditions. Water, air vapor, bacteria, archaea, algae, fungi, diatoms, protozoa, and organic compounds such as β-carotene have been identified in mirabilite, highlighting its potential to trap biosignatures. This study investigates the preservation of such biosignatures in mirabilite from the Great Salt Lake in Utah, U.S.A., highlighting the challenge of rapid dehydration in hydrated sulfate minerals during laboratory analyses. By employing non-destructive preparation techniques and commonly available laboratory supplies, the stability of mirabilite was extended, enabling the application of advanced methods, including transmitted light and UV-vis light microscopy and laser Raman spectroscopy. Notably, mirabilite chips sealed within a sample chamber, submerged in mineral oil, or sealed in plastic wrap delayed dehydration to thenardite (Na2SO4), resulting in the best preservation of the original mirabilite. Raman spectroscopy of organic material within primary fluid inclusions revealed several distinct spectral patterns, including signatures consistent with β-carotene, indicating the preservation of organic compounds and biological pigments in the hydrated mineral matrix. These findings have implications for future biosignature studies of mirabilite and other hydrated minerals on Earth, as well as Mars return samples and other extraterrestrial samples, where maintaining the integrity of hydrated minerals is key to detecting environmental conditions and potential signs of life.","author":[{"family":"Gill","given":"Karena"},{"family":"Benison","given":"Kathleen"},{"family":"Jagniecki","given":"Elliot"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.2138/am-2024-9689","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2024-9689","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410187947","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbial weathering of iron-bearing minerals in deep hydrothermally altered granitic rock of a semi-arid environment (Chilean Coastal Cordillera)","abstract":"Abstract Microbial mineral weathering has been predominantly investigated at shallow depths in humid and tropical environments. Much less is understood about its role in the deeper subsurface of arid and semi-arid environments where microbial weathering is limited by the availability of water and energy sources for microbial metabolism. However, the deep subsurface in these climate zones may host a microbial community that thrives on weathering of iron (Fe)-bearing minerals that serve as electron donors or acceptors. To investigate the role of microorganisms in weathering of Fe-bearing minerals in a dry climate, we recovered a >80 m deep weathering profile in a semi-arid region of the Chilean Coastal Cordillera. The bedrock is rich in Fe-bearing minerals (hornblende, biotite, chlorite, magnetite and hematite) but lacks detectable organic carbon. We evaluated the bioavailability of Fe(III)-bearing minerals that may serve as an electron acceptor for Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms. Using geochemical, mineralogical and cultivation-based methods, we found enhanced Fe bioavailability and more in vitro microbial Fe(III) reduction at increased depth. We obtained an Fe(III)-reducing enrichment culture from the deepest weathered rock found at 77 m depth. This enrichment culture is capable of reducing ferrihydrite (up to 0.6 mM d–1) using lactate or dihydrogen as an electron donor and grows at circumneutral pH. The main organism in the enrichment culture is the spore-forming Desulfotomaculum ruminis (abundance of 98.5%) as revealed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Our findings provide evidence for a microbial contribution to the weathering of Fe-bearing minerals in semi-arid environments. While microorganisms are probably not contributing to the weathering of Fe(II)-bearing silicate minerals, they are most likely of importance regarding reductive dissolution of secondary weathering products. The Fe(III) reduction quantified in this weathering profile by the in situ microbial community suggests that microorganisms are active weathering agents in semi-arid climates.","author":[{"family":"Schwerdhelm","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Hampl","given":"Ferdinand"},{"family":"Krone","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Sauter","given":"Lea"},{"family":"Kaphegyi","given":"K"},{"family":"Horstmann","given":"Lucas"},{"family":"Straub","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Samuels","given":"Toby"},{"family":"Mansor","given":"Muammar"},{"family":"Guzmán","given":"Carolina"},{"family":"Matus","given":"Francisco"},{"family":"Blanckenburg","given":"Friedhelm"},{"family":"Wagner","given":"Dirk"},{"family":"Neumann","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Kappler","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Bryce","given":"Casey"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1180/gbi.2025.2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1180/gbi.2025.2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406110832","type":"article-journal","title":"Sampling Mars: Geologic context and preliminary characterization of samples collected by the NASA Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Mission","abstract":"The NASA Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Mission has collected samples of rock, regolith, and atmosphere within the Noachian-aged Jezero Crater, once the site of a delta-lake system with a high potential for habitability and biosignature preservation. Between sols 109 and 1,088 of the mission, 27 sample tubes have been sealed, including witness tubes. Each sealed sample tube has been collected along with detailed documentation provided by the Perseverance instrument payload, preserving geological and environmental context. Samples representative of the stratigraphy within each of four campaigns have been collected: samples from the Crater Floor Campaign represent a suite of potentially petrogenetically related igneous rocks displaying variable degrees of aqueous alteration; samples from the Fan Front record fluvial to deltaic sediments formed by the transport and deposition of materials from the Jezero watershed; regolith samples from the Fan Front preserve material possibly representative of global dust as well as diverse, locally derived clasts; Upper Fan samples record the latest stages of aqueous activity within Jezero; and samples from the Margin Campaign preserve lacustrine, littoral, or possibly igneous processes that may have occurred early in the history of the crater. Along with anticipated samples from the older rocks within the rim of Jezero Crater, Perseverance promises to deliver a suite of samples preserving a diversity of formation environments and ages. Upon return to Earth and analysis in terrestrial laboratories, these samples would address longstanding questions pertaining to the geologic evolution of Mars, its habitability, and the potential for life outside the Earth.","author":[{"family":"Herd","given":"CDK"},{"family":"Bosak","given":"Tanja"},{"family":"Hausrath","given":"Elisabeth"},{"family":"Hickmanlewis","given":"Keyron"},{"family":"Mayhew","given":"LE"},{"family":"Shuster","given":"David"},{"family":"Siljeström","given":"Sandra"},{"family":"Simon","given":"Justin"},{"family":"Weiss","given":"BP"},{"family":"Wadhwa","given":"M"},{"family":"Zorzano","given":"María‐paz"},{"family":"Maki","given":"JN"},{"family":"Farley","given":"Kenneth"},{"family":"Stack","given":"KM"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2404255121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2404255121","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413230128","type":"article-journal","title":"On the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Aerospace Engineering: Current State of the Art and Future Trajectories","abstract":"Abstract The rapid development of AI has resulted in an unprecedented paradigm shift across various industries, with aerospace among the laureates of this transformation. This review paper attempts to explore and provide comprehensive overview of the aerospace research imperatives from the AI perspective, detailing the technical sides of the full lifecycle from vehicle design and operational optimisation to advanced air traffic management systems. By examining real-world engineering implementations, the review demonstrates how AI-driven solutions are directly addressing longstanding challenges in aerospace, such as optimising flight performance, reducing operational costs and improving system reliability. A significant emphasis is placed on the crucial roles of AI in health monitoring and predictive maintenance, areas that are pivotal for ensuring the safety and longevity of aerospace endeavors, and which are now increasingly adopted in industry for remaining useful life (RUL) forecasting and condition-based maintenance strategies. The paper also discusses AI embedded in quality control and inspection processes, where it boosts accuracy, efficiency and fault detection capability. The review provides insight into the state-of-the-art applications of AI in planetary exploration, particularly within the realms of autonomous scientific instrumentation and robotic prospecting, as well as surface operations on extraterrestrial bodies. An important case study is India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, demonstrating the application of AI in both autonomous navigation and scientific exploration within the challenging environments of space. By furnishing an overview of the field, the paper frames the ever-important, increasing domains of AI as the forefront in the advancement of aerospace engineering and opens avenues for further discussion regarding the limitless possibilities at the juncture of intelligent systems and aerospace innovation.","author":[{"family":"Shenwai","given":"Pratham"},{"family":"Choudhary","given":"Ajay"},{"family":"Pokuri","given":"Tejeswar"},{"family":"Basak","given":"Amit"},{"family":"Manikandan","given":"M"},{"family":"Singh","given":"Balbir"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1017/aer.2025.10050","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/aer.2025.10050","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413185675","type":"article-journal","title":"Mechanisms of water retention at carbohydrate–clay interfaces","abstract":"Abstract Clay minerals are well documented to facilitate the retention of water and organic matter in terrestrial soils, Martian regolith, and meteorites. Yet, the mechanisms underlying water trapping within these mineral–organic matter associations are poorly understood. Here, we investigate these mechanisms with montmorillonite, a smectite clay, populated with carbohydrates of different structures. By capturing relative proportion of bound versus freely exchangeable waters by mass spectrometry during thermogravimetric analysis, we observe up to a 2.3-fold increase in bound waters in samples with adsorbed carbohydrates. Temperature-dependent carbon loss from adsorbed 13C-labeled carbohydrate determines increase in carbohydrate trapping at low moisture. We determine that the amount of trapped organic carbon is correlated positively with the population of bound waters. Molecular dynamics simulations of a carbohydrate-populated clay nanopore identify different interfacial waters, involving direct single or multiple hydrogen bonds on the clay surface without or with simultaneous hydrogen bonding with adsorbed carbohydrates. Quantum mechanics-based computations highlight up to 5-fold greater binding energy for bound waters associated with adsorbed carbohydrates on the clay surface, compared to bound waters in the absence of carbohydrates. Thus, our experimental and theoretical results collectively reveal that interfacial waters bridging hydrated organic matter to the clay surface facilitate water trapping within mineral–organic associations.","author":[{"family":"Kelch","given":"Sabrina"},{"family":"Barrios-Cerda","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Park","given":"Yeonsoo"},{"family":"Ferrage","given":"Eric"},{"family":"Aristilde","given":"Ludmilla"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf259","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf259","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413882489","type":"article-journal","title":"High-pressure and temperature investigation of silicic acid ± water with implications for the ice polymorphism, lunar moganite and diamonds growth media","abstract":"Abstract The polymorphism of ice has been widely investigated over the last decades, and the results were found to be applicable over a wide range of terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments with recent findings also among the mineral inclusions entrapped in natural diamonds. In this study, we investigated the behavior of solid [SiOx(OH)4-2x]n silicic acid under anhydrous and hydrous conditions at high pressure and temperature using the diamond anvil cell technique combined with both Raman and Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy. Firstly, we report the stability of silicic acid in the form of silica gel under anhydrous conditions up to about 7 GPa and 200 °C. In the presence of water employed as pressure medium, we observe the formation of ice VI and ice VII at lower pressures than previously reported in pure water systems. Each phase transition is documented by the optical images over compression/decompression and heating/cooling runs. Importantly, we report the decomposition of silicic acid to moganite and metastable quartz in the presence of ice polymorphs up to near 10 GPa and 200 °C and also recovered at ambient conditions along with H2Oliq. Main implications from this study span from planetary sciences to Earth’s deep mineralogy. For instance, the interior of ice giants might need to be revisited considering our enhanced stability of ice VII at lower pressures in the presence of tiny amount of free silica while the formation of moganite + quartz resembles the assemblage found in a lunar meteorite and provides a pressure–temperature range applicable to constrain impact conditions. Furthermore, the stability of silicic acid at high pressure(–temperature) can be taken as preliminary evidence that the formation of orthosilicic acid, such as that found around minerals entrapped in diamonds, might result from the dissolution of minerals (or melts) into acidic aqueous fluids.","author":[{"family":"Marras","given":"Giulia"},{"family":"Lu","given":"Y"},{"family":"Stopponi","given":"Veronica"},{"family":"Tao","given":"Renbiao"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Yajuan"},{"family":"Stagno","given":"Vincenzo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40645-025-00756-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40645-025-00756-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411401135","type":"article-journal","title":"From earth to space: how bacterial consortia and green compost improve lettuce growth on lunar and martian simulants","abstract":"The possibility of establishing human colonies on the Moon or Mars depends on the ability to regenerate environmental resources and produce food on-site. In this context, plant-based systems, such as Bioregenerative Life Support Systems, offer a promising solution for regenerating environmental resources, primarily air and water, and producing fresh food, partly recycling crew’s organic waste. This study investigates the role of selected consortium of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) Azotobacter chroococcum 76A, Priestia megaterium EL5, Methylobacterium populi VP2, and Kosakonia pseudosacchari TL13 in enhancing plant growth on Martian and Lunar regolith simulants, focusing on the effect on nutrient bioavailability in a system with zero external input aside from green compost derived from plant residues (pH 8.25 and a low C/N ratio), using lettuce as a model plant. The compost amendment improved lettuce biomass, particularly on the Lunar simulant (moving from 0.1 to 1.3 g plant−1), and nutrient bioavailability in all the amended substrates (+ 23% on average). PGPB treatment enhanced leaf biomass by 35% and its mineral nutritional content (+ 26% on average), indicating that the microbial consortium could exert positive impact on plants grown in nutrient-limited substrates. Detailed analysis of the effect of microbial inoculation revealed an increase in functional genes linked with nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization in non-amended inoculated substrates. High throughput sequencing revealed an increment of bacterial diversity in amended substrates, and a significant shift in microbial communities due to inoculation in non-amended substrates. Moreover, the positive correlation between nutrient bioavailability in the rhizosphere and the presence of PGPB in Martian simulant substrates suggests that PGPB inoculation can enhance nutrient uptake efficiency under Martian soil conditions. Our study indicates that the application of microbial consortium along with green compost is a promising strategy to improve regolith simulants fertility and thus, plant development, passing nutrient-deficient conditions and offering applications for future long-term space missions.","author":[{"family":"Duri","given":"Luigi"},{"family":"Romano","given":"Ida"},{"family":"Adamo","given":"Paola"},{"family":"Rouphael","given":"Youssef"},{"family":"Pannico","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Ventorino","given":"Valeria"},{"family":"Pepe","given":"Olimpia"},{"family":"Pascale","given":"Stefania"},{"family":"Caporale","given":"Antonio"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00374-025-01923-3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-025-01923-3","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412987753","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogical Changes and H 2 Generation Yield During Hydrothermal Alteration of a Magnetite‐Siderite Assemblage","abstract":"Abstract To date, the generation of natural hydrogen (H 2 ) from the alteration of Fe II ‐bearing minerals has mainly been studied through serpentinization in (ultra)mafic rocks. This study explores Banded Iron Formations (BIF), which are rich in Fe II minerals, as a potential source for H 2 . We conducted a hydrothermal experiment at 200°C with a combined magnetite‐siderite assemblage, two major components of BIF. The experiment, designed with a high water‐to‐rock ratio and a gas phase (W‐R = 300) enabled to assess mineral transformations during the alteration. Thermodynamic simulations were finally conducted, to explore H 2 ‐generating yields in more realistic geological scenarios (no gas phase, lower W‐R). Our experimental findings show that H 2 is produced through complete siderite dissolution and magnetite precipitation. Concomitantly, non‐stoichiometric primary magnetite (Fe II /Fe III < 0.5) did not enhance H 2 yield; instead, it acted as a sink for dissolved Fe 2+ , sequestrating about 10% of the iron from siderite without oxidation to recover a more ideal stoichiometry. This suggests that abundant, non‐stoichiometric magnetite in natural settings may reduce H 2 generation yields. Mass balance calculations indicate that 83% of the expected H 2 generated was unaccounted for, consistent with suspected CO 2 reduction and formation of dissolved organic compounds in the fluids. Thermodynamic simulations at varying W‐R ratios (from 300 to 1) reveal that H 2 yield ranges widely (39 mmol–73 μmol H 2 per kg of siderite), since lower W‐R prevent from siderite dissolution and enhance H 2 consumption via carbon reduction. These findings imply that low W‐R ratios in BIF ‐and other siderite‐bearing lithologies, may limit H 2 resources.","author":[{"family":"Geymond","given":"Ugo"},{"family":"Truche","given":"Laurent"},{"family":"Sissmann","given":"OJ"},{"family":"Kubániová","given":"Denisa"},{"family":"Recham","given":"Nadir"},{"family":"Martinez","given":"I"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024jb030724","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024jb030724","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409349989","type":"article-journal","title":"The salty tango of brine composition and UV photochemistry effects on Halobacterium salinarum cell envelope biosignature preservation","abstract":"Hypersaline environments, including brines and brine inclusions of evaporite crystals, are currently of great interest due to their unique preservation properties for the search for terrestrial and potentially extraterrestrial biosignatures of ancient life. However, much is still unclear about the specific effects that dictate the preservation properties of brines. Here we present the first insights into the preservation of cell envelope fragments in brines, characterizing the relative contributions of brine composition, UV photochemistry, and cellular macromolecules on biosignature preservation. Cell envelopes from the model halophile Halobacterium salinarum were used to simulate dead microbial cellular remains in hypersaline environments based on life as we currently know it. Using different Early Earth and Mars analogue brines, we show that acidic and NaCl-dominated brine compositions are more predisposed to preserving complex biosignatures from UV degradation, but that the composition of the biological material also influences this preservation. Furthermore, a combinatory effect between chaotropicity and photochemistry occurs, with the relative importance of each being brine-specific. These results provide an experimental framework for biosignature detection in hypersaline environments, emphasizing the need for laboratory simulations to evaluate preservation properties of each potential brine environment, on Earth and elsewhere in the solar system.","author":[{"family":"Bourmancé","given":"Lucas"},{"family":"Marie","given":"Arul"},{"family":"Puppo","given":"Rémy"},{"family":"Brûlé","given":"Sébastien"},{"family":"Schaeffer","given":"Philippe"},{"family":"Toupet","given":"M"},{"family":"Nitsche","given":"Ruben"},{"family":"Elsaesser","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Kish","given":"Adrienne"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42003-025-08007-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-08007-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7154754796","type":"article-journal","title":"Selection of beneficial fungi for plants with the potential to metabolize lunar and Martian regolith","abstract":"The establishment of sustainable agriculture on extraterrestrial bodies (the Moon, Mars, etc. ) depends on transforming regolith, an unconsolidated, microbiota-free, mineral substrate, into a functional soil-like material with numerous beneficial properties including as a growth substrate for plants. Lunar and Martian regolith present physicochemical challenges, including alkaline pH, high concentrations of toxic elements (e.g., aluminum, manganese, perchlorates), and limited bioavailability of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This review explores the potential of beneficial fungi to support regolith-based agriculture (RBA) through biomineralization, nutrient mobilization, and bioremediation. We present fungal species capable of solubilizing phosphates, chelating metals via siderophores, and metabolizing iron and aluminum oxides, thereby enhancing nutrient accessibility. While some highlighted genera, such as Trichoderma , Penicillium , and Aspergillus , include well-known pathogenic species, they also encompass strains with potential applications for promoting plant growth under abiotic stress. Extremophilic fungi like Cryomyces antarcticus are also noted for their resilience. Furthermore, we discuss the potential role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from the phylum Glomeromycota in promoting plant growth under harsh conditions. On Earth, these fungi are known to enhance iron uptake, mitigate oxidative stress, and improve soil structure via glomalin-mediated aggregation, mechanisms that may be applicable to regolith systems. We also examine fungal strains isolated from the International Space Station which may possess pre-adapted traits suitable for these off-world environments. While knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding biosafety, strain selection, and performance validation under simulated extraterrestrial conditions, including radiation exposure, we contend that fungi are essential biotechnological allies for ISRU ( In Situ Resource Utilization), contributing to sustainable agriculture in both extraterrestrial habitats and degraded ecosystems on Earth. We emphasize the need for interdisciplinary research integrating astrobiology, microbial ecology, and space agriculture in preparation for future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars.","author":[{"family":"Oliveira","given":"Jéssica"},{"family":"Loureiro","given":"Rafael"},{"family":"Palmer","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Patreze","given":"Camila"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2026.1784533","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2026.1784533","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411229770","type":"article-journal","title":"Potential to Use Plants to Extract Essential Metals from Lunar and Martian Soils","abstract":"Recent advances in space exploration have brought the possibility of sustainable colonies on the Moon and Mars within reach. Space missions have already returned extraterrestrial rocks and soils to Earth, and future crewed missions will provide even greater access to off-world materials. Eventually, we may colonize plants on space. Among the tremendous diverse terrestrial species, some plants called hyperaccumulators not only survive on toxic soil but also accumulate heavy elements in their foliage, which offers a novel solution for extracting valuable elements from these extraterrestrial substrates. Phytomining is a biotechnological approach that employs hyperaccumulator plants to concentrate heavy metals and rare earth elements in their biomass and it holds particular promise for in situ resource utilization. These specialized plants absorb metals from the soil into their foliage, which can then be harvested and processed to recover the targeted elements. With modern biotechnology and genome editing tools, developing hyperaccumulators optimized to lunar or Martian soil is feasible. By cultivating hyperaccumulator species on lunar or Martian soil, it becomes possible to generate meaningful quantities of construction and industrial metals directly on site. Implementing phytomining on the Moon and Mars could reduce the need to transport raw materials from Earth, lower launch costs, and accelerate the development of local infrastructure. As we move toward establishing off-world settlements, integrating phytomining into extraterrestrial agriculture and resource-extraction strategies may prove critical for achieving long-term sustainability.","author":[{"family":"Angle","given":"JS"},{"family":"Kim","given":"J"},{"family":"Chaires","given":"Jonathan"},{"family":"Castañeda","given":"A"},{"family":"Jan","given":"MR"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.32473/space.1.2.139519","URL":"https://doi.org/10.32473/space.1.2.139519","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406245002","type":"article-journal","title":"A pristine low-Ti cumulate source for Chang’e 5 basalts revealed by Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes","abstract":"The Chinese Chang’e 5 mission has returned the youngest mare basalts (∼2.0 Ga) identified thus far. However, their mantle source remains highly debated. Here, we present an integrated study of the mineralogy, chemical composition, Pb–Pb age, and whole rock Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of one Chang’e 5 (CE5) basalt clast. The indistinguishable age (1.96 ± 0.09 Ga), similar mineral chemical compositions and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions to those of previously reported CE5 basalts indicate that they had a common mantle source. After correction for cosmic ray effects, the whole rock εNd-εHf values plot exactly on the regression line defined by Apollo low-Ti basalts (R2 = 0.95), revealing their source affinity from a depleted mantle cumulate, consistent with their depleted Sr isotopic features. Combined with its deep negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* of 0.44), the modelling calculations imply that the CE5 basalts were derived from a moderate-stage olivine(±orthopyroxene)+pigeonite+plagioclase cumulate with removal of most plagioclase. Furthermore, combining the CE5 basalts and Apollo 12 and 15 low-Ti mare basalts could be best interpreted as having this common, depleted pristine low-Ti cumulate source with variable TIRL (trapped instantaneous residual liquid). Our observations emphasise a pristine low-Ti cumulate source formed by the lunar magma ocean (LMO) for the CE5 basalts, leaving the melting mechanism a mystery.","author":[{"family":"Shen","given":"Ji"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yuanming"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Zixuan"},{"family":"Zuo","given":"Zhi"},{"family":"Che","given":"Xin"},{"family":"Li","given":"Wenchang"},{"family":"Wang","given":"F"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xi"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Yiyang"},{"family":"Hui","given":"Hejiu"},{"family":"Qin","given":"Liping"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.7185/geochemlet.2502","URL":"https://doi.org/10.7185/geochemlet.2502","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409195391","type":"article-journal","title":"Protocell formation on micrometeorites","abstract":"We report on the formation of membranous protocells by self-assembly of lipids on micrometeorites, the extraterrestrial particles that have been continuously reaching the surface of the Earth ever since its formation. Synergistic interactions of lipid compartments with pristine extraterrestrial surfaces are entirely unexplored, but constitute a possible scenario for early evolution of primitive cells by a surface energy-driven transformation mechanism. Lipids utilize the surface energy of the particles to adhere to them and autonomously transform into spherical compartments, typically through formation of lipid nanotubes. Natural sand particles of similar composition and shape were simultaneously investigated for reference, showing that certain lipid compositions prefer micrometeorite surfaces. The elemental composition of the particles, their surface texture and cleanness altogether may be contributing to the differences observed in lipid behavior. Lipid nanotubes on- and extending out of- the micrometeorites were observed to carry lipid particles and connect to other objects in the surrounding environment.","author":[{"family":"Jesorka","given":"Aldo"},{"family":"Villalmanzo","given":"Esteban"},{"family":"Ciftcioglu","given":"Ezgi"},{"family":"Jedrasik","given":"Piotr"},{"family":"Larsen","given":"Jon"},{"family":"Gözen","given":"İrep"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-026-60022-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-60022-x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411629408","type":"article-journal","title":"The role of magma differentiation in optimizing the fluid-assisted extraction of copper to generate large porphyry-type deposits","abstract":"Porphyry copper deposits (PCDs) are the main source of copper globally, with the metals transported in and deposited from aqueous magmatic fluids. Processes that define the volume of magma and concentration of copper in the magma required to form PCDs, however, are not well understood. Here, we present the results of quantitative modeling of the behavior of Cu and Cl during magma evolution in the upper crust. We show that fractional crystallization is the most important process promoting efficient Cu extraction, and that high concentrations of Cu in the ore-forming hydrothermal fluids can be reached with moderate Cl concentrations. Unusually high concentrations of Cl and Cu in the magma and large magma volumes are not required. Arc magmas of modest volume (<10 3 km 3 ) and modest initial Cu and Cl concentrations can generate large PCDs, if a sufficient mass of magmatic fluid is exsolved at an advanced stage of crystallization.","author":[{"family":"Yuan","given":"Shunda"},{"family":"Williamsjones","given":"Anthony"},{"family":"Bodnar","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Panlao"},{"family":"Zajacz","given":"Zoltán"},{"family":"Chou","given":"I‐ming"},{"family":"Jingwen","given":"Mao"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adr8464","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr8464","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409816287","type":"article-journal","title":"Revealing the Moon's Taurus‐Littrow Landslide via Integrated Analysis of Pristine Apollo 17 Soil Core 73001/2","abstract":"Abstract The “light mantle” deposit at the base of South Massif in the Moon's Taurus‐Littrow Valley was a primary science target for the Apollo 17 exploration. The possibility that it was a landslide triggered by ejecta from Tycho Crater is critical for establishing the age of Tycho and constraining recent lunar impact chronology; however, the mechanism of emplacement of the deposit has recently been questioned. The newly opened 73001/73002 double drive tube from Station 3 sampled 70.6 cm deep into the regolith and represents the first stratigraphic section of an extraterrestrial landslide deposit returned to Earth. Here we provide an overview of the stratigraphy of the 73001/73002 core based on top to bottom variations revealed by coordinated laboratory analyses and explore constraints on the emplacement of the light mantle deposit. Briefly, the upper ∼10 cm of 73002 contains a disturbed zone from space weathering and emplacement of ejecta from a nearby crater that excavated and ejected basaltic material. Below 10 cm is a nearly uniform unit of immature regolith. These data support a single event for the emplacement of the deposit at this location, followed by weathering and mixing of materials from nearby crater ejecta in the upper 10 cm. Slight variations in chemistry and clast components may reflect the relative stratigraphy of the South Massif slope, with material toward the bottom of 73001 originating from lower slopes and material from higher up in the core representing regolith from higher up the South Massif slopes.","author":[{"family":"Neuman","given":"Mason"},{"family":"Jolliff","given":"BL"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Kun"},{"family":"Petro","given":"NE"},{"family":"Valenciano","given":"JL"},{"family":"Neal","given":"CR"},{"family":"Eckley","given":"SA"},{"family":"Kent","given":"Jeremy"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Lingzhi"},{"family":"Lucey","given":"PG"},{"family":"Bell","given":"SK"},{"family":"Joy","given":"KH"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024je008556","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024je008556","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7119915837","type":"article-journal","title":"Lunar regolith simulant-based triboelectric nanogenerators: Toward sustainable energy harvesting from resources on the moon","abstract":"• Lunar regolith particles (LRPs) are used to develop flexible TENG composites. • LRPs/PDMS films show enhanced triboelectric output with optimized particle size. • Contact-separation TENG efficiently powers LEDs with consistent voltage output. • The approach supports sustainable, extraterrestrial, and flexible energy systems. The exploration of extraterrestrial materials for energy harvesting, generation and storage is important for futuristic material evolution and use. Thus, study and use of extraterrestrial materials simulants becomes straightforward way to identify potential of those materials. Such as Lunar Regolith Simulants are tested as reference material to explore suitability for construction, solar cell components and beyond. However, aiming futuristic space exploration, on-site energy generator development from Lunar regolith materials is unexplored and necessary to unveil it. In this work, we introduce a lightweight, flexible triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that uses lunar regolith simulant particles (LRPs) embedded in polydimethoxysilane (PDMS) to harvest mechanical energy as first proof-of-concept. Under cyclic contact-separation, the optimized device containing 30 wt % of ≤ 45 µm LRPs yields an open-circuit voltage V oc of ∼10.5 V, a short-circuit current I sc of ∼2.2 µA, and a peak power density reached its maximum at 3.0 µW cm⁻² under a force of 2.5 N at 10 Hz. Systematic optimization of grain size and weight fraction of LRPs in PDMS film is analyzed and resulted in the voltage output of 1.6 times and current density by 2.1 times compared to the bare PDMS material. Furthermore, the device shows 95 % performance retention of its output after 36,000 operation cycles, underscoring its good stability and potential for sustainable energy harvesting in ambient environments. These results demonstrate that utilizing extraterrestrial fillers, such as LRPs, is a useful approach for enhancing TENG performance in future terrestrial settings, offering insight for future space materials employed in composite design for TENG devices.","author":[{"family":"Yohannan","given":"Alex"},{"family":"Vaghasiya","given":"Jayraj"},{"family":"Sonigara","given":"Keval"},{"family":"Pumera","given":"M"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.apmt.2025.103071","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2025.103071","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409291201","type":"article-journal","title":"The quest for habitats in the outer Solar System and how to protect exotic pristine environments","abstract":"The search for life within our Solar System and beyond has been a key motivation for space exploration since its inception. These efforts have focused on specific celestial bodies located within the \"habitable zone\". Mars has long been a primary target for exploration, but the large moons of the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn have also emerged as fascinating astrobiological candidates, offering promising conditions for habitability and the potential for life to emerge and persist. To ensure safe and sustainable exploration of these bodies, the 114 countries that signed the Outer Space Treaty in 1967 assigned the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) the task of creating planetary protection guidelines. These guidelines are designed to align with the Treaty and prevent the harmful effects of both forward and backward contamination. While the planetary protection policy established by the COSPAR Panel on Planetary Protection (PPP) is not legally binding, it is internationally recognized and accompanied by implementation guidelines for all stakeholders. The PPP focuses on the biological exchange that occurs during solar system exploration, including the chemical evolution and the origin and development of life forms. It examines the potential impacts of contamination from Earth-based organisms on the environments of planets other than Earth and natural satellites, and also considers the risk of contaminating Earth with materials returned from space that may carry extraterrestrial life (cosparhq.cnes.fr/scienti_c-structure/panels/panel-on-planetary-protection-ppp/). The COSPAR Policy is grounded in the latest scientific understanding and adheres to the principle that COSPAR's planetary protection guidelines should facilitate, not hinder, Solar System exploration by being regularly reviewed and updated in line with new scientific discoveries and the evolving demands of space exploration. In this paper, we review our current knowledge of the possible habitats in the outer Solar System and their current and future safe and sustainable exploration (for example, with missions like Juice, Europa Clipper and Dragonfly) to secure access to unique and primordial information on the origin and evolution of life on our own planet. • Planetary protection enables scientific space exploration and protects the Earth. • A Planetary Protection (PP) Policy has been developed by the COSPAR Panel on PP. • It is an agreed international standard with guidelines for compliance with the OST. • It is based on the most recent scientific knowledge. • The Policy allows to safely explore possible habitable worlds in the solar system.","author":[{"family":"Coustenis","given":"A"},{"family":"Doran","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Olssonfrancis","given":"Karen"},{"family":"Prietoballesteros","given":"O"},{"family":"Raulin","given":"F"},{"family":"Rettberg","given":"Petra"},{"family":"Grasset","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Hayes","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Mustin","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Hedman","given":"Niklas"},{"family":"Shehhi","given":"Omar"},{"family":"Ammannito","given":"E"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.04.003","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.04.003","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412520884","type":"article-journal","title":"Dusty streaks on the Moon: fingerprints of multiphase flow instabilities","abstract":"From the crewed Apollo missions to the recent Chinese Chang’e landings, the interaction between spacecraft exhaust plumes and lunar soil produces dusty clouds with high-speed particle ejection. Despite varying landing sites, remarkably stable streak patterns were observed, raising questions about their origin. We solved this puzzle by showing that these patterns were driven by Görtler instability from the curved compressed shear layer of the supersonic but surprisingly laminar jet. This instability creates vortical structures that entrain and eject particles. The number of streaks exhibits an interesting scaling with the jet pressure ratio, which can be modeled with linear instability theory and shows excellent agreement with scaled-down experiments, simulations, and actual observations in landing videos. Our findings provide a fluid physics explanation of extraterrestrial landings, highlighting the role of particle-laden flows and paving the way for future missions to optimize landing strategies and mitigate dust cloud effects on equipment and visibility. Despite observed routinely from spacecrafts landing on, e.g., lunar soil, the origin of radial streak patterns has been unclear up to now. Here, the authors report an experimental study of such instabilities in the coupled dynamics of rocket plumes and sand surfaces.","author":[{"family":"Rubio","given":"Juan"},{"family":"Rodrigues","given":"Neil"},{"family":"Qi","given":"Yinghe"},{"family":"Patel","given":"Meet"},{"family":"Gorman","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Lopez","given":"Miguel"},{"family":"Capecelatro","given":"Jesse"},{"family":"Danehy","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Ni","given":"Rui"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-62001-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62001-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411692610","type":"article-journal","title":"Combining Submicron Spectroscopy Techniques (AFM-IR and O-PTIR) To Detect and Quantify Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Snow from a Utah Ski Resort","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) and optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy are cutting-edge techniques used for precise nanoscale chemical analysis, capable of detecting and characterizing particles smaller than 1 μm. In this study, we applied both techniques to analyze snow subsamples collected from Beaver Mountain, Utah. Quantification by AFM-IR identified a concentration of 1.50 × 10 –1 μg/mL of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate -co- 4-hydroxybutyrate), a copolyester known for its biodegradability and biocompatibility and that was the only polymer detected. Notably, 96% of particles had thicknesses below 1 μm, with the smallest particle recorded at 14 nm in height, demonstrating the advantage of the paired AFM-IR and O-PTIR techniques to detect and identify the chemical composition of a single nanoparticle. By integrating AFM-IR and O-PTIR, we combined the spatial resolution of AFM with the chemical specificity of O-PTIR, overcoming the limitations of each technique. This dual approach enabled high-sensitivity detection of nanoplastics in complex environmental samples with no preprocessing required. This approach provides valuable insights into the dimensions and concentrations of nanoplastics in environmental samples, with broader implications for understanding their prevalence and impact.","author":[{"family":"Belontz","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Brahney","given":"Janice"},{"family":"Caplan","given":"CE"},{"family":"Dillon","given":"Eoghan"},{"family":"Yan","given":"Ting"},{"family":"Domínguez","given":"G"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.est.4c12170","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.4c12170","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7167075720","type":"article-journal","title":"MicrOmega: a generic hyperspectral microscopic imager to characterize extraterrestrial samples, in space and in the lab","abstract":"Introduction: Analyses of extraterrestrial samples enables to better assess the processes responsible for the wide diversity of solar system properties. Specifically, NIR hyperspectral imagery complement the NIR remote sensing of asteroids and planetary surfaces, in enabling tracking diagnostic major and minor constituents of sampled material, that are witnesses of the formation and evolution of their parent bodies, with their potential role when imbedded within Solar System objects. MicrOmega has been developed to detect and map such key constituents in mm-sized samples, directly in situ as a space instrument, and in the laboratory whenever returned samples are available. The Instrument: MicrOmega is a near-IR hyperspectral microscope developed at the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale in Orsay, France [1]. The instrument delivers (x,y λ) spectral cubes from 0.99 to 3.65 µm, over a 5×5 mm² field of view, with a ~20 µm pixel size. Its spectral range, spectral sampling and focal depth have been chosen to enable, in a compact, light and robust instrument, the identification of most potential constituents: silicates, oxides, salts, hydrated minerals, ices and frosts, as well as organic compounds, discriminating between specific members in each family (e.g. low and high Ca pyroxenes, forsterite and fayalite, Mg and Al rich phyllosilicates, aliphatic and aromatic compounds, different types of carbonates and sulfates, etc. [2]). One prime goal is to observe the interrelation between the various phases and minerals, including those only present in small abundances (e.g. a few grains within the rock) or restricted to fractures or pores. Moreover, data processing enables not only to identify and locate grains of specific composition, but also to quantify their abundance. MicrOmega on Mars: MicrOmega has been developed to be the first instrument to analyse the drilled samples inside the Rosalind Franklin rover of the ExoMars mission, to be launched in 2028 [1]. The rover will drill samples down to 2 m depth at the surface of Mars, and distribute them to the Analytical Laboratory Drawer (ALD) in the body of the rover for detailed mineralogic and molecular analysis. MicrOmega aims to characterize the composition of these samples at the grain size scale, in a non-destructive way.Together with the flight model integrated in Rosalind Franklin, a flight spare of MicrOmega is installed in a dedicated set-up at Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale [3]. The instrument is set in a glove box under controlled atmosphere and temperature to allow the safe use of the instrument under different conditions. A large number of synthetic and natural Earth analogues for Mars have been analysed within this set-up and has shown the capability of MicrOmega to map a large diversity of minerals [2], and to detect organic molecules even in small amount, in different mineral settings. MicrOmega and extraterrestrial samples: MicrOmega is now also used to analyse extraterrestrial samples in the lab.The set-up with the flight spare of MicrOmega/ExoMars allows the analysis of precious extraterrestrial samples continuously out of contact with the Earth atmosphere. Meteorites, and samples from Ryugu (JAXA/Hayabusa2 mission), Bennu (NASA/OSIRIS-ReX mission), and the Moon (CNSA/Chang’E-5 mission [4]) have been and will be analysed in this facility.Another model of MicrOmega has been integrated in the curation facility for the Ryugu and Bennu returned samples at ISAS/JAXA extraterrestrial samples curation center (EsCuC). This MicrOmega model observes all samples from both carbonaceous asteroids curated in Japan, maintained in clean chambers under N2, before their distribution to the scientific community [5, 6]. With these very dark samples, MicrOmega is sensitive to phyllosilicate signatures and how they are affected by space weathering (e.g. [7]), carbonates, phosphates, and CH- and NH-rich compounds as small as a few 10s µm.In particular, MicrOmega has been able to help us b","author":[{"family":"Loizeau","given":"D"},{"family":"Bibring","given":"Jean"},{"family":"Pilorget","given":"Cédric"},{"family":"Hamm","given":"Vincent"},{"family":"Team","given":"The"},{"family":"Loizeau","given":"Damien"},{"family":"Team","given":"The"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc2026-1084","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc2026-1084","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413253768","type":"article-journal","title":"Trigonal Fe 2 Si from the Blackville site, South Carolina, USA: occurrence, composition and determination of the crystal structure","abstract":"Abstract Iron silicides, including hapkeite (Fe 2 Si), are rare minerals found in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. In this study, we present the discovery of trigonal Fe 2 Si in glass from the Blackville site, South Carolina, USA, in a discrete, deeply buried layer where it is associated with suessite and other impact-related materials. The site has been previously studied for its rich assemblage of Fe–Si spherules, platinum, iridium and nanodiamonds. Using advanced micro-computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, we have characterised the crystal structure of trigonal Fe 2 Si, identifying it as a distinct phase from the cubic hapkeite. The high concentrations of V, Ti and P in trigonal Fe 2 Si and its co-occurrence with suessite suggest an impact-related origin or a lightning strike. Anthropogenic processes, although unlikely, cannot yet be completely ruled out. While this compound represents a new polymorph of Fe 2 Si, we refrain at this time from proposing it as a new mineral species to the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) because of remaining uncertainties about its formation. Further research is needed to determine whether this trigonal Fe 2 Si was produced by natural processes or by anthropogenesis.","author":[{"family":"Bindi","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Kennett","given":"James"},{"family":"Lecompte","given":"Malcolm"},{"family":"Kletetschka","given":"G"},{"family":"Moore","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"West","given":"Allen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1180/mgm.2025.10130","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2025.10130","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7124904077","type":"article-journal","title":"Mechanochemistry: Looking back and ahead","abstract":"Starting with the discovery of fire and the preparation of food in prehistoric times, mechanochemistry is the oldest form of chemistry that humans have controlled. Mechanochemical practices, such as grinding with a mortar and pestle, continued into the Middle Ages until dedicated scientific studies began in the 19 th century. Since then, research in mechanochemistry has shown that many chemical reactions can be performed via mechanical force without or with small amounts of solvent. Besides being time, material, and energy efficient, mechanochemical reactions often yield products that differ from those obtained in solution. Therefore, not only is mechanochemistry greener and more sustainable than conventional solution chemistry, but it also has the added value of providing new reactivity and selectivity. This is especially important today, when chemists need to invent high-performance materials, intermediates, and products with the use of sustainable feedstocks and develop environmental remediation pathways. At the same time, time-resolved in situ monitoring and computational modeling are necessary for addressing fundamental questions about the atomistic, molecular, and electronic nature of mechanochemical reactivity. Integrating digitalization, robotics, and artificial intelligence tools promises to increase the reproducibility and scalability of mechanochemical processes. Further evolution of mechanochemistry is expected to have a transformative effect on the chemical industry.","author":[{"family":"Stolar","given":"Tomislav"},{"family":"Alić","given":"Jasna"},{"family":"Casali","given":"Lucia"},{"family":"Gugin","given":"Nikita"},{"family":"Baláž","given":"Matěj"},{"family":"Michalchuk","given":"Adam"},{"family":"Emmerling","given":"Franziska"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.chempr.2025.102880","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chempr.2025.102880","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412727690","type":"article-journal","title":"Life in the Frozen Ocean","abstract":"Present seasonally or year-round in polar and subpolar seas, sea ice is one of the most complex and biologically rich ecosystems on Earth. Throughout the history of our planet, sea ice has periodically covered vast proportions of the world's oceans, and it may also serve as a plausible habitat on other ocean worlds. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on sea ice as a habitat, both on Earth and in extraterrestrial environments. We focus on bacteria, microalgae, and their associated viruses, describing the key physicochemical characteristics that shape this unique ecosystem. Additionally, we explore hypotheses on how microorganisms colonize sea ice, survive by protecting themselves and altering their environment, and ultimately proliferate and evolve. Finally, we consider the potential role of the sea-ice microbiome in the evolution of life on Earth and its possible existence beyond our planet.","author":[{"family":"Babin","given":"Marcel"},{"family":"Deming","given":"Jody"},{"family":"Maréchal","given":"Éric"},{"family":"Rapp","given":"Josephine"},{"family":"Rysgaard","given":"Søren"},{"family":"Vancoppenolle","given":"Martin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1146/annurev-marine-032123-025316","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-marine-032123-025316","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412699919","type":"article-journal","title":"Wear- and Corrosion-Resistant Coatings for Extreme Environments: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives","abstract":"Tribological processes in extreme environments pose serious material challenges, requiring coatings that resist both wear and corrosion. This review summarizes recent advances in protective coatings engineered for extreme environments such as high temperatures, chemically aggressive media, and high-pressure and abrasive domains, as well as cryogenic and space applications. A comprehensive overview of promising coating materials is provided, including ceramic-based coatings, metallic and alloy coatings, and polymer and composite systems, as well as nanostructured and multilayered architectures. These materials are deployed using advanced coating technologies such as thermal spraying (plasma spray, high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF), and cold spray), chemical and physical vapor deposition (CVD and PVD), electrochemical methods (electrodeposition), additive manufacturing, and in situ coating approaches. Key degradation mechanisms such as adhesive and abrasive wear, oxidation, hot corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, and tribocorrosion are examined with coating performance. The review also explores application-specific needs in aerospace, marine, energy, biomedical, and mining sectors operating in aggressive physiological environments. Emerging trends in the field are highlighted, including self-healing and smart coatings, environmentally friendly coating technologies, functionally graded and nanostructured coatings, and the integration of machine learning in coating design and optimization. Finally, the review addresses broader considerations such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, long-term durability, maintenance requirements, and environmental regulations. This comprehensive analysis aims to synthesize current knowledge while identifying future directions for innovation in protective coatings for extreme environments.","author":[{"family":"Jose","given":"Subin"},{"family":"Lapierre","given":"Zachary"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Tyler"},{"family":"Hope","given":"Colton"},{"family":"Jardin","given":"Tryon"},{"family":"González-Rodríguez","given":"Roberto"},{"family":"Menezes","given":"Pradeep"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/coatings15080878","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080878","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406933184","type":"article-journal","title":"SUDA: A SUrface Dust Analyser for Compositional Mapping of the Galilean Moon Europa","abstract":"Abstract The Surface Dust Analyser (SUDA) is a mass spectrometer onboard the Europa Clipper mission for investigating the surface composition of the Galilean moon Europa. Atmosphereless planetary moons such as the Galilean satellites are wrapped into a ballistic dust exosphere populated by tiny samples from the moon’s surface produced by impacts of fast micrometeoroids. SUDA will measure the composition of such surface ejecta during close flybys of Europa to obtain key chemical signatures for revealing the satellite’s composition such as organic molecules and salts, history, and geological evolution. Because of their ballistic orbits, detected ejecta can be traced back to the surface with a spatial resolution roughly equal to the instantaneous altitude of the spacecraft. SUDA is a Time-Of-Flight (TOF), reflectron-type impact mass spectrometer, optimized for a high mass resolution which only weakly depends on the impact location. The instrument will measure the mass, speed, charge, elemental, molecular, and isotopic composition of impacting grains. The instrument’s small size of $268 ~\\mathrm {mm} \\times 250 ~\\mathrm {mm} \\times 171$ 268 mm × 250 mm × 171 $~\\mathrm {mm}$ mm , radiation-hard design, and rather large sensitive area of 220 cm2 matches well the challenging demands of the Clipper mission.","author":[{"family":"Kempf","given":"S"},{"family":"Tucker","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Altobelli","given":"N"},{"family":"Briois","given":"Christelle"},{"family":"Cable","given":"Morgan"},{"family":"Grün","given":"E"},{"family":"Gudipati","given":"Murthy"},{"family":"Henderson","given":"Bryana"},{"family":"Hsu","given":"Hsian"},{"family":"Hand","given":"KP"},{"family":"Horányi","given":"M"},{"family":"Postberg","given":"Frank"},{"family":"Schmidt","given":"Jürgen"},{"family":"Srama","given":"R"},{"family":"Sternovsky","given":"Z"},{"family":"Tobie","given":"G"},{"family":"Zolotov","given":"MY"},{"family":"Belting","given":"Chris"},{"family":"Bortfeldt","given":"Susan"},{"family":"Bouwman","given":"Jordy"},{"family":"Brennan","given":"N"},{"family":"Bryant","given":"Karen"},{"family":"Cassidy","given":"Timothy"},{"family":"Crotser","given":"David"},{"family":"Curtin","given":"Alexandra"},{"family":"Devito","given":"Elz"},{"family":"Ebuen","given":"Donrich"},{"family":"Faber","given":"NT"},{"family":"Fisher","given":"Melanie"},{"family":"Fontanese","given":"John"},{"family":"Fowle","given":"Maxwell"},{"family":"Frank","given":"Wendy"},{"family":"Gurst","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Haselschwardt","given":"Sally"},{"family":"Hoxie","given":"VC"},{"family":"Hubbell","given":"K"},{"family":"James","given":"DJ"},{"family":"Kien","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Knappmiller","given":"S"},{"family":"Kohnert","given":"Rick"},{"family":"Lampe","given":"A"},{"family":"Lankton","given":"MR"},{"family":"Lev-Tov","given":"Sean"},{"family":"Mcginn","given":"Crystal"},{"family":"Miller","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Newcomb","given":"Gregory"},{"family":"Oberg","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Obrien","given":"Leela"},{"family":"Pilewskie","given":"Kathrine"},{"family":"Polson","given":"Shawn"},{"family":"Scarffe-Barrett","given":"Victoria"},{"family":"Summers","given":"David"},{"family":"Wade","given":"Stacy"},{"family":"Ware","given":"Alexandria"},{"family":"Yehle","given":"Alan"},{"family":"Wuerthner","given":"Corinne"},{"family":"Arteaga","given":"Adrián"},{"family":"Oaida","given":"Bogdan"},{"family":"Eberl","given":"Chad"},{"family":"Fitton","given":"Polly"},{"family":"Goode","given":"William"},{"family":"Levin","given":"Zuni"},{"family":"Lowry","given":"Gwyneth"},{"family":"Stanley","given":"James"},{"family":"Tracy","given":"A"},{"family":"Ulibarri","given":"Zach"},{"family":"Williams","given":"EG"},{"family":"Yoke","given":"Camille"},{"family":"Southworth","given":"Ben"},{"family":"Hillier","given":"Jonathan"},{"family":"Khawaja","given":"Nozair"},{"family":"Klenner","given":"Fabian"},{"family":"Napoleoni","given":"Maryse"},{"family":"Simolka","given":"Jonas"},{"family":"Sioeng","given":"Jason"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-025-01134-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-025-01134-0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413115143","type":"article-journal","title":"Reel-to-Reel Re-Os Records: Earth System Transactions Preserved in Sediments","abstract":"A unique feature of the Re-Os isotope system is its ability to provide precise and accurate depositional ages from organic-rich sedimentary rocks. Applications include geologic timescale calibration, stratigraphic correlation, and dating key events such as biological innovations, mass extinctions, carbon cycle perturbations, Snowball Earth glaciations, and atmospheric oxygenation. Multiple sediment types reveal temporal variations in the osmium isotope composition of seawater, driven by changes in osmium inputs from continental weathering, seafloor hydrothermal systems, and extraterrestrial material. These variations provide valuable information on climate–tectonic interactions, glacial–interglacial cycles, large igneous province magmatism, bolide impacts, and crustal evolution. Continental processes can be inferred from lake sediment records. These diverse applications highlight the central role of the Re-Os isotope pair in understanding Earth’s evolution.","author":[{"family":"Kendall","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Creaser","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Hannah","given":"Judith"},{"family":"Goswami","given":"Vineet"},{"family":"Tripathy","given":"Gyana"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.2138/gselements.21.4.264","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.21.4.264","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410967617","type":"article-journal","title":"Determination of the Dynamic Angle of Repose of Lunar Regolith Simulants","abstract":"The determination of the dynamic angle of repose (DAR) of lunar regolith simulants is essential for modeling material behavior during in situ resource utilization (ISRU) processes and lunar surface operations. This study presents a methodology and dedicated test rig employing digital image processing to measure DAR for seven lunar regolith simulants, representing both Mare and Highland regions. Experiments were conducted under terrestrial gravity at rotational drum speeds of 2, 5, and 10 RPM, with standardized material fill and image capture procedures. For each simulant, lower, higher, and total DAR values were recorded, indicating complex dependencies on particle size distribution, mineralogy, and rotational speed. These measurements provide a critical dataset for numerical model calibration and the simulation of regolith handling systems under lunar conditions. The findings emphasize the necessity of selecting appropriate DAR parameters based on regolith type and operational scale to ensure accurate predictions of granular flow behavior in extraterrestrial environments.","author":[{"family":"Pawłowski","given":"Mateusz"},{"family":"Pietrusiak","given":"Damian"},{"family":"Wróbel","given":"Jakub"},{"family":"Kozubal","given":"Janusz"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/geosciences15060207","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15060207","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406535355","type":"article-journal","title":"Exploring Forsterite Surface Catalysis in HCN Polymerization: Computational Insights for Astrobiology and Prebiotic Chemistry","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Understanding the catalytic role of cosmic mineral surfaces is crucial for elucidating the chemical evolution needed for the emergence of life on Earth and other planetary systems. In this study, the catalytic role of silicate forsterite (Mg 2 SiO 4 ) surfaces in the synthesis of iminoacetonitrile (IAN, HN=CH–CN) from the condensation of two hydrogen cyanide (HCN) molecules is investigated through quantum mechanical simulations. Using density functional theory calculations, the potential energy surfaces alongside the kinetics of various surface-mediated reactions leading to the formation of IAN are characterized. The effectiveness of forsterite as a catalyst is a delicate balance of the surface reactivity: on one side, the deprotonation of HCN is mandatory to trigger the dimerization; on the other side, the species should be weakly bound to the surface, thus allowing for their diffusion to meet with each other. The work reveals interesting counterintuitive results: the (120) and (101) forsterite surfaces (the less reactive ones) exhibit favorable catalytic properties for the reaction, in detriment to the (111) one (one of the most reactive). The implications of these findings in the astrobiology and prebiotic chemistry fields and for laboratory experiments are discussed, highlighting the potential role of cosmic silicates in the synthesis of complex organic molecules.","author":[{"family":"Bancone","given":"Niccolò"},{"family":"Pantaleone","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Ugliengo","given":"Piero"},{"family":"Rimola","given":"Albert"},{"family":"Corno","given":"Marta"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00282","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00282","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7147731608","type":"article-journal","title":"Impact-induced high-temperature formation of metallic copper and bornite in Chang’e-6 lunar soils","abstract":"Impacts play a critical role in modifying the chemical and structural characteristics of materials and in facilitating the migration of moderately volatile elements on airless bodies. In this study, a comprehensive SEM–FIB–TEM analysis of a Cu-rich grain from the recently returned Chang’e-6 lunar soil demonstrates that an assemblage of metallic copper, metallic iron, and Fe3+–Cu sulfides (i.e., bornite, Cu5FeS4) was formed under impact-induced high-temperature conditions. This finding provides evidence for the presence of bornite in lunar soils. The relatively homogeneous distribution of bornite, confined to the topmost surface of the Cu-rich grain coating, indicates a vapor-deposition origin. According to the thermodynamic modeling, the observed assemblages of metallic copper, metallic iron, and FeS within the grain interior can be explained by equilibrium thermodynamic behavior of the Cu–Fe–S system at elevated temperatures. The complex mineralogy involving Fe3+-bearing bornite, metallic iron, and metallic copper in the lunar soil further indicates that impact-induced melting and vaporization processes substantially perturb the valence states of metallic elements in the Cu–Fe–S system, thereby enabling the generation and stabilization of metallic phases and oxidized copper sulfides in lunar materials. Such natural high-temperature metallurgical processes provide critical insights into understanding extraterrestrial metal migration and enrichment under impact conditions on airless bodies.","author":[{"family":"Guo","given":"Zhuang"},{"family":"Song","given":"Dongsheng"},{"family":"Song","given":"Wenlei"},{"family":"Li","given":"Chen"},{"family":"Pang","given":"Ronghua"},{"family":"Qian","given":"Yuqi"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Kangjun"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yang"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Guochun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s44453-026-00027-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s44453-026-00027-y","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4417477056","type":"article-journal","title":"Evolution in space: experimental pathways to understanding life’s adaptability beyond Earth","abstract":"Abstract Understanding how life might evolve beyond Earth is a long-standing question in astrobiology. While significant advances have expanded the search for potentially habitable exoplanets, the biological and evolutionary processes that life may undergo in extraterrestrial environments remain largely speculative. Despite early recognition of its importance, experimental studies on evolution in space and analogue environments (AEs)—particularly involving multicellular organisms—have been limited. This gap is due in part to the difficulty of replicating complex space and other planets’ conditions, such as microgravity, high salinity, pressure and/or radiation, on Earth. Recent spaceflight and AE experiments, however, have begun to yield critical empirical data. In this review, we integrate theoretical and experimental data from Earth and space studies to explore the evolutionary trajectories life might take beyond Earth. We interpret current knowledge from ground-based, spaceflight and AE biological studies across a wide range of organisms, and emphasize the need for multigenerational studies for accurately predicting and detecting diverse forms of life beyond Earth.","author":[{"family":"Sadier","given":"Alexa"},{"family":"Rudolf","given":"Agata"},{"family":"Muratani","given":"Masafumi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1098/rsfs.2025.0026","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1098/rsfs.2025.0026","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7126415403","type":"article-journal","title":"Prospects and Potential for the Use of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria Biomass in Agriculture","abstract":"Microalgae and cyanobacteria represent promising, sustainable resources for agricultural applications, particularly as biofertilisers, biostimulants, and biological plant protection agents. Their biomass can improve nutrient use efficiency, support plant growth and yield, and enhance soil structure and microbial activity, while cyanobacteria additionally contribute through biological nitrogen fixation, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers. The integration of microalgal cultivation with closed-loop systems, such as wastewater treatment plants or biogas facilities, enables nutrient recovery, production of value-added biomass, and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. This review synthesises current knowledge on the biochemical composition, functional properties, and mechanisms of action of microalgal and cyanobacterial biomass in relation to these established agricultural applications. In addition, prevailing research trends, selected technological and organisational constraints, and implementation challenges are discussed. Particular attention is given to emerging application contexts, including bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) for space agriculture, where microalgae and cyanobacteria can contribute to oxygen production, nutrient recycling, and edible biomass generation. Species such as Chlorella vulgaris, Arthrospira platensis, and Scenedesmus obliquus demonstrate tolerance to microgravity, radiation, and limited light conditions, supporting their potential use in closed, self-sufficient cultivation systems. Although numerous reviews have addressed individual agricultural applications of microalgae and cyanobacteria, a more integrative perspective that connects biological functionality with broader technological, regulatory, and implementation contexts remains valuable. The present review contributes to this perspective by consolidating established agronomic uses and extending the discussion toward selected emerging applications, thereby providing a structured framework for future research and development in sustainable terrestrial and extraterrestrial agriculture.","author":[{"family":"Świca","given":"Izabela"},{"family":"Kazimierowicz","given":"Joanna"},{"family":"Dębowski","given":"Marcin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/phycology6010019","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology6010019","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414427246","type":"article-journal","title":"Aquatic bryophytes as biofilters and resource regenerators in Bioregenerative Life Support Systems: the moss on Mars project","abstract":"Introduction Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSSs) are closed-loop systems that rely on biological processes, primarily involving plants, algae, and microbes, for sustaining long-term space missions by regenerating essential resources and recycling waste. To reduce dependency on resupply from Earth, these systems require highly efficient biological components capable of performing multiple ecological functions in constrained environments. However, research on potential BLSS components has so far focused predominantly on higher plants and algae, with aquatic bryophytes largely overlooked despite their physiological resilience, simple cultivation, and multifunctional ecological roles. This gap limits the diversification of biological components available for optimizing BLSS efficiency. Methods Here, we investigate for the first time the potential This study investigates the potential introduction of aquatic bryophytes (mosses), specifically Taxiphyllum barbieri, Leptodictyum riparium, and Vesicularia montagnei, as biofilters and resource regenerators in BLSSs. Known for their adaptability, simplicity of growth, and high surface-to-volume ratio, mosses are promising candidates for controlled-environment applications. This paper characterizes mosses' performance considering gas-exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, antioxidant activity, and biofiltration efficiency under two different controlled temperature and light conditions (24°C and 600 μmol photons m-2s-1, 22°C and 200 μmol photons m-2s-1) to determine the most suitable species for the abovementioned purposes. Results Results indicate that T. barbieri exhibits the highest photosynthetic efficiency, pigment concentration, and a good biofiltering capacity, making it a promising candidate for integration into BLSSs. Notably, L. riparium exhibited the most effective removal of nitrogen compounds (e.g., total ammonia nitrogen) and heavy metals such as Zn, suggesting a complementary role in water purification within BLSSs. Discussion These findings support the utilization of bryophytes in closed-loop ecological systems, with implications for both extraterrestrial and terrestrial applications. By exploring the potential of aquatic mosses, this research offers a novel and potentially advantageous biological component for enhancing the efficiency and safety of space bioreactors. These insights pave the way for future research on moss performance under prolonged stressors, including ionizing radiation, in space-like environments.","author":[{"family":"Amitrano","given":"Chiara"},{"family":"Arena","given":"Carmen"},{"family":"Pascale","given":"Stefania"},{"family":"Pugliese","given":"Mariagabriella"},{"family":"Barozzi","given":"Fabrizio"},{"family":"Fanizzi","given":"Francesco"},{"family":"Micco","given":"Veronica"},{"family":"Sansebastiano","given":"Gian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fpls.2025.1667463","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1667463","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412961976","type":"article-journal","title":"Asuka 12236 more primitive than Paris: Clues given by their Infrared and Raman micro‐spectroscopy signatures","abstract":"Abstract Carbonaceous chondrites are meteorites originating from undifferentiated objects of the Solar System, which may retain signatures of primitive matter. Here, we present a comparative study between two CM chondrites Asuka 12236 and Paris, both considered among the most primitive in the carbonaceous chondrite meteorite collection. This work is based on the combination of infrared and Raman micro‐spectroscopy, aiming to compare the spectral characteristics of these two peculiar chondrites. We present an average infrared spectrum from the mid to far infrared of Asuka 12236, which has never been reported yet in the literature. Contrary to the average spectrum of Paris, the Asuka 12236 spectrum shows signatures of anhydrous minerals (olivine and or pyroxene) as well as the presence of amorphous phases. These findings are in agreement with the low degree of alteration reported for Asuka 12236. Aromatic primary amines and imines are also detected in Asuka 12236, heterogeneously distributed within the meteorite. In addition, the comparison of the Raman signatures of the two meteorites highlights different carbon structuration and thus thermal histories. Our spectroscopic investigations confirm that Asuka 12236 can be considered more primitive than the Paris carbonaceous chondrite.","author":[{"family":"Djouadi","given":"Z"},{"family":"Vinogradoff","given":"Vassilissa"},{"family":"Dionnet","given":"Z"},{"family":"Serra","given":"Coline"},{"family":"Dimitrijevic","given":"Douchka"},{"family":"Malnuit","given":"Alexandra"},{"family":"Lantz","given":"C"},{"family":"Claeys","given":"Philippe"},{"family":"Goderis","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Dhendecourt","given":"Louis"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70017","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70017","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410779043","type":"article-journal","title":"Multi‐Spectral Field Study of Planetary Analog Material in Extreme Environments—Alteration Products of Volcanic Deposits of Vulcano/Italy","abstract":"Abstract The potential of multi‐spectral investigations for planetary exploration strongly depends on the specific geologic environment and related science questions. In this work, we used a visible‐near infrared spectrometer, a laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument, and a Raman spectrometer for studying acid alteration of volcanic deposits in the field as an analog for what can be potentially observed on Mars. These deposits were studied on Vulcano, one of the Aeolian Islands/Italy, where volcanic deposits are affected by active hydrothermal alteration processes and fumarolic activity. The results show that VIS‐NIR spectroscopy is sufficient to identify the major minerals formed through the alteration process. This is the only technique that can identify and characterize hydrated silica, the major alteration residue, whose spectral properties vary depending on environmental conditions and the formation process. However, only LIBS spectra allow a detailed insight into the geochemistry of the pristine volcanic deposits, which is needed to define the starting point of the alteration process. LIBS also indicated the existence of chemical elements for which no corresponding mineral could be identified in the VIS‐NIR data, presumably since their spectral signature is masked by strongly absorbing species. These minerals, however, could be confirmed in the Raman spectra—nicely completing the achieved results and highlighting the high potential of the sensor suite for our study.","author":[{"family":"Stephan","given":"K"},{"family":"Rammelkamp","given":"Kristin"},{"family":"Baqué","given":"Mickaël"},{"family":"Schröder","given":"Susanne"},{"family":"Pisello","given":"Alessandro"},{"family":"Gwinner","given":"K"},{"family":"Ortenzi","given":"Gianluigi"},{"family":"Irmisch","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Sohl","given":"F"},{"family":"Unnithan","given":"Vikram"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024ea004036","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024ea004036","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411240707","type":"article-journal","title":"Comparison of Two Methods for Determination of Rhenium and Platinum‐Group Elements in Meteorites Using On‐Line and Off‐Line Matrix Separation Modes","abstract":"The abundances of rhenium (Re) and platinum‐group elements (PGE) and their variation patterns provide crucial insights into the evolution of planetary bodies, including the Moon. The objective of this study is to evaluate the applicability of the Carius tube and HPA‐S digestion methods, as well as online and offline separation and detection techniques, for determining the mass fractions of Re and PGE in meteorites. The findings demonstrated that HPA‐S is capable of completely dissolving refractory minerals and is a more effective dissolution method for meteorite samples than the Carius tube approach. The combination with cation exchange resin and online matrix separation allows for complete control over interfering elements, making it particularly promising for analysing extraterrestrial samples with high Zr/Pd ratios, such as Martian meteorites and lunar rocks. However, it was observed that PEEK tubing adsorbs Pd and Pt ions, resulting in significantly reduced recoveries of these elements during chromatographic separation. Therefore, the use of PEEK during chromatographic separation is not recommended. The optimised measurement procedure was validated using PGE reference materials OKUM, GPt‐3 and UMT‐1, and the resulting measurement values were found to agree with the literature values.","author":[{"family":"Zeng","given":"Yu‐ling"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Guiqin"},{"family":"Meisel","given":"Thomas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/ggr.70001","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ggr.70001","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406532939","type":"article-journal","title":"Highly Efficient Compositional and Compound Specific Isotopic Analysis of Volatile Primary Amines and Ammonia in the Murchison Meteorite Using SPME On‐Fiber Derivatization: Optimization for Bennu Sample Analyses","abstract":"RATIONALE: Extraterrestrial amines and ammonia are critical ingredients for the formation of astrobiologically important compounds such as amino acids and nucleobases. However, conventional methods for analyzing the composition and isotopic ratios of volatile amines suffer from lengthy derivatization and purification procedures, high sample mass consumption, and chromatographic interferences from derivatization reagents and non-target compounds. METHODS: amines as well as ammonia based on solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) on-fiber derivatization. 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl chloroformate (PFBCF) adsorbed on a solid phase SPME fiber is subsequently exposed to the headspace of the water extract of the Murchison meteorite to selectively extract, derivatize and concentrate volatile amines and ammonia. PFBCF does not directly contact the aqueous solution containing other soluble organics. RESULTS: An aliquot of volatile amines and ammonia in the headspace are selectively derivatized on the SPME fiber and subsequently thermally desorbed onto the GC injector for analysis. Only the amounts of amines required for either compositional or isotopic analysis are derivatized and consumed in the process, preserving the bulk fraction of amines and ammonia for other analyses, and the process does not affect other volatile compound classes. Carbon and hydrogen isotopic ratios of amines are obtained by isotopic mass balance. CONCLUSIONS: The exceptional selectivity and sensitivity of SPME on-fiber derivatization of volatile amines in carbonaceous chondrite extracts allow minimization of sample consumption. Carbon and hydrogen isotopic values of individual amines in the Murchison meteorite are consistent with their extraterrestrial origin, with a substantial fraction inherited from interstellar molecular clouds. SPME on-fiber derivatization is well suited for analyzing extraterrestrial materials, especially precious asteroid return samples.","author":[{"family":"Huang","given":"Yongsong"},{"family":"Santos","given":"Ewerton"},{"family":"Alexandre","given":"Marcelo"},{"family":"Heck","given":"PR"},{"family":"Milliken","given":"RE"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"DP"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1002/rcm.9979","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.9979","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416293937","type":"article-journal","title":"Organic geochemical evidence for life in Archean rocks identified by pyrolysis–GC–MS and supervised machine learning","abstract":"Throughout Earth's history, organic molecules from both abiogenic and biogenic sources have been buried in sedimentary rocks. Most of these organic molecules have been significantly altered by geologic processes through deep time. Nonetheless, the nature and distribution of those ancient fragmentary organic remains have the potential to reveal diagnostic biomolecular information after billions of years of burial. Here, we analyzed 406 fossil, modern biological, meteoritic, and synthetic samples using pyrolysis gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. We explored these analytical data via supervised machine-learning methods to discriminate samples of biogenic vs. abiogenic origin, plant vs. animal phylogenetic affinity, and photosynthetic vs. nonphotosynthetic physiology. Dividing 272 samples with known phylogenetic affinity and physiology into 9 categories, each further divided into 75% training and 25% testing sets, our random forest models accurately predict pairwise assignments of modern vs. fossil or meteoritic organics (100% correct assignments), fossil plant tissues vs. meteoritic organics (97%), modern vs. fossil plant tissues (98%), and modern plants vs. animal tissues (95%). Pairwise comparisons between fossil biogenic samples vs. abiogenic samples resulted in 93% correct classifications, while analysis of modern and ancient photosynthetic vs. nonphotosynthetic samples also resulted in 93% correct assignments. Our analyses demonstrate that molecular biosignatures can survive in ancient fossils and allow for the identification of organismal origins and traits. Consistent with previous morphological and isotopic inferences, we present evidence for biogenic molecular assemblages in Paleoarchean rocks (3.33 Ga) and for photoautotrophy in Neoarchean rocks (2.52 Ga).","author":[{"family":"Wong","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Prabhu","given":"Anirudh"},{"family":"Alexander","given":"CMO"},{"family":"Cleaves","given":"Henderson"},{"family":"Cody","given":"George"},{"family":"Hystad","given":"Grethe"},{"family":"Bermanec","given":"Marko"},{"family":"Bleeker","given":"Wouter"},{"family":"Boyce","given":"CK"},{"family":"Corpolongo","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Czaja","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Das","given":"Souvik"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2514534122","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2514534122","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416672940","type":"article-journal","title":"Nondestructive analysis of Bennu samples toward comparative studies with Ryugu samples","abstract":"Abstract Analyzing primitive extraterrestrial samples from asteroids is key to understanding the evolution of the early solar system. The OSIRIS‐REx mission returned samples from the B‐type asteroid Bennu, providing a valuable opportunity to compare them with the Ryugu samples collected by the Hayabusa2 mission. This study examines the representativeness of a fraction of the Bennu samples, which was allocated from NASA to JAXA, by nondestructive characterization of their physical and spectral properties without atmospheric exposure. The reflectance and observed spectral features in the visible‐to‐infrared range of the Bennu sample resemble those from the spectroscopic analysis of different fractions. Additionally, we found differences in the slope of the visible range and band‐center of ~2.7 μm band between the samples and the asteroid surface, which could be explained by the degree of space weathering. A comparative analysis of the Bennu and Ryugu samples revealed spectral similarities, including absorption features indicative of Mg‐rich phyllosilicates, organics, and carbonates, without any evidence of sampling bias or terrestrial alteration. This finding can be used as a benchmark for subsequent Ryugu–Bennu comparative studies.","author":[{"family":"Fukai","given":"Ryota"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Yumoto","given":"Koki"},{"family":"Cho","given":"Yuichiro"},{"family":"Shimizu","given":"Yuta"},{"family":"Matsuoka","given":"M"},{"family":"Tatsumi","given":"Eri"},{"family":"Furukawa","given":"Soichiro"},{"family":"Sakurai","given":"Ryosuke"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Hatakeda","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70077","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70077","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410886513","type":"article-journal","title":"Tempo of the Late Ordovician mass extinction controlled by the rate of climate change","abstract":"The Late Ordovician mass extinction (LOME) included two phases (I and II) of high species turnover that have been hypothetically linked to the Hirnantian glaciation and subsequent rapid warming, respectively. However, the timing and tempo of the LOME remain uncertain, which hinders our understanding of the feedback between the LOME and paleoclimatic change. Here, we present high-precision radioisotopic dates for the Ordovician-Silurian transition in South China that reveal the LOME began at 442.76 + 0.35/-0.22 million years ago, with the two phases lasting for 0.34 + 0.46/-0.34 and 0.06 + 0.31/-0.06 million years, respectively. The rapid switch from icehouse to greenhouse conditions, along with the higher mean rate of temperature change during LOME II, resulted in a much higher mean extinction rate during LOME II than I (71.6% versus 8.4% species loss per 100 thousand years, respectively), implying that the rate of climate change was a primary control on the tempo of the LOME.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Zhutong"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Chuan"},{"family":"Sahy","given":"Diana"},{"family":"Zhan","given":"Renbin"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Rongchang"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yang"},{"family":"Deng","given":"Yiying"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Bing"},{"family":"Condon","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Jiayu","given":"Rong"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xian‐hua"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adv6788","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adv6788","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7116961478","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbial Diversity and Metabolic Adaptations in Mars‐Analog Lava Tubes","abstract":"Abstract Lunar and Martian lava tubes will offer stable temperatures and radiation protection, making them potential habitats for extraterrestrial life. The Martian atmosphere, containing gases like H 2 , CO, and CH 4 , could serve as an energy source for microbes. To address the knowledge gap concerning microbial communities and their survival strategies in Earth's lava tubes, which serve as analogs on Mars, we conducted a study at the Shishan Volcanic Group located in Haikou City, Hainan Province. Through field surveys, microcosm experiments, and multi‐omics analyses, we explored the microbial composition and survival mechanisms within these environments. The results revealed that bacterial communities were predominantly composed of Pseudomonadota , Actinomycetota , and Bacillota , while archaeal communities were primarily represented by Thermoproteota and Thermoplasmatota . Bacteria had significantly higher abundance and diversity than archaea, and were positively correlated with low organic matter content. Additionally, the pmoA gene, associated with methane metabolism, was found to be highly abundant, which aligns with the observed high methane oxidation rates. Exposure to 10 ppm CH 4 downregulated methane monooxygenase, hydrogenase, and CO dehydrogenase expression, indicating microbial adaptation to low‐concentration trace gases for energy. Genomic analyses show that some bacteria use both the energy‐efficient reductive TCA cycle and the high‐energy Calvin‐Benson cycle to fix carbon dioxide while oxidizing trace gases. This metabolic versatility may provide a competitive advantage over archaea, potentially contributing to the high abundance of bacteria within lava tubes. These findings from Mars‐analog lava tubes provide insights into extraterrestrial life survival strategies, advancing our understanding of astrobiology.","author":[{"family":"Cheng","given":"Xiaoyu"},{"family":"Li","given":"Min"},{"family":"She","given":"Xingyang"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Rui"},{"family":"Xiao","given":"Long"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Hongmei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2025je009246","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2025je009246","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410163803","type":"article-journal","title":"Cosmic Ray Irradiation of Interstellar Ices on Sulfur-Rich Grains: A Possible Source of Sulfur-Bearing Molecules","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The major reservoir of sulfur in dense interstellar clouds is still largely unknown, although a growing body of evidence suggests that it may exist in a refractory form (i.e., as minerals or allotropes of the element). Therefore, it is possible that the irradiation of sulfur-free interstellar ices on top of sulfur-rich refractory grain components by cosmic rays or stellar winds may result in the formation of simple inorganic sulfur molecules that could be readily detected by ground- or space-borne telescopes. In this study, we have irradiated neat ices of O 2, CO, CO 2, and H 2 O on top of layers of allotropic sulfur at 20 K using 1 MeV He + ions as a mimic of space radiation. Experiments with CO 2 and H 2 O ices were also repeated at 70 K to provide data obtained under conditions more relevant to icy bodies in the outer solar system for comparative purposes. We have found qualitative mid-infrared spectroscopic evidence for the synthesis of SO 2, CS 2, OCS, and H 2 SO 4 hydrates, but not H 2 S, in our experiments and have quantified the efficiency of their formation by calculating the G -value (i.e., the number of molecules formed per 100 eV of energy deposited) for each ice-refractory system. Overall, SO 2 and CS 2 are the most commonly observed products in our experiments, although the highest G -value was that for H 2 SO 4 hydrates formed as a result of the irradiation of H 2 O ice on top of sulfur at 70 K. An important outcome of our study is that our experimental results are consistent with recent observational surveys that suggest SO 2 formation in interstellar ices proceeds primarily via an “energetic” route involving radiolytic processes, while OCS forms as a result of “nonenergetic” processes such as atom or radical addition reactions.","author":[{"family":"Mifsud","given":"Duncan"},{"family":"Kaňuchová","given":"Z"},{"family":"Auriacombe","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Herczku","given":"Péter"},{"family":"Qasim","given":"D"},{"family":"Kovács","given":"Sándor"},{"family":"Rácz","given":"R"},{"family":"Sulik","given":"B"},{"family":"Juhász","given":"Zoltán"},{"family":"Rajta","given":"I"},{"family":"Vajda","given":"I"},{"family":"Biri","given":"S"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00036","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00036","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4417077785","type":"article-journal","title":"Aerospace Dentistry: Challenges, Innovations, and a Practical Guide for Space‐Based Oral Healthcare","abstract":"Human ventures into prolonged spaceflight present unique physiological challenges, making astronaut oral health a critical determinant of mission success. The extraterrestrial environment, characterized by microgravity, radiation, and extreme logistical constraints, induces systemic alterations that significantly increase the risk of debilitating oral diseases. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on the multifaceted impacts of space travel on the orofacial complex and examines the technological frontiers being developed to mitigate these risks. Key findings reveal that spaceflight precipitates profound physiological changes, including altered salivary composition, microbial dysbiosis that enhances pathogen virulence, and accelerated bone density loss in the jaw, which can compromise dental stability. These factors increase astronaut susceptibility to conditions such as dental caries, severe periodontal inflammation, and temporomandibular disorders. In response, aerospace dentistry is pioneering innovative countermeasures to address the limitations of conventional care in microgravity. Emerging solutions include advanced tele-dentistry platforms for real-time remote consultation, AI-powered diagnostic algorithms for early disease detection, and on-demand 3D fabrication of dental instruments. Furthermore, the development of autonomous robotic dental systems and space-adapted biomaterials, including nanotechnology composites and self-healing polymers, promises to revolutionize in-flight treatment capabilities. Prioritizing these advanced dental protocols and technologies in mission planning is imperative for safeguarding crew health, ensuring operational readiness, and paving the way for sustainable human exploration of deep space.","author":[{"family":"Kachouei","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Heidari","given":"Faezeh"},{"family":"Heboyan","given":"Artak"},{"family":"Kachouei","given":"Sayed"},{"family":"Banakar","given":"Morteza"},{"family":"Zafar","given":"Muhammad"},{"family":"Fareed","given":"Muhammad"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1096/fj.202503258r","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202503258r","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413969848","type":"article-journal","title":"From the Biosphere to the Geosphere: Assessing Lipid Biomarker Taphonomy Through a Lithification Gradient","abstract":"The alteration of biomass into simpler molecular remnants is relevant for the search for ancient and extraterrestrial life, where identifying recurrent taphonomic pathways is crucial for the attribution of biogenicity to otherwise nonbiological molecules. This work evaluates the alteration of lipids-recalcitrant biomarkers derived from cell membranes-across a lithification gradient, from a biologically active microbial mat, through a lithifying mat, to a fully lithified microbialite. Lipids from these samples, obtained from the high-altitude, hypersaline lake of Pozo Bravo (Argentinean Andes), were analyzed at molecular and isotopic levels to reconstruct biological sources and assess preservation along a bio-to-geo transition. Lipids from the lithifying mat and microbialite retained molecular features from the soft microbial mat (e.g., cyano- and purple sulfur bacteria), albeit at lower concentrations and diversity. Moreover, our analysis revealed preferential alteration of labile structural features such as unsaturations, methyl-, and pentacyclic structures, which decreased by ≥91% from soft to lithifying mat and ≥68% from lithifying mat to microbialite. Saturated and linear chains were more resistant, decreasing by ≥64% and ≥29%, respectively. These findings highlight how lipid preservation varies during lithification; thus, they provide valuable insights for biogenicity assessments and can help guide future efforts aimed at detecting ancient life.","author":[{"family":"Finkel","given":"Pablo"},{"family":"Carrizo","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Parro","given":"Vı́ctor"},{"family":"Vignale","given":"Federico"},{"family":"Farıas","given":"Marı́a"},{"family":"Sánchezgarcía","given":"Laura"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1177/15311074251366268","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15311074251366268","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414390631","type":"article-journal","title":"Raman-based Characterization of Chang’e-6 Farside Lunar Soil: Insights into Non-mare Ejecta Composition and Lithological Diversity","abstract":"The Chang'e-6 (CE-6) mission returned the first farside lunar soil samples which are of great importance to understand the geological diversity and evolutionary history of the Moon.In this study, we employed a Raman-based automated particle analysis system to investigate the grain size and mineral composition of the CE-6 soil, which are compared with results of the nearside Chang'e-5 (CE-5) soil.Our analyses reveal that the CE-6 soil exhibit small grain size (mean = 4.4 µm) as the CE-5 soil, but markedly higher glass content (37.8 vs. 8.3 vol%), slightly higher plagioclase abundance (39.0 vs. 37.5 vol%), and lower pyroxene (18.4 vs. 39.4 vol%) and olivine (2.3 vs. 9.8 vol%) content.Raman spectroscopic analysis further reveals a marked magnesium enrichment in CE-6 olivines (most grains with Fo of 40-90) compared to their CE-5 counterparts (most Fo < 60).Notably, evident compositional zonation in olivine (Fo of 66 to 47) is observed for a CE-6 lithic clast, which likely represents ejected crustal material with complex magmatic interactions.These findings support that the CE-6 scooped soil contains substantial non-mare components that is limited in the CE-5 sample.Given very low olivine abundance in the CE-6 landing site basalt, the wide range of olivine Fo in CE-6 soil reflects the contribution of olivine-bearing, mafic crustal lithologies such as magnesian-suite and ferroan anorthosite or even of material from the lunar mantle.This study highlights the capability of non-destructive, rapid and simultaneous determination of particle size and mineral composition with Raman-based analytical techniques, which enables direct analyses of complex soil samples and provides new insights into the mineral compositions of landing site basalts and also non-mare ejecta of the near and far sides of the Moon.","author":[{"family":"Shi","given":"Shuang"},{"family":"She","given":"Zhenbing"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Zaicong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.46770/as.2025.147","URL":"https://doi.org/10.46770/as.2025.147","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416366239","type":"article-journal","title":"Prebiotic Gels as the Cradle of Life","abstract":"Abstract We outline the “prebiotic gel‐first” framework, which considers how the origin of life (OoL) could have potentially emerged within surface‐attached gel matrices. Drawing on concepts from soft‐matter chemistry and using modern microbial biofilms as a framing device, we review the physicochemical features of prebiotic gels and discuss how prebiotic gels could have provided the means for localized environments conducive to chemical complexification and evolutionary potential well before cellularization. Such prebiotic gels may have allowed primitive chemical systems to overcome key barriers in prebiotic chemistry by enabling molecular concentration, selective retention, reaction efficiency, and environmental buffering. Furthermore, we explore how gel matrices could have supported proto‐metabolic activity through redox chemistry, light‐driven processes, chemo‐mechanical coupling—and proto‐replication via autocatalytic networks or template‐directed synthesis. We then briefly extend this model into the domain of extraterrestrial life detection, discussing the potential existence of “Xeno‐films,” i.e., alien biofilm‐like structures composed of non‐terrestrial (or with some terrestrial) building blocks, and emphasize the relevance of agnostic life‐detection strategies in the search for life as we know it, and do not know it.","author":[{"family":"Khanum","given":"Ramona"},{"family":"Satthiyasilan","given":"Nirmell"},{"family":"Tharumen","given":"Navaniswaran"},{"family":"Kee","given":"Terence"},{"family":"Mayer","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Menon","given":"PS"},{"family":"Jia","given":"Tony"},{"family":"Chandru","given":"Kuhan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1002/syst.202500038","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/syst.202500038","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412128713","type":"article-journal","title":"Life Detection Knowledge Base: Taxonomy of Potential Biosignatures","abstract":"The Life Detection Knowledge Base (LDKB) is a community webtool developed to test and evaluate strategies to search for evidence of life beyond Earth, with an emphasis on recognizing potential false-positive and false-negative results. As part of the LDKB framework, we developed a taxonomy of potential biosignatures. The taxonomy brings together a broad array of life-detection strategies into a common and systematic structure that allows for equitable evaluations based on a specific set of criteria, chosen to assess the likelihood of false-positive and false-negative interpretations. The taxonomy is also a tool to organize life-detection strategies in a way that streamlines their infusion into robotic spaceflight missions. This article describes the structure of the taxonomy and its functional qualities. Two accompanying articles detail the overall LDKB framework and the set of criteria used to evaluate potential biosignatures.","author":[{"family":"Dávila","given":"Alfonso"},{"family":"Hoehler","given":"Tori"},{"family":"Parenteau","given":"Niki"},{"family":"Neveu","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Shkolyar","given":"Svetlana"},{"family":"Marais","given":"David"},{"family":"Cady","given":"Sherry"},{"family":"Ríos","given":"Andro"},{"family":"Bebout","given":"Leslie"},{"family":"Lau","given":"Graham"},{"family":"Jahnke","given":"LL"},{"family":"Perl","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Eigenbrode","given":"JL"},{"family":"Pohorille","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Quinn","given":"RC"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2022.0156","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2022.0156","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412593139","type":"article-journal","title":"Traces of the oxygen isotope composition of ancient air in fossilized cosmic dust","abstract":"Abstract As a sub-type of micrometeorites, I-type cosmic spherules form by complete melting and oxidation of extraterrestrial Fe, Ni metal particles during their atmospheric entry. All oxygen in the resulting Fe, Ni oxides sources from the Earth’s atmosphere and hence makes them probes for the composition of atmospheric oxygen. When recovered from sedimentary rocks, they allow the reconstruction of the triple oxygen isotope composition of past atmospheric O2, providing quantitative constraints on past CO2 levels or global primary production. Here we establish using fossil I-type cosmic spherules as an archive of Earth’s atmospheric composition with the potential for a unique record of paleo-atmospheric conditions dating back billions of years. We present combined triple oxygen and iron isotope compositions of a collection of fossil I-type cosmic spherules recovered from Phanerozoic sediments. We reconstruct the triple oxygen isotope anomalies of past atmospheric O2 and quantify moderate ancient CO2 levels during the Miocene (~8.5 million years) and late Cretaceous (~87 million years). We also demonstrate this method’s competitive precision for paleo-CO2 determination, despite challenges in finding micrometer-sized unaltered fossil I-type cosmic spherules. Our work indicates that morphologically intact spherules can be isotopically altered by terrestrial processes, underscoring the need for rigorous sample screening.","author":[{"family":"Zahnow","given":"Fabian"},{"family":"Suttle","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Lazarov","given":"Marina"},{"family":"Weyer","given":"Stefan"},{"family":"Rocco","given":"Tommaso"},{"family":"Folco","given":"L"},{"family":"Pack","given":"Andreas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-025-02541-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02541-5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414023980","type":"article-journal","title":"Interfacial Self-Assembly of Sugars at Nanoscale Membranes Leads to Micron-Scale, Spectroscopically Ice-Like Chiral Suprastructures of Water","abstract":"Life requires chemical chiral specificity. The emergence of enantioselectivity is unknown but has been linked to diverse scenarios for the origin of life, ranging from an extraterrestrial origin to polarization-induced effects, and magnetic field-induced mineral templating. These scenarios require an originating mechanism and a subsequent enhancement step, leading to widespread chiral specificity. The common denominator in all scenarios is water, which provides an environment for the enantioselective process. Because water is a nonchiral molecule, it has not been considered as an active ingredient in either of these processes. Here, we show that water can form extended chiral ordered structures that are induced by interactions with simple chiral prebiotic molecules, such as lipids and sugars. Using a combination of molecular dynamics simulations, chiral-sensitive and interface-specific vibrational sum frequency scattering, second harmonic scattering, and atomic force microscopy, the interfacial structure of water on nanoscale lipid membranes was investigated. Out-of-plane H-bonding interactions between achiral liposomes and simple chiral cyclic sugars lead to ordered, spectroscopically ice-like, chiral water suprastructures that extend along the self-assembled lipid-sugar complex over distances >10 μm. Such highly ordered self-assemblies could potentially have provided microenvironments that enable the enhancement of chirality.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Li"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jinchan"},{"family":"Voıtchovsky","given":"Kislon"},{"family":"Rani","given":"Chaudhary"},{"family":"Pullanchery","given":"Saranya"},{"family":"Dedic","given":"Jan"},{"family":"Batista","given":"Víctor"},{"family":"Fantner","given":"Georg"},{"family":"Roke","given":"Sylvie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/jacs.5c05215","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c05215","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7138977893","type":"article-journal","title":"Comparison of two laser wavelengths for LIBS bioimaging of plants grown in lunar regolith","abstract":"The colonization of extraterrestrial planets requires sustainable food production independent of Earth-based supplies. Due to the high costs and complicated logistics of food transport, in-situ cultivation will be essential. Growing plants directly in regolith offers a practical approach to achieve sustainable long-term human habitation beyond Earth. In this study, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technique was employed for bioimaging of broccoli ( Brassica oleracea ) and salad ( Lactuca sativa ) plants grown in Lunar regolith simulant and control substrate. For this purpose, the potential of the 2090 nm laser wavelength for bioimaging of plant tissue was studied compared to the conventional 1064 nm. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), total emissivity ( ɛ tot ), and Mg II / Mg I intensity ratio (ionization degree) were all higher when using the 2090 nm laser wavelength compared to 1064 nm. These findings indicate that the 2090 nm laser produces a hotter and more efficiently ionized plasma, supporting its feasibility for bioimaging of plant tissues. Additionally, bioimaging with both laser wavelengths has confirmed higher uptake of key plant nutrients such as magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) from Lunar regolith simulant. This results support the potential of LIBS as a diagnostic tool for plant growth monitoring in extraterrestrial environments. • First-time LIBS bioimaging of plants grown in lunar regolith simulants. • Feasibility of using 2090 nm laser for plant bioimaging. • 2090 nm provides higher SNR, total emissivity and ionization efficiency in plant tissue analysis. • Broccoli and salad plants showed elevated Mg and Ca uptake when grown in lunar regolith simulant.","author":[{"family":"Vozár","given":"Tomáš"},{"family":"Čechová","given":"Ludmila"},{"family":"Buday","given":"Jakub"},{"family":"Fuleky","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Molnárová","given":"Katarína"},{"family":"Lenža","given":"Libor"},{"family":"Mužík","given":"Jiří"},{"family":"Koshiba","given":"Yuya"},{"family":"Smrž","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Pořízka","given":"Pavel"},{"family":"Kaiser","given":"Jozef"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.sab.2026.107513","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sab.2026.107513","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410308057","type":"article-journal","title":"Micro X‐Ray Diffraction Observations and Calibration of Experimentally Shocked Plagioclase Feldspars: Comparison With Raman Spectroscopic Observations","abstract":"Abstract Plagioclase feldspar is a ubiquitous mineral found in planetary bodies such as Earth, Moon, Mars, large igneous asteroids such as Vesta, numerous achondrites, and every class of chondritic meteorite. Because all solid planetary bodies are potentially subject to hypervelocity impacts, understanding the shock response of plagioclase enables a better understanding of the geological histories of planetary bodies. This study investigates the response of andesine and bytownite to high‐pressure shock waves using micro‐XRD and Raman. Fourteen andesine and 11 bytownite samples, which had been previously shocked to peak pressures of 0–56 GPa, were examined. Micro‐XRD revealed characteristic signatures of shock damage, including weakened diffraction intensities and heightened background signal, reflecting structural collapse under high pressures. Andesine‐bearing rock showed the onset of amorphization at 28.4–29.6 GPa, progressing to complete amorphization at 47.5–50 GPa. Bytownite‐bearing rock displayed a similar trend but with higher pressure thresholds: partial amorphization occurred at 25.5–27.0 GPa, and complete amorphization at 38.2–49 GPa. To quantify the degree of shock experienced by plagioclase minerals, we measured the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHMχ) of Debye rings (from 2D XRD images) for samples across different shock levels. We established linear regression models between ΣFWHMχ and peak shock pressure for both andesine (0–28.4 GPa) and bytownite (0–25.5 GPa) using data from samples that remained crystalline. The model is particularly effective for low shock levels, while Raman is more effective at higher shock pressures. These quantitative relationships provide a valuable tool for assessing the shock history recorded in plagioclase minerals.","author":[{"family":"Cao","given":"Fengke"},{"family":"Flemming","given":"RL"},{"family":"Izawa","given":"MRM"},{"family":"Jaret","given":"SJ"},{"family":"Johnson","given":"JR"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024je008574","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024je008574","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412493810","type":"article-journal","title":"Present-day Earth mantle structure set up by crustal pollution of the basal magma ocean","abstract":"The crystallization of a global magma ocean during early terrestrial planet evolution and the subsequent segregation of a longer-lived \"basal magma ocean\" (BMO) atop the core set up the evolution of the mantle-atmosphere system. Although seismic evidence for a BMO exists on present-day Mars and the Moon, the Earth's BMO is (near-)completely solidified. Seismically observed \"large low-velocity provinces\" (LLVPs) are thought to have resulted from the canonical \"fractional\" style of BMO crystallization. However, we show using thermodynamic modeling that BMO fractional crystallization yields lowermost-mantle densities much higher than those of LLVPs. In turn, pollution of the BMO by progressive addition of recycled basaltic crust and related \"reactive crystallization\" can reconcile LLVP volumes, densities, and compositions. This model also makes testable predictions of the compositions of \"ultralow-velocity zones,\" enigmatic deep Earth seismic domains, and possible BMO remnants. The critical role of crustal pollution elucidates the survival of a BMO on Mars, but implies an Earth-like fate for any Venusian BMO.","author":[{"family":"Ballmer","given":"Maxim"},{"family":"Spaargaren","given":"Rob"},{"family":"Mallik","given":"Ananya"},{"family":"Córdoba","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Nakajima","given":"Miki"},{"family":"Vilella","given":"Kenny"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adu2072","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adu2072","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412550442","type":"article-journal","title":"Catalytic Effects on Aldose Formation by γ-ray-Induced Formose-Type Reactions in Meteorite Parent Bodies","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The formose-type reaction is widely regarded as a key process in the formation of sugars including ribose, a component of RNA, which is essential for life. Aqueous alteration in meteorite parent bodies constitutes one of the potential extraterrestrial environments wherein formose-type reactions could have occurred. The reaction could have been driven by ionizing radiation from radionuclide decay and the decay heat. Furthermore, this heating process may have released metal ions from the meteorite minerals, further enhancing the reaction. While hydrothermal experiments have been conducted to simulate such environments, the role of radiation in this process has rarely been considered. However, we have shown that radiation plays a key role in studying the prebiotic synthesis of sugars during the early stages of aqueous alteration of meteorite parent bodies. To investigate the effects of catalysts under irradiation, meteorite parent body simulants were irradiated with γ-rays at room temperature, with ammonia, calcium hydroxide, glycolaldehyde, and olivine serving as catalysts, and the production of aldoses was examined. As a result, these catalysts enhance aldose production under γ-ray irradiation. However, the effects of calcium hydroxide and olivine were found to be limited, potentially attributable to their lower solubility at room temperature. In contrast, ammonia and glycolaldehyde showed more significant effects. This observation indicates that in the early stages of aqueous alteration of meteorite parent bodies, where radiation such as γ-rays is likely to be the predominant energy source, dissolved catalysts play a more important role compared to solid catalysts.","author":[{"family":"Abe","given":"Shunpei"},{"family":"Hirakawa","given":"Naoki"},{"family":"Toyoshima","given":"K"},{"family":"Yoda","given":"Isao"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Kensei"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00119","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00119","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409708466","type":"article-journal","title":"Harvesting of Condensate Water from Air Conditioners in Large Institutions as a Sustainable Resource","abstract":"Abstract The presented study aligns with global sustainability goals by integrating water harvesting with energy-efficient transactions. Infrastructure and energy in buildings are worth attention to tackle water scarcity and energy consumption management. This research highlights the dual benefits of enhancing water sustainability while optimizing energy use in air conditioning (AC) systems. The methodology includes investigating the potential of harnessing condensate water produced by a network of 113 AC units and a surface area of 3000 m 2 . All data have been collected and evaluated at the faculty of engineering at Horus University in New Damietta, Egypt. The greatest cumulative amount of water produced for one day was 51.24 L in June, 51.56 L in July, 55.65 L in August, and 53.32 L in September. By multiplying the average amount by the number of AC units in the building, the daily water production records 5977.7 L/day, approximately 6 m 3 . Although this number of air conditioners consumes 236 kW to operate, the operating cost is not considered since water is a byproduct. Therefore, the main cost can be represented by maintenance, renewal, and water treatment when used for drinking. Also, using this water in other applications without treatment, such as irrigation, cleaning, practical experiments, and engineering applications, provides a great return on investment. Graphical Abstract","author":[{"family":"Elbrashy","given":"Amr"},{"family":"Vafai","given":"Kambiz"},{"family":"Elshennawy","given":"Abdullah"},{"family":"Ayman","given":"Manar"},{"family":"Elgebaly","given":"Ahmed"},{"family":"Rashad","given":"Maher"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11269-025-04203-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-025-04203-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409054395","type":"article-journal","title":"Extended Longevity Photoactivated Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for the Detection of Biosignatures on Icy Worlds and Martian Polar Caps","abstract":"ABSTRACT Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has traditionally not been considered for planetary sciences due to issues associated with SERS substrate degradation and spectra reproducibility. Here, we present ongoing work on the compact integrated Raman spectrometer (CIRS) instrument developed for the Europa Lander Mission concept, which incorporates SERS capability into the green‐wavelength Raman system in order to allow detection of biosignatures at extremely low concentrations. In this work, we optimize a SERS method based on chemically stable AgCl precursor coating, which is reduced to SERS‐active Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in situ, thus eliminating any potential degradation of the SERS‐active AgNPs during transit. We use the modified AgCl coating to detect biosignatures relevant for the search for extraterrestrial life, evaluate the detection limit, and characterize the stability and reproducibility of the resulting spectra. To assess the impact of environmental conditions on Icy Worlds and Mars, we also investigate the effect of salts and varying pH. The results show that L‐histidine can be detected 10 nM and BPE as low as 10 −24 M, which is within the estimated biomolecule concentration range for Icy Worlds. Furthermore, the presence of salts significantly enhances the SERS signal, which makes this method particularly favorable for detecting in salty brines, such as on Ocean Worlds or Mars. This method thus greatly enhances the scientific capabilities of the CIRS instrument for the exploration of Icy Worlds and Martian polar caps. Furthermore, the SERS coating is applied to the sample cup at little additional cost or complexity and requires no sample preparation.","author":[{"family":"Vitkova","given":"Aria"},{"family":"Vu","given":"Tuan"},{"family":"Lambert","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1002/jrs.6790","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6790","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412853980","type":"article-journal","title":"3D and 2D Clast Analysis of Apollo 17 Core Sample 73002: Insights Into the Light Mantle Dynamics and Regolith Reworking","abstract":"Abstract The Light Mantle deposit in Taurus‐Littrow Valley, Apollo 17 landing site, represents the only extraterrestrial landslide to have ever been studied in situ. The origin and hypermobility of the Light Mantle remain debated. A core sample of the Light Mantle was collected by Apollo 17 astronauts and kept sealed awaiting for advanced imaging and analytical techniques to be available in the future. The core, made up of two samples, was recently opened as part of the NASA Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis initiative. The availability of the core for study represents an unprecedented opportunity to investigate the structures of the Light Mantle at previously unsampled depths. In this work, we used high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography scans and high‐resolution scans of thin sections of the upper 20 cm of the core, sample 73002. We conducted 3D clast‐size analysis and investigation of clast morphological fabric. Our results (a) suggest the absence of large clasts (>1 cm) in the uppermost 5 cm, consistent with the reworked regolith layer identified in previous studies of other lunar samples and (b) show the presence of clast‐cortex aggregates, which are considered evidence of granular flow dynamics during the Light Mantle emplacement. Our work represents the first study to conduct a 3D clast analysis of a lunar core sample. As such, it constitutes an important step in showing the novel information that can be extracted. Moreover, it presents a potential workflow for studying lunar core samples that will be collected during future missions to the Moon.","author":[{"family":"Magnarini","given":"Giulia"},{"family":"Mitchell","given":"TM"},{"family":"Grindrod","given":"PM"},{"family":"Bell","given":"SK"},{"family":"Joy","given":"KH"},{"family":"Eckley","given":"SA"},{"family":"Zeigler","given":"RA"},{"family":"Schmitt","given":"HH"},{"family":"Shearer","given":"CK"},{"family":"Team","given":"The"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024je008422","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024je008422","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409221329","type":"article-journal","title":"Experimental heating of CI chondrite: Empirical constraints on the evolution of micrometeorite O-isotopes during atmospheric entry","abstract":"Experimental heating of CI chondrites to understand the particle evo • The micrometeorite (MM) entry heating process demonstrates the relationship between heating and particle evolution. • For a CI chondrite precursor scoriaceous MMs form at ∼ 1200–1400 °C and fully melted cosmic spherules at ∼1600 °C. • Grain size of minerals within micrometeorites controls the texture of the resulting cosmic spherules. • At sub-solidus temperatures dehydration of phyllosilicate and preferential loss of isotopically heavy water occur. • At supra-solidus temperatures pronounced mass loss through evaporation introduces a mass-dependent fractionation effect. Extraterrestrial dust exhibits a wide range of textural, chemical and oxygen isotopic compositions due to the heterogeneity of their precursors and modification during atmospheric entry. Experimental heating provides an opportunity to investigate the relationship between thermal processing and micrometeorite composition for a known precursor material. We conducted experiments to simulate the atmospheric entry of micrometeorites (MMs) using controlled, short-duration (10–50 s) flash heating (400–1600 °C) of CI chondrite chips (<1500 µm) in atmospheric air (1 bar, 21% O 2 ) combined with microanalysis (textures, chemical and isotopic compositions) of the experimental products. The heated chips closely resemble natural samples, with materials similar to unmelted MMs, partially melted (scoriaceous) MMs and fully melted cosmic spherules produced. We reproduced several key features such as dehydration cracks, magnetite rims, volatile gas release, vesicle formation and coalescence, melting and quench cooling. Our parameter space allows for discriminating peak temperature and heating duration effects. Peak temperature is the first-order control on MM mineralogy, while heating duration controls vesicle coalescence and homogenization. When compared against previous heating experiments, our data demonstrates that CI chondrite dust is more thermally resistant, relative to CM chondrite dust, by approximately +200 °C. The 207 measurement of O-isotopes allows, for the first time, petrographic effects (such as volatile degassing and melting) to be correlated against bulk O-isotope evolution. Our results demonstrate findings applicable to CI chondrites and potentially to all fine-grained hydrated carbonaceous chondrite dust grains: (1) O-isotope variations arising during sub-solidus heating are dominated by the release of water from phyllosilicates, forcing the residual MM composition towards its anhydrous precursor composition. (2) Oxygen isotope compositions undergo the most significant changes at supra-solidus temperatures. As previously demonstrated and now empirically confirmed, most of these changes are driven by a mass-dependent fractionation effect caused by evaporation, which shifts residual rock compositions toward heavier values. Mixing with atmospheric air alters compositions toward the terrestrial fractionation line. Notably, these two processes do not begin simultaneously. Our data indicate that at 1200 °C, isotopic evolution is dominated by evaporative mass loss. However, at higher temperatures (1400–1600 °C), both pronounced evaporation and mixing with atmospheric oxygen become active, resulting in a more complex isotopic signature. (3) The total change in Δ 17 O during heating up to 1600 °C is < 3‰ and in most scenarios < 2‰.","author":[{"family":"Rudraswami","given":"NG"},{"family":"Suttle","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Marrocchi","given":"Yves"},{"family":"Pandey","given":"Mayank"},{"family":"Tissandier","given":"Laurent"},{"family":"Villeneuve","given":"Johan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gsf.2025.102046","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2025.102046","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415052457","type":"article-journal","title":"Metabolic controls on the carbon isotope fractionations of bacterial fermentation","abstract":"Microbial fermentation facilitates the initial breakdown of organic matter into small molecules and is thought to be the rate-limiting step of anoxic organic mineralization. However, fermentation is understudied in modern and ancient biogeochemistry due to a lack of environmental biomarkers. It has long been assumed that fermentation, like respiration, does not express significant carbon isotope fractionations, precluding isotopic signals as a means of studying it in nature. Here, we tested this idea by growing pure cultures of four fermenting bacteria on glucose and measuring the carbon isotope compositions of the organic acids and alcohols produced. We found that fermentation exhibits a strong carbon isotope fractionation, ranging from − 6‰ to + 16‰, depending on the fermentation product. With bioisotopic models that track site-specific isotope enrichments through metabolism, we constrained the enzymes responsible for these fractionations. Our models reproduced in vivo organic acid δ 13 C values in all four organisms. These findings demonstrate that acetate 13 C-enrichment is likely a widespread signature of fermentation. They also challenge traditional notions of controls on the isotope composition of lipids. Finally, our study suggests that fermentation imposes a trophic carbon isotope fractionation as organic carbon is passed from fermenters to secondary degraders like sulfate reducers. Looking to the geologic past, this trophic fractionation could have imprinted isotopic signals on the three billion year record of sedimentary organic carbon, specifically the inverse δ 13 C pattern of Precambrian acyclic isoprenoid and n-alkane biomarkers. Pervasive evidence of fermentation in the rock record would suggest its underappreciated role in biogeochemical cycles throughout Earth history.","author":[{"family":"Mueller","given":"Elliott"},{"family":"Heuer","given":"Verena"},{"family":"Leadbetter","given":"Jared"},{"family":"Hinrichs","given":"Kai‐uwe"},{"family":"Sessions","given":"Alex"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2511040122","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2511040122","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7117152590","type":"article-journal","title":"Occurrence and Origin of Chlorine in Middle Jurassic High-Cl Coals from the Sha’erhu Area, Turpan–Hami Basin, Northwest China","abstract":"Exceptionally high chlorine contents (up to 1.57%) occur in the Middle Jurassic coal seams of the Sha’erhu area, Turpan–Hami Basin, Northwest China, making this coalfield one of the most Cl-enriched coal occurrences reported in China. However, the occurrence modes and enrichment pathways of chlorine in such coals remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, we integrated coal quality analyses, mineralogical characterization (XRD and SEM–EDS), geochemical measurements (XRF and ICP–MS), and an integrated Sequential Chemical Extraction Procedure–High-Temperature Combustion Hydrolysis approach to systematically elucidate the occurrence forms and enrichment processes of chlorine in the Sha’erhu coals. The results indicate that chlorine predominantly occurs in water-soluble form (78.3%–84.7% of total Cl), followed by a minor adsorbed fraction, whereas carbonate-bound and organic/silicate-bound Cl are negligible. The mineral assemblages and geochemical indicators jointly suggest that the coal seams were deposited in a semi-closed, strongly evaporative lacustrine–peat mire system, which subsequently experienced structurally controlled brine intrusion. Chlorine enrichment is attributed to the combined effects of primary evaporative concentration, externally sourced brines migrating through tectonic conduits, and diagenetic fluid activities. This study provides an important case for understanding the genesis of High-chlorine coals in continental basins.","author":[{"family":"Xu","given":"Xinyi"},{"family":"Wang","given":"W"},{"family":"Lu","given":"Qingfeng"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Wenlong"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Bofei"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Yuanzhe"},{"family":"Li","given":"Jiaxin"},{"family":"Che","given":"Kexin"},{"family":"Shen","given":"Yixin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min16010018","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010018","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7120086169","type":"article-journal","title":"High-Pressure Torsion-Induced Transformation of Adenosine Monophosphate: Insights into Prebiotic Chemistry of RNA by Astronomical Impacts","abstract":"The origin of life is yet a compelling scientific mystery that has sometimes been attributed to high-pressure impacts by small solar system bodies such as comets, meteoroids, asteroids, and transitional objects. High-pressure torsion (HPT) is an innovative method with which to simulate the extreme conditions of astronomical impacts and offers insights relevant to prebiotic chemistry. In the present study, we investigated the polymerization and stability of adenosine monophosphate (AMP), a key precursor to ribonucleic acid (RNA), in dry and hydrated conditions (10 wt% water) under 6 GPa at ambient and boiling water temperatures. Comprehensive analyses with the use of X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed no evidence of polymerization, while AMP partly transformed to other organic compounds such as nucleobase-derived fragments of adenine, phosphoribose fragments, dehydrated adenosine, protonated adenosine, and oxidized adenosine. The torque measurements during HPT further highlighted the mechanical behavior of AMP under extreme conditions. These findings suggest that, while HPT under the conditions tested does not facilitate polymerization, the formation of various compounds from AMP confirms the significance of astronomical impacts on the prebiotic chemistry of RNA on early Earth. Key Words: Ribonucleic acid (RNA)-Origin of life-Phase transformations-Chemical reactions-Small solar system bodies. Astrobiology 26, 1-9.","author":[{"family":"Edalati","given":"Kaveh"},{"family":"Hidalgojiménez","given":"Jacqueline"},{"family":"Nguyen","given":"Thanh"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1177/15311074251412318","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15311074251412318","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407864876","type":"article-journal","title":"The Bacterial Genus Ramlibacter : Betaproteobacteria Capable of Surviving in Oligotrophic Environments Thanks to Several Shared Genetic Adaptation Traits","abstract":"Ramlibacter tataouinensis, the type species of the genus Ramlibacter, is renowned for its ability to thrive in hot, arid and nutrient-poor desert soils. To investigate whether its adaptive properties are shared across all 20 currently described Ramlibacter species found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic habitats worldwide, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 16S rRNA sequences and genomic information available from the literature. Our study encompassed approximately 40 deposited genomes, allowing us to propose a genomic phylogeny that aligns with the 16S rRNA phylogeny. Our findings reveal several conserved features across the genus Ramlibacter. This includes the presence of light sensors, environmental sensing networks, organic carbon and phosphate acquisition systems and the ability to store carbon and energy in the form of polyhydroxyalkanoate or polyphosphate granules. These shared traits rationalise the widespread distribution of Ramlibacter in oligotrophic terrestrial and aquatic environments. They also explain the genus' ability to withstand desiccation, endure extended periods of starvation, and survive in nutrient-depleted conditions. Notably, certain adaptive features are further enhanced in several species by their pleiomorphism and ability to form cysts. Overall, our study not only highlights the ecological adaptations of Ramlibacter species but also extends our understanding of microbial ecology in oligotrophic environments.","author":[{"family":"Luca","given":"Gilles"},{"family":"Barakat","given":"Mohamed"},{"family":"Verméglio","given":"André"},{"family":"Achouak","given":"Wafa"},{"family":"Heulin","given":"Thierry"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/1462-2920.70059","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.70059","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406472318","type":"article-journal","title":"Reduced contribution of sulfur to the mass extinction associated with the Chicxulub impact event","abstract":"The Chicxulub asteroid impact event at the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary ~66 Myr ago is widely considered responsible for the mass extinction event leading to the demise of the non-avian dinosaurs. Short-term cooling due to massive release of climate-active agents is hypothesized to have been crucial, with S-bearing gases originating from the target rock vaporization considered an important driving force. Yet, the magnitude of the S release remains poorly constrained. Here we empirically estimate the amount of impact-released S relying on the concentration of S and its isotopic composition within the impact structure and a set of terrestrial K-Pg boundary ejecta sites. The average value of 67 ± 39 Gt obtained is ~5-fold lower than previous numerical estimates. The lower mass of S-released may indicate a less prominent role for S emission leading to a milder impact winter with key implications for species survival during the first years following the impact.","author":[{"family":"Rodiouchkina","given":"Katerina"},{"family":"Goderis","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Senel","given":"Cem"},{"family":"Kaskes","given":"Pim"},{"family":"Karatekin","given":"Özgür"},{"family":"Böttcher","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Rodushkin","given":"Ilia"},{"family":"Vellekoop","given":"Johan"},{"family":"Claeys","given":"Philippe"},{"family":"Vanhaecke","given":"Frank"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-55145-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55145-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412992482","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogical and Chemical Mapping of Martian Meteorite SaU 008 Using Deep UV Raman and Fluorescence Spectroscopy on Earth and Mars","abstract":"Abstract The NASA Mars 2020 mission Perseverance rover carries a piece of Martian meteorite Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 008 as part of the calibration payload for the SHERLOC science instrument. We report SHERLOC observations of the SaU 008 flight piece over the first 1,000 sols of the mission and compare them to measurements done prior to launch, showing consistent detection of the same deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) Raman and fluorescence signatures in the same locations. Co‐located X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and DUV mapping of a reference SaU 008 piece on Earth confirm that the meteorite is comprised of an igneous mineral matrix consistent with shergottite, rich in olivine, maskelynite, and Fe‐Mg pyroxenes detectable by SHERLOC. Terrestrial weathering features consist of fractures and vugs filled with Ca‐carbonate. Fluorescence mapping reveals two major signatures: (a) broad‐spectrum fluorescence present throughout the igneous matrix but strongest in weathering features, attributed to organic material, and (b) narrow‐band 340 nm fluorescence spatially associated with ∼48 ppm cerium in <100 μm Ca‐phosphate grains. Raman revealed organic material in both the igneous matrix and terrestrial carbonate in the form of macromolecular carbon (MMC) with defect and graphitic bands at ∼1,380 and ∼1,600 cm−1 respectively. Raman band parameters suggest that MMC associated with terrestrial weathering is less thermally mature, most likely the result of chemical alteration after landing on Earth. This study serves as a demonstration of SHERLOC's capabilities when supported by co‐located XRF data from PIXL and suggests that SHERLOC can detect Ce in phosphate minerals at concentrations as low as 4 ppm.","author":[{"family":"Hollis","given":"Joseph"},{"family":"Moore","given":"Kelsey"},{"family":"Fries","given":"M"},{"family":"Broderick","given":"Cindy"},{"family":"Buret","given":"Yannick"},{"family":"Bhartia","given":"R"},{"family":"Fornaro","given":"Teresa"},{"family":"Graff","given":"Trevor"},{"family":"Hand","given":"KP"},{"family":"Hickmanlewis","given":"Keyron"},{"family":"Jakubek","given":"Ryan"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Carina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024je008826","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024je008826","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7126063320","type":"article-journal","title":"Early Cambrian explosive super-eruptions in the north-western margin of Gondwana may have triggered the ‘Strangelove ocean’","abstract":"Abstract The ‘Strangelove ocean’ (a state of ocean, almost devoid of living organisms) documented in the early Cambrian strata in South China, has been thought to be driven by an extraterrestrial impact, but this viewpoint has been doubted for emerging geochemical evidence. Volcanism may be a trigger for the oceanic crisis. However, such a linkage has not yet been established. Here, we conduct an investigation into the timing and origin of the early Cambrian K-bentonites (a type of clay rock formed from volcanic ash) of the Yangtze and Baoshan blocks. The results suggest that the K-bentonites may represent early Cambrian explosive super-eruptions occurred in the north-western margin of Gondwana. The eruptions might trigger the anoxia of the contemporaneous ocean and coincided temporally with a bio-crisis preceding the summit of the Cambrian explosion. We propose that they may have initiated the ‘Strangelove ocean’ and delayed the climax of the Cambrian bio-radiation.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Di"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Mingzhong"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Zhongfa"},{"family":"Xue","given":"Xixi"},{"family":"Fan","given":"Haiwei"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Li"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Enlin"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Zongling"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Zhuo"},{"family":"Luo","given":"Taiyi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-026-03243-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-026-03243-2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7128910365","type":"article-journal","title":"Apatite in Bennu samples indicates multiple stages of aqueous alteration","abstract":"Abstract Calcium phosphates are ubiquitous in planetary materials, including samples returned from asteroid Bennu by the OSIRIS‐REx mission. We characterized apatite [Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 (F,Cl,OH)] grains in Bennu samples by scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, and transmission electron microscopy to investigate their compositions, mineral associations, and microstructures. We find that Bennu apatite is halogen‐poor, consistent with a composition of hydroxyapatite, and can be separated into two main structural types: single crystals, which often exhibit etched crystal faces, and anhedral polycrystalline assemblages. Both types exhibit zoning in cathodoluminescence imaging that results from incorporation of trace Mn 2+ and rare earth elements into the apatite structure during crystal growth. Transmission electron microscopy of a single phosphate crystal and a polycrystalline assemblage reveals close association between apatite and phyllosilicates in the surrounding matrix. Phyllosilicates are either oriented parallel to intact apatite crystal facets or radiating from altered crystal faces. We interpret that single crystals with or without etched crystal faces are among the least aqueously altered of the observed apatites, whereas polycrystalline assemblages exhibiting a porous texture, consistent with successive dissolution–reprecipitation reactions, represent assemblages that experienced more extensive aqueous alteration. These microstructural data suggest that several stages of aqueous alteration likely occurred on Bennu's parent body, leading to the mineral assemblages observed here.","author":[{"family":"Seifert","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Erickson","given":"TM"},{"family":"Keller","given":"LP"},{"family":"Barnes","given":"JJ"},{"family":"Thomaskeprta","given":"K"},{"family":"Le","given":"L"},{"family":"Gorce","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Rahman","given":"Z"},{"family":"Zega","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Connolly","given":"HC"},{"family":"Lauretta","given":"DS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70093","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70093","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409592205","type":"article-journal","title":"Three‐dimensional morphological analysis of Chang'e‐5 lunar soil using deep learning‐automated segmentation on computed tomography scans","abstract":"Grain morphology is a fundamental characteristic of lunar soil that influences its mechanical properties, sintering behavior, and in situ resource utilization. However, traditional two-dimensional imaging methods are time-consuming and lack full three-dimensional (3D) structural information. This study presents an automated deep learning-based segmentation and reconstruction algorithm for high-resolution X-ray computed tomography scans of Chang'e-5 lunar soil samples. By integrating a U-Net convolutional neural network with a watershed algorithm, this method enables efficient and accurate 3D reconstruction of 553,578 lunar soil particles, significantly reducing manual annotation time. The results reveal a median particle size of 63.73 µm, an average aspect ratio of 0.55, and an average sphericity of 0.87, providing key insights into lunar regolith morphology. A clustering analysis identified 30 representative particle types, whose STereoLithography models will be made publicly available for further research and numerical simulations. These findings offer crucial data for discrete element modeling, thermal analysis, and engineering applications, supporting future lunar exploration and the development of sustainable lunar infrastructure.","author":[{"family":"Zhou","given":"Siqi"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Yu"},{"family":"Tao","given":"Xinyang"},{"family":"Li","given":"Feng"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Chi"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Gao","given":"Yangming"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/mice.13487","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/mice.13487","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406624283","type":"article-journal","title":"Iron and copper sulfides in asteroid (162173) Ryugu: Formation conditions and a comparison to the CI and CY chondrites","abstract":"Abstract JAXA's Hayabusa2 sample return mission visited the volatile‐rich carbonaceous (C‐type) asteroid (162173) Ryugu with the aim of ground‐truthing remote observations, returning a pristine sample from a C‐type asteroid, and strengthening links between asteroids and the meteorite collection. Here, we have conducted a systematic study of coarse (>10 μm) sulfide grains in Ryugu particles C0025‐01 and C0103‐02, the CI chondrites Orgueil and Ivuna, and the CY chondrites Y‐86029 (Stage III, heated to 500–750°C) and Y‐86720 (Stage IV, >750°C), using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Sulfides are sensitive tracers of secondary alteration conditions, and we find that Ryugu and the CI chondrites share a distinct sulfide assemblage that includes the iron sulfides pyrrhotite and pentlandite, and the copper sulfide cubanite, that equilibrated during periods of low temperature (~25°C) aqueous alteration. Sulfides in the CY chondrites are compositionally distinct from Ryugu and the CI chondrites as a result of post‐hydration heating. However, the occurrence of Cu‐rich sulfides in Ryugu, the CIs, and the CYs suggests a genetic relationship between these samples.","author":[{"family":"Harrison","given":"CS"},{"family":"King","given":"A"},{"family":"Jones","given":"RH"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tadaho"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"H"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Okazaki","given":"R"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"H"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"H"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"K"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14312","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14312","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414685435","type":"article-journal","title":"Detection of organic compounds in freshly ejected ice grains from Enceladus’s ocean","abstract":"Abstract Saturn’s moon Enceladus ejects a plume of ice grains and gases originating from a subsurface ocean via fractures near its south pole. The chemical characterization of organic material in such ice grains was previously conducted via the analysis of mass spectra obtained in Saturn’s E ring by Cassini’s Cosmic Dust Analyzer at impact speeds below 12 km s −1 . Here we present a comprehensive chemical analysis of organic-bearing ice grains sampled directly from the plume during a Cassini fly-by of Enceladus (E5) at an encounter speed of nearly 18 km s −1 . We again detect aryl and oxygen moieties in these fresh ice grains, as previously identified in older E-ring grains. Furthermore, the unprecedented high encounter speed revealed previously unobserved molecular fragments in Cosmic Dust Analyzer spectra, allowing the identification of aliphatic, (hetero)cyclic ester/alkenes, ethers/ethyl and, tentatively, N- and O-bearing compounds. These freshly ejected species are derived from the Enceladus subsurface, hinting at a hydrothermal origin and involvement in geochemical pathways towards the synthesis and evolution of organics.","author":[{"family":"Khawaja","given":"Nozair"},{"family":"Postberg","given":"Frank"},{"family":"Osullivan","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Napoleoni","given":"Maryse"},{"family":"Kempf","given":"S"},{"family":"Klenner","given":"Fabian"},{"family":"Sekine","given":"Yasuhito"},{"family":"Craddock","given":"Maxwell"},{"family":"Hillier","given":"Jon"},{"family":"Simolka","given":"Jonas"},{"family":"Sánchez","given":"Lucía"},{"family":"Srama","given":"R"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41550-025-02655-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-025-02655-y","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409697486","type":"article-journal","title":"Magnetization of Iron Meteorites up to the Meter in Size as Possible Analogs for Asteroid Psyche","abstract":"Abstract Meteorite paleomagnetic studies indicate planetesimal generated magnetic fields, but spacecraft magnetic measurements have yet to identify asteroidal natural remanent magnetization (NRM). This apparent discrepancy is of particular interest in the context of the NASA Psyche mission, which will search for evidence of past magnetic activity of the metal‐rich asteroid (16) Psyche. Here, we aim to test whether the NRM of meteorites inevitably drops below detectable values as specimen size increases, which could explain why asteroidal NRMs could never be detected. We focus on iron meteorites as possible analogs to (16) Psyche's constituent material. To do so, we measure the remanent magnetic field and estimate the NRM of samples of four iron meteorites with volumes between mm3 and m3. We find that their estimated NRMs decrease with increasing sample size but appear to plateau. These data are compatible with the idea that the bulk NRM of increasingly large objects becomes dominated by the fraction of this NRM produced by assemblages of magnetic minerals sharing a common magnetization direction. Moreover, all m3‐sized meteorites carry NRMs that are two orders of magnitude above the detectability limit of the Psyche Magnetometer, three of which are possibly pre‐terrestrial. These data, acquired on some of the largest masses of iron meteorites available on Earth, support the range of plausible NRM values for km‐size regions of (16) Psyche, used to establish the spacecraft Magnetometer's performance requirements. Nevertheless, large‐scale events such as brecciation of the asteroid following magnetization acquisition could always lower the asteroid's NRM below the detectability limit.","author":[{"family":"Maurel","given":"Clara"},{"family":"Clavé","given":"Elise"},{"family":"Gattacceca","given":"J"},{"family":"Uehara","given":"Minoru"},{"family":"Mansbach","given":"Elias"},{"family":"Mccoy","given":"Timothy"},{"family":"Weiss","given":"BP"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024je008810","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024je008810","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406420693","type":"article-journal","title":"Climatic and tectonic controls on ferroan dolomite formation: insights into Early Miocene anoxia in the Mediterranean Sea (il-Blata, Malta)","abstract":"Records from the Miocene il-Blata section in Malta offer insights into the depositional environments of the Central Mediterranean following an Early Miocene restriction of the Mesopotamian Seaway ( c. 20 Ma). Inorganic and organic stable carbon isotope values suggest relatively steady depositional environments, whereas authigenic iron dolomite abundances exhibiting substantial δ 18 O and δ 13 C variations at a sequence scale indicate dynamic sedimentation conditions leading to differential diagenesis. Petrographically, the dolomitic levels exhibit matrix-selective dolomitization, occasional silicification and phosphatization, and textural indicators pointing to subsurface microbial influences. These features collectively point to complex shallow burial diagenesis. In addition, the presence of framboidal pyrite and gypsum infilling foraminiferal chambers, along with the absence of large planktonic foraminifera, suggests the development of palaeoenvironmental stress imposed by a density-stratified water column affecting the pore waters. Towards the top of the studied succession, a shift from organic to siliceous deposits reflects water column perturbations possibly linked to changes in oceanic circulation associated with a temporary re-opening of the Mesopotamian Seaway. This study not only underscores the hydrochemical controls exerted by North African terrigenous fluxes over the Mediterranean, but also highlights the intricate interplay between shifting depositional environments and shallow burial diagenetic processes in shaping the geochemical and textural fabrics of authigenic mineral assemblages.","author":[{"family":"Zammit","given":"Raymond"},{"family":"Petrash","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Bialik","given":"Or"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1144/jgs2024-146","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2024-146","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413953410","type":"article-journal","title":"Physics of Life: Exploring Information as a Distinctive Feature of Living Systems","abstract":"This paper explores the idea that information is an essential and distinctive feature of living systems. Unlike nonliving systems, living systems actively acquire, process, and use information about their environments to respond to changing conditions, sustain themselves, and achieve other intrinsic goals. We discuss relevant theoretical frameworks such as semantic information and fitness value of information. We also highlight the broader implications of our perspective for fields such as origin-of-life research and astrobiology. In particular, we touch on the transition to information-driven systems as a key step in abiogenesis, informational constraints as determinants of planetary habitability, and informational biosignatures for detecting life beyond Earth. We briefly discuss experimental platforms which offer opportunities to investigate these theoretical concepts in controlled environments. By integrating theoretical and experimental approaches, this perspective advances our understanding of life's informational dynamics and its universal principles across diverse scientific domains.","author":[{"family":"Bartlett","given":"Stuart"},{"family":"Eckford","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Egbert","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Lingam","given":"Manasvi"},{"family":"Kolchinsky","given":"Artemy"},{"family":"Frank","given":"Adam"},{"family":"Ghoshal","given":"Gourab"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1103/rsx4-8x5f","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1103/rsx4-8x5f","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415966700","type":"article-journal","title":"Kerogen Detection in Neoarchean and Eocene Microbialites via Deep UV Raman and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Using a Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals Analog Instrument","abstract":"To date, the Mars 2020 mission’s deep-UV Raman and fluorescence instrument (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals [SHERLOC]) has reported potential Raman detections of macromolecular carbon in data collected on the floor of Jezero crater and in Neretva Vallis, a valley incised through the Jezero crater rim and Margin Unit. The crater floor detection is associated with a collocated fluorescence signal that has been interpreted to indicate the presence of small aromatic molecules and/or cerium-bearing phosphates. Previous work has demonstrated that the potential macromolecular carbon detection is similar to data collected from abiotic macromolecular carbon in a martian meteorite. The work described here was performed to support the interpretation of this and any future possible SHERLOC macromolecular carbon detections by comparing the possible G-band to biologically produced macromolecular carbon (kerogen). We report the results of collocated, in situ deep UV Raman and fluorescence measurements of kerogen preserved within Neoarchean and Eocene carbonate microbialites collected with a SHERLOC analog instrument. Our results support the conclusion that SHERLOC has detected macromolecular carbon in Jezero crater that may be of an abiotic or biological origin and suggest that a carbonate mineral may be the source of the collocated fluorescence signal. These findings reinforce the possibility that samples collected during the Mars 2020 mission may hold compelling evidence of ancient microbial life on Mars and the importance of delivering the samples to Earth for laboratory analysis to determine whether the material is biological in origin.","author":[{"family":"Corpolongo","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Czaja","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Jakubek","given":"Ryan"},{"family":"Fries","given":"M"},{"family":"George","given":"Abigail"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1177/15311074251392897","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15311074251392897","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412121336","type":"article-journal","title":"Design and Implementation of a Cross-Platform and Multi-Scale Workflow for Volatile-Rich Extraterrestrial Sample Analysis: From Contamination Control to Coordinated Analysis","abstract":"Introduction The JAXA Hayabusa2 mission represents a significant milestone in planetary science. In December 2020, the mission successfully returned samples from two distinct sites of the carbonaceous, C-type, asteroid Ryugu. These samples were expected to provide critical insights into the origin of volatiles including water and organics on Earth, the thermal and aqueous histories of primitive bodies, and the physicochemical processes that related to the earliest stage of our Solar System.F Following the successful recovery of the re-entry capsule, initial curation activities, primarily consisting of non-destructive observations (such as optical microscopy, FT-IR, MicrOmega, and weight measurements), were conducted at JAXA’s Extraterrestrial Sample Curation Center. Subsequently, the expanded analytical phase was launched to facilitate advanced and multi-institutional investigations by six initial analysis teams and the two Phase2 Curation teams including the Phase2 Curation Kochi team (Ph2K) [1-10]. Preserve Pristine Nature of Ryugu sample: Contamination Control from curation facility to the institutes The Ryugu samples are invaluable to planetary science due to their minimal terrestrial contamination, preserving volatiles and complex microstructures of minerals and organics. They preserve volatiles and complex microstructures of minerals and organics, providing insights into the early evolution of the Solar System [3-10]. To minimize contamination during transport to institutes both nationwide and internationally, we developed the Facility-to-Facility Transfer Container (FFTC) and individual sample containers [11] (Fig. 1). These were designed for use within Ryugu-dedicated clean chambers at the JAXA and prioritized ease of cleaning, use of same materials with the clean chamber, operability with thick Viton-coated butyl gloves, and long-term sealing using pure nitrogen. A Cross-Platform Pipeline for Extraterrestrial Sample Analysis The cross-platform analytical pipeline of the Ph2K is designed to establish comprehensive protocols for the analysis of small-volume, volatile-rich extraterrestrial materials from asteroid Ryugu. Its primary objective is to characterize the mineralogical, petrological, chemical, and isotopic properties of the Ryugu samples at mm- to micrometer scales. To maximize scientific gain from the limited sample mass, the protocol follows a “non-destructive-first” strategy, advancing sequentially through increasingly invasive and ultimately destructive analytical techniques (Figs. 2, 3) [11-13]. Results in case of Ryugu sample analysis by Ph2K Ph2K plays a vital role in understanding of primitive Solar System materials. Samples returned from asteroid Ryugu exhibit bulk chemical compositions and oxygen isotopic compositions closely matching those of CI chondrites which is similar chemical compositions of the Sun, suggesting that Ryugu represents one of the most chemically primitive materials in the Solar System [e.g., 3-6, 13]. Our analyses revealed abundant hydrated minerals, such as phyllosilicates (i.e., serpentine and saponite) and carbonates, as well as isotopically heavy hydrogen and nitrogen isotopic compositions, pointing to low-temperature alteration and a formation in the cold outer Solar System. Organic matter, rich in aliphatic hydrocarbons, was associated with coarse-grained phyllosilicates, implying that these minerals may have provided environments favorable for organics. These findings support a scenario in which Ryugu accreted from icy and organic-rich particles, migrated inward, and potentially contributed to the delivery of water and organics to early Earth. Further studies of samples from other planetary explorations meteorite, and interplanetary dust particles are essential to expand our understanding of volatile transport and preservation in the early Solar System.Additional findings by Ph2K include the identification of Ryugu’s precursor body [14], early aqueous alteration within 1.8–5","author":[{"family":"Ito","given":"Motoo"},{"family":"Tomioka","given":"Naotaka"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Masayuki"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Yamaguchi","given":"Akira"},{"family":"Imae","given":"Naoya"},{"family":"Ohigashi","given":"Takuji"},{"family":"Shirai","given":"Naoki"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc-dps2025-89","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc-dps2025-89","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416314227","type":"article-journal","title":"Discriminating abiotic and biotic organics in meteorite and terrestrial samples using machine learning on mass spectrometry data","abstract":"With the upcoming sample return missions to the Solar System where traces of past, extinct, or present life may be found, there is an urgent need to develop unbiased methods that can distinguish molecular distributions of organic compounds synthesized abiotically from those produced biotically but were subsequently altered through diagenetic processes. We conducted untargeted analyses on a collection of meteorite and terrestrial geologic samples using 2D gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry and compared their soluble nonpolar and semipolar organic species. To deconvolute the resulting large dataset, we developed LifeTracer, a computational framework for processing and downstream machine learning analysis of mass spectrometry data. LifeTracer identified predictive molecular features that distinguish abiotic from biotic origins and enabled a robust classification of meteorites from terrestrial samples based on the composition of their nonpolar soluble organics.","author":[{"family":"Saeedi","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Buckner","given":"Denise"},{"family":"Walton","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Aponte","given":"José"},{"family":"Aghazadeh","given":"Amirali"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf334","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf334","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413775440","type":"article-journal","title":"Optimizing Microclimatic Conditions for Lettuce, Tomatoes, Carrots, and Beets: Impacts on Growth, Physiology, and Biochemistry Across Greenhouse Types and Climatic Zones","abstract":"Vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, carrot, and beet are vital to the global food industry, providing essential nutrients and supporting sustainable agriculture. Their cultivation in greenhouses across diverse climatic zones (temperate, Mediterranean, tropical, subtropical, and arid) has gained prominence due to controlled environments that enhance yield and quality. However, these crops face significant threats from climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic light availability, and resource constraints, which challenge optimal growth and nutritional content. This study investigates the influence of microclimatic conditions—temperature, light intensity, and CO2 concentration—on the growth, physiology, and biochemistry of these vegetables under varying greenhouse types and climatic zones, addressing these threats through a systematic review. The methodology followed the PRISMA guidelines, synthesizing peer-reviewed articles from 1995 to 2025 sourced from Web of Science, Pub Med, Scopus, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Google Scholar. Search terms included “greenhouse microclimate”, “greenhouse types”, “Climatic Zones, “and crop-specific keywords, with data extracted on microclimatic parameters and analyzed across growth stages and climatic zones. Eligibility criteria ensured focus on quantitative data from greenhouse studies, excluding pre-1995 or non-peer-reviewed sources. The results identified the following optimal conditions: lettuce and beet thrive at 15–22 °C, 200–250 μmol·m−2·s−1, and 600–1100 ppm CO2 in temperate zones; tomatoes at 18–25 °C, 200–300 μmol·m−2·s−1, and 600–1100 ppm in Mediterranean and arid zones; and carrots at 15–20 °C, 150–250 μmol·m−2·s−1, and 600–1000 ppm in subtropical zones. Greenhouse types (e.g., glasshouses, polytunnels) modulate these optima, with high-tech systems enhancing resilience. Conclusively, tailored microclimatic management, integrating AI-driven technologies and advanced greenhouse designs, is recommended to mitigate threats and optimize production across climatic zones.","author":[{"family":"Nițu","given":"Oana"},{"family":"Ivan","given":"Elena"},{"family":"Arshad","given":"Adnan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ijpb16030100","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16030100","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415131338","type":"article-journal","title":"Progress in Resource Evaluation Using a Handheld Raman Instrument Developed for Astronaut Missions","abstract":"ABSTRACT Raman spectroscopy is being developed for resource evaluation on planetary surfaces, especially on the Moon. Analogue studies were undertaken to collect data that would indicate the presence of water and help develop the technology to search for valuable trace elements. Analysis of a gabbro‐anorthosite suite by Raman spectroscopy distinguished pyroxene, olivine and feldspar in samples whose mineralogy had been cross‐checked by electron microscopy. Examination of the olivine by electron microscopy showed a complex distribution of hydrated alteration products referable as serpentine or iddingsite. The altered olivine is thus a proxy for water. Raman spectroscopy of similar olivine produced a map of alteration products, which is a first depiction of a map of hydration. A targeted set of trace elements was more abundant in the feldspar. Raman spectroscopy of feldspar in cross‐cutting pegmatite veins detected a range of minerals containing trace elements, including anomalous amounts of the critical elements lithium and caesium. Measurement of Li and Cs in hot spring deposits which lie on the gabbro‐anorthosite suite shows much higher enrichment in shale sediments, which Raman spectroscopy identified as muscovite. This conclusion is consistent with the concentration of some trace elements (including Li) in detrital minerals and other trace elements (including Cs) in fluid precipitates.","author":[{"family":"Armstrong","given":"Joseph"},{"family":"Mchugh","given":"Melissa"},{"family":"Parnell","given":"John"},{"family":"Lerman","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Moral","given":"Andoni"},{"family":"Hutchinson","given":"Ian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1002/jrs.70060","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.70060","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7153200411","type":"article-journal","title":"Viruses in Extreme Marine Environments and Their Potential Existence in Extraterrestrial Environments","abstract":"Viruses are abundant and widespread in extreme marine environments, such as sea ice, hydrothermal vents, and ocean trenches. They occur at temperatures up to 122 °C and down to -30 °C and pressures exceeding 100 MPa. Their distribution in these environments is closely correlated with that of their extremophile hosts, which are mostly bacteria, archaea, and microeukaryotes. Viruses have been shown to be capable of long-term survival in conditions simulating interstellar conditions. However, for them to reproduce, they would still need a host. Many recent astro-biological investigations have focused on habitability, specifically the ability of a planet to support the activity of at least one lifeform. The most likely candidates for extraterrestrial habitability in our solar system are the sea ice moons of Jupiter and Saturn, namely Europa and Enceladus. These are both thought to contain subsurface oceans of liquid water and potentially access to the necessary elements for microbial growth. If microorganisms were to be detected in these extraterrestrial environments, viruses might also be found coexisting with their host cells.","author":[{"family":"Mcminn","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Liang","given":"Yantao"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Ziyue"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Min"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/v18040457","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/v18040457","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410824536","type":"article-journal","title":"Design of composite sampling system for surface soil of extraterrestrial bodies","abstract":"Space resource development has become a frontier hot topic in international space exploration. Amidst the growing scarcity of Earth?s resources and rare metals, the harnessing of asteroid resources has risen to prominence as a principal avenue of exploration. The utilization of asteroid resources necessitates extensive regolith mining operations. Catering to the demands of extensive space activities, extra?terrestrial construction, and resource development, this paper presents the design and simulation analysis of an extraterrestrial surface regolith composite sampling system. The findings demonstrate that the composite sampling approach, which combines spiral drilling and transport with kinetic energy directional excitation, is highly effective. It is capable of collecting no less than 500 g within a mere 5 seconds at a rotation speed of 3000 rpm, while the reaction force exerted by the brush remains below 5 N, thus satisfying the requirement for a low reaction force.","author":[{"family":"Sun","given":"Qichen"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Zeng"},{"family":"Gong","given":"Junshan"},{"family":"Yin","given":"Zhongwang"},{"family":"Lai","given":"Xiaoming"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Haibin"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Zhongxian"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Chao"},{"family":"Lv","given":"Hui"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.2298/tsci2502267s","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2298/tsci2502267s","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7117300788","type":"article-journal","title":"Mass spectrometry imaging: principles and applications in plant research","abstract":"Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is an advanced analytical technique that combines mass spectrometry with spatial mapping, enabling the direct, label-free detection and visualization of molecular distributions within biological tissues. This review comprehensively outlines the fundamental principles, major technological platforms, and recent applications of MSI in plant science. We detail key ionization techniques - matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), desorption electrospray ionization (DESI), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) - focusing on their ionization mechanisms and instrumental characteristics. We then highlight the transformative impact of MSI in plant research, specifically covering: plant metabolomics, localization of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants, elucidation of plant-microbe interaction mechanisms, and studies of plant responses to environmental stresses. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future directions for the technology. Due to its high sensitivity, spatial resolution, and label-free capability, MSI has become a pivotal tool for uncovering plant physiological processes and metabolic regulatory networks, demonstrating significant potential for broad application in plant science.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Zhixin"},{"family":"Qin","given":"Aizhi"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yinpeng"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Qianli"},{"family":"Li","given":"M"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Hao"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Yaping"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Mengmeng"},{"family":"Yan","given":"Lulu"},{"family":"Li","given":"Chunyang"},{"family":"Kong","given":"Lu"},{"family":"Song","given":"Chun‐peng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/nph.70834","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.70834","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416267612","type":"article-journal","title":"Mitigating Microbial Artifacts in Laboratory Research on Underground Hydrogen Storage","abstract":"The global energy sector is aiming to substantially reduce CO2 emissions to meet the UN climate goals. Among the proposed strategies, underground storage solutions such as radioactive disposal, CO2, NH3, and underground H2 storage (UHS) have emerged as promising options for mitigating anthropogenic emissions. These approaches require rigorous research and development (R&D), often involving laboratory-scale experiments to establish their feasibility before being scaled up to pilot plant operations. Microorganisms, which are ubiquitous in laboratory environments, can significantly influence geochemical reactions under variable experimental conditions of porous media and a salt cavern. We have selected a consortium composed of Bacillus sp., Enterobacter sp., and Cronobacter sp. bacteria, which are typically present in the laboratory environment. These microorganisms can contaminate the rock sample and develop experimental artifacts in UHS experiments. Hence, it is pivotal to sterilize the rock prior to conduct experimental research related to effects of microorganisms in the porous media and the salt cavern for the investigation of UHS. This study investigated the efficacy of various disinfection and sterilization methods, including ultraviolet irradiation, autoclaving, oven heating, ethanol treatments, and gamma irradiation, in removing the microorganisms from silica sand. Additionally, the consideration of their effects on mineral properties are reviewed. A total of 567 vials, each filled with 9 mL of acid-producing bacteria (APB) media were used to test killing efficacy of the cleaning methods. We conducted serial dilutions up to 10−8 and repeated them three times to determine whether any deviation occurred. Our findings revealed that gamma irradiation and autoclaving were the most effective techniques for eradicating microbial contaminants, achieving sterilization without significantly altering the mineral characteristics. These findings underscore the necessity of robust cleaning protocols in hydrogeochemical research to ensure reliable, reproducible data, particularly in future studies where microbial contamination could induce artifacts in laboratory research.","author":[{"family":"Aftab","given":"Adnan"},{"family":"Salgar-Chaparro","given":"Silvia"},{"family":"Xie","given":"Quan"},{"family":"Saeedi","given":"Ali"},{"family":"Sarmadivaleh","given":"Mohammad"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/fuels6030052","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels6030052","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7117698702","type":"article-journal","title":"Compositional and Mineralogical Diversity of Jezero Western Fan, Mars, Revealed by Elemental Observations","abstract":"The NASA Mars 2020 Mission Perseverance rover has conducted a four-Martian-year scientific campaign in the Jezero western fan, a typical fluvial–deltaic–lacustrine system on Mars. Equipped with the Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) and SuperCam, the rover has collected high-resolution elemental data from abraded rock outcrops, providing a detailed geochemical and mineralogical characterization of key stratigraphic units. This work presents a systematic analysis of these targets, revealing distinct geochemical trends. Rocks from the delta front, upper fan, and margin units are enriched in Mg and Fe (e.g., mafic to ultramafic lithologies) and are depleted in Si, Al, Na, and Ca. These units share comparable mineral parageneses and exhibit pervasive alteration textures, in contrast to the more limited alteration observed in crater floor targets. Despite this, we also discussed insights derived from elemental data: (1) Low to medium chemical index of alteration (CIA) and modified index of alteration (MIA) values indicate limited silicate weathering. (2) Localized enrichments in Cl and Br suggest episodic mobilization of brines. (3) The presence of high-silica phases near the margin unit further points to hydrothermal processes. These observations suggest that sedimentation and diagenesis in the Jezero western delta were shaped by a complex interplay of fluvial, lacustrine, and localized hydrothermal processes.","author":[{"family":"Huang","given":"Wenbo"},{"family":"Cao","given":"Haijun"},{"family":"Xin","given":"Yanqing"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Changqing"},{"family":"Cui","given":"Jinhe"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Yiyi"},{"family":"Xue","given":"Bin"},{"family":"Ling","given":"Zongcheng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/rs18010140","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18010140","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406110870","type":"article-journal","title":"Utilizing Martian samples for future planetary exploration—Characterizing hazards and resources","abstract":"One of the most surprising and important findings of the first human landings on the Moon was the discovery of a very fine layer of lunar dust covering the entire surface of Moon along with the negative impacts of this dust on the well-being and operational effectiveness of the astronauts, their equipment, and instrumentation. The United States is now planning for human missions to Mars, a planet where dust can also be expected to be ubiquitous for many or most landing sites. For these missions, the design and operations of key hardware systems must take this dust into account, especially when related to crew health and safety. Improved understanding of Martian dust characteristics can inform its potential to also perform transport of microorganisms, both those inadvertently brought to Mars by the astronauts, or, if Martian microorganisms exist, the potential for their inadvertent return to Earth with the astronauts. Careful planning and design are needed to assure that future missions do not violate the United Nations Outer Space Treaty (1967) signed by all spacefaring nations. In this paper, we review the impact of lunar dust on the Apollo missions and identify several questions about dust in the atmosphere of Mars that may be answered by the curated samples that would be returned by the planned Mars Sample Return (MSR) Campaign. These answers would not only provide an opportunity to better understand the history of Mars but could also reduce uncertainty in charting the future of humanity's exploration of the planet.","author":[{"family":"Whetsel","given":"C"},{"family":"Levine","given":"Joel"},{"family":"Hoffman","given":"Stephen"},{"family":"Luckey","given":"Clare"},{"family":"Watts","given":"KD"},{"family":"Antonsen","given":"Erik"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2404251121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2404251121","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7167206734","type":"article-journal","title":"Assessing the cementitious reactivity of lunar and Martian regolith simulants for extraterrestrial construction","abstract":"Abstract For later-stage construction on the Moon and Mars utilizing in-situ resources, a key unresolved question is whether the cohesionless and edgy surface soil (regolith) can act as a reactive cementitious material or as an inert filler. This study presents a multimodal reactivity assessment of lunar and Martian regolith simulants to evaluate their potential as active binders or fillers in cement-based systems. Six simulants were investigated in untreated, burned, and milled conditions, and a total of 18 blended mixtures were prepared with OPC. All untreated simulants exhibited negligible heat release in both water and potassium hydroxide solutions, indicating non-reactive behavior. Thermal and mechanical processing did not produce meaningful increases in reactivity, with cumulative heating remaining below known thresholds associated with hydraulic or pozzolanic materials. Conductivity measurements confirmed non-pozzolanic behavior for lunar simulants, while Martian simulants showed apparent ionic depletion, suggesting non-pozzolanic mechanisms in calcium hydroxide environments. Blend mixtures displayed similar hydration kinetics and cumulative heat (100–150 J g⁻¹), with no enhancement in portlandite consumption. Compressive strengths of blended systems ranged from 11.2 to 29.8 MPa, confirming that regolith primarily functions as an inert filler. These findings establish a practical baseline for extraterrestrial construction strategies based on in-situ resource utilization.","author":[{"family":"Leon-Miquel","given":"Matias"},{"family":"Byers","given":"Brandon"},{"family":"Jin","given":"Qingxu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s44453-026-00047-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s44453-026-00047-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407849963","type":"article-journal","title":"Volatile loss history of the Moon from the copper isotopic compositions of mare basalts","abstract":"The abundances and isotopic signatures of volatile elements provide critical information for understanding the delivery of water and other essential life-giving compounds to planets. It has been demonstrated that the Moon is depleted in moderately volatile elements (MVE), such as Zn, Cl, S, K and Rb, relative to the Earth. The isotopic compositions of these MVE in lunar rocks suggest loss of volatile elements during the formation of the Moon, as well as their modification during later differentiation and impact processes. Due to its moderately volatile and strongly chalcophile behaviour, copper (Cu) provides a distinct record of planetary accretion and differentiation processes relative to Cl, Rb, Zn or K. Here we present Cu isotopic compositions of Apollo 11, 12, 14 and 15 mare basalts and lunar basaltic meteorites, which range from δ 65 Cu of +0.55±0.01 ‰ to +3.94±0.04 ‰ (per mil deviation of the 65 Cu/ 63 Cu from the NIST SRM 976 standard), independent of mare basalt Ti content. The δ 65 Cu values of the basalts are negatively correlated with their Cu contents, which is interpreted as evidence for volatile loss upon mare basalt emplacement, plausibly related to the presence Cl- and S-bearing ligands in the vapour phase. This relationship can be used to determine the Cu isotopic composition of the lunar mantle to a δ 65 Cu of +0.57 ± 0.15 ‰. The bulk silicate Moon (BSM) is 0.5‰ heavier than the bulk silicate Earth (+0.07 ± 0.10 ‰) or chondritic materials (from -1.45 ± 0.08 ‰ to 0.07 ± 0.06 ‰). Owing to the ineffectiveness of sulfide segregation and lunar core formation in inducing Cu isotopic fractionation, the isotopic difference between the Moon and the Earth is attributed to volatile loss during the Moon-forming event, which must have occurred at- or near-equilibrium.","author":[{"family":"Paquet","given":"Marine"},{"family":"Moynier","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Sossi","given":"Paolo"},{"family":"Dai","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Day","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119250","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119250","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411357585","type":"manuscript","title":"From Earth to Mars: A Perspective on Exploiting Biomineralization for Martian Construction","abstract":"The future of Mars colonization hinges on the ability to construct durable infrastructure using locally available resources. Given the high cost and logistical complexity of transporting construction materials to Mars, the development of autonomous in situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies is imperative. This perspective article explores the potential of biomineralization as a low-energy, sustainable alternative to conventional construction methods, such as Portland cement and thermal sintering approaches proposed for lunar applications, which are often energy-intensive and constrained by material specificity. Following an assessment of the chemical composition of Martian regolith, its suitability as a substrate for various biomineralization pathways, particularly those aligned with ISRU constraints, is evaluated. Special emphasis is placed on identifying biological pathways that are not only metabolically compatible with Martian geochemistry but can also function as a co-culture, mutually supporting each other’s survival and activity under Martian environmental stresses. The most promising microbial consortia for biocementation are proposed as candidate systems for future extraterrestrial construction applications. The integration of robotics and automation in biocementation-based additive manufacturing using Martian regolith as a construction feedstock is taken into consideration. Advanced robotic systems equipped with multi-axis extrusion nozzles, sensor suites, and real-time flow control are proposed for the construction of structurally resilient geometries on Mars. As a flexible, scalable, and ISRU-compatible technology, biocementation holds promise not only for infrastructure construction but also for integrated resource cycles, producing oxygen, ammonia, and thermal energy as functional byproducts. Biocementation-based ISRU construction represents a synergistic pathway toward sustainable human presence on Mars, enabling robotic fabrication of habitat components and critical infrastructure from locally available materials.","author":[{"family":"Khoshtinat","given":"Shiva"},{"family":"Long-Fox","given":"Jared"},{"family":"Hosseini","given":"Seyed"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.20944/preprints202506.1171.v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202506.1171.v1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410564803","type":"article-journal","title":"Identification of Natural Hydrogen Seeps: Leveraging AI for Automated Classification of Sub‐Circular Depressions","abstract":"Abstract Hydrogen has long been used as an energy vector, but the recent discovery of natural hydrogen (H 2 ) opens the door for its use as a direct energy source. Identifying H 2 seepages is therefore crucial to advance exploration. Although the scientific community does not yet fully understand the parameters controlling H 2 leaks from underground, sub‐circular depressions (SCDs) appear to be key indicators associated with these emissions. However, distinguishing SCDs from similar landforms remains a challenge. This study leverages open‐source multispectral and high‐resolution imagery to train a deep learning model (YOLOv8) for classifying rounded landforms and detecting H 2 ‐related structures (i.e., SCDs). The model achieved 90% accuracy with Google Maps© imagery, outperforming Sentinel‐2 multispectral data. Applied to a pre‐existing data set from Brazil, the model allowed a large‐scale screening, discarding 52% of the structures as non‐H 2 emitting ones and pinpointing high‐potential areas for field validation. Future enhancements, including, for example, higher‐resolution input data and morphometric analysis, would aim to reduce false positives and boost predictive accuracy. This approach significantly improves H 2 exploration efficiency, with global applicability including some region‐specific adjustments during post‐processing analyses.","author":[{"family":"Гинзбург","given":"НИ"},{"family":"Daynac","given":"Jimmy"},{"family":"Hesni","given":"Sofyane"},{"family":"Geymond","given":"Ugo"},{"family":"Roche","given":"Vincent"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2025ea004227","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2025ea004227","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411331824","type":"article-journal","title":"Phosphorylation of nucleosides by P-N bond species generated from prebiotic reduced phosphorus sources","abstract":"P-N species e.g., amidophosphates readily phosphorylate organics, thereby overcoming the so-called ‘Phosphate Problem’. However, the formation of amidophosphates by plausible early Earth geochemical pathways is limited. We herein show that ammonolysis of the prebiotically plausible dimer of phosphite, pyrophosphite, readily affords amidophosphite, the monomeric P-N derivative of phosphite. Amidophosphite then undergoes spontaneous oxidation to form monoamidophosphate (MAP) and diamidophosphate (DAP) at room temperature (yields of the inorganic P-N species up to 48%). Oxidation of amidophosphite is promoted by O2, H2O2, ClO⁻ and by UV light irradiation (365 nm). Both amidophosphite and MAP and the crude reaction mixture react with nucleosides to form nucleotides with both phosphate and H-phosphonate (yields up to 65%) at 80 °C in the presence of urea, showing that monoamidated phosphorus compounds also willingly promote prebiotic reactions. This observation expands the range of P-N phosphorylating agents that can play a role in the chemical evolution of prebiotic molecules on the early Earth. The challenge of the ‘Phosphate Problem’ in prebiotic chemistry limits the formation of key phosphorylating agents. Here, the authors demonstrate that ammonolysis of pyrophosphite yields amidophosphite, which oxidizes to monoamidophosphate, facilitating nucleotide formation from nucleosides.","author":[{"family":"Gull","given":"Maheen"},{"family":"Cruz","given":"Harold"},{"family":"Krishnamurthy","given":"Ramanarayanan"},{"family":"Pasek","given":"Matthew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42004-025-01577-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-025-01577-0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412488725","type":"article-journal","title":"Radioactivity distribution and concomitant hazards evaluation of industrial zones soils from Chattogram, Bangladesh: A multivariate statistical analysis","abstract":"Soil can pose significant radiation hazard in areas with elevated radioactivity levels from geological or anthropogenic sources, potentially contributing to human exposure through the food chain and atmosphere. However, industrial activities can alter radionuclides distribution by releasing residues or effluents, leading to their accumulation in the environment. In general, soil provides clear insights into geological characteristics and heavy metal exploration, in addition to assessing the risks of radiation exposure. This study investigates the distribution of NORMs and assesses radiological hazards in twenty soil samples collected from two major industrial zones in the Chattogram City of Bangladesh: the Bayazid Industrial Area and the Kalurghat Heavy Industry Area. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the analyzed soil samples range from 8 ± 1-18 ± 1, 15 ± 1-35 ± 3, and 192 ± 17-420 ± 35 Bq/kg, respectively, remaining below the global average for soil. The radiological hazard indices indicate negligible health risks to the public or environment, suggesting that the industrial activities are not releasing any radiotoxic elements in the surrounding environment. Statistical analysis identified 40K and 232Th as the primary contributors to radiological hazards, supported by strong correlations and significant principal component loadings. Additionally, this study provides baseline data for monitoring environmental radioactivity levels, particularly in light of the upcoming commissioning of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in 2025.","author":[{"family":"Siraz","given":"MMM"},{"family":"Islam","given":"Md"},{"family":"Shelley","given":"Afroza"},{"family":"Alam","given":"Mohammad"},{"family":"Mahmud","given":"Araf"},{"family":"Rashid","given":"Md"},{"family":"Khandaker","given":"Mayeen"},{"family":"Yeasmin","given":"Selina"},{"family":"Rahman","given":"MS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1371/journal.pone.0328356","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0328356","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416196294","type":"article-journal","title":"Lunar Regolith Sampling Technologies: A Critical Review","abstract":"Abstract For future lunar exploration missions, In Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) is widely gaining attention. It refers to the creation of products by using natural resources locally available at the mission destination to sustain long-duration space missions while reducing risk and cost. With this aim, a key resource is represented by lunar regolith since it contains crucial components for supporting human life, propellant production, and the construction of habitats, tools, and other infrastructures. For the development of lunar ISRU technology, regolith samples returned during past missions (i.e., Apollo, Luna, and Chang’E programs) are key to informing technology requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to understand whether returned samples accurately reflect the physicochemical properties of the lunar regolith environment (i.e., being representative samples) and, subsequently, how representative regolith sampling processes could be implemented to minimize potential biases in the collected samples. The present paper reviews the working principles of geological sampling technologies used during past lunar missions to collect currently available regolith samples. In this context, errors and biases related to the different sampling methods are detailed based on the different elements of a sampling methodology. In addition, novel approaches recently proposed for lunar regolith collection are reviewed in terms of working principles, sampling performance and errors/biases potentially encountered during operation. Evaluated sampling systems consider both surface and subsurface regolith applications and include drills, diggers, bioinspired devices, pneumatic and non-pneumatic systems, to provide guidelines supporting the development of representative sampling systems while maintaining light-weight structures, low actuation system and energy requirements.","author":[{"family":"Pirrone","given":"Serena"},{"family":"Witchalls","given":"Joseph"},{"family":"Dillenburger","given":"Jarrett"},{"family":"Patil","given":"Trunal"},{"family":"Castro","given":"Aelyn"},{"family":"Hadler","given":"Kathryn"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-025-01239-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-025-01239-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406450025","type":"article-journal","title":"A Disintegrating Rocky World Shrouded in Dust and Gas: Mid-infrared Observations of K2-22 b Using JWST","abstract":"Abstract The disintegrating ultrashort period rocky exoplanet K2-22 b periodically emits dusty clouds in a dynamically chaotic process resulting in a variable transit depth from 0% to 1.3%. The effluents that sublimate off the surface and condense out in space are probably representative of the formerly interior layers convectively transported to the molten surface. Transmission spectroscopy of these transiting clouds reveals spectral fingerprints of the interior composition of this rocky world. We used JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument as a low-resolution slitless spectrograph to observe four predicted transit windows for K2-22 b. For each observation, we extracted a transmission spectrum over the spectral range of 4.4–11.8 μm. Over the spectral range of 4.4–8 μm, where the spectral precision is highest, we detect one transit at high significance and two at low significance. While the signal-to-noise ratio of the spectrum limits our ability to draw firm conclusions, we find that the data (1) disfavor featureless, iron-dominated core material, (2) are consistent with some form of magnesium silicate minerals, likely from mantle material, and (3) show a distinct and unexpected feature at ∼5 μm. The unexpected feature, also seen weakly in the low-significance transits, is consistent with an unknown gaseous absorber, possibly NO and/or CO2. These findings warrant further study to improve the constraints on the composition of this disintegrating rocky world.","author":[{"family":"Tusay","given":"Nick"},{"family":"Wright","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Beatty","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Desch","given":"Steve"},{"family":"Colón","given":"Knicole"},{"family":"Mittal","given":"Tushar"},{"family":"Osborn","given":"HP"},{"family":"Estrada","given":"Beatriz"},{"family":"Owen","given":"James"},{"family":"Libby-Roberts","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Gupta","given":"Arvind"},{"family":"Foley","given":"Brad"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3847/2041-8213/addfd0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/addfd0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415151502","type":"article-journal","title":"Relationship between ices and gas phase organic compounds in simulated extraterrestrial environments","abstract":"Ices are significant sources of organic matter in various extraterrestrial environments, including the interstellar medium, protoplanetary disks, comets, or icy satellites. This study tested the impact of ice compositions on the formation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the gas phase in simulating the warming up of photoprocessed icy grains at the edge of a protoplanetary disk. 39 VOCs (alkanes, alkenes, esters, ketones, ethers, alcohols, aldehydes, amines, nitriles, amides) were quantified during the warming of different H2O:CH3OH:NH3 ices using gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass linked to a vacuum chamber. Different ice compositions showed direct relationships to VOC formation processes and unveiled the active role of NH3 reactivity. These results indicate that quantifying VOCs in the gas phase could provide insights into composition and surface reactivity of icy extraterrestrial objects. This experimental work further strengths the role that ices play in the enrichment of gas phase of various extraterrestrial environments. Ices are sources of organic matter in various astrophysical environments, but the impact of their composition on the formation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remains underexplored. Here, the authors use gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-Orbitrap-MS) to show that ice photo-processing and thermal evolution are directly correlated to VOC formation during the warming of different H2O:CH3OH:NH3 ices and highlight the role of NH3 in driving the formation of nitrogen refractory compounds.","author":[{"family":"Javelle","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Duvernay","given":"Fabrice"},{"family":"Ruf","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Granjon","given":"Chloé"},{"family":"Selliez","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Danger","given":"Grégoire"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42004-025-01692-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-025-01692-y","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410924594","type":"article-journal","title":"Amino Acids From Root Exudates Induce Bacillus Spore Germination to Enhance Root Colonisation and Plant Growth Promotion","abstract":"Strains of Bacillus species, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, have been commercialised as biofertilisers; they are ideal for this because these species form spores that can be stored stably for a long time. However, for these spores to exert their full beneficial effects, they must germinate. The specific germination signals in the rhizosphere, particularly those from plant root exudates, remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the germination signals from different growth states of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) for spores of Bacillus velezensis SQR9 and Bacillus subtilis NCIB 3610. We identified the corresponding germination receptors and compared them biochemically between the Bacillus species. Larger plants better stimulated spore germination. Five amino acids-L-isoleucine, L-ornithine, L-valine, L-serine and β-alanine were-identified as spore germination signals. Combined application of a mixture of these amino acids with bacterial spores markedly enhanced the cucumber growth-promoting properties of B. velezensis SQR9. The germination receptor for these amino acids was GerA in both Bacillus species. Differences in spore germination efficiency between B. subtilis and B. velezensis may be attributable to variations in the GerA ligand-recognition sites. Expression of GerA from B. subtilis NCIB 3610 in B. velezensis SQR9 enhanced the spore germination rate of the latter. Our study highlights the pivotal role of amino acids in regulating spore germination of Bacillus and subsequent plant root colonisation, emphasising their potential to enhance the efficacy of Bacillus-based biofertilisers. Engineering of germination receptors is a promising approach to enhance the spore germination efficiency of biofertiliser strains.","author":[{"family":"Tao","given":"Lili"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Xinli"},{"family":"Beauregard","given":"Pascale"},{"family":"Tan","given":"Taimeng"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yuling"},{"family":"Xie","given":"Jiyu"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Guidong"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Nan"},{"family":"Miao","given":"Youzhi"},{"family":"Shen","given":"Qirong"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Zhihui"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Ruifu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/1751-7915.70172","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.70172","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415849453","type":"article-journal","title":"Bennu and Ryugu constituents from samples IR analyses and potential source of terrestrial planets’ ingredients","abstract":"Samples collected on carbonaceous asteroids and preserved from terrestrial alteration are key witnesses of the early evolution of the Solar System. Here we present the results of the characterization, by the near-IR hyperspectral microscope MicrOmega within the ISAS/JAXA curation center, of the samples returned from the Bennu asteroid by the OSIRIS-REx mission. We compare these samples to those from Ryugu, analyzed with the same instrument and at the same facility, using gram-scale quantities of material. We demonstrate that Bennu and Ryugu samples exhibit similar near-IR diagnostic spectral properties, from the centimetre down to the sub-millimetre scale. A wide variety of compounds are detected within a similar phyllosilicate-rich matrix, including diverse carbonates, H2O-rich and NH-rich phases, and notably Hydrated Ammonium-Magnesium-Phosphorus-rich grains. Rarely, anhydrous silicates are also observed. Despite some minor, although significant differences, our results indicate that the parent bodies of Ryugu and Bennu share similar formation and early evolution processes in the outer protoplanetary disk. Their main characteristics would, thus, define an entire class of objects which might have driven specific evolutionary pathways for terrestrial planets, including that which led to life on Earth. Analyses performed on the Ryugu and Bennu samples from the centimetre down to the sub-millimetre scale reveal that they share most near-IR spectral properties, implying similar initial material and evolution processes, yet not strictly identical.","author":[{"family":"Pilorget","given":"C"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Bibring","given":"JP"},{"family":"Loizeau","given":"D"},{"family":"Hatakeda","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Nardelli","given":"L"},{"family":"Riu","given":"L"},{"family":"Sheppard","given":"Rachel"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Tianyan"},{"family":"Mahlke","given":"Max"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"R"},{"family":"Baklouti","given":"D"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-65438-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65438-z","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7154403480","type":"article-journal","title":"Synergistic Mechanisms in the Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and thiooxidans Consortium: A Comprehensive Review","abstract":"In bioleaching processes, the use of microbial consortia establishes a favourable environment that supports the growth and activity of multiple microorganisms, thereby enhancing their synergistic interactions during leaching. Mineral dissolution efficiency is consistently higher in consortia than in monocultures. Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans exhibit metabolic complementarity and synchrony, including interactions with thermophilic microorganisms. Bioleaching is typically conducted under highly acidic conditions (pH 1–2), where microorganisms utilize essential resources such as nutrients and oxygen, while tolerating elevated concentrations of heavy metals. This review aims to examine the characteristics and current applications of microbial consortia, with particular emphasis on their interactions with heavy metals, the behaviour of their exopolysaccharides (EPS) under toxic conditions, their role in bioremediation across diverse environmental systems, and their potential for industrial implementation. Microbial consortia represent a high-value biotechnological tool in both mining and environmental remediation. Their synergistic interactions enable enhanced efficiency in the bioleaching of sulphide minerals, promoting the mobilization of both economically valuable and contaminant metals, and significantly outperforming individual cultures. Consequently, microbial consortia constitute a versatile, resilient, and eco-efficient platform for metal recovery and the mitigation of environmental liabilities. This review focuses on the applications of bacterial consortia in bioleaching processes and highlights their potential for emerging and future use.","author":[{"family":"Ramírez-Aldaba","given":"Hugo"},{"family":"Ruizbaca","given":"Estela"},{"family":"Escobedo-Bretado","given":"Miguel"},{"family":"García-Montiel","given":"Emily"},{"family":"Adame-Soto","given":"Pablo"},{"family":"Lara","given":"René"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/environments13040216","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13040216","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416107454","type":"article-journal","title":"Energetic convergence drives metabolic adaptation in lirima chilean high-altitude hydrothermal system","abstract":"High-altitude hydrothermal systems provide laboratories for understanding microbial adaptation to extreme conditions. Here we investigated thermodynamic controls on metabolic transitions in Lirima hydrothermal system (Chile, 4000 meters above sea level) calculating affinities of competing carbon and sulfur reactions across pools (53–75 °C). Through geochemistry, numerical thermodynamic modeling, and stable isotope analysis, we identify Energetic Convergence Nodes where chemical affinities of competing pathways become equal. Calculations reveal hydrogenotrophic and carboxydotrophic methanogenesis converge with sulfate reduction at 63–64 °C. This corresponds with responses: carbon isotopes shift from −17.2‰ to −27.7‰, sulfur isotopes from −20.5‰ to −9.1‰, and carbon-to-sulfur ratios drop from ~10 to <1, indicating transition from carbon to sulfur-dominated metabolism. Microbial activity collapses at this temperature, while metagenomics validates both pathways. Independent analysis confirms convergence at 63–64 °C, establishing Energetic Convergence Nodes as predictive frameworks for metabolic boundaries with applications for early Earth biogeochemistry and extraterrestrial biosignature detection. Equal affinities of competing reactions at an energetic convergence node demonstrated a metabolic transition in the high-altitude Lirima hydrothermal system of Chile, according to combined geochemistry, thermodynamic modeling, stable isotope analysis, microbial activity measurements, and metagenomics.","author":[{"family":"Paquis","given":"Pablo"},{"family":"Pardo-Esté","given":"Coral"},{"family":"Tapia","given":"Joseline"},{"family":"Florez","given":"July"},{"family":"Pérez","given":"Vilma"},{"family":"Molina","given":"Verónica"},{"family":"Cornejo","given":"Marcela"},{"family":"Pérez","given":"Pablo"},{"family":"Harrod","given":"Chris"},{"family":"Jeffrey","given":"Wade"},{"family":"Calabrese","given":"Sergio"},{"family":"Quatrini","given":"Paola"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-025-02817-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02817-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7204438927","type":"article-journal","title":"Catalytic non-energetic formation of diverse peptides on cosmic dust under extraterrestrial conditions","abstract":"Abstract This study experimentally examines a non-energetic pathway for peptide formation under realistic space conditions. Unlike radiation-driven processes, this mechanism involves low- or zero-barrier reactions at cryogenic temperatures. This provides a less stochastic chemical pathway and favours molecular growth over fragmentation. Experiments conducted in ultra-high vacuum involve some of the most abundant cosmic species, such as H, C, CO, H 2 O, and NH 3 . The results demonstrate efficient peptide and peptide-derivative synthesis driven by the catalytic activity of organics formed during condensation. This self-enhancing chemistry suggests that peptides may act as catalysts, supporting molecular self-organization under astrophysical conditions. The addition of atomic hydrogen as a reactant increases molecular diversity, thus yielding peptides that contain glycine, alanine, serine, and threonine residues. Moreover, hydrogen substantially boosts polymerization efficiency, generating longer peptides and insoluble organic matter. These findings provide strong evidence that various peptides form in cold, extraterrestrial environments. The targeted search for non-canonical peptides H(NHCH 2 CO) n NH 2 and H(NHCH 2 CO) n H, efficiently formed in our experiments, in meteorites and during space missions, may not only confirm the feasibility of this pathway of extraterrestrial chemistry but also provide new insights into the origins of life.","author":[{"family":"Krasnokutski","given":"Serge"},{"family":"Kruczkiewicz","given":"F"},{"family":"Bourseau","given":"Cedrick"},{"family":"Remaury","given":"Quentin"},{"family":"Geffroy-Rodier","given":"Claude"},{"family":"Ueberschaar","given":"Nico"},{"family":"Poinot","given":"Pauline"},{"family":"Chuang","given":"KJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42004-026-02159-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-026-02159-4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415667998","type":"article-journal","title":"Integration of SuperCam based chemical imaging and clustering to correlate geochemistry and mineralogy in heterogeneous samples","abstract":"Peridotites are ultramafic rocks whose mineralogical diversity makes them suitable case studies for testing analytical methodologies. In this study, a peridotite sample from the Ronda massif (Málaga, Spain) was examined demonstrating a practical methodology for distinguishing geochemically distinct regions within complex lithologies. The sample was analyzed using a multi-instrumental approach combining laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (µ-EDXRF), and Raman spectroscopy, all of them integrated in the Perseverance rover payload. LIBS and µ-EDXRF were used to assess elemental composition and spatial distribution across the sample, whereas Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of mineral phases such as, olivine, pyroxenes, and chromiferous spinels in specific regions. Elemental LIBS ratios such as Mg# and Cr# further supported the identification of compositional variations related to mineral phases. Spectral LIBS data were processed using k-means clustering to segment geochemical zones and detect spatial trends. This integrated spectroscopic and statistical approach enables interpretation of ultramafic rock complexity and offers an efficient framework for planetary exploration under mission constraints.","author":[{"family":"Garcíagómez","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Población","given":"Iratxe"},{"family":"Delgado","given":"T"},{"family":"Laserna","given":"JJ"},{"family":"Velásquez","given":"Marizú"},{"family":"Pořízka","given":"Pavel"},{"family":"Buday","given":"Jakub"},{"family":"Kaiser","given":"Jozef"},{"family":"Lobato","given":"Álvaro"},{"family":"Casado","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Taravillo","given":"Mercedes"},{"family":"Madariaga","given":"Juan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-025-21770-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-21770-4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412939156","type":"article-journal","title":"Physicochemical Properties of α-Pinene in Water Ice Analogs under Energetic Heavy-Ion Irradiation","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Studying the physicochemical properties of ice in astronomical environments is crucial to understanding the chemical processes involved in cosmic events such as comet and planet formation. The physical characteristics and chemical evolution on the surfaces of cosmic objects such as comets or interstellar grains offer key insights into these processes. This study focuses on α-pinene, a carbon- and hydrogen-rich molecule, which serves as a model for investigating radical-driven synthesis of more complex molecules under space-like conditions. It also provides a useful analogy for complex terrestrial organic molecules and sheds light on how organic matter interacts with water and radiation in extraterrestrial environments. In this work, we simulate the effects of heavy-ion cosmic ray bombardment on chiral molecules in the interstellar medium by analyzing the radiolysis of a C 10 H 16 /H 2 O (1:1) mixture irradiated with 61.3 MeV 84 Kr 15+ ions. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is employed to monitor the chemical evolution of ice samples at 10 K, both before and after irradiation. We identify 12 C n H m and ten C n H m O k molecules, including complex products such as naphthalene (C 10 H 8 ), glycolaldehyde (HCOCH 2 OH), and methyl formate (HCOOCH 3 ). The most abundant hydrogenated product is acetylene (C 2 H 2 ), followed by naphthalene (C 10 H 8 ), while the most abundant oxygenated molecules are vinyl alcohol (CH 2 CHOH) and ethanol (CH 3 CH 2 OH). Notably, the formation of CO 2 is minimal in this experiment. The destruction cross-sections of α-pinene and water in the (1:1) mixture are determined to be 3.5 and 6.4 × 10 –13 cm 2, respectively. The formation cross-sections for the products resulting from radiolysis are on average 2 × 10 –14 cm 2 for hydrocarbons and 0.6 × 10 –14 cm 2 for the oxygenated products.","author":[{"family":"Barros","given":"ALFD"},{"family":"Doreste","given":"DV"},{"family":"Ricca","given":"Alessandra"},{"family":"Murhej","given":"Y"},{"family":"Silveira","given":"EFD"},{"family":"Boduch","given":"P"},{"family":"Rothard","given":"H"},{"family":"Domaracka","given":"A"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00152","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00152","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416758702","type":"article-journal","title":"Interstellar ices as carriers of supernova material to the early solar system","abstract":"Abstract Planetary materials show systematic variations in their nucleosynthetic isotope compositions that resonate with orbital distance. The origin of this pattern remains debated, limiting how these isotopic signatures can be used to trace the precursors of terrestrial planets. Here we test the hypothesis that interstellar ices carried supernova-produced nuclides by searching for a supernova nucleosynthetic fingerprint in aqueous alteration minerals from carbonaceous and non-carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. We focus on zirconium, a refractory element that includes the neutron-rich isotope 96 Zr formed in core-collapse supernovae. Leaching experiments reveal extreme 96 Zr enrichments in alteration minerals, showing that they incorporated supernova material hosted in interstellar ices. We show that the Solar System’s zirconium isotope variability reflects mixing between these ices and an ice-free rocky component. Finally, the presence of supernova nuclides in a volatile carrier supports models where the Solar System’s nucleosynthetic variability was imparted by thermal processing of material in the protoplanetary disk and during planetary accretion.","author":[{"family":"Bizzarro","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Schiller","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Holst","given":"Jesper"},{"family":"Bouvier","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Groen","given":"Miroslav"},{"family":"Moynier","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Kooten","given":"Elishevah"},{"family":"Schönbächler","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Haugbølle","given":"Troels"},{"family":"Watson","given":"D"},{"family":"Johansen","given":"Anders"},{"family":"Connelly","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-65672-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-65672-5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413106912","type":"article-journal","title":"Slow Radiolysis of Amino Acids in Mars-Like Permafrost Conditions: Applications to the Search for Extant Life on Mars","abstract":"Future missions dedicated to the search for extant life on Mars will require a clear understanding of the organic biosignature degradation processes in the shallow icy subsurface. Galactic and solar cosmic rays constantly bombard the martian surface and transform and degrade organic biomolecules over time, eventually destroying chemical evidence of life. We conducted radiolysis experiments by exposing individual amino acids in H 2 O-ice and silicate matrices and amino acids from dead Escherichia coli microorganisms in H 2 O-ice to gamma radiation as a proxy for cosmic ray exposure on the martian surface. The rates of amino acid radiolytic degradation were determined. We found that amino acids in the surface ice on Mars would survive over 50 million years of cosmic ray exposure, which is far greater than the expected age of the current surface ice deposits on Mars. Amino acids from dead E. coli organic matter in H 2 O-ice and isolated pure amino acids dissolved in H 2 O-ice tend to degrade at similar rates. We found that amino acid radiolytic degradation rates increased with increasing ice temperature in both abiotic and biological amino acids. Montmorillonite did not provide additional protection against gamma radiation to amino acids. Based on our experiments, locations with pure ice or ice-dominated permafrost would be the best places to look for recently deposited amino acids on Mars and, thus, should be considered as a target sampling location for future Mars missions searching for extant life.","author":[{"family":"Pavlov","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Mclain","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Farnsworth","given":"K"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"DP"},{"family":"Elsila","given":"Jamie"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Zhidan"},{"family":"House","given":"Christopher"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1177/15311074251366249","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15311074251366249","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7124224371","type":"article-journal","title":"Domed‐rim microbial polygons and their preservation potential","abstract":"Abstract Microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS) derive from the interaction between sediments and unicellular microorganisms and are of interest to the search for the earliest signs of life in ancient rocks, on Earth and on Mars. Here, we describe a type of MISS in the form of a polygonal structure characterised by a domed rim. Despite earlier suggestions of a biological origin, several aspects regarding their formation mechanism, the criteria to distinguish these structures from abiotic mud cracks, and their preservation potential in the geological record remain insufficiently constrained. To identify and define the distinctive features characterising this MISS, we have investigated the morphology and formation mechanism of polygonal microbial mats in two modern sabkha locations in Qatar. The sedimentological, mineralogical and geochemical analyses suggest that the studied polygons result from microbe‐mineral interactions causing the stabilisation of detrital minerals (e.g. quartz, feldspar) and precipitation of micrite comprised of calcite and high‐Mg calcite. The polygonal morphology is mainly the result of two co‐occurring mechanisms: shrinkage, as a result of desiccation and microbial growth. A ∼1.5 cm‐sized domed‐rim has been identified as the key morphological feature that is exclusively present in and that allows for the recognition of, the polygons that form in association with a growing microbial mat. In cross‐section, a domed‐rim is comprised of millimetre‐thick laminae showing angular relationships (e.g. overgrowth of older lamina sets) that, we argue, cannot be formed in the absence of growing biomass. Finally, through the study of a radiocarbon‐dated ancient sabkha outcrop, it is shown that domed‐rim microbial polygons can survive degradation and diagenesis, producing a mineral fossil structure that can potentially be preserved for billions of years.","author":[{"family":"Blattmann","given":"Franziska"},{"family":"Eglinton","given":"Timothy"},{"family":"Haghipour","given":"Negar"},{"family":"Rouwendaal","given":"Simon"},{"family":"Bernasconi","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Rivers","given":"John"},{"family":"Dittrich","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Disi","given":"Zulfa"},{"family":"Williford","given":"Kenneth"},{"family":"Sadooni","given":"Fadhil"},{"family":"Alkuwari","given":"Hamad"},{"family":"Bontognali","given":"Tomaso"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1002/dep2.70061","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/dep2.70061","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406335924","type":"article-journal","title":"Using X‐ray computed microtomography ( μCT ) to determine subsample‐specific cosmogenic noble gas production rates of E (enstatite) chondrites","abstract":"Abstract Cosmic ray exposure (CRE) ages provide information about the parent bodies and source regions of meteorite classes. Cosmogenic noble gases are often used to quantify exposure time scales ranging from tens of ka to hundreds of Ma. The production rate of cosmogenic noble gases is primarily controlled by a meteorite's chemical composition. Historically, an average chemical composition for an entire meteorite class or subgroup was used to calculate production rates. At the scale needed for noble gas measurements, however, some meteorites exhibit mineral abundance variabilities that translate into chemical heterogeneities, necessitating subsample‐specific production rates. We find that the metal and sulfide content can vary significantly between ~100 and 300 mg subsamples of the same enstatite (E) chondrite, leading to >10% differences in cosmogenic 21Ne production rates between subsamples. We demonstrate an approach to determining subsample‐specific production rates using E chondrites. We use electron microprobe analysis and X‐ray computed microtomography to quantify the chemical composition and abundances, respectively, of metal, sulfide, and silicate minerals in six E chondrites and calculate subsample‐specific production rates of 3He and 21Ne. By applying this method to more E chondrite subsamples alongside noble gas measurements, we may begin to address broader questions, such as whether peaks in the E chondrite CRE age distribution can be attributed to distinct impact events.","author":[{"family":"Mijjum","given":"M"},{"family":"Andrews","given":"BJ"},{"family":"Mccoy","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Corrigan","given":"CM"},{"family":"Caffee","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Tremblay","given":"Marissa"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14309","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14309","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409309351","type":"article-journal","title":"Melting and solidifying behavior of lunar regolith simulant under a vacuum environment","abstract":"Abstract In situ resource utilization of lunar regolith provides a cost‐effective way to construct the lunar base. The melting and solidifying of lunar soil, especially under the vacuum environment on the Moon, are the fundamentals to achieve this. In this paper, lunar regolith simulant was melted and solidified at different temperatures under a vacuum, and the solidified samples’ morphology, structure, and mechanical properties were studied. The results indicated that the density, compressive strength, and Vickers hardness of the solidified samples increased with increasing melting temperature. Notably, the sample solidified at 1400°C showed excellent nanohardness and thermal conductivity originating from the denser atomic structure. It was also observed that the melt migrated upward along the container wall under the vacuum and formed a coating layer on the substrate caused by the Marangoni effect. The above results proved the feasibility of employing the solidified lunar regolith as a primary building material for lunar base construction.","author":[{"family":"Guo","given":"Ze‐shi"},{"family":"Li","given":"Meng"},{"family":"Xing","given":"Dan"},{"family":"Liang","given":"Cun‐guang"},{"family":"Hao","given":"Bin"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Peng‐cheng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/jace.20566","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.20566","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4408163523","type":"article-journal","title":"Comprehensive global inventory of submarine mud volcanoes","abstract":"Systematic morphometric studies of submarine potential geohazard elements such as mud volcanism are still limited in the scientific literature. To fill this gap and contribute to the global geohazard databases, we present a comprehensive inventory of submarine mud volcanoes (MVs) considering their spatial location and characteristics. The \"Global inventory of submarine mud volcanoes\" database here presented includes a large dataset, providing an overview of the morphometric analyses we performed as well as the considerations that arose from them. These cover basic marine geological and applied geohazard aspects. We explored frequency-area distribution patterns within this dataset, as typical of other geoscientific branches. This effort is a first step towards a shared and open knowledge of MVs, through which the marine geology community would further investigate the genesis of such phenomena and contribute to society in making informed decisions on related submarine geohazards.","author":[{"family":"Napoli","given":"Simone"},{"family":"Spatola","given":"Daniele"},{"family":"Casalbore","given":"Daniele"},{"family":"Lombardo","given":"Luigi"},{"family":"Tanyaş","given":"Hakan"},{"family":"Chiocci","given":"Francesco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41597-025-04726-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-04726-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409700309","type":"article-journal","title":"Efficiency of Thermoremanent Magnetization Acquisition in Vortex‐State Particle Assemblies","abstract":"Abstract Magmatic rocks record ambient magnetic fields during cooling, preserving them for billions of years through thermoremanent magnetization (TRM). TRM accuracy depends on particle size, shape, magnetic properties, and the number of particles available to record the field. While traditionally interpreted via Neél's single‐domain theory, most particles exist in a vortex state, where complex magnetic structures require numerical modeling. We show that in fields , a few thousand nanoscopic vortex‐state particles can record TRM with less than 1 error, regardless of shape. For weaker fields, morphology plays a crucial role, with spherical and oblate particles performing best. These findings challenge assumptions about particle requirements for faithful TRM recording and highlight the influence of grain shape in paleomagnetic studies. Our results justify using smaller geological samples and magnetic microscopy to reconstruct ancient magnetic fields with precision.","author":[{"family":"Bellon","given":"Ualisson"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Wyn"},{"family":"Muxworthy","given":"Adrian"},{"family":"Souzajunior","given":"GF"},{"family":"Nagy","given":"Lesleis"},{"family":"Uieda","given":"Leonardo"},{"family":"Trindade","given":"Ricardo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2025gl114771","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2025gl114771","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416905651","type":"article-journal","title":"Abundant supernova dust and heterogeneous aqueous alteration revealed by stardust in two lithologies of asteroid Bennu","abstract":"The oldest constituents in chondritic samples are presolar grains that condensed in the outflows and explosions of dying stars. These grains divulge the types and concentrations of dust that seeded our Solar System. However, they are subject to destruction during planetesimal formation and alteration. We conducted a detailed study of presolar grains in fragments of asteroid Bennu to elucidate the alteration history of distinct lithologies-angular and hummocky-and the sources of stardust that were accreted by the parent asteroid. The presolar grain abundances support a history of substantial aqueous alteration. Nevertheless, we found organic-rich clasts within a hummocky particle having higher presolar silicate abundances, akin to some of the least altered chondritic meteorites, and presolar silicate, oxide and SiC grains that retain their crystallinity. These clasts illustrate that aqueous alteration was heterogeneous within the parent body and their properties may better represent the starting materials that accreted to form the protolith. In addition, the Bennu samples we analysed have a six-times greater proportion of C-rich supernova dust than other chondritic samples, injected perhaps from a nearby supernova. This observation adds to evidence that Bennu's parent body sampled a region of the protoplanetary disk having a distinct mixture of starting materials.","author":[{"family":"Nguyen","given":"AN"},{"family":"Seifert","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Shimizu","given":"Kei"},{"family":"Thomas-Keprta","given":"KL"},{"family":"Le","given":"L"},{"family":"Keller","given":"LP"},{"family":"Clemett","given":"SJ"},{"family":"Rahman","given":"Z"},{"family":"Barnes","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Connolly","given":"HC"},{"family":"Lauretta","given":"DS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41550-025-02688-3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-025-02688-3","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415049822","type":"article-journal","title":"The Abiotic Background as a Central Component of a Sample Safety Assessment Protocol for Sample Return","abstract":"Martian rock and regolith samples are being collected and cached by NASA's Perseverance rover, with the goal of returning them to Earth as soon as the mid-2030s. Upon return, samples would be housed in a sample receiving facility under biological containment to prevent exposing Earth's biosphere to any potential biohazards that might be present. Samples could be released from high containment for scientific investigations if they are found to be safe or are sterilized. The Sample Safety Assessment Protocol Tiger Team (SSAP-TT) was convened by the Sample Receiving Project between August 2023 and August 2024 and tasked with the development of a Sample Safety Assessment Protocol (SSAP). The result of this work is a proposed three-step protocol, supported by Bayesian statistical hypothesis testing, to assess the risk as to whether returned samples contain modern martian biology that could represent a biohazard. The proposed protocol outlines procedures to determine whether the samples could be safely released from high containment without sterilization or require a \"hold and review\" step. This article presents the central concept of the SSAP approach-comparing returned samples to the abiotic baseline. Organic molecules, which exist throughout the solar system, can have either biotic or abiotic origins. However, biotically produced organic molecules exhibit distinct complexity, distribution, and abundance characteristics that differentiate them from those formed through abiotic chemistry. The proposed protocol would examine the organic inventory of returned samples by using multiple techniques, including morphological and spectral assessments, to determine whether any signals exceed the abiotic baseline; that is, whether the organic molecular inventory could be explained solely by abiotic chemical synthesis. This approach provides a rigorous, yet feasible, safety assessment protocol by using modern techniques while minimizing sample consumption. We also identify key areas for future research and development, which include detection limits and further characterization of the martian abiotic background.","author":[{"family":"Teece","given":"Bronwyn"},{"family":"Beaty","given":"DW"},{"family":"Graham","given":"Heather"},{"family":"Mcdonnell","given":"Gerald"},{"family":"Lollar","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Siljeström","given":"Sandra"},{"family":"Steele","given":"A"},{"family":"Ssap Tiger Team"},{"family":"Mackelprang","given":"Rachel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1177/15311074251382156","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15311074251382156","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406678338","type":"article-journal","title":"Construction of Lunar Soil Simulants-Based Aluminum-Ion Battery Systems","abstract":"With the development of space technology, in situ resource utilization (ISRU) of lunar resources holds great potential for constructing lunar bases. This study, for the first time, proposes the in situ construction of lunar soil simulants-based battery systems. When novel ilmenite cathode materials are applied in aqueous aluminum-ion batteries (AAIBs), a facile ball milling treatment is used to simulate the natural characteristics of lunar-based ilmenite with proper electrochemical performance. The in situ constructed lunar soil-based batteries demonstrated a practical capacity of 68.1 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 with a capacity retention rate of 89.6% after 100 cycles. Even at a high current density of 5.0 A g−1, the as-prepared batteries still maintained a capacity of 41.7 mAh g−1. This study provides a promising energy storage solution for lunar bases and promotes sustainable energy technologies through in situ utilization of lunar resources.","author":[{"family":"Su","given":"Shaokang"},{"family":"Li","given":"Jingzhen"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Chunhao"},{"family":"Du","given":"Kai"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Chengjie"},{"family":"Han","given":"Mingshan"},{"family":"Geng","given":"Jing"},{"family":"Long","given":"Yongde"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Yuxiang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ma18030471","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18030471","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414341754","type":"article-journal","title":"Reevaluating Convolutional Neural Networks for Spectral Analysis: A Focus on Raman Spectroscopy","abstract":"Autonomous Raman instruments deployed on Mars rovers, deep-sea landers, and mobile field robots must interpret raw spectra that are distorted by fluorescence baselines, peak shifts, and limited ground-truth labels. Using rigorously documented subsets of the RRUFF mineral database, we systematically evaluate one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and report four practical advances: (i) Reproducible, baseline-independent classification: Compact end-to-end CNNs surpass k -nearest-neighbors and support-vector classifiers built on handcrafted peak features, eliminating background-correction and peak-picking stages. Unlike earlier work, we isolate the contribution of learned features and ensure full reproducibility by releasing all data splits and preprocessing scripts. (ii) Pooling controlled robustness: By adjusting a single pooling parameter, CNNs accommodate Raman shift displacements up to 30 cm –1, enabling a practical trade-off between translational invariance and class resolution, aligned with instrument stability and spectral variability. (iii) Label-efficient learning: Semisupervised generative adversarial networks and contrastive pretraining improve classification accuracy by up to 11% when only 10% of labels are available. While smaller than gains in vision tasks–due to Raman spectra’s lower complexity–these methods remain valuable for autonomous deployments with limited annotation. (iv) Constant time adaptation: Freezing the CNNs backbone and retraining only the softmax layer transfers the model to unseen minerals at O ( 1 ) inference cost, outperforming Siamese networks on resource-limited robotic processors. The resulting workflow– train directly on raw spectra, tune pooling to instrument tolerance, add semisupervision when labels are scarce, and fine-tune lightly for new targets –offers a practical path toward robust, low-footprint Raman classification in autonomous field settings.","author":[{"family":"Soysal","given":"Deniz"},{"family":"García-Andrade","given":"Xabier"},{"family":"Rodriguez","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Sobrón","given":"P"},{"family":"Barge","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Detry","given":"Renaud"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00136","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00136","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409243423","type":"article-journal","title":"Unique (Al,Cu)-alloys discovered in a micrometeorite from Southern Italy","abstract":"We report the discovery of a (Al,Cu)-bearing micrometeorite recovered at the top of Mt. Gariglione (Italy). The micrometeorite exhibits a highly vesicular scoriaceous structure characterized by broadly chondritic silicate-dominated composition (S-type) with relict phenocrystals of forsteritic olivine dispersed in a Ca-rich silicate glass with pyroxene composition, droplets of FeNi metal, oxides and sporadic Ni-rich sulphides embedded in a magnetite rim. The oxygen 3-isotope analyses give values close to the slope ~1 CCAM. A reduced assemblage of (Al,Cu)-alloys partially fills the open voids of the micrometeorite and shows variable compositions: from almost pure Cu up to Al-dominated phases with a predominance of khatyrkite, stolperite and unnamed Cu3Al2. Locally, small grains (about 1-2 µm in size) embedded in stolperite show a Fe-Si enrichment and are characterized by a long-range ordering resembling a quasicrystalline structure. This finding represents a unique natural quasicrystal approximant with composition Al52Cu31Fe10Si7. A micrometeorite collected at the top of Monte Gariglione, Italy, contains intermetallic (Al,Cu)-alloys including a natural quasicrystal approximant phase, according to mineralogical investigations using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.","author":[{"family":"Agrosì","given":"Giovanna"},{"family":"Manzari","given":"Paola"},{"family":"Mele","given":"Daniela"},{"family":"Tempesta","given":"Gioacchino"},{"family":"Rizzo","given":"Floriana"},{"family":"Catelani","given":"Tiziano"},{"family":"Cheng","given":"Guangming"},{"family":"Yao","given":"Nan"},{"family":"Villeneuve","given":"Johan"},{"family":"Bindi","given":"Luca"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-025-02245-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02245-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409463692","type":"article-journal","title":"Compositional and Textural Variability Among Tektites From Indochina and South China: Insights Into the Impact Origin of the Australasian Tektite Strewn Field","abstract":"Abstract The Australasian tektite strewn field, approximately 0.8 Ma in age, covers nearly 10% of the Earth's surface, making it the largest and most recent strewn field globally. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the elemental composition and texture of tektites recovered from various locations within the strewn field, particularly Vietnam, Thailand, and South China. These tektites exhibit a consistent major and minor element composition similar to the Upper Continental Crust characteristic of normal tektites. Notable elemental deviations in the concentrations of CaO, FeO, MgO, Pb, and Sr are observed in the Indochina Peninsula tektites, suggesting the mixing of multiple target rock components. Indochinites from Thailand and Vietnam show lower Pb and Sr levels compared to those from China, Indonesia, and Australia, potentially reflecting proximity to the hypothetical impact site on the Bolaven Plateau, Laos. The local stratigraphy of basalts over laterite and sandstone at the proposed source crater site may explain the observed decrease in Pb and Sr concentrations, primarily due to sandstone admixture, while variable MgO, CaO, and FeO suggest a basaltic contribution. The high abundance of lechatelierite inclusions and elevated SiO2 in Indochinites compared to South China tektites underscore the role of target rock composition in tektite formation. Schlieren flow structures further confirm rock mixing during the early impact stages. Overall, the findings elucidate the relationship between tektite formation, target rock interaction, and impact processes, supporting the Indochina Peninsula as the impact area and highlighting the need for further research on elemental fractionation and target rock heterogeneity.","author":[{"family":"Boschi","given":"Samuele"},{"family":"Goderis","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Liao","given":"Shiyong"},{"family":"Li","given":"Weiqiang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024gc012133","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024gc012133","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7155489902","type":"article-journal","title":"Ready-to-Use or Ready-to-Adapt: Can the Self-Healing Potential of Bacillus licheniformis Be Modified?","abstract":"In recent years, bacteria-based self-healing has emerged as a promising bioengineering strategy to address the self-repair of cracks in cement-based materials, which represent one of the persistent durability challenges. This approach relies on microbiologically induced calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation (MICP), in which metabolically active bacteria promote CaCO3 formation of crystals that can heal cracks and restore material integrity. This study compares the self-healing potential of a natural (N-) alkaline soil Bacillus licheniformis strain with a UV-strain (phenotypic mutant) generated through controlled UV exposure followed by adaptive evolution. Both strains were evaluated under conditions relevant to cementitious environments. The UV-strain exhibited enhanced ureolytic performance, reaching urease activity of 0.32 U/mg compared to 0.24 U/mg in the N-strain. This translated into improved biomineralization, with CaCO3 precipitation reaching 2.37 mg versus 2.23 mg/100 mL in the N-strain. Additionally, the UV-strain showed increased cell hydrophobicity and aggregation, indicating improved nucleation potential and surface-mediated mineral deposition. Multivariate analysis confirmed strong correlations between ureolytic metabolism, alkalization, and mineral formation, while artificial neural network (ANN) modeling (MLP 6-10-14) successfully predicted biomineralization-related parameters with high accuracy (R2 > 0.90 for urease activity, NH4+, ΔpH, and CaCO3). The results demonstrate that UV-induced phenotypic adaptation can enhance biomineralization efficiency with minor trade-offs in physiological robustness. For the first time, that controlled UV-induced phenotypic adaptation can be used as a targeted strategy to enhance biomineralization efficiency in B. licheniformis, while maintaining functional stability under cement-relevant conditions. These findings provide a novel framework for tailoring bacterial performance in self-healing systems for construction biotechnology.","author":[{"family":"Mejić","given":"Luka"},{"family":"Šovljanski","given":"Olja"},{"family":"Pezo","given":"Milada"},{"family":"Pezo","given":"Lato"},{"family":"Milović","given":"Tiana"},{"family":"Tomić","given":"Ana"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/bioengineering13050495","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13050495","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415293772","type":"article-journal","title":"Sassolite Precipitation at the Restless Campi Flegrei Volcano in Italy Points to Hydrothermal Flashing by Deep Boron‐Rich Brines","abstract":"Abstract Studying the behavior of dormant volcanoes is a major challenge in volcanology. Here, we conducted a 10‐year survey of hydrothermal mineralization at Campi Flegrei, an active volcano near Naples in Italy, which last erupted in 1538. Our survey revealed a significant output of boric acid at the hydrothermal sulfate discharge area of Pisciarelli, coinciding with a heightened volcanic unrest (so‐called bradyseisms). This unexpected output shyly began in 2019 before the vanishing of permanent hydrothermal springs and mud‐pools, in the form of transparent, colorless and glassy luster sassolite crystals found within the commonest mineralogical assemblage. High‐boron emissions peaked in July–August 2021, by spraying‐out whitish fine powders rich in sassolite, which has remained a prevalent feature through 2024 while we also measured a decline in NH 4 ‐sulfates and a tenfold increase in mud boron content. Sassolite appearance parallels the increased H 2 S flux at fumaroles, both marking the onset of recent acceleration in ground displacement and the accompanying increasing seismicity. Using new and literature mineral, chemical and isotope (δ 11 B) data, we ascribe sassolite yields to the direct drainage of boron‐rich brines that ascend more efficiently from the deeper to the surface pathways of the geothermal system via fracturing activated by the escalating bradyseism. The shift from closed to open degassing may explain the appearance of sassolite, making it valuable for unraveling the unrest dynamics at Campi Flegrei. Additionally, our findings enlarge present views on traditional pegmatites associated with tourmaline systems.","author":[{"family":"Piochi","given":"Monica"},{"family":"Mormone","given":"Angela"},{"family":"Solomita","given":"Germano"},{"family":"Moretti","given":"Roberto"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2025jb032197","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2025jb032197","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413956975","type":"article-journal","title":"Isotopic analysis of tochilinite (carbonate and magnetite) in Winchcombe: Temperature constraints on early‐stage aqueous alteration in the CM parent body","abstract":"Abstract We report the first oxygen isotope measurements of tochilinite (δ 17 O: 11.0 ± 2.1‰, δ 18 O: 23.5 ± 4.0‰ and Δ 17 O: −1.1 ± 1.2‰) in a CM chondrite (Winchcombe, lithology C [CM2.2/2.3]). We analyzed type‐I tochilinite‐cronstedtite intergrowths (TCIs)—formed by pseudomorphic replacement of kamacite. Alongside T1 and T2 calcite and magnetite, these secondary phases define a linear trendline in δ 17 O‐δ 18 O isotope space with a slope of 0.50, slightly shallower than the mass‐dependent slope (0.52). This demonstrates that, in addition to dominant mass‐dependent fractionation (controlled by mineral‐specific and temperature‐dependent equilibrium processes), mass‐independent mixing between 16 O‐rich anhydrous silicates, and 16 O‐poor water influenced the evolving Δ 17 O composition of alteration fluids. Petrographic evidence shows tochilinite and T1 calcite formed early and are closely associated in the alteration sequence. Assuming isotopic equilibrium between these phases, we estimate formation temperatures of approximately 135°C and a δ 18 O water value of 28‰. These findings align with previous hydrothermal synthesis experiments and underscore the value of multi‐phase isotopic measurements for reconstructing the fluid history of chondritic parent bodies.","author":[{"family":"Suttle","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Findlay","given":"Ross"},{"family":"Franchi","given":"IA"},{"family":"Biagioni","given":"Cristian"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"X"},{"family":"Abernethy","given":"FAJ"},{"family":"Riches","given":"Liza"},{"family":"Folco","given":"L"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70043","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70043","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409337265","type":"article-journal","title":"Mycelium-Based Breakthroughs: Exploring Commercialization, Research, and Next-Gen Possibilities","abstract":"Abstract Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) and pure-mycelium materials (PMMs) represent groundbreaking advancements in materials engineering, offering environmentally sustainable alternatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These innovative materials integrate mycelium, a natural biological adhesive, with lignocellulosic by-products, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach that merges biology, engineering, and design to address critical environmental challenges. This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in MBC technology, encompassing commercial applications, ongoing research and development, scientific literature, mycological insights, patents, and intellectual property. Selected product samples illustrate the versatility and potential of MBCs. The pivotal role of mycelium in addressing current and future challenges in materials science is underscored. The review identifies eleven distinct application areas for MBCs and PMMs, including five commercialized sectors and six under active research and development. Furthermore, key directions for future studies are outlined, emphasizing the integration of MBCs and PMMs to enhance the sustainability of conventional materials and drive the evolution of next-generation materials.","author":[{"family":"Wattanavichean","given":"Nungnit"},{"family":"Phanthuwongpakdee","given":"Jakkapon"},{"family":"Koedrith","given":"Preeyaporn"},{"family":"Laoratanakul","given":"Pitak"},{"family":"Thaithatgoon","given":"Boonchock"},{"family":"Somrithipol","given":"Sayanh"},{"family":"Kwantong","given":"Papichaya"},{"family":"Nuankaew","given":"Salilaporn"},{"family":"Pinruan","given":"Umpawa"},{"family":"Chuaseeharonnachai","given":"Charuwan"},{"family":"Boonyuen","given":"Nattawut"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s43615-025-00539-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-025-00539-x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413202287","type":"article-journal","title":"Disentangling Impact Ejecta Dynamics Using Micro–X‐Ray Fluorescence (μ‐XRF): A Case Study From the Terrestrial Cretaceous‐Paleogene (K‐Pg) Boundary","abstract":"Abstract This study presents a non‐destructive geochemical and petrographic workflow to generate high‐resolution chemostratigraphic records across key stratigraphic intervals, exemplified by a terrestrial Cretaceous‐Paleogene (K‐Pg) boundary sequence preserved at Starkville South (Raton Basin, Colorado, USA). To fingerprint specific Chicxulub impact ejecta and to unravel their mode and timing of deposition, we combined high‐resolution (25 μm) micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (μ‐XRF) mapping and quantitative integrated‐area linescans with scanning electron microscopy. A complex microstratigraphy is observed at Starkville South in which additional sublayers are identified in contrast to the classic “dual‐layer” succession described in the literature for US Western Interior K‐Pg sites. First, a basal claystone occurs with abundant glassy impact spherules that were altered over time to kaolinite and jarosite due to acidic and reducing conditions in a local swamp. This first lithology is followed by a carbonaceous shale rich in ejected quartz grains. These two ejecta intervals are interpreted to have formed primarily by ballistic transport from the Chicxulub impact structure and were likely emplaced within ∼1 hr after impact at Starkville South. In the overlying lignite, pronounced enrichment in zirconium and chromium are detected, hinting at an ejecta sequence containing three distinct sublayers with a large part of the siderophile element anomaly being likely preserved at the base of this coaly interval, including the famous iridium anomaly. These enrichments are attributed to fine‐grained impact dust composed of pulverized granitoid basement (Zr) and an admixture of meteoritic material (Cr, Ni, and likely Ir), probably deposited <20 years after impact following slow atmospheric settling.","author":[{"family":"Kaskes","given":"Pim"},{"family":"Tagle","given":"Roald"},{"family":"Rey","given":"Mariia"},{"family":"Goderis","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Decrée","given":"Sophie"},{"family":"Smit","given":"Jan"},{"family":"Claeys","given":"Philippe"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024gc012151","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024gc012151","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412820662","type":"article-journal","title":"Matera: A not so ordinary H5 chondrite breccia with very low density and high porosity","abstract":"Abstract On the evening of February 14, 2023, at 17:58 UT, a fireball was detected by three cameras of the Italian PRISMA network (FRIPON network). The first samples of the Matera meteorite, collected 3 days after the fall, lay on the balcony of a private home. Meanwhile, four samples weighing more than 10 g (including the main mass of 46.21 g) and many minor samples (less than 10 g each) were recovered, with a total mass of 117.5 g. The analyses show that Matera is a monomict chondrite breccia, exhibiting no weathering (W0) and shock (S1). Based on the mineral compositions of olivine and low‐Ca pyroxene (Fa18.0±0.3 and Fs17.0±0.3, respectively), the rock is an H‐group ordinary chondrite. Since all low‐Ca pyroxene is orthoenstatite, an H5‐type classification is appropriate; although texturally, a type 4 classification could be assigned to distinct portions of the rock with well‐defined chondrules. The analyzed oxygen isotopes also align with an H chondrite (δ17O‰ = 2.750 ± 0.051; δ18O‰ = 4.036 ± 0.103; Δ17O‰ = 0.650 ± 0.004). X‐ray tomography and a structured light 3D scanner yielded a mean bulk density of 2.87 ± 0.04 g cm−3, whereas ideal gas pycnometry yielded grain densities of 3.47 ± 0.05 g cm−3, resulting in a porosity of 17.2 ± 1.2 vol%. The magnetic susceptibility of this meteorite is log χ = 5.46 ± 0.05. The radionuclides and fireball observations suggest that the Matera meteoroid was relatively small (with a maximum radius of 20 cm, though more likely around 15 cm). This datum is also consistent with (21Ne/22Ne)cos, which suggests the origin of Matera samples from the uppermost cm of a small meteoroid, ≤10 cm radius. Different from many other H chondrites, the transfer time in space for Matera, based on 3 He alone, is 10–12 Ma. Moreover, the Matera meteorite does not contain solar wind gases. In conclusion, the Matera meteorite is not a fairly typical ordinary chondrite, due to its low bulk density and high total porosity. The presence of ordinary chondrites with these physical characteristics must be taken into account during the asteroid modeling process, as in the case of the Didymos–Dimorphos binary system.","author":[{"family":"Pratesi","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Cuppone","given":"T"},{"family":"Bischoff","given":"A"},{"family":"Patzek","given":"Markus"},{"family":"Schmittkopplin","given":"Philippe"},{"family":"Laubenstein","given":"M"},{"family":"Busemann","given":"H"},{"family":"Krietsch","given":"Daniela"},{"family":"Maden","given":"C"},{"family":"Greenwood","given":"RC"},{"family":"Macke","given":"RJ"},{"family":"Shehaj","given":"Xhonatan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70025","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70025","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412573384","type":"article-journal","title":"Tracking Lava Flow Cooling from Space: Implications for Erupted Volume Estimation and Cooling Mechanisms","abstract":"Accurate estimation of erupted lava volumes is essential for understanding volcanic processes, interpreting eruptive cycles, and assessing volcanic hazards. Traditional methods based on Mid-Infrared (MIR) satellite imagery require clear-sky conditions during eruptions and are prone to sensor saturation, limiting data availability. Here, we present an alternative approach based on the post-eruptive Thermal InfraRed (TIR) signal, using the recently proposed VRPTIR method to quantify radiative energy loss during lava flow cooling. We identify thermally anomalous pixels in VIIRS I5 scenes (11.45 µm, 375 m resolution) using the TIRVolcH algorithm, this allowing the detection of subtle thermal anomalies throughout the cooling phase, and retrieve lava flow area by fitting theoretical cooling curves to observed VRPTIR time series. Collating a dataset of 191 mafic eruptions that occurred between 2010 and 2025 at (i) Etna and Stromboli (Italy); (ii) Piton de la Fournaise (France); (iii) Bárðarbunga, Fagradalsfjall, and Sundhnúkagígar (Iceland); (iv) Kīlauea and Mauna Loa (United States); (v) Wolf, Fernandina, and Sierra Negra (Ecuador); (vi) Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo (DRC); (vii) Fogo (Cape Verde); and (viii) La Palma (Spain), we derive a new power-law equation describing mafic lava flow thickening as a function of time across five orders of magnitude (from 0.02 Mm3 to 5.5 km3). Finally, from knowledge of areas and episode durations, we estimate erupted volumes. The method is validated against 68 eruptions with known volumes, yielding high agreement (R2 = 0.947; ρ = 0.96; MAPE = 28.60%), a negligible bias (MPE = −0.85%), and uncertainties within ±50%. Application to the February-March 2025 Etna eruption further corroborates the robustness of our workflow, from which we estimate a bulk erupted volume of 4.23 ± 2.12 × 106 m3, in close agreement with preliminary estimates from independent data. Beyond volume estimation, we show that VRPTIR cooling curves follow a consistent decay pattern that aligns with established theoretical thermal models, indicating a stable conductive regime during the cooling stage. This scale-invariant pattern suggests that crustal insulation and heat transfer across a solidifying boundary govern the thermal evolution of cooling basaltic flows.","author":[{"family":"Aveni","given":"S"},{"family":"Ganci","given":"Gaetana"},{"family":"Harris","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Coppola","given":"Diego"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/rs17152543","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17152543","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7126386834","type":"article-journal","title":"Sustainable Water Systems in Space: A Review of Current Technologies and Future Prospects","abstract":"Abstract Sustainable water management is a critical challenge in space exploration, where the limited availability of resources requires innovative approaches to ensure astronauts' survival on long‐duration missions. This narrative review explores the key technologies and methods involved in water recycling, in situ resource utilization (ISRU), and bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) essential for supporting human life in space. The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) aboard the International Space Station has demonstrated significant progress in recycling water from urine, sweat, and humidity, achieving up to 93% recovery. However, challenges remain in reducing energy consumption, improving system durability, and ensuring water quality. ISRU technologies, particularly those aimed at extracting water ice from lunar and Martian environments, offer promising solutions for future missions, but they must overcome scalability and logistical hurdles. This review also highlights the potential of nanotechnology and AI‐driven autonomous systems in enhancing water purification and management. Nanomaterials like graphene oxide membranes could revolutionize filtration efficiency, while AI could optimize real‐time water quality monitoring and recycling processes. As space agencies push toward establishing colonies on the Moon and Mars, the development of sustainable, closed‐loop water systems will be pivotal to the success of these missions. Continued research and innovation are essential to ensuring water resources are efficiently managed for long‐term human presence in space.","author":[{"family":"Olawade","given":"David"},{"family":"Ijiwade","given":"James"},{"family":"Wada","given":"Ojima"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2025wr041273","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2025wr041273","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409564355","type":"article-journal","title":"Hydration and dehydration of CM chondrites revealed by X‐ray diffraction combined with textural observations and compositional data","abstract":"Abstract The in‐plane rotation method is used to obtain X‐ray random diffraction (XRD) patterns of polished thin sections of 10 CM chondrites. The samples include five intermediately altered CM chondrites with subtypes 2.6–2.3, two heavily altered CM chondrites with subtype 2.0 and three with secondary heating after hydration (Y 980036, Y 980051, and Jbilet Winselwan). These CM chondrites are compared to each other as well as four previously analyzed CM meteorites of subtypes 3.0–2.8 and 2.0. The same thin sections also underwent textural observations and compositional analyses. Unheated CM chondrites display systematic mineralogical changes. As the alteration degree increases from subtypes 3.0–2.0, the presence of olivine and clinoenstatite decreases, while that of serpentines increases. The abundance of tochilinite significantly increases from 2.7 to 2.3 but then decreases from 2.3 to 2.0. Subtype 2.0 consists of relatively more Mg‐rich serpentine than Fe‐rich serpentine (cronstedtite). The XRD identified only Mg‐serpentine from Jbilet Winselwan, suggesting selective decomposition of Fe‐rich serpentine (cronstedtite), while all hydrous minerals in Y 980036 and Y 980051 decomposed. Additionally, all three CM chondrites with secondary heating after hydration show stage II or category B heating by the peak metamorphic temperature of 300–750°C. Compared to previous studies using XRD, the combination of XRD with the textural and compositional analyses using the same polished thin section, avoiding the preparation for powder samples, is a straightforward approach to characterize hydrated chondritic samples. The approach is nondestructive and can be correlated with SEM/EPMA, unlike previous XRD studies that required powdered samples.","author":[{"family":"Imae","given":"Naoya"},{"family":"Kimura","given":"Makoto"},{"family":"Yamaguchi","given":"Akira"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14348","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14348","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413806205","type":"article-journal","title":"3D printing of composites of Martian regolith simulants and cyanobacterial biomass towards sustainable material production on Mars","abstract":"The long-term goal of establishing a sustained human presence on Mars requires the capacity to produce essential consumables on-site. To this end, we develop strategies for processing inorganic oxidic powders and biomass into highly particle-filled composites using direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing. Our approach relies on a simulant of a Martian regolith unit rich in hydrated clay minerals and food-grade spirulina, used as proxies for local regolith and cyanobacterial biomass, respectively. The composites are further reinforced through crosslinking with the plant-based molecule genipin. Detailed rheological analysis was performed for the 3D printing feedstocks, while the printed composites were characterized using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), surface area porosity analysis (BET), microscopy and mechanical tests. Dissolution tests demonstrated that genipin effectively crosslinks the cyanobacterial biomass. The outcome is a highly porous, lightweight material with adaptable, complex morphology, which has significant potential for use in the resource-constrained environments of long-duration Mars missions.","author":[{"family":"Oliveira","given":"Sophia"},{"family":"Rezwan","given":"Kurosch"},{"family":"Verseux","given":"Cyprien"},{"family":"Maas","given":"Michael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-025-00521-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00521-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413051172","type":"article-journal","title":"Pathways for accelerated bacterial spore killing with ohmic heating","abstract":"The mechanism by which ohmic heating (OH) accelerates bacterial spore killing compared to conventional heating (CH) is unclear. This study used genetically modified Bacillus subtilis spores to investigate OH's impact on specific components. Flow cytometry assessed membrane integrity, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations examined the DNA-SASP complex under an electric field. Among the inner membrane (IM) proteins (YetF, YdfS, and YkjA) tested for its resistance against OH and CH, YeTF was found to be the most significant contributor to spore resistance for both treatments. SASP, SpoVA proteins, and Ca-DPA interacted with the field, showing specific effects at certain temperature and field intensity combinations. Flow cytometry showed spore staining with propidium iodide (PI), which increased with higher field intensities, indicating significant IM damage. MD simulations showed that the electric field caused the SASP-DNA complex to dissociate, with greater separation at higher field intensities. Thus, OH accelerates spore killing by affecting key IM and core molecules.","author":[{"family":"Singh","given":"Shyam"},{"family":"Samaranayake","given":"Chaminda"},{"family":"Korza","given":"George"},{"family":"Ali","given":"Mohamed"},{"family":"Setlow","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Sastry","given":"Sudhir"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41538-025-00537-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41538-025-00537-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406701604","type":"article-journal","title":"A Microbial-Centric View of Mobile Phones: Enhancing the Technological Feasibility of Biotechnological Recovery of Critical Metals","abstract":"End-of-life (EoL) mobile phones represent a valuable reservoir of critical raw materials at higher concentrations compared to primary ores. This review emphasizes the critical need to transition from single-material recovery approaches to comprehensive, holistic strategies for recycling EoL mobile phones. In response to the call for sustainable techniques with reduced energy consumption and pollutant emissions, biohydrometallurgy emerges as a promising solution. The present work intends to review the most relevant studies focusing on the exploitation of microbial consortia in bioleaching and biorecovery processes. All living organisms need macro- and micronutrients for their metabolic functionalities, including some of the elements contained in mobile phones. By exploring the interactions between microbial communities and the diverse elements found in mobile phones, this paper establishes a microbial-centric perspective by connecting each element of each layer to their role in the microbial cell system. A special focus is dedicated to the concepts of ecodesign and modularity as key requirements in electronics to potentially increase selectivity of microbial consortia in the bioleaching process. By bridging microbial science with sustainable design, this review proposes an innovative roadmap to optimize metal recovery, aligning with the principles of the circular economy and advancing scalable biotechnological solutions for electronic waste management.","author":[{"family":"Magrini","given":"Chiara"},{"family":"Verga","given":"Francesca"},{"family":"Bassani","given":"Ilaria"},{"family":"Pirri","given":"Candido"},{"family":"Azim","given":"Annalisa"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/bioengineering12020101","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12020101","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7135050044","type":"article-journal","title":"A Mössbauer and PXRD study regarding iron bearing minerals in moon simulant samples","abstract":"Abstract The demand for advanced analytical tools and innovative combinations of established techniques in the field of extraterrestrial research is steadily increasing, particularly within the context of the Artemis mission and the potential establishment of a Moon base. To test new analytical tools or assess the suitability of well-established methods for potential extraterrestrial applications, appropriate sample materials are essential. Given the potential for analog samples to be utilized in destructive analysis, it is advisable to assess their suitability prior to implementation. Analog samples are well-suited to ensure the optimal setup of analytical tools and equipment for analyzing actual extraterrestrial samples, thereby minimizing the waste of extraterrestrial materials. Furthermore, an optimal calibration of the setup, in combination with the expertise of highly skilled academic staff, reduces errors in analysis and enables the accurate evaluation of samples. The absence of suitable analog samples would make this task significantly more challenging. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of Moon analog samples LHS-1, LMS-1, and EAC-1 A and compared them with literature data obtained from the Apollo missions. To assess their chemical composition, we utilized Mössbauer spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Our objective was to determine the suitability of these analog samples in replicating the chemical characteristics of lunar material. Our findings indicate that the samples align well with lunar material concerning major components such as olivine, pyroxene and glass. However, when analyzing the minor components, discrepancies ocurred. Instead of pure ilmenite, we detected Fe(III) in the form of pseudorutile in the ilmenite base material, which shouldn´t be included in authentic analog samples.","author":[{"family":"Groß","given":"René"},{"family":"Pawlak","given":"Justus"},{"family":"Tran","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Blumers","given":"M"},{"family":"Gaber","given":"H"},{"family":"Renz","given":"Franz"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s10751-026-02370-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10751-026-02370-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407848051","type":"article-journal","title":"Tellurium and Mercury in Late Cretaceous to Early Eocene Sediments as Proxies for Volcanic Activity in the Deccan and North Atlantic Large Igneous Provinces","abstract":"Abstract Late Maastrichtian to Early Eocene sediments from Wadi Nukhul, Egypt were deposited between about 67 and 55.5 Ma during the eruption of the Deccan Traps and the North Atlantic Igneous Province (NAIP). We use Te and Hg as proxies for volcanism to constrain the timing of flood basalt volcanism relative to environmental perturbations and extinction events during this period. We find enrichment in Te in the latest Maastrichtian and earliest Danian and in the Late Paleocene to Early Eocene, which result from enhanced volcanic input of Te. An increase in volcanic Te during the Late Maastrichtian coincides with the Late Maastrichtian Warming Event. A second larger peak in Te begins about 120–80 kyr before the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary (KPB) and continues into the Danian, with highest values about 70–30 kyr prior to the KPB, potentially related to eruptions of the voluminous Deccan Wai subgroup. The Chicxulub impact, therefore, did not trigger these eruptions, and Deccan volcanism likely led to climate instability, which may have amplified the environmental effects of the impact. A 6 Myr period of low Te during the Paleocene is followed by an increase in Te starting at 57.5 Ma and peaking at the Paleocene‐Eocene boundary (PEB; 56 Ma) during the opening of the North Atlantic and the highest eruptive rates of the NAIP. In contrast, Hg variations over the same time period are less systematic. Our results show that Te in sediments may be a robust proxy, complementary to Hg, for large volcanic events.","author":[{"family":"Baumann","given":"Nils"},{"family":"Regelous","given":"Marcel"},{"family":"Adatte","given":"Thierry"},{"family":"Regelous","given":"Anette"},{"family":"Haase","given":"Karsten"},{"family":"Khozyem","given":"Hassan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024gc011967","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024gc011967","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409162455","type":"article-journal","title":"Completing the Spectral Mosaic of Chloromethane by Adding the CHD2Cl Missing Piece Through the Interplay of Rotational/Vibrational Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Calculations","abstract":"Chloromethane (CH3Cl) is a key chlorinated organic compound not only in atmospheric chemistry, but also in the field of molecular astrophysics and a possible biosignature in exoplanetary atmospheres. While the spectroscopic characterization of the main isotopic species has been addressed in great detail, that of its isotopologues remains incomplete. This work aims at filling this gap by focusing on the bideuterated species, CHD2Cl, and exploiting both rotational and vibrational spectroscopy in combination with state-of-the-art quantum-chemical (QC) calculations. First, the rotational spectrum of CHD2Cl has been measured in the millimeter-wave domain, allowing the accurate determination of several spectroscopic constants for four isotopologues, namely 12CHD235Cl, 12CHD237Cl, 13CHD235Cl, and 13CHD237Cl. The newly determined rotational constants have been used to refine the semi-experimental equilibrium structure of chloromethane. Secondly, the vibrational analysis, supported by high-level QC predictions of vibrational energies, has been conducted in the 500–6200 cm−1 infrared (IR) region, enabling the identification of more than 30 bands including fundamental, overtone, and combination transitions. Finally, chloromethane’s radiative efficiency has been simulated using the QC IR absorption cross-sections, and the effects of isotopologue distribution on the predicted radiative properties have been investigated. All these findings greatly improve the comprehension of the spectroscopic properties of bideuterated chloromethane isotopologues, and of chloromethane in general, and facilitate future terrestrial and extraterrestrial studies.","author":[{"family":"Melosso","given":"Mattia"},{"family":"Stoppa","given":"Paolo"},{"family":"Alvarado-Jiménez","given":"Daniela"},{"family":"Tamassia","given":"Filippo"},{"family":"Sapienza","given":"Carlotta"},{"family":"Bizzocchi","given":"L"},{"family":"Dore","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Puzzarini","given":"Cristina"},{"family":"Charmet","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Tasinato","given":"Nicola"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/molecules30071604","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30071604","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411895451","type":"article-journal","title":"Iron disproportionation in peridotite fragments from the mantle transition zone","abstract":"Abstract Previous high-temperature-pressure experiments predicted metallic iron’s potential presence in the deep mantle below 250 km, arising from ferrous disproportionation in silicates, which could profoundly impact the redox environment and physicochemical properties. However, direct natural petrological evidence has been lacking, except scant clues like Fe-alloy inclusions in ultradeep diamonds. Here we present peridotite fragments, found in Cenozoic basalts from eastern China, containing decomposed Na-rich majoritic garnets (from depths of 410-550 km) and olivine with Fe0-spinel-bearing inclusions, likely originated from retrograded wadsleyite/ringwoodite. Enriched Zn-Sr isotopic compositions of the decomposed garnet indicate an origin associated with the stagnant Pacific slab in the mantle transition zone. Disproportionation of iron is evidenced by widely distributed submicron-sized spherical Fe-Ni alloys and Fe3+-rich (Fe3+/ΣFe = 0.35-0.40) olivine. These findings provide compelling evidence for recycling of stagnant slab components in the eastern Asia big mantle wedge (BMW), and iron disproportionation in the deep mantle.","author":[{"family":"Pan","given":"Fabin"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Xiang"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Chao"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yanfei"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Yiping"},{"family":"He","given":"Xiaobo"},{"family":"Jin","given":"Chong"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Lian"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Hongfei"},{"family":"He","given":"Hongping"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Junfeng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-60566-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60566-y","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4416535455","type":"article-journal","title":"Architectures and Instruments for Enceladus Exploration","abstract":"Abstract Enceladus, a moon of Saturn with a subsurface ocean containing potential hydrothermal activity, is a crucial target for habitability and life detection missions. While the Cassini mission provided important information about Enceladus, many unanswered and consequential questions remain, including its habitability, geochemical history, and whether Enceladus currently hosts life. We have developed a general science traceability matrix (STM) detailing a set of science objectives relating to its geology and habitability that can be applied to different mission architectures and concepts. This STM was designed to be broad and cover a broad science trade space for mission development; a companion paper discusses the scientific details of the STM (Rodriguez et al., 2025). In this paper, we discuss which mission architectural features would be needed to meet the STM's different science goals and observables. We identify direct access to ocean samples as an important architectural feature to fulfill measurements of habitability and life detection. We additionally propose using integrated instrument suites for life detection science objectives. We highlight opportunities for advancement in research and technology development that could enable different science objectives, including autonomy and instrument design. The results of this workshop detailed in this publication can be used as a framework for mission concept design and development. This document is designed to be used as a roadmap for the development of new technology maturation for future investigations to maximize science return.","author":[{"family":"Weber","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Rodriguez","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Cable","given":"Morgan"},{"family":"Ingham","given":"Michel"},{"family":"Barge","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Chodas","given":"M"},{"family":"Cochrane","given":"Corey"},{"family":"Elder","given":"CM"},{"family":"Fayolle","given":"Edith"},{"family":"Henderson","given":"Bryana"},{"family":"Hosseini","given":"S"},{"family":"Marusiak","given":"Angela"},{"family":"Melwanidaswani","given":"M"},{"family":"Nordheim","given":"Tom"},{"family":"Perl","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Ono","given":"Masahiro"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024je008908","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024je008908","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407715070","type":"article-journal","title":"Space Economy and Sustainability: A Systematic Review","abstract":"ABSTRACT The space economy is booming thanks to the increasing investment of government agencies, private companies, and venture capitalists. From the beginning of the New Space era, the array of actors involved in the development of technologies for extra‐terrestrial activities has increased, as well as the downstream applications that foster innovations on Earth. Space technologies promote growth and prosperity: they pose challenges and opportunities in terms of sustainability from multiple perspectives. In outer space, several issues can hinder launches or the capabilities of observing and collecting data (e.g., presence of debris, regulatory and legal issues), while there is room to improve the technical and economic efficiency of operations; on Earth, technologies developed to support space missions and satellite data provide support to human development and help monitoring climate change. The literature dealing with space sciences is extremely varied, from materials and physics for the launch of probes, to management of missions, or the coordination of international activities. The aim of this study is to investigate whether and how studies in the space economy area addressed the topic of sustainability through a systematic literature review. This article analyses 254 articles along multiple dimensions, including the three pillars of sustainability and the sustainable development goals. The studies are categorized according to their main locus of research (i.e., in Space and on Earth) and then grouped in thematic clusters. In doing so, this article provides an overview of the state of the art, highlights potential gaps, and proposes fruitful avenues for future research.","author":[{"family":"Valente","given":"Marianna"},{"family":"Caviggioli","given":"Federico"},{"family":"Agostini","given":"Lara"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1002/sd.3383","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.3383","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407386401","type":"article-journal","title":"Calibration and evaluation of the Hargreaves-Samani equation for estimating reference evapotranspiration: a case study in Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil","abstract":"Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is essential for water resources management and agricultural planning. The FAO-56 Penman-Monteith (PM) equation is widely adopted as the standard for ETo estimation but faces limitations in regions with scares data. Therefore, empirical equations emerge as a viable alternative, although they require calibration. This study focuses on calibration the Hargreaves–Samani (HS) equation in the Northwest, North, and Jequitinhonha Valley regions of Minas Gerais, with the aim of improving ETo estimates and developing an adjusted model for the northern region of Minas Gerais, referred to as the Adjusted Hargreaves–Samani (HS1) model. The climatic data used in this research covered 30 years of observations (1990 to 2019), obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), and included the following variables: maximum, minimum, and average air temperature; mean relative humidity; wind speed; and sunshine duration (used to estimate global solar radiation). ETo was estimated using the HS and HS1 methods and then compared with the PM method through the following statistical indicators: linear and angular coefficients (a and b), coefficient of determination (R²), correlation coefficient (r), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), concordance index (d), and performance index (c). The results indicate that the ETo estimate using the HS1 method improved the obtained values, enhanced the statistical parameters, and reduced the error.","author":[{"family":"Figueiró","given":"Lucas"},{"family":"Bonfá","given":"Caroline"},{"family":"Santos","given":"Lucas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.7769/gesec.v16i2.4638","URL":"https://doi.org/10.7769/gesec.v16i2.4638","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410306171","type":"article-journal","title":"Sample Return Missions: Rosetta Stones Returned from the First Small Bodies in the Solar System","abstract":"Abstract It is now possible to bring back samples from planetary bodies of the Solar System other than the moon. This research method enables a direct link between astronomical observations and meteorite analyses, which were previously disconnected. The Hayabusa, Hayabusa2, and OSIRIS REx sample return missions have provided detailed information on the composition of S-, C-, and B-type asteroids, respectively, and the processes by which they were formed. This paper reviews the results of these three asteroid sample return missions, and also introduces the next Martian moon sample return mission MMX. Although sample returns are currently achieved only from near-Earth objects in the Solar System, it is hoped that in the future it will be possible to collect samples from outer Solar System objects and even from small objects flying from outside the Solar System.","author":[{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Engrand","given":"C"},{"family":"Zolensky","given":"ME"},{"family":"Hamilton","given":"VE"},{"family":"Fraeman","given":"AA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-025-01168-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-025-01168-4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415482291","type":"article-journal","title":"Late-surviving New Mexican dinosaurs illuminate high end-Cretaceous diversity and provinciality","abstract":"It has long been debated whether non-avian dinosaurs went extinct abruptly or gradually at the end-Cretaceous (66 million years ago), because their fossil record at this time is mostly limited to northern North America. We constrain a dinosaur-rich unit to the south, the Naashoibito Member in New Mexico, to the very latest Cretaceous (~66.4 to 66.0 million years), preserving some of the last-known non-avian dinosaurs. Ecological modeling shows that North American terrestrial vertebrates maintained high diversity and endemism in the latest Cretaceous and early Paleogene, with bioprovinces shaped by temperature and geography. This counters the notion of a low-diversity cross-continental fauna and suggests that dinosaurs were diverse and partitioned into regionally distinct assemblages during the final few hundred thousand years before the end-Cretaceous asteroid impact.","author":[{"family":"Flynn","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Brusatte","given":"Stephen"},{"family":"Chiarenza","given":"Alfio"},{"family":"Garcíagirón","given":"Jorge"},{"family":"Davis","given":"Adam"},{"family":"Fenley","given":"CW"},{"family":"Leslie","given":"Caitlin"},{"family":"Secord","given":"Ross"},{"family":"Shelley","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Weil","given":"Anne"},{"family":"Heizler","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Williamson","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Peppe","given":"Daniel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1126/science.adw3282","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adw3282","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7108336576","type":"article-journal","title":"ISRU Technology Developments at the DLR Institute of Space Systems","abstract":"The Synergetic Material Utilization (SMU) research group was founded in 2021 at the DLR Institute of Space Systems in Bremen with the primary focus on combining Life Support Systems and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) systems. The group works on a combination of laboratory-scale experimental setups in relevant environments and simulations to contribute to the development of ISRU technologies for Moon and Mars. One research area is regolith beneficiation, which resulted in the development of a laboratory scale model for a multi-stage beneficiation testbed. The testbed achieved a three-fold increase in the ilmenite weight concentration compared to the unprocessed input regolith. The goal is to further develop particle size sorting and magnetic mineral enrichment processes. Another research area is water extraction and purification for in-situ propellant and consumables production. Here, the SMU group has led the EU-funded LUWEX project. Its objective is to extract, capture, and purify water from lunar icy regolith, reaching Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4/5. Along with validating this water process chain in a relevant lunar simulated environment, the project developed a novel method to produce an icy regolith simulant. As a foundation for LUWEX, an experimental study was performed on the solubility of regolith simulants in water. Additionally, several feasibility studies have been performed on different ISRU topics. One system analysis focused of an ISRU production plant to extract oxygen and metals. Furthermore, a second analysis on the oxygen production costs and logistics on the Moon surface was carried out, leading to the conclusion that the location with the best resources is the main driver in location selection. A third study was conducted on extracting minerals on Mars suitable for plant cultivation. This manuscript gives a comprehensive overview about the results of the different research and development activities carried out since 2021.","author":[{"family":"Zabel","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Kiewiet","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Kulkarni","given":"Kunal"},{"family":"López","given":"Mateo"},{"family":"Fälker","given":"Svenja"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.32865/2346/102665","URL":"https://doi.org/10.32865/2346/102665","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7134985003","type":"article-journal","title":"Digital twin for in – space manufacturing: a comprehensive review from framework to future","abstract":"Digital Twin (DT) provides a pivotal solution to space manufacturing bottlenecks through high-fidelity simulation and closed-loop control. This paper systematically reviews DT for space manufacturing. It first clarifies the unique conceptual framework and challenges arising from microgravity, resource limitations, and high autonomy requirements. Next, it traces DT’s evolution – from industrial static prototypes, through virtual-physical interaction exploration, to near-real-time closed-loop systems – and analyzes the migration of industrial technologies to space and nascent on-orbit applications. Critically, the study focuses on four technical pillars: high-fidelity multi-physics modelling under microgravity, near-real-time simulation and interaction, multi-source sensing and sparse data fusion under resource constraints and deeply-integrated autonomous collaborative decision-making. Applications in space additive manufacturing, on-orbit assembly, maintenance, repair, and in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) demonstrate DT’s core value in driving the ‘design-manufacturing’ closed-loop. Concurrently, this review further identifies key bottlenecks, including inadequate model fidelity in extreme environments, sparse sensing data, limited on-board computing power, Earth-space communication latency, and high systems integration/verification costs. Finally, intelligent enhancement pathways are proposed – including PIML-empowered AI-driven dynamic modelling, Earth-space collaborative computing, digital thread standardisation, and human-cyber-physical collaborative decision-making – to advance space manufacturing from ground-dependent verification toward on-orbit autonomous closed-loop operations, laying the foundation for sustainable deep-space exploration.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Lei"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Yina"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Jialong"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Kunyang"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Xiaofei"},{"family":"He","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Lu","given":"Bingheng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1080/17452759.2026.2639147","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17452759.2026.2639147","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411886915","type":"article-journal","title":"Missing interstellar sulfur in inventories of polysulfanes and molecular octasulfur crowns","abstract":"The disparity between predicted sulfur abundances and identified reservoirs of sulfur in cold molecular clouds, also known as the sulfur depletion problem, has remained an ongoing debate over decades. Here, we show in laboratory simulation experiments that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can be converted on ice-coated interstellar grains in cold molecular clouds through galactic cosmic rays processing at 5 K to sulfanes (H2Sn; n = 2–11) and octasulfur (S8). This locks the processed hydrogen sulfide as high-molecular weight sulfur-containing molecules thus providing a plausible rationale for the fate of the missing interstellar sulfur. These sulfuretted molecules may undergo fractionated sublimation once the molecular cloud transforms into star forming regions. The isomeric identification of octasulfur rings (S8) coincides with the recent identification of elementary sulfur in the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu, thus providing compelling evidence on the link between sulfur in cold molecular clouds and in our Solar System with, e.g., the Taurus Molecular Cloud (TMC) potentially accumulating an equivalent of 350 Earth masses of octasulfur. Laboratory simulation experiments with isomer selective photoionization detection techniques reveal that octasulfur (S8) and sulfanes can be easily formed in low temperature H2S interstellar ice analogues exposed to ionizing radiation, suggesting a critical link between sulfur chemistry on ice coated nanoparticles in molecular clouds and the inventory of sulfur compounds in our Solar System.","author":[{"family":"Herath","given":"Ashanie"},{"family":"Mcanally","given":"Mason"},{"family":"Turner","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Jia"},{"family":"Marks","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Fortenberry","given":"Ryan"},{"family":"Garcia-Alvarez","given":"Jorge"},{"family":"Gozem","given":"Samer"},{"family":"Kaiser","given":"Ralf"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-61259-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61259-2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413768553","type":"article-journal","title":"Magnesium, iron, and calcium isotope signatures of Chicxulub impact spherules: Isotopic fingerprint of the projectile and plume thermodynamics","abstract":"• Light δ 25 Mg and δ 56 Fe suggest incomplete recondensation from Chicxulub pyrocloud. • Decoupled Fe and Mg condensation rates indicate fractional condensation. • µ 26 Mg* and µ 48 Ca signatures show 17–25 % contribution from a CM or CO asteroid. The Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary (KPB) represents a massive extinction event in Earth's history, probably triggered by the Chicxulub asteroid impact ∼66 Ma. The event dispersed vast volumes of ejecta materials including exceptionally preserved impact spherules in the Gorgonilla Island KPB section. Previous work identified three populations of spherules at Gorgonilla: 1) ballistically transported molten spherules, 2) a mixture of molten and condensed spherules dispersed by the expansion of a high-temperature, turbulent cloud (the \"pyrocloud\"), and 3) tiny droplets condensed from the plume (the \"fireball layer\"). We determine the Mg, Fe, and Ca isotopic compositions of pristine spherules to better understand the evaporation and condensation thermodynamics within the pyrocloud. We detect enrichment in mass bias corrected µ 48 Ca and µ 26 Mg* isotope signatures from the terrestrial value corresponding to an impactor contribution of ∼17–25%, most likely from a CM or CO chondrite-like asteroid. The mass-dependent δ 25 Mg and δ 56 Fe compositions are generally light or unfractionated, suggesting incomplete recondensation as the pyrocloud cooled and expanded. Combined δ 25 Mg and δ 56 Fe signatures reveal decoupling of these isotope systems, likely due to differing condensation rates. Thus, we calculate a higher average condensation rate of Fe than Mg, reflecting the thermodynamic decoupling and more complete recondensation signatures of Fe in the pyrocloud vapor. While we uncover information about the evaporation and condensation thermodynamics in the pyrocloud, the exact formation mechanisms of the complete suite of spherules remain complex with some spherules potentially forming from multiple mechanisms, including recondensation and splash–melting.","author":[{"family":"Rundhaug","given":"Courtney"},{"family":"Schiller","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Bizzarro","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Deng","given":"Zhengbin"},{"family":"Bermúdez","given":"Hermann"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119599","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2025.119599","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413119880","type":"article-journal","title":"Technological Progress in Sulfur-Based Construction Materials: The Role of Modified Sulfur Cake in Concrete and Bitumen","abstract":"Modified sulfur cake is a by-product of sulfuric acid and hydrometallurgical processes, and presents an underutilized resource in sustainable infrastructure with significant potential. This review evaluates the current technological innovations as pertaining to the use of modified sulfur cake in the manufacture of sulfur concrete and sulfur-modified bitumen. The processing strategies (thermal, chemical, and mechano-chemical processing, and effects of organic and inorganic additives to promote mechanical, chemical, and thermal behaviors) are discussed systematically. The effect of the modified sulfur cake on the workability, compressive strength, corrosion resistance, and environmental resistance of construction materials, in particular, is tested, with compression strengths beyond 40 MPa being reported, alongside the improved rutting resistance up to 40%. The most critical limitations associated with phase instability, toxic gas release during processing, compositional variability, and the absence of standardization are identified. Correspondingly, to alleviate them, new developments such as blends with sulfur, nano-reinforcements (e.g., carbon nanotubes (CNT), nano-silica), and the incorporation of formulation optimization by machine-learning are considered. The review particularly focuses on the life cycle performance, reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions, and circular economy advantages, highlighting modified sulfur cake as an economical and low-carbon alternative to conventional concrete and bitumen. This review mainly aims to bridge the gap between waste valorization and green construction technologies, offering a roadmap for future research and industrial implementation in line with global climate and sustainability goals.","author":[{"family":"Hashami","given":"Muhammad"},{"family":"Ongarbayev","given":"Yerdos"},{"family":"Tileuberdi","given":"Yerbol"},{"family":"Imanbayev","given":"Yerzhan"},{"family":"Zhambolova","given":"Ainur"},{"family":"Kanzharkan","given":"Yernar"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/app15168790","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/app15168790","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411678992","type":"article-journal","title":"Recent advances in the application of microbiota transplantation in chickens","abstract":"Extensive evidence demonstrates that a healthy and well-balanced gut microbiota profoundly influences host nutrient absorption, immunity, and metabolism. Unlike mammals, early microbiota colonization in commercial poultry largely depends on the environment as chicks hatch in incubators under a relatively sterile environment (egg and incubator sterilization) without maternal-offspring interaction. The early gut microbiota remains unsaturated, providing a critical window for modulation and influencing the subsequent microbiota succession, which may have long-term health outcomes. Microbiota transplantation (MT) involves transferring the microbiota from a donor to a recipient to modulate the recipient's microbiota toward a desired state. Successfully applied in human medicine, MT is also gaining attention in poultry production to modulate intestinal health. This review comprehensively explores factors affecting MT, its mechanisms, and its potential applications in chickens, providing insights for further research and commercial use.","author":[{"family":"Zhao","given":"Haoran"},{"family":"Comer","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Akram","given":"Muhammad"},{"family":"Corion","given":"Matthias"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Li"},{"family":"Everaert","given":"Nadia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40104-025-01233-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-025-01233-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411095804","type":"article-journal","title":"Allerød–Younger Dryas Boundary (12.9–12.8 ka) as a “New” Geochronological Marker in Late Glacial Sediments of the Eastern Baltic Region","abstract":"This paper is a contribution to the ongoing debate on the nature and drivers of the abrupt environmental shift at the onset of the Younger Dryas. The goal of this study is to identify key parameters that characterize the Allerød–Younger Dryas boundary, 12.9–12.8 ka in sedimentary sections, and are representative of broader paleobasin dynamics in the eastern Baltic region. Two new Late Glacial sediment archives, the Kulikovo and Sambian, provide data on this time interval. Geochronological and lithological (grain size and loss on ignition) analyses of the sequences indicate a change in sedimentation during 12.9–12.8 ka, which is manifested by a peak of terrigenous, coarser-grained material and an accompanying peak of organic matter in sediments. A review of the published data shows that this lithological situation is also characteristic of other paleobasins in the eastern Baltic region and beyond for layers dated to the onset of the Younger Dryas. This probably indicates an environmental event that caused a short-term increased input and deposition of organic matter, accompanied by a surge in erosional processes. The environmental shift triggered by the event is also recorded in a remarkable drop in pollen concentration and species diversity in the overlying layer. The sediment horizon in Late Glacial (Allerød–Younger Dryas) sequences corresponding to these parameters can be considered an important and reliable geochronological marker of the 12.9–12.8 ka interval. The organic-rich layer in the Kulikovo section, as well as other similar layers in the Baltic, can be considered a “black mat” phenomenon related to the onset of the Younger Dryas.","author":[{"family":"Druzhinina","given":"Olga"},{"family":"Skhodnov","given":"Ivan"},{"family":"Berghe","given":"Kasper"},{"family":"Filippova","given":"KG"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/quat8020028","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/quat8020028","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411918210","type":"article-journal","title":"Bacterial community profile of three Ethiopian hot springs based on 16S rRNA gene nanopore sequencing","abstract":"Ethiopia harbors a number of hot springs not yet well explored or studied using a metagenomic approach to reveal their bacterial diversity. Understanding the bacterial diversity of these ecosystems is valuable for uncovering their ecological roles and potential for biotechnological applications. The aim of this study was, therefore, to perform the first full-length 16S rRNA gene nanopore sequencing on the three Ethiopian hot springs, namely Shalla, Woliso and Wondo Genet. The bacterial community composition of the three hot springs, whose temperatures ranged from 45 to 96 °C, was effectively assessed using the ONT MinION sequencer. It was found that Shalla hot spring had the highest species richness and accounted for 323 species, followed by 116 species from Woliso and 54 species from Wondo Genet hot springs. Pseudomonadota and Bacillota were the most dominant phyla recovered from the three hot springs, whereas Acinetobacter and Paracoccus were the most abundant bacterial genera. The most abundant species were Alkalihalobacterium elongatum from Shalla hot spring, and Acinetobacter junii and Acinetobacter johnsonii from Wondo Genet hot spring. Our study provided the first insight into the bacterial diversity of three Ethiopian hot springs and may serve as a basis for further functional analysis of these hot springs.","author":[{"family":"Guta","given":"Meseret"},{"family":"Eenooghe","given":"Bodine"},{"family":"Bacha","given":"Ketema"},{"family":"Cools","given":"Piet"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-025-05139-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-05139-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407020285","type":"article-journal","title":"The compositional diversity of rocky exoplanets around K-dwarf stars","abstract":"Context. The mass-radius distribution of currently known exoplanets suggests a fascinating variety in terms of their chemical compositions. Still, the interior structures and compositions of rocky exoplanets are essentially inaccessible to observations. Here, we present a model that combines planet formation simulations with equilibrium condensation models to estimate the interior composition and structure of exoplanets around K-dwarf stars. Aims. In a previous study, we reproduced the observed population of close-in super-Earths around K-dwarf stars with suitable initial conditions. However, the masses and radii of these simulated planets are not self-consistent, since the radius information is postprocessed based on an assumed constant average density (3 g cm−3). In this work, we have incorporated compositions into the N-body simulations using the chemistry of the protoplanetary disk from equilibrium condensation sequences, together with thermodynamics of the various mineral phases. This has allowed us to develop models of likely interior structures, bulk densities, and, thus, radii for rocky exoplanets. Methods. We selected the outcomes of ten N-body simulations around a 0.8 M⊙ star that best reproduced the observed population. We employed stellar abundances from six K-dwarf stars with a range of metallicities. Based on the condensation sequence and the temperature-pressure profile of a disk, we assigned bulk elemental compositions to planetesimals and then tracked materials accreted onto planets during their formation. Results. We have obtained a set of planets with more realistic radii determinations than those purely based on one preset density for all bodies. We formed various types of planets: i) Ca- and Al-rich(er), ii) Mg-depleted, iii) fully oxidized core-less planets, iv) planets similar to Earth or Mars in composition and core size, and v) planets with different core mass fractions (from significantly smaller than the Martian core to significantly larger than the Earth’s core); however, we do not have Mercury-like planet with a huge core.","author":[{"family":"Hatalova","given":"P"},{"family":"Brodholt","given":"John"},{"family":"Brasser","given":"Ramon"},{"family":"Shan","given":"Y"},{"family":"Werner","given":"Stéphanie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1051/0004-6361/202451070","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202451070","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414031347","type":"article-journal","title":"A statistical investigation into relationships between the IIE irons and the ordinary, F and “ HH ” chondrites","abstract":"Abstract It has been proposed that IIE iron meteorites formed through impact processes on a parent body that was composed of either the H chondrites or a much‐debated fourth ordinary chondrite group, the HH chondrites. To resolve this debate, we have compiled a large dataset for the ordinary chondrites, low‐fayalite ungrouped chondrites, and IIE irons, and undertaken a statistical analysis to determine if: (1) the current classification of ordinary chondrite groups is statistically appropriate; and (2) the IIE irons are related to H chondrites or if they represent a distinct group that formed on a “HH” chondrite parent body. We demonstrate that the current classification system based on petrography and olivine and orthopyroxene chemistry is appropriate for the H, L, and LL chondrites. We define a fourth “F chondrite” group consisting of eight, previously ungrouped, very low‐Fa Type 3 and 4 chondrites. Statistical analysis of Δ 17 O data alone cannot distinguish between the H chondrites and IIE irons, nor between the L and LL chondrites. Furthermore, statistical analyses are unable to distinguish H chondrites from IIE irons in all measures (mineral chemistry, chondrule size, bulk Δ 17 O, Ge and Mo isotopic compositions, and bulk siderophile element abundances in metal); there is no evidence for a “HH” chondrite group. These results are consistent with formation of IIE iron meteorites through impact melting and near‐surface metal segregation on the H chondrite parent body. This genetic link between H chondrites and IIE irons allows us to understand the geochemical and petrological changes that occurred during planetary formation and evolution.","author":[{"family":"Kirby","given":"Rachel"},{"family":"King","given":"PL"},{"family":"Tomkins","given":"Andrew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70040","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70040","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415412533","type":"article-journal","title":"Is cosmic dust porous?","abstract":"Abstract There is a long-standing discussion in the astrophysical/astrochemical community as to the structure and morphology of dust grains in various astrophysical environments (e.g., interstellar clouds, protostellar envelopes, protoplanetary and debris disks, and the atmospheres of exoplanets). Typical grain models assume a compact dust core which becomes covered in a thick ice mantle in cold dense environments. In contrast, less compact cores are likely to exhibit porosity, leading to a pronounced increase in surface area with concomitant much thinner ice films and higher accessibility to the bare grain surface. Several laboratory experimental and theoretical studies have shown that this type of dust structure can have a marked effect on several physico-chemical processes, including adsorption, desorption, mobility, and reactivity of chemical species. Porous grains are thus thought to likely play a particularly important and wide-ranging astrochemical role. Herein, we clarify what is meant by porosity in relation to grains and grain agglomerates, assess the likely astrochemical effects of porosity and ask whether a fractal/porous structural/morphological description of dust grains is appropriate from an astronomical perspective. We provide evidence for high porosity from laboratory experiments and computational simulations of grains and their growth in various astrophysical environments, and assess the observational constraints and perspectives on cosmic dust porosity. Overall, our paper discusses the effects of including porosity in dust models and the need to use such models for future astrophysical, astrochemical and astrobiological studies involving surface or solid-state processes.","author":[{"family":"Потапов","given":"АВ"},{"family":"Mccoustra","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Tazaki","given":"Ryo"},{"family":"Bergin","given":"Edwin"},{"family":"Bromley","given":"Stefan"},{"family":"Garrod","given":"RT"},{"family":"Rimola","given":"Albert"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00159-025-00164-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00159-025-00164-5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416959164","type":"article-journal","title":"Environmental Testing of a Fully Automated Carbothermal Reactor for Lunar Oxygen Production","abstract":"Oxygen comprises the majority of propellant mass required for ascent from the lunar surface and for in-space chemical propulsion. Using in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies to produce oxygen on the moon enables a robust lunar economy through a dramatic reduction in lunar launch costs. In the Summer of 2024 Sierra Space completed thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing of a flight-like Carbothermal Oxygen Production Reactor (COPR) through a NASA Tipping Point program. The COPR reactor uses a mass efficient, scalable architecture optimized for a lunar technology demonstration mission. Concentrated solar energy is directly applied to the lunar regolith simulant. The insulating material properties of the regolith isolate the corrosive molten material from the reactor walls and other hardware. This approach allows for a completely passive thermal control system where high temperature (~1800°C) carbothermal processing is performed without requiring exotic materials or complex cooling systems. The reactor also includes an end-to-end automated solid material handling system capable of metering the lunar regolith simulant from a supply hopper into a pressurized volume, weighing it, distributing it into the carbothermal reactor, and removing the reduced metallic slag. Sierra Space demonstrated repeated use of the automated material handling, gas handling and carbothermal reduction processing systems inside NASA JSC’s “dirty” TVAC chamber while at the relevant lunar topographical, vacuum, and temperature conditions. This testing matured key hardware to TRL 6. Oxygen extraction and performance measurements were taken by the NASA KSC Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations (MSolo) team using a commercial version of their flight instrument. Oxygen extraction energy efficiency and production yield from regolith exceeded the program goals. The COPR system will be integrated with a flight forward solar concentrator, optical shutter, gas analysis system, avionics, and software as a part of the NASA CaRD program integrated testing in early 2025.","author":[{"family":"Haggerty","given":"Nathan"},{"family":"White","given":"Brant"},{"family":"Paz","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Oconnor","given":"Desmond"},{"family":"Azim","given":"Nilab"},{"family":"Captain","given":"Janine"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.32865/2346/102672","URL":"https://doi.org/10.32865/2346/102672","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415038756","type":"article-journal","title":"Radiation quality matters: morphological and biochemical responses of Brassica rapa microgreens to X-rays, C-ions, and Fe-ions","abstract":"MAIN CONCLUSION: Radiation type and dose distinctly modulate microgreens development, revealing trait-specific thresholds where X-rays induce hormesis, carbon ions delay differentiation, and iron ions enhance biochemical balance with moderate anatomical disruption. As space exploration progresses and controlled-environment agriculture becomes increasingly relevant under extreme conditions, understanding how ionizing radiation affects plant development is crucial. Ionizing radiation poses a major constraint in space cultivation systems, also playing a role in terrestrial stress scenarios. Despite growing interest in radiation biology, few studies have systematically compared plant responses to different radiation types with distinct linear energy transfer (LET). In this study, seeds of Brassica rapa L. were exposed to increasing doses of X-rays (low-LET), carbon ions, and iron ions (high-LET). Seed germination, morpho-anatomical, and biochemical traits of plants were assessed up to the microgreens stage. Plant responses were both dose- and radiation-specific. Specifically, X-rays triggered a hormetic response at low doses (1 Gy), with a decline in several analyzed traits at higher doses. Carbon ions increased leaf expansion but reduced the content of pigments, proteins, and the structural investment, suggesting a delayed tissue differentiation and low-cost acclimation mechanism under stress. Iron ions promoted a coordinated upregulation of biochemical defenses and moderate anatomical changes. Overall, radiation quality induced distinct acclimation strategies in B. rapa, influencing the balance between growth, structural integrity, and defense mechanisms, highlighting its notable radioresistance. Moreover, identifying trait-specific thresholds and response patterns suggests that different radiation types could be selectively applied to modulate specific functions (e.g., biomass or antioxidants promotion, anatomical adjustments) based on desired outcomes. These findings provide valuable insights into how different ionizing radiation types impact plant responses, addressing a critical gap in space-oriented research and guiding strategies to optimize plant growth in extraterrestrial environments.","author":[{"family":"Francesco","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Amitrano","given":"Chiara"},{"family":"Vitale","given":"Ermenegilda"},{"family":"Costanzo","given":"Giulia"},{"family":"Tinganelli","given":"Walter"},{"family":"Pugliese","given":"Mariagabriella"},{"family":"Arrichiello","given":"Cecilia"},{"family":"Muto","given":"Paolo"},{"family":"Durante","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Pascale","given":"Stefania"},{"family":"Arena","given":"Carmen"},{"family":"Micco","given":"Veronica"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00425-025-04835-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-025-04835-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4417153929","type":"article-journal","title":"Caves on Earth as proxies for Martian subsurface environments","abstract":"Abstract On planet Earth, the inner part of cave systems represents an extreme and isolated environment, characterized by relatively stable microclimatic conditions, nutrient limitation and protection from external stressors such as radiation, wind and surface weathering. These features make them suitable analogues to Martian cave systems, which are identified as high-priority targets for astrobiological investigations. Microbial communities inhabiting Earth’s caves exhibit extremotolerant or extremophilic traits, offering valuable insights into potential microbial survival strategies on Mars. This mini-review explores the role of cave microbiomes as models for studying habitability, biosignature preservation and microbial adaptations relevant to Martian subsurface environments. We summarize recent findings on cave microbial diversity and their metabolic strategies, highlighting their implications for astrobiology. Additionally, we discuss how caves can function as biological time capsules, preserving biosignatures and microbial life relevant to future planetary exploration. We conclude that terrestrial caves offer key ecological and mineralogical analogs to Martian subsurface environments, and that microbial strategies observed in cave ecosystems such as chemolithotrophy, endolithic colonization and biofilm formation should be prioritized in designing future Mars life-detection missions.","author":[{"family":"Biagioli","given":"Federico"},{"family":"Bay","given":"Sean"},{"family":"Zerboni","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Coleine","given":"Claudia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1017/s1473550425100232","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1473550425100232","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411222293","type":"article-journal","title":"Review of Disruptive Technologies in 3D Bioprinting","abstract":"Abstract Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to share insights from recognized experts in 3D biopriniting on the recent advances in these technologies discussed during a recent workshop held in conjunction with the 2024 ISS National Laboratory Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC). We seek to answer how microgravity can be used as a disruptor to make further advances not possible through conventional means. Recent Findings This review will cover current efforts underway to use microgravity for 3D bioprinting. For instance multi-levitation biofabrication technology funded under the EU PULSE project is currently being used to create cardiovascular 3D in vitro models to better mimic cardiac and vascular physiology compared to organoids. These types of models could be expanded to other organ systems and disease models to use the environment of microgravity to unlock new signaling pathways to cure disease. Summary The major takeaway from this review is that microgravity will unlock new opportunities for 3D bioprinting that were simply not possible using conventional means. We provide forward looking answers to what microgravity will inspire from advanced biomaterials to new disease models to even creating a knowledge hub for 3D bioprinting to launch new platforms at record speeds.","author":[{"family":"Hunsberger","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Pandya","given":"Pearly"},{"family":"Mulligan","given":"Molly"},{"family":"Marotta","given":"Davide"},{"family":"Moroni","given":"Lorenzo"},{"family":"Shusteff","given":"Maxim"},{"family":"Brogan","given":"Grace"},{"family":"Brovold","given":"Mathew"},{"family":"Yoo","given":"James"},{"family":"Koffler","given":"Jacob"},{"family":"Lazarovits","given":"Isac"},{"family":"Desai","given":"Salil"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s40778-025-00246-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s40778-025-00246-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411017955","type":"article-journal","title":"JWST mid-infrared spectroscopy of centaurs and small trans-Neptunian objects: Linking the inner and outer Solar System","abstract":"Context. A fraction of the small bodies that formed in the outer Solar System (beyond Uranus and Neptune) are predicted to have been implanted in the inner Solar System (P- and D-type asteroids and Jupiter trojans) following the outward migration of these two planets (Nice model). Aims. We further test the hypothesis that small bodies in the inner and outer Solar Systems share a common origin. This is achieved by measuring and comparing the silicate composition of centaurs and small trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) with that of P- and D-type asteroids and Jupiter trojans. Silicates are thermally stable over the heliocentric range extending from the main asteroid belt to the Kuiper belt. They currently appear to be the only reliable indicator of a shared genetic link. Methods. Spectroscopic data were obtained with JWST/MIRI for three centaurs (Chariklo, Bienor, and 2020 VF1) and three scattered-disk objects (1999 OX3, 2002 GG166, and 2013 LU28) with a centaur-like orbit as part of the Cycle 2 GO program (GO 2820). We also analyzed the MIRI data of GTO target 2013XZ8, which is also a centaur (Cycle 1 GTO 1272), and of three Jupiter trojans (targets of the Cycle 1 GO 2574 program). Results. The emissivity spectra of centaurs and small TNOs, including the variability in the spectral contrast of the main 10 μm silicate feature, are remarkably similar to those of Jupiter trojans, P- and D-type main-belt asteroids, and comets. In particular, the spectral contrast observed for the cliff-type target 1999 OX3 is close to that observed for comet comae, suggesting substantial surface porosity that is probably related to a lower silicate-to-ices+organics ratio. The analysis of the emissivity spectra of centaurs, small TNOs, and Jupiter trojans revealed very many features that are consistent with the hypothesis that the surfaces of these objects contain significant amounts of crystalline olivine and pyroxene (with Mg/(Mg+Fe) ≥ 0.7). Conclusions. The JWST/MIRI observations of centaurs and small TNOs support the hypothesis that these bodies share a common origin with inner Solar System P- and D-type asteroids and Jupiter trojans, as outlined in the Nice model. Together with previous measurements for these populations and dynamical studies, our results raise the possibility of a genetic link between P-type and bowl-type targets and between D-type and cliff-type targets.","author":[{"family":"Vernazza","given":"P"},{"family":"Simon","given":"PA"},{"family":"Jorda","given":"L"},{"family":"Ferrais","given":"M"},{"family":"Beck","given":"PG"},{"family":"Binzel","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Demeo","given":"FE"},{"family":"Marsset","given":"M"},{"family":"Anderson","given":"SE"},{"family":"Delsanti","given":"A"},{"family":"Pinilla-Alonso","given":"N"},{"family":"Licandro","given":"J"},{"family":"Hines","given":"Dean"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1051/0004-6361/202555084","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202555084","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410054127","type":"article-journal","title":"Accreted volatiles influence low-temperature rock equilibria on Europa","abstract":"The subsurface ocean of Europa has been identified as a high-priority target in the search for habitable environments beyond Earth. Determining the chemical composition of Europa's ocean, a result of water-rock interaction in Europa's interior, is essential to understanding the moon's geological history and whether it can support life. In this study, we used thermochemical computer modelling code (CHIM-XPT) to explore the range of potential ocean compositions that could result from water-rock interactions at the ocean-silicate interface immediately following the formation of the ocean. We modelled a range of plausible silicate starting materials (based on CV, L and LL chondritic material) and endmember accreted ice compositions (pure H 2 O vs. cometary) that could have contributed to the fluid inventory of Europa. These models assume a water/layer of its current size and do not incorporate compositional changes resulting from further processes (e.g., ice sheet formation) or additional sources of material (e.g., micrometeorite impacts). Our results show that the initial composition of volatiles had a stronger influence on the resulting ocean composition than the initial composition of the silicate, which produced variation in secondary mineral assemblages and differences in ocean chemistry that could be detectable by future missions. In particular, the absence of Fe-oxides in secondary mineral assemblages for cometary melt systems indicates limited Fe-oxidation , which could impact the generation of H 2 . We also show that, under all modelled scenarios, water-rock interactions would release redox elements into the ocean, albeit at varying concentrations, supporting proposals that Europa's ocean could be a habitable environment. Significantly, the ocean composition derived from water-rock reactions involving initial fluids with a cometary melt composition had relatively higher concentrations of Mg (by one to five orders of magnitude) and lower concentrations of Fe (by more than two orders of magnitude, except at W/Rs of 3–10) compared to those involving pure H 2 O initial fluids. This difference in Fe and Mg concentration found between the pure H 2 O and cometary melt systems could potentially be used as a diagnostic tool to identify the source material for Europa's volatile inventory. • We modelled potential ocean compositions for Europa using a range of plausible endmember starting compositions for the silicate mantle and initial fluid. • The initial fluid composition had a stronger effect on ocean composition than the composition of the silicate mantle. • The initial fluid composition led to distinct ocean compositions that future missions to Europa could detect.","author":[{"family":"Ramkissoon","given":"Nisha"},{"family":"Foxpowell","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Sym","given":"Lewis"},{"family":"Suttle","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Moral","given":"Alvaro"},{"family":"Pearson","given":"VK"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.icarus.2025.116631","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2025.116631","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7124565835","type":"article-journal","title":"New evidence on the formation conditions of the Libyan Desert Glass (Western Egypt): Clues from a dendritic zircon inclusion","abstract":"Abstract Libyan Desert Glass (LDG) is an ~29 million years old, silica‐rich glass found in Western Egypt. Whether this glass formed in an impact cratering context associated with the hypervelocity collision of a cometary/asteroidal body or radiative heating during an airburst is debated. Determination of the formation temperatures and pressures of rare mineral components in LDG can provide key petrogenetic constraints on its origin. Here, we report the occurrence of a zircon inclusion, whose textural, chemical, and crystallographic features point to a rapid formation during solidification of the silica‐rich LDG melt. The study was conducted combining dual beam microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and three‐dimensional electron diffraction. The inclusion is a few tens of micrometer in size and consists of dendritic branches of zircon arranged in a reticulate‐cruciform texture. The high‐silica glass filling interstices between dendrites have longer chemical bonds compared to matrix glass, as indicated by electron pair distribution function analysis, and is enriched in Al 2 O 3 . The lack of incongruent melt products (ZrO 2 , SiO 2 ) suggests that the inclusion formed during cooling from supraliquidus conditions, by dynamic crystallization from an (immiscible) undercooled liquid droplet. Such droplet would derive from shock‐induced melting of a precursor zircon grain, possibly mixed with the SiO 2 ‐rich liquid formed by melting of the LDG precursor material. The formation model proposed for this inclusion does not allow us to discriminate between the two genetic processes proposed for LDG, but sets a new minimum to the liquidus temperature of the corresponding chemical system of ~2250°C.","author":[{"family":"Magnani","given":"Niccolò"},{"family":"Mugnaioli","given":"E"},{"family":"Lorenzon","given":"Sofia"},{"family":"Pittarello","given":"Lidia"},{"family":"Gorelik","given":"Tatiana"},{"family":"Masotta","given":"Matteo"},{"family":"Folco","given":"L"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70094","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70094","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409242883","type":"article-journal","title":"Volume measurement of microparticles using SEM photogrammetry and 3‐D reconstruction","abstract":"Abstract In this paper, we introduce a method for volume measurement of microparticles that includes scanning electron microscope photogrammetry with 3‐D model construction. Our results show that our method limits the volume uncertainty to ±10%, which is a significant improvement compared to previous methods (which likely overestimated volume by 100%–200%). We also discuss how the size, morphology, and porosity of the sample can affect the uncertainty of volume measurement. We find that our method can have a significant impact on cosmic ray exposure age determinations based on noble gas concentration, with implications for our understanding of cosmic ray irradiation of refractory minerals in the early solar system and presolar grains in the interstellar medium.","author":[{"family":"Zheng","given":"Y"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Xiu‐wei"},{"family":"Valdes","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Davis","given":"AM"},{"family":"Heck","given":"PR"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14351","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14351","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7128368264","type":"article-journal","title":"Dependence of Natural Radioactivity on the Mineralogy of Rocks and the Assessment of Radiological Hazards in Dharwad Region of Karnataka, India","abstract":"Abstract The natural radioactivity in rock and dependence of the radioactivity on the mineralogy of rocks in the Dharwad region of Karnataka, India, were studied. The radionuclide activity in rocks was analyzed using a NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer, and the mineralogy was studied using FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The activity concentrations varied from 105 ± 2 to 783 ± 7 Bq kg–1 for 40K, from 2 ± 0.5 to 63 ± 2 Bq kg–1 for 226Ra, and from 10 ± 1 to 65 ± 2 Bq kg–1 for 232Th, with mean activity of 511 ± 6, 31 ± 2, and 39 ± 1 Bq kg–1, respectively. The activities of natural radionuclides were found to be slightly higher for 40K and 232Th but lower for 226Ra. The radiation hazard indices were determined to assess the radiation exposure of the region’s population. The study showed that elevated 40K and 232Th levels in the region are due to the presence of potassium-rich biotite, silicate-bearing feldspar, and phosphate mineral monazite present in the rocks of the region.","author":[{"family":"Bankapur","given":"Mahantesh"},{"family":"Kavya","given":"GK"},{"family":"Prakash","given":"MM"},{"family":"Narayana","given":"Y"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1134/s106636222506027x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s106636222506027x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414267834","type":"article-journal","title":"Eclogite xenoliths record a constant ocean oxygen isotope composition for 3 billion years","abstract":"In this work, we utilised the triple oxygen isotope (TOI) composition of Archean-age xenolithic eclogites, representative of Archean subducted altered oceanic crust (AOC) to constrain the triple oxygen isotope composition of the Earth’s ancient ocean. We present new triple oxygen results of eclogite xenolith garnet and clinopyroxene mineral separates from the Orapa kimberlite mine (Botswana). In conjunction with samples from Roberts Victor (South Africa), the combined TOI range of both Archean xenolith suites overlap with modern AOC precisely, and the alteration signature suggests Archean seawater had the same TOI composition as the modern (ice-free) ocean. Using fluid–rock exchange modelling, we demonstrate that Archean seawater was similarly buffered by both high and low temperature interaction with ocean crust, like the present day system. The low δ18O values of Archean cherts typically used to reconstruct Archean seawater are inconsistent with ad hoc suggestions of isotopically light ocean water and provide an important boundary condition for future studies of Archean sediments and models.","author":[{"family":"Peshek","given":"Catherine"},{"family":"Sharp","given":"ZD"},{"family":"Aulbach","given":"S"},{"family":"Viljoen","given":"Fanus"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.7185/geochemlet.2536","URL":"https://doi.org/10.7185/geochemlet.2536","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412917620","type":"article-journal","title":"Amides from the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu: Nanoscale spectral and isotopic characterizations","abstract":"Abstract C‐type asteroids, such as asteroid (162173) Ryugu, may have played a key role in delivering light elements to early Earth. Nitrogen (N)‐bearing molecules have been chemically identified in some Ryugu grains, and based on the faint 3.06 μm absorption band observed by the hyperspectral microscope MicrOmega, NH‐bearing compounds seem to be spread at the global scale in the collection. However, the chemical forms of these NH‐bearing compounds—whether organic molecules, ammonium (NH4+) salts, NH4+‐ or NH‐organics‐bearing phyllosilicates, or other forms—remain to be better understood. In this study, we report the characterization of two Ryugu particles (C0050 and C0052) using infrared spectroscopy at millimeter, micrometer, and nanometer scales, along with NanoSIMS techniques to constrain the nature and origin of NH‐bearing components in the Ryugu asteroid. Our findings show that Ryugu's C0052 particle contains rare (~1 vol%), micrometer‐sized NH‐rich organic compounds with peaks at 1660 cm−1 (mainly due to C=O stretching of the amide I band) and 1550 cm−1 (mainly due to N‐H bending vibration mode of the amide II band), indicative of amide‐related compounds. In contrast, these compounds are absent in C0050. Notably, N isotopic analysis reveals that these amides in C0052 are depleted in 15N (δ15N ≃ −200‰), confirming their indigenous origin, while carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) isotopic compositions are indistinguishable from terrestrial values within errors. The amides detected in C0052 could have formed through hydrothermal alteration from carboxylic acids and amines precursors on Ryugu's parent planetesimal. Alternatively, they could have originated from the irradiation of 15N‐depleted N‐bearing ice by ultraviolet light or galactic cosmic rays, either at the surface of the asteroid in the outer Solar System or on the mantle of interstellar dust grains in the interstellar medium. Amides delivered to early Earth by primitive small bodies such as asteroid Ryugu may have contributed to the prebiotic chemistry.","author":[{"family":"Vacher","given":"Lionel"},{"family":"Phan","given":"Van"},{"family":"Bonal","given":"L"},{"family":"Iskakova","given":"M"},{"family":"Poch","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Quirico","given":"É"},{"family":"Ogliore","given":"RC"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70019","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70019","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4408660880","type":"article-journal","title":"New routes for PN destruction and formation in the interstellar medium via neutral-neutral gas-phase reactions and an extended database for reactions involving phosphorus","abstract":"Context . Phosphorus plays an essential role in the chemistry of living organisms, being present in several fundamental biomolecules. The investigation of chemical reactions taking place in different astronomical environments involving phosphorus-containing molecules is essential for understanding how these species are produced and destroyed. Ultimately, it can help unravel the pathways that lead to important prebiotic molecules. Aims . Phosphorus monoxide (PO) and phosphorus nitride (PN) are key reservoirs of phosphorus in the Interstellar Medium (ISM). Understanding their reaction mechanisms and accurately predicting rate coefficients are crucial for modelling phosphorus chemistry in space. This work presents a computational study of the CPN system to identify viable reaction pathways involving atom-diatom collisions and to explore a potential destruction route for PN in the ISM. We also evaluate the role of several neutral-neutral reactions involving PO and PN in chemical models simulating interstellar environments. Methods . In this work we explore the potential energy landscape of the C( 3 P) + PN( 1 Σ + ), N( 4 S) + CP( 2 Σ + ) and P( 4 S) + CN( 2 Σ + ) reactions by performing high-accuracy ab initio calculations and provide their rate coefficients over a wide range of temperatures. The temperature-dependent rate coefficients were fitted to the modified Arrhenius equation: k ( T ) = α ( T /300) β exp(− γ / T ). An updated chemical network for P-bearing species was used to model the time-dependent abundances and reaction contributions of P, PO, PN, and PH (phosphinidene) during the chemical evolution of diffuse and translucent clouds and dense clouds. Results . The only neutral-neutral reaction capable of destroying PN without an activation energy seems to be the PN + C one. We have also shown that reactions between CP and N can yield CN and PN barrierlessly. Chemical models indicate that PO is a crucial species driving the gas-phase formation of PN. Typically, PO/PN ratios exceed 1, though their chemistry is influenced by photon- and cosmic-ray-induced processes. Over time in simulated dense clouds, neutral-neutral reactions such as PO + N, PH + N, P + OH, and PH+O play a significant role in determining the relative abundances of PO and PN.","author":[{"family":"Silva","given":"Mateus"},{"family":"Mendoza","given":"Edgar"},{"family":"Ferreira","given":"Fábio"},{"family":"Gomes","given":"Alexandre"},{"family":"Carvajal","given":"M"},{"family":"Li","given":"Jing"},{"family":"Varandas","given":"AJC"},{"family":"Galvão","given":"Breno"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1051/0004-6361/202453204","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202453204","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7125582879","type":"article-journal","title":"Graphite crystallinity and thermal record in Campo del Cielo IAB iron meteorite: A window into impact processing on a chondritic body","abstract":"Abstract The Campo del Cielo iron meteorite (IAB‐MG) provides a unique window into early solar system processes, particularly the formation and evolution of carbon phases in non‐magmatic iron meteorites. In this study, we conducted a systematic nanostructural investigation of three distinct graphite occurrences—cliftonite (type I), interstitial graphite (type II), and silicate‐associated graphite (type III)—within a single meteorite sample. Using a multi‐technique approach, including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and electron probe microanalysis, we characterized their crystallographic properties, crystallinity, crystallite size, and crystallization temperatures. Our results reveal that type III graphite exhibits the highest crystallinity and largest crystallite size (average La = 287.4 nm), with a peak crystallization temperature of ~1112°C, while types I and II show comparable nanostructural features and lower crystallization temperatures (~991°C and ~1013°C, respectively). These differences reflect a crystallization sequence from silicate‐associated with metal‐encapsulated graphite, consistent with formation in impact‐generated metallic melt pools. The absence of diamond or diaphite structures indicates peak shock pressures below ~100 GPa. Combined with mineral chemistry data indicating a reduced, magnesium‐rich silicate assemblage akin to CR chondrites, our findings support an origin via impact melting on a partially differentiated, CR‐like parent body. This work underscores the role of localized, shock‐induced thermal processing in shaping the carbon inventory of primitive planetary bodies and provides a mineralogical framework for understanding the complex formation history of IAB iron meteorites.","author":[{"family":"Deng","given":"Xiao"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Hong"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Jin"},{"family":"Xie","given":"Lan"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Si"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Zhuang"},{"family":"Li","given":"Chen"},{"family":"Tai","given":"Kai"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70085","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70085","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411162182","type":"article-journal","title":"A Comprehensive Framework for the Development of a Compact, Cost-Effective, and Robust Hyperspectral Camera Using COTS Components and a VPH Grism","abstract":"Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an effective technique for material identification and classification, utilizing spectral signatures with applications in remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and allied disciplines. Despite its potential, the broader adoption of HSI technology is hindered by challenges related to compactness, affordability, and durability, exacerbated by the absence of standardized protocols for developing practical hyperspectral cameras. This study introduces a comprehensive framework for developing a compact, cost-effective, and robust hyperspectral camera, employing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and a volume phase holographic (VPH) grism. The use of COTS components reduces development time and manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate performance, thereby improving accessibility for researchers and engineers. The incorporation of a VPH grism enables an on-axis optical design, enhancing compactness, reducing alignment sensitivity, and improving system robustness. The proposed framework encompasses spectrograph design, including optical simulations and tolerance analysis conducted in ZEMAX OpticStudio, alongside assembly procedures, performance assessment, and hyperspectral image acquisition via a pushbroom scanning approach, all integrated into a structured, step-by-step workflow. The resulting prototype, housed in an aluminum enclosure, operates within the 420-830 nm wavelength range, achieving a spectral resolution of 2 nm across 205 spectral bands. It effectively differentiates vegetation, water, and built structures, resolves atmospheric absorption features, and demonstrates the ability to distinguish materials in low-light conditions, providing a scalable and practical advancement in HSI technology.","author":[{"family":"Thongrom","given":"Sukrit"},{"family":"Pengphorm","given":"Panuwat"},{"family":"Wongarrayapanich","given":"Surachet"},{"family":"Prasit","given":"Apirat"},{"family":"Kanjanasakul","given":"Chanisa"},{"family":"Rujopakarn","given":"W"},{"family":"Poshyachinda","given":"S"},{"family":"Daengngam","given":"Chalongrat"},{"family":"Unsuree","given":"Nawapong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/s25123631","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/s25123631","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411867910","type":"article-journal","title":"Deciphering chromate tolerance and reduction ability of an indigenous Bacillus strain isolated from polluted pond sludge for chromium bioremediation","abstract":"Industrial development has caused significant environmental pollution by discharging chromium (Cr) contaminated hazardous effluents into the ecosystem. The main goal of this study was to isolate, characterize, and assess the Cr(VI) resistance potential of indigenous naturally occurring chromate-resistant bacteria from the Uttar Dinajpur region of West Bengal. Based on the maximum tolerable concentration (MTC) to Cr(VI), a potent indigenous bacterial isolate with an MTC of 400 µg mL − 1 was selected for a detailed assessment of its Cr(VI) tolerance and reducing abilities. Molecular identification and phylogenetics revealed the isolate as a strain of Bacillus wiedmannii . Cr(VI) resistance ability of the isolate in different pH was analyzed, and a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis under different pH in the presence of Cr(VI) was performed to capture the preliminary variation in the metabolic fingerprints. The isolate demonstrated Cr(VI) removal efficiency of 70.27% Cr(VI) at pH 8. The expression of chromate reductase enzyme in constitutive and Cr(VI) induced conditions was measured using different electron donors, and a detailed statistical analysis was performed to determine whether there exists a significant difference in the specific activity of chromate reductase in constitutive and induced conditions. The extracellular chromate reductase had a 98.42% Cr(VI) reduction rate using glucose as an electron donor and it was significantly higher than that of other electron donors, indicating glucose as the preferred electron source for Cr(VI) reduction. The genes responsible for coding enzymes responsible for chromate reduction viz., azoreductase, FMN-dependent NADH-azoreductase type1, and chromate reductase were also detected in the studied isolate. The findings of this study may contribute to the pool of indigenous isolates in countering chromate toxicity and their efficient utilization in chromate detoxification and bioremediation.","author":[{"family":"Adhikary","given":"Samarpita"},{"family":"Saha","given":"Barnan"},{"family":"Roy","given":"Vivek"},{"family":"Saha","given":"Jayanti"},{"family":"Pal","given":"Ayon"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-025-07031-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07031-4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7153338392","type":"article-journal","title":"Solar-Driven Catalytic Wastewater Treatment: A Unified Photonic–Thermal Framework for Advanced Oxidation and Disinfection Mechanisms","abstract":"Increasing water demand and the rising complexity of wastewater matrices, driven by pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and recalcitrant industrial contaminants, require advanced catalytic solutions capable of efficient mineralization under sustainable conditions. Solar-driven processes have attracted growing attention; however, ultraviolet disinfection, heterogeneous photocatalysis, and photo-Fenton systems are commonly treated as independent approaches without mechanistic integration. This review presents a unified photonic–thermal catalytic framework for solar-driven wastewater treatment, emphasizing the interplay between photon absorption, charge-carrier separation, reactive oxygen species generation, and radical-mediated oxidation pathways. The contributions of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation are analyzed in terms of catalyst activation, persulfate and ozone activation mechanisms, and temperature-enhanced reaction kinetics governed by Arrhenius behavior. Particular attention is given to photothermal effects that modulate surface reaction rates, mass transfer, and catalyst stability. By integrating mechanistic insights with reactor-level considerations, this work provides a rational basis for the design of robust solar catalytic systems with enhanced activity, selectivity, and scalability for real wastewater applications.","author":[{"family":"Barrera-Díaz","given":"Carlos"},{"family":"Frontanauribe","given":"Bernardo"},{"family":"Roa-Morales","given":"Gabriela"},{"family":"Balderas-Hernández","given":"Patricia"},{"family":"Ávila-Pérez","given":"P"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/catal16040341","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16040341","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407633907","type":"article-journal","title":"Classification and quantification of minor iron-sulfide concentrations in concrete aggregate using automated mineralogy","abstract":"Abstract Iron sulfide concentrations and mineral associations triggering the internal deterioration of concrete structures are still enigmatic. Incidences of internal sulfate attacks induced by iron sulfide-containing concrete aggregates appear worldwide. Severe cases are reported from Canada, the United States of America, and Ireland. Moreover, conservative limits for the total sulfur content of aggregates increased the need to dispose of otherwise high-quality resources for concrete production. The maximum threshold values for total elemental sulfur in the European standard EN-12620 for concrete aggregates are $$\\le$$ ≤ 1 wt. $$\\%$$ % , and as little as $$\\le$$ ≤ 0.1 wt. $$\\%$$ % if the non-stoichiometric iron-sulfide pyrrhotite (Fe(1-x)S) is present in the rock. This study investigates the potential of scanning electron microscopy-based automated mineralogy for mineral classification and the quantitative quality assessment for concrete aggregate material. Identifying the stoichiometrically closely related disulfide pyrite and monosulfide pyrrhotite is emphasized. The iron/sulfur ratio and greyscale variations in the electron backscatter images between pyrite and pyrrhotite were tested as additional differentiation criteria when acquiring mineral mapping and point-of-interest analysis. The added greyscale criterion yielded a better distinction between the two chemically similar phases. A good correlation was achieved when comparing results from energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in automated mineralogy with wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy point analyses on the electron microprobe. Semi-quantification of the chemical data from automated mineralogy was computed for the total sulfur content in the petrographic samples. The total sulfur content of bulk samples, investigated by high-temperature combustion and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, was consistent with the semi-quantitative results of automated mineralogy.","author":[{"family":"Oberhardt","given":"Nikolas"},{"family":"Lode","given":"Stefanie"},{"family":"Lindgård","given":"Jan"},{"family":"Aasly","given":"Kurt"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1617/s11527-025-02591-3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-025-02591-3","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410158633","type":"article-journal","title":"Editorial: Deep subsurface microbiology and energetics","abstract":"In hyperalkaline fluids derived from serpentinization in the Samail Ophiolite, Howells et al. reveal that formate, rather than hydrogen or acetate, provides the most favorable energy source for methanogenesis under CO₂-limiting conditions. This finding highlights the selective pressure exerted by fluid geochemistry on microbial metabolic strategies with the unusual example of CO2 as the limiting substrate. In a related system, Twing et al. investigate microbial communities within altered ultramafic rocks from the Coast Range Ophiolite. Their results underscore the distinction between rock-hosted and fluid-associated microbial assemblages, with implications for potential spatial isolation and endemism of deep biosphere lineages.Sedimentological and fracture-hosted systems offer further insights into the persistence of microbial metabolic potential over time. In the sediments of Lake Cadagno, Rodriguez et al. document the preservation of core metabolic functions across millennia, despite taxonomic shifts in sediment microbial communities. Similarly, Acciardo et al. report stable groundwater microbial and hydrochemical compositions across an Alpine tunnel system, in spite of notable temporary variations corresponding to seismic events. These studies collectively suggest that functional redundancy and environmental buffering contribute to the resilience of deep subsurface microbiomes.Adaptation to energy scarcity is a hallmark of deep subsurface systems. Survival in the energylimited subsurface depends not only metabolic versatility but also regulatory and genomic mechanisms attuned to long-term energy deprivation and survival over long timescales.Sebastian et al. address this challenge through an experimental evolution framework, demonstrating that Halomonas strains isolated from North Pond crustal fluids rapidly lose the genetic capacity for survival in carbon-depleted media when exposed to nutrient-rich laboratory conditions. Their findings point to specific gene products, including lipase-like proteins, as key mediators of nutrient acquisition under oligotrophic conditions.Complementing this genomic perspective, Feyhl-Buska et al. use microcalorimetry to directly quantify energy metabolism in groundwater samples spanning a range of redox conditions, revealing nutrient limitation in continental subsurface communities. The results provide empirical constraints on microbial power output and underscore the influence of both thermodynamic and ecological parameters on community-level metabolism.Emerging theoretical frameworks and cultivation-based discoveries continue to expand the known boundaries of microbial energetics. Karnachuk et al. describe the isolation of two novel thermophilic bacterial genera from deep aquifers in Western Siberia. These members of the Limnochordia lineage possess the capacity for carbon monoxide and hydrogen oxidation, autotrophic carbon fixation, and aerobic respiration. Their physiological versatility illustrates the metabolic plasticity that may underpin survival in thermally and chemically extreme environments.A conceptual advance is presented by Marshall, who proposes the existence of Electromicrobiological Concentration Cells (EMCCs). These hypothetical systems rely on conductive matrices to bridge spatially distinct redox reactions, allowing microorganisms to exploit electrochemical disequilibria that would otherwise be inaccessible. The EMCC framework challenges traditional assumptions about the spatial coherence required for microbial energy harvesting and may have relevance for life in both deep terrestrial and extraterrestrial settings.The influence of subsurface microbial communities extends to the regulation of key geochemical processes, including methane production and oxidation, nutrient turnover, and mineral transformation.Coon et al. demonstrate that the directionality of methane cycling in coastal sediments is modulated by hydrogen availability. In organic-poor settings, syntrophic inte","author":[{"family":"Robador","given":"Alberto"},{"family":"Brazelton","given":"William"},{"family":"Bradley","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1611707","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1611707","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7134201636","type":"article-journal","title":"Kerogen-rich rocks influence growth and composition of an anaerobic microbial community","abstract":"Kerogen, insoluble macromolecular organic matter in sedimentary rocks, is the most abundant form of organic carbon on Earth and plays a role in deep biosphere processes. It is classified into four types (I–IV) based on origin and chemical composition, yet its influence on microbial communities and carbon cycling remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined how kerogen-rich shales and coals, each containing a distinct kerogen type, shape anaerobic microbial community development and activity. CFU counts showed that kerogen types I and II did not significantly alter overall microbial abundance, while type III-rich rocks inhibited growth, and type IV-rich rocks enhanced it. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that type II-rich rocks selectively enriched for Burkholderiaceae, whereas type IV-rich rocks promoted the proliferation of Cellulomonadaceae and Pleomorphomonadaceae. Gas chromatography showed that CO2 production occurred only in the presence of type II-rich rocks, likely driven by Burkholderiaceae activity. These findings suggest that kerogen structure and geochemical properties drive microbial community assembly and organic matter mobilization in the deep subsurface. Beyond Earth, kerogen type IV-like material is widespread in extraterrestrial environments. Our results indicate the enhancement of the habitability of these environments, offering new insights into the potential for life.","author":[{"family":"Waajen","given":"Annemiek"},{"family":"Wit","given":"Wessel"},{"family":"Sánchez-Román","given":"Mónica"},{"family":"Edgar","given":"John"},{"family":"Telling","given":"Jon"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-026-42062-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-42062-5","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4409967823","type":"article-journal","title":"A systematic review of multi-mode analytics for enhanced plant stress evaluation","abstract":"Introduction: Detecting plant stress is a critical challenge in agriculture, where early intervention is essential to enhance crop resilience and maximize yield. Conventional single-mode approaches often fail to capture the complex interplay of plant health stressors. Methods: This review integrates findings from recent advancements in Multi-Mode Analytics (MMA), which employs spectral imaging, image-based phenotyping, and adaptive computational techniques. It integrates machine learning, data fusion, and hyperspectral technologies to improve analytical accuracy and efficiency. Results: MMA approaches have shown substantial improvements in the accuracy and reliability of early interventions. They outperform traditional methods by effectively capturing complex interactions among various abiotic stressors. Recent research highlights the benefits of MMA in enhancing predictive capabilities, which facilitates the development of timely and effective intervention strategies to boost agricultural productivity. Discussion: The advantages of MMA over conventional single-mode techniques are significant, particularly in the detection and management of plant stress in challenging environments. Integrating advanced analytical methods supports precision agriculture by enabling proactive responses to stress conditions. These innovations are pivotal for enhancing food security in terrestrial and space agriculture, ensuring sustainability and resilience in food production systems.","author":[{"family":"Zandi","given":"Abdolrahim"},{"family":"Hosseinirad","given":"Seyedali"},{"family":"Zadeh","given":"Hossein"},{"family":"Tavakolian","given":"Kouhyar"},{"family":"Cho","given":"Byoung–kwan"},{"family":"Vasefi","given":"Fartash"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Moon"},{"family":"Tavakolian","given":"Pantea"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fpls.2025.1545025","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1545025","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406221546","type":"article-journal","title":"Automated Scene-Adaptive Rock Fragment Recognition Based on the Enhanced Segment Anything Model and Fine-Tuning RTMDet","abstract":"Abstract The particle-size distribution (PSD) of rock fragments is crucial for various engineering practices. Recently, there has been increasing attention towards new methods for analysing rock fragment PSD based on artificial intelligence and computer vision. However, most existing image-based studies on this topic are case-based, while heavily relying on manual annotation. The proposed algorithms or trained models often exhibit poor performance across different geological and lighting conditions. In this research, an automatic scene-adaptive framework for real-time rock fragment recognition (FragAdaptixAI) is introduced. First, a diverse foundation image set of rock fragments is built, and an automated annotation module based on an improved segment anything model (SAM) is employed to create the foundation rock fragment dataset, which is then utilised for training the foundation model (RTMDet). When faced with new cases, the foundation model is rapidly fine-tuned using a small amount of current case data to derive an application model, supporting real-time automation in rock fragment recognition. FragAdaptixAI was tested using two cases, and the test results demonstrate that (1) the automated annotation module, developed based on the improved SAM, is effective, and (2) FragAdaptixAI achieves excellent results with short tuning time for new cases. The approach introduces a new concept to address the generalisation issues in rock fragment recognition by combining the zero-shot capability of large models with the real-time processing of small models.","author":[{"family":"Tang","given":"Yudi"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Yulin"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Xin"},{"family":"Oh","given":"Joung"},{"family":"Si","given":"Guangyao"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00603-024-04360-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-024-04360-0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409093756","type":"article-journal","title":"Using Machine Learning for Lunar Mineralogy-I: Hyperspectral Imaging of Volcanic Samples","abstract":"This study examines the mineral composition of volcanic samples similar to lunar materials, focusing on olivine and pyroxene. Using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) from 400 to 1000 nm, we created data cubes to analyze the reflectance characteristics of samples from Vulcano, a volcanically active island in the Aeolian archipelago, north of Sicily, Italy, categorizing them into nine regions of interest (ROIs) and analyzing spectral data for each. We applied various unsupervised clustering algorithms, including K-Means, hierarchical clustering, Gaussian mixture models (GMMs), and spectral clustering, to classify the spectral profiles. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed distinct spectral signatures associated with specific minerals, facilitating precise identification. The clustering performance varied by region, with K-Means achieving the highest silhouette score of 0.47, whereas GMMs performed poorly with a score of only 0.25. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) aided in identifying similarities among clusters across different methods and reference spectra for olivine and pyroxene. Hierarchical clustering emerged as the most reliable technique, achieving a 94% similarity with the olivine spectrum in one sample, whereas GMMs exhibited notable variability. Overall, the analysis indicated that both the hierarchical and K-Means methods yielded lower errors in total measurements, with K-Means demonstrating superior performance in estimated dispersion and clustering. Additionally, GMMs showed a higher root mean square error (RMSE) compared to the other models. The RMSE analysis confirmed K-Means as the most consistent algorithm across all samples, suggesting a predominance of olivine in the Vulcano region relative to pyroxene. This predominance is likely linked to historical formation conditions similar to volcanic processes on the Moon, where olivine-rich compositions are common in ancient lava flows and impact-melt rocks. These findings provide a deeper context for mineral distribution and formation processes in volcanic landscapes.","author":[{"family":"Hesar","given":"Fatemeh"},{"family":"Raouf","given":"Mojtaba"},{"family":"Soltani","given":"Peyman"},{"family":"Foing","given":"B"},{"family":"Dood","given":"MJAD"},{"family":"Verbeek","given":"Fons"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/universe11040117","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11040117","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7167058734","type":"article-journal","title":"Assessing the Chemical Impact of Insoluble Organic Matter Extraction Protocols and Its Implications for Extraterrestrial Organic Matter","abstract":"Organic matter (OM) has been found in numerous meteorites, and recently on comets and asteroids. The OM from primitive small bodies contains a soluble (SOM) and an insoluble part (IOM) locked in the mineral matrix. This OM is extracted using different protocols based on the separation of SOM with various solvents, followed by mineral digestion using acid treatments.[2-3] These treatments may transform the molecules found within each fraction. Therefore, assessing the effect of these extraction procedures is crucial.Previous works used infrared spectroscopy (IR) to reveal the varying effects of several extraction protocols.[4-5] Authors reported differences in C-rich fragments of meteorites and asteroids for treated and untreated OM. Increase of C=O bond intensities and CH2/CH3 ratios, together with more pronounced aromatic C-H features, confirm alterations induced by treatment. However, due to the limitations of IR analysis and the absence of sufficient quantities of untreated material, a more detailed evaluation of possible alterations is still missing.We suggest using synthetic analogues of primordial OM (in our case from the Nebulotron experiment, which mimics gas-phase reactions in the solar nebula) to study the effect of extraction protocols. Previous analyses of untreated Nebulotron organics confirmed their similarity to IOM extracted from chondrites,[6] while they still contain a minor soluble fraction. These synthetic samples provide abundant mineral-free material to assess the effect of extraction protocols, both in separating and transforming the soluble and insoluble fractions potentially found in primordial OM.Current work is focused on solid fractions, using IR spectroscopy and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) to assess potential alterations in Nebulotron OM resulting from common extraction protocols. We describe results for the starting material (Neb-OM, grey), the \"harsh\" protocol based on HCl/HF treatment after [3] (H, red) and the \"mild\" protocol based on CsF/dioxane biphasic extraction after [2] (M, blue).The intensity ratios obtained from IR experiments confirmed structural modifications induced by each treatment (Figure 1A). We noticed a decrease in the C=C/CH ratio for both H and M compared to the starting material, even more significant for M (Figure 1B). Together with more pronounced aromatic C-H features for both treated samples compared to the starting Neb-OM (Figure 1A), it might indicate fragmentation of large condensed ring structures into smaller aromatic units.Figure 1. A – Stack of IR spectra from two acquisitions of the same treated/untreated solid OM material, with interpretation of regions of interest; untreated Neb-OM – grey, H – red, M – blue. Relative intensity ratio of B – C=C stretching (1612 cm-¹) to aliphatic C-H bending (1444 cm-¹); C – CH₂ asymmetric stretching (2923 cm-¹) to CH₃ asymmetric stretching (2954 cm-¹). Error bars corresponding to 4 acquisitions.The CH2/CH3 ratio (Figure 1C) increases for H, consistent with acid-promoted cleavage of terminal methyl groups and shortening of aliphatic chains, while M leaves this ratio unchanged, suggesting that dioxane-CsF affect less aliphatic chain length. These IR results are consistent with tendencies previously reported in [4-5]. No clear trend is observed yet for the C=O/C=C ratio.FT-ICR MS measurements provide the m/z distribution of molecules. Venn diagram analysis (Figure 2A) shows 2332 peaks (48%) are common to all three samples. H generates more exclusive peaks (1049, 22%) than M (284, 6%), suggesting acid treatment produces a greater diversity of new molecular species. Additionally, 848 peaks (17%) are shared by H and M but absent in Neb-OM, while 229 Neb-OM-exclusive peaks (5%) are irreversibly lost after both treatments.The average m/z distribution (Figure 2C) reveals that H is strongly enriched in low molecular weight compounds (m/z 100–250) compared to untreated Neb-OM, consistent with ac","author":[{"family":"Shvetsova","given":"Anastasiia"},{"family":"Fariñas","given":"María"},{"family":"Bollengier","given":"O"},{"family":"La","given":"Carole"},{"family":"Paris","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Sotin","given":"Christophe"},{"family":"Bollengier","given":"Olivier"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc2026-352","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc2026-352","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406619598","type":"article-journal","title":"Ecogenomic insights into the resilience of keystone Blastococcus Species in extreme environments: a comprehensive analysis","abstract":"BACKGROUND: The stone-dwelling genus Blastococcus plays a key role in ecosystems facing extreme conditions such as drought, salinity, alkalinity, and heavy metal contamination. Despite its ecological significance, little is known about the genomic factors underpinning its adaptability and resilience in such harsh environments. This study investigates the genomic basis of Blastococcus's adaptability within its specific microniches, offering insights into its potential for biotechnological applications. RESULTS: Comprehensive pangenome analysis revealed that Blastococcus possesses a highly dynamic genetic composition, characterized by a small core genome and a large accessory genome, indicating significant genomic plasticity. Ecogenomic assessments highlighted the genus's capabilities in substrate degradation, nutrient transport, and stress tolerance, particularly on stone surfaces and archaeological sites. The strains also exhibited plant growth-promoting traits, enhanced heavy metal resistance, and the ability to degrade environmental pollutants, positioning Blastococcus as a candidate for sustainable agriculture and bioremediation. Interestingly, no correlation was found between the ecological or plant growth-promoting traits (PGPR) of the strains and their isolation source, suggesting that these traits are not linked to their specific environments. CONCLUSIONS: This research highlights the ecological and biotechnological potential of Blastococcus species in ecosystem health, soil fertility improvement, and stress mitigation strategies. It calls for further studies on the adaptation mechanisms of the genus, emphasizing the need to validate these findings through wet lab experiments. This study enhances our understanding of microbial ecology in extreme environments and supports the use of Blastococcus in environmental management, particularly in soil remediation and sustainable agricultural practices.","author":[{"family":"Sbissi","given":"Imed"},{"family":"Chouikhi","given":"Farah"},{"family":"Ghodhbanegtari","given":"Faten"},{"family":"Gtari","given":"Maher"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s12864-025-11228-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-025-11228-2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4408436421","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineral and elemental geochemistry of the arid Qaidam Basin for habitability evaluation at Zhurong landing region on Mars","abstract":"As Utopia Planitia might have once stored a relatively large water body, the western edge of the Qaidam Basin (a dehydrated paleolake basin featured by various Mars-like landscapes) in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau is analogous to the supposed lake shoreline of the landing site of Zhurong. As evaporation intensified, salt types in water sources and dry soils within the Qaidam Basin transformed from (bi)carbonates to sulfates and chlorides associated with decreasing biological activity, as suggested by isotopic signatures [1]. Evaporite minerals (e.g., gypsum, halite, and polyhydrated sulfates) were abundant in the western Qaidam Basin. Using the engineering qualification model of Zhurong’s MarSCoDe payload in a simulated Mars environment platform, the contents of gypsum in Qaidam soils were calibrated based on mineralogical and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectral results. Putative signals of sulfur and chlorine in laser-induced breakdown (LIBS) spectra were additionally investigated. Semi-quantitative assessments of several evaporite minerals were performed for spectral data acquired from the Zhurong landing area. Furthermore, our findings imply that LIBS-associated statistics and suites of spectrometers can be promising tools for in situ life detection on Mars or returned sample analyses in laboratories if biotic materials were present in a small measured region even at low biomass levels [2,3]. In future Mars missions, we recommend that the life detection strategy should consider regions with mineral products of water-rock reactions as landing zones, as they could offer more habitable environments that provide life-essential elements and energy sources and preserve organic matter or even traces of life [4].References[1] Shen, J., Huang, T., Zhang, H., Lin, W. (2024). Hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of water sources for biological activity across a massive evaporite basin on the Tibetan Plateau: Implications for aquatic environments on early Mars. Science of The Total Environment, 935, 173442.[2] Shen, J., Liu, L., Chen, Y., Sun, Y., Lin, W. (2022). Geochemical and Biological Profiles of a Quartz Stone in the Qaidam Mars Analog Using LIBS: Implications for the Search for Biosignatures on Mars. ACS Earth and Space Chemistry, 6(11), 2595-2608.[3] Shen, J., Liu, L., Chen, Y., Lin, W. (2024). A suite of spectroscopic devices as a potential tool to discriminate biotic and abiotic materials with an igneous rock. Icarus, 407, 115804.[4] Shen, J., Liu, C., Pan, Y., Lin, W. (2024). Follow the serpentine as a comprehensive diagnostic for extraterrestrial habitability. Nature Astronomy, 8, 1230-1236.","author":[{"family":"Shen","given":"Jianxun"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Li"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Huiqing"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Xue"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Chengxiang"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Wei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/egusphere-egu25-7818","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-7818","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.17863/cam.131645","type":"article-journal","title":"The Magnetic Mineralogy of Carbonaceous Chondrites: A Microscopy and Machine Learning Study of Meteorite WIS 91600","abstract":"Abstract A central challenge in the paleomagnetic study of meteorites is to characterize their diverse remanence carriers. Here, we develop a machine‐learning assisted workflow that combines multi‐scale (mm to nm) and multi‐dimensional (2D‐3D) microscopy to build a comprehensive picture of ferromagnetic mineralogy in the C2 ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Wisconsin Range (WIS) 91600. Scanning electron microscopy images are acquired across the entire thin section with sufficient resolution to locate all major remanence carrying ensembles. A deep learning classifier yields the volume fraction and morphometric properties of each ensemble, distinguishing between different textural varieties of the same ferromagnetic mineral. Chemical maps of representative ensembles are analyzed using an interactive machine‐learning tool that provides automated mineralogical segmentation and hyperspectral unmixing of the underlying endmembers. Focused‐ion‐beam nanotomography is used to reconstruct representative volumes with 3D spatial resolution sufficient to characterize all remanence carriers down to the stable single‐domain range. 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy provides access to grains in the superparamagnetic size range and diffraction data to enable phase identification. We conclude that the matrix, composed of phyllosilicates with fine‐scale pyrrhotite, pentlandite and magnetite, has a high potential to carry strong and stable paleomagnetic remanence in carbonaceous chondrites. The magnetic contribution from matrix‐hosted pyrrhotite is lowered in WIS 91600, however, due to transient heating inducing M C rather than 4C vacancy ordering. The remanence carrying potential of matrix‐hosted magnetite is similar to magnetite framboids but is less likely to be adversely affected by strong interactions, making it the preferred target for paleomagnetism. Plain Language Summary Meteorites are natural archives of the magnetic fields that existed when the solar system was formed. To unlock this record, we need to understand which minerals inside meteorites can hold magnetic signals over billions of years. In this study, we used advanced imaging and machine‐learning techniques to examine the carbonaceous chondrite meteorite Wisconsin Range (WIS) 91600. Our approach combines multiple scales of observation—from millimeters down to nanometers—and multiple dimensions, including 3D reconstructions with nanoscale resolution. We mapped the meteorite's chemistry, identified magnetic minerals, and analyzed their shapes and sizes. The matrix of the meteorite, made mostly of clay‐like minerals mixed with small grains of pyrrhotite, pentlandite, and magnetite, is the best candidate for preserving strong and stable magnetic signals. However, heating events in the meteorite's past reduced the magnetic strength of pyrrhotite. Magnetite grains in the matrix, on the other hand, remain reliable carriers of ancient magnetism. These findings will help paleomagnetists choose the right minerals for their studies, improving our ability to reconstruct the magnetic history of the early solar system. Key Points A 2D microscopy and machine‐learning workflow was used to characterize the magnetic mineralogy of meteorite WIS 91600 3D nanotomography and micromagnetic modeling of representative ensembles allow their remanence potential to be assessed Bulk remanence potential in WIS 91600 is dominated by fine‐scale single‐domain magnetite contained in the phyllosilicate matrix","author":[{"family":"Harrison","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Tung","given":"Po‐yen"},{"family":"Ginnis","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Nabiei","given":"Farhang"},{"family":"Shaw","given":"Ursula"},{"family":"Mansbach","given":"Elias"},{"family":"Bryson","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.17863/cam.131645","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17863/cam.131645","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.17641215","type":"article-journal","title":"The magnetic mineralogy of carbonaceous chondrites: a microscopy and machine learning study of meteorite WIS91600","abstract":"Dataset 1: Full set of BSE images used to create Fig. 1 and for input to UNET segmentation. Each image tile is 250 µm x 250 µm wide. Images are organised into folders representing 43 columns of consecutive images (c_0 to c_42) that can be stitched to make the full image. Dataset 2: A collection of hyperspectral SEM/EDS datasets in .bcf format plus the Jupyter Notebook (Interactive_SEM_WIS.ipynb) to be run using SIGMA2 (see https://sigma2-documentation.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ to download and install SIGMA2). Files are named according to the corresponding Figured in the main text and supplement of the paper. Dataset 3: Full set of UNET segmented images derived from the BSE Dataset 1 used to create Fig. S1. Supplemental Dataset 4: Set of 10 selected BSE images (Dragonfly ORS file), their ground truth classification (Dragonfly ORS file), the modelled classification (Dragonfly ORS file) and the trained UNET model (.zip file for direct loading into Dragonfly). The data provided are those used to determine Table 1 and Fig. S4. Dataset 5: Files needed to recreate the micromagnetic simulation results presented in Figure. 13. Stich.pdf: A pdf showing the full stitched set of BSE images for FIg. 1. Yellow circles highlight many of the features focussed on in the paper. WIS Seg Stitch.pdf: A pdf showing the full stiched together segmented images. Zoom in to right lower corner to see evidence of impact texture. AGU Movie Test x: .avi and .mov versions of selected 3D animations of FIBnt results.","author":[{"family":"Harrison","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Tung","given":"Po"},{"family":"Ginnis","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Nabiei","given":"Farhang"},{"family":"Shaw","given":"Ursula"},{"family":"Mansbach","given":"Elias"},{"family":"Bryson","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.17641215","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17641215","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.19472886","type":"article-journal","title":"The magnetic mineralogy of carbonaceous chondrites: a microscopy and machine learning study of meteorite WIS91600","abstract":"Dataset 1: Full set of BSE images used to create Fig. 1 and for input to UNET segmentation. Each image tile is 250 µm x 250 µm wide. Images are organised into folders representing 43 columns of consecutive images (c_0 to c_42) that can be stitched to make the full image. Dataset 2: A collection of hyperspectral SEM/EDS datasets in .bcf format plus the Jupyter Notebook (Interactive_SEM_WIS.ipynb) to be run using SIGMA2 (see https://sigma2-documentation.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ to download and install SIGMA2). Files are named according to the corresponding Figured in the main text and supplement of the paper. Dataset 3: Full set of UNET segmented images derived from the BSE Dataset 1 used to create Fig. S1. Supplemental Dataset 4: Set of 10 selected BSE images (Dragonfly ORS file), their ground truth classification (Dragonfly ORS file), the modelled classification (Dragonfly ORS file) and the trained UNET model (.zip file for direct loading into Dragonfly). The data provided are those used to determine Table 1 and Fig. S4. Dataset 5: Files needed to recreate the micromagnetic simulation results presented in Figure. 13. Stich.pdf: A pdf showing the full stitched set of BSE images for FIg. 1. Yellow circles highlight many of the features focussed on in the paper. WIS Seg Stitch.pdf: A pdf showing the full stiched together segmented images. Zoom in to right lower corner to see evidence of impact texture. AGU Movie Test x: .avi and .mov versions of selected 3D animations of FIBnt results.","author":[{"family":"Harrison","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Tung","given":"Po"},{"family":"Ginnis","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Nabiei","given":"Farhang"},{"family":"Shaw","given":"Ursula"},{"family":"Mansbach","given":"Elias"},{"family":"Bryson","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.19472886","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19472886","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2603.24323","type":"manuscript","title":"Connecting Meteorite Spectra to Lunar Surface Composition Using Hyperspectral Imaging and Machine Learning","abstract":"We present an innovative, cost-effective framework integrating laboratory Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) of the Bechar010 Lunar meteorite with ground-based lunar HSI and supervised Machine Learning(ML) to generate high-fidelity mineralogical maps. A 3mm thin section of Bechar010 was imaged under a microscope with a 30mm focal length lens at 150mm working distance, using 6x binning to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, producing a data cube (X $\\times$ Y $\\times$ $λ$ = $791 \\times 1024 \\times 224$, 0.24mm $\\times$ 0.2mm resolution) across 400-1000}nm (224 bands, 2.7nm spectral sampling, 5.5nm full width at half maximum spectral resolution) using a Specim FX10 camera. Ground-based lunar HSI was captured with a Celestron 8SE telescope (3km/pixel), yielded a data cube ($371 \\times 1024 \\times 224$). Solar calibration was performed using a Spectralon reference ({99}\\% reflectance {&lt;2}\\% error) ensured accurate reflectance spectra. A Support Vector Machine (SVM) with a radial basis function kernel, trained on expert-labeled spectra, achieved {93.7}\\% classification accuracy(5-fold cross-validation) for olivine ({92}\\% precision, {90}\\% recall) and pyroxene ({88}\\% precision, {86}{\\%} recall) in Bechar 010. LIME analysis identified key wavelengths (e.g., 485nm, {22.4}\\% for M3; 715nm, {20.6}\\% for M6) across 10 pre-selected regions (M1 to M10), indicating olivine-rich (Highland-like) and pyroxene-rich (Mare-like) compositions. SAM analysis revealed angles from 0.26 radian to 0.66 radian, linking M3 and M9 to Highlands and M6 and M10 to Mares. K-means clustering of Lunar data identified 10 mineralogical clusters ({88}\\% accuracy), validated against Chandrayaan-1 Moon mineralogy Mapper ($\\rm M^3$) data (140m/pixel, 10nm spectral resolution).A novel push-broom HSI approach with a telescope achieves 0.8 arcsec resolution for lunar spectroscopy, inspiring full-sky multi-object spectral mapping.","author":[{"family":"Hesar","given":"Fatemeh"},{"family":"Raouf","given":"Mojtaba"},{"family":"Chegeni","given":"Amirmohammad"},{"family":"Soltani","given":"Peyman"},{"family":"Foing","given":"Bernard"},{"family":"Chatzitheodoridis","given":"Elias"},{"family":"De Dood","given":"Michiel"},{"family":"Verbeek","given":"Fons"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2603.24323","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2603.24323","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.17641216","type":"article-journal","title":"The magnetic mineralogy of carbonaceous chondrites: a microscopy and machine learning study of meteorite WIS91600","abstract":"Dataset 1: Full set of BSE images used to create Fig. 1 and for input to UNET segmentation. Each image tile is 250 µm x 250 µm wide. Images are organised into folders representing 43 columns of consecutive images (c_0 to c_42) that can be stitched to make the full image. Dataset 2: A collection of hyperspectral SEM/EDS datasets in .bcf format plus the Jupyter Notebook (Interactive_SEM_WIS.ipynb) to be run using SIGMA2 (see https://sigma2-documentation.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ to download and install SIGMA2). Files are named according to the corresponding Figured in the main text and supplement of the paper. Dataset 3: Full set of UNET segmented images derived from the BSE Dataset 1 used to create Fig. S1. Supplemental Movie 1. Movie of micromagnetic simulation results for a model framboid (see Fig. 12 for details). Stich.pdf: A pdf showing the full stitched set of BSE images for FIg. 1. Yellow circles highlight many of the features focussed on in the paper. WIS Seg Stitch.pdf: A pdf showing the full stiched together segmented images. Zoom in to right lower corner to see evidence of impact texture. AGU Movie Test x: .avi and .mov versions of selected 3D animations of FIBnt results.","author":[{"family":"Harrison","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Tung","given":"Po"},{"family":"Ginnis","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Nabiei","given":"Farhang"},{"family":"Shaw","given":"Ursula"},{"family":"Mansbach","given":"Elias"},{"family":"Bryson","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.17641216","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17641216","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.17169/refubium-47590","type":"article-journal","title":"Multi-isotope (N, O, Ti, and Cr) study of C1 and CM-like clasts—Probing unsampled C1 material","abstract":"A multi-element isotope (N, O, Ti, and Cr) study was conducted on C1 and CM-like clasts hosted in achondrites and chondrite breccias to understand the genesis of these chondritic clasts. The mineralogy, O, and N isotopes confirm that CM-like clasts in howardites and polymict eucrites closely resemble CM chondrite-like material. The O and Cr isotope composition of C1 clasts in CR chondrites overlaps with those of CR chondrites, implying either formation in a similar nebular environment or resemblance to local CR material that underwent more extensive in situ alteration. Notably, these clasts are less enriched in 15N than bulk CR chondrites. In contrast, C1 clasts in ureilites are enriched in 15N relative to the Earth's atmosphere by ~100‰ setting them apart from any other known solar system material. They display elevated 17O and 18O values and lie along the CCAM line. In addition, a C1 clast from an ureilite represents the most 54Cr-enriched and 50Ti-depleted endmember among the carbonaceous chondrites. Altogether, these isotopic characteristics suggest that C1 clasts in ureilites represent material not sampled by any known meteorite group. Overall, this study highlights the presence of primitive, isotopically distinct materials in the early outer solar system, some of which were transported to the inner solar system to the accretion region of the host parent bodies.","author":[{"family":"Patzek","given":"Markus"},{"family":"Kadlag","given":"Yogita"},{"family":"Rüfenacht","given":"Miriam"},{"family":"Füri","given":"Evelyn"},{"family":"Pack","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Bischoff","given":"Addi"},{"family":"Becker","given":"Harry"},{"family":"Visser","given":"Robbin"},{"family":"John","given":"Timm"},{"family":"Schönbächler","given":"Maria"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.17169/refubium-47590","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17169/refubium-47590","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.14710594","type":"article-journal","title":"Data repository for \"Genesis and timing of KREEP-free lunar Mg-suite magmatism indicated by the first norite meteorite Arguin 002\"","abstract":"This is the data repository for paper entitled \"Genesis and timing of KREEP-free lunar Mg-suite magmatism indicated by the first norite meteorite Arguin 002\". This data repository includes two EXCEL (.xlsx) files representing the dataset necessary to interpret, replicate and build upon the methods or findings reported in the article. Regarding the EXCEL file named \"Supplementary Data 1\", it incorporates the mineral EPMA compositions (Table S1), mineral trace-element compositions (Table S2), bulk chemistry (Table S3), SIMS U-Pb results (Table S4), and mineral modal abundances and the launch-region identification results (Table S5) in the comprehensive study of the lunar norite meteorite, Arguin 002. Regarding the EXCEL file named \"Supplementary Data 2\", it incorporates analyses of reference materials in EPMA (Table S1), LA-ICP-MS (Table S2), ICP-MS (Table S3), and SIMS (Table S4).","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Zilong"},{"family":"Tian","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Prissel","given":"Tabb"},{"family":"Di","given":"Yankun"},{"family":"Qian","given":"Yuqi"},{"family":"Ping-Ping","given":"Liu"},{"family":"Fa","given":"Wenzhe"},{"family":"Su","given":"Ao"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.14710594","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14710594","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.10518846","type":"article-journal","title":"Data repository for \"Genesis and timing of KREEP-free lunar Mg-suite magmatism indicated by the first norite meteorite Arguin 002\"","abstract":"This is the data repository for paper entitled \"Genesis and timing of KREEP-free lunar Mg-suite magmatism indicated by the first norite meteorite Arguin 002\". This data repository includes two EXCEL (.xlsx) files representing the dataset necessary to interpret, replicate and build upon the methods or findings reported in the article. Regarding the EXCEL file named \"Supplementary Data 1\", it incorporates the mineral EPMA compositions (Table S1), mineral trace-element compositions (Table S2), bulk chemistry (Table S3), SIMS U-Pb results (Table S4), and mineral modal abundances and the launch-region identification results (Table S5) in the comprehensive study of the lunar norite meteorite, Arguin 002. Regarding the EXCEL file named \"Supplementary Data 2\", it incorporates analyses of reference materials in EPMA (Table S1), LA-ICP-MS (Table S2), ICP-MS (Table S3), and SIMS (Table S4).","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Zilong"},{"family":"Tian","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Prissel","given":"Tabb"},{"family":"Di","given":"Yankun"},{"family":"Qian","given":"Yuqi"},{"family":"Ping-Ping","given":"Liu"},{"family":"Fa","given":"Wenzhe"},{"family":"Su","given":"Ao"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.10518846","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10518846","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W4411450544","type":"article-journal","title":"Overall Material Flow Scheme Design of Controlled Ecological Life Support System for Lunar Base","abstract":"Recently, the Moon has once again become the focus of the aerospace field. The lunar base is likely to be the next long-term extraterrestrial base for humans after the near-Earth orbit space station. However, the cost of lunar replenishment will substantially increase, and the time required for replenishment will become longer. It is necessary to establish a living system with higher degree of material closure and stronger self-sustainability to provide life support service for residents. The controlled ecological life support system (CELSS) is a feasible way to achieve the circular supply of oxygen, water, and food through biological regeneration. However, there is a practical issue of how to gradually establish a CELSS on the Moon and how to match the bio-regenerative system with the physicochemical system established in the early stage, to reduce the cost of the construction of the lunar life support system. In this paper, based on fully inheriting the physicochemical regeneration technologies of the present near-Earth orbit space station, biological components such as plants, microalgae, and microorganisms were gradually introduced in 4 stages to establish an upgraded CELSS with a total material closure degree of 98%. In addition, the material flux models of C, H, and O elements at different stages of the lunar base were designed and calculated. The results of this paper provide a reference for the construction of future lunar base life support systems in terms of improving the engineering feasibility of CELSS.","author":[{"family":"Deng","given":"Yibing"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Liangchang"},{"family":"Bian","given":"Qiang"},{"family":"Ai","given":"Weidang"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Yongkang"},{"family":"Mao","given":"Ruixin"},{"family":"Fan","given":"Haonan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.34133/space.0236","URL":"https://doi.org/10.34133/space.0236","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7167475815","type":"article-journal","title":"Extraterrestrial Nanoparticle Signatures at the Younger Dryas Boundary (~12,800 years ago) from Wonderkrater, South Africa","abstract":"Background Previous work identified a platinum anomaly at Wonderkrater, South Africa, within sediments modeled to the onset of the Younger Dryas (~12,800 cal BP). To investigate the nature of this anomaly, we analyzed sedimentary nanoparticles using single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-TOF-MS). Methods Nanoparticles were extracted from peat sediments spanning the modeled Younger Dryas Boundary (YDB) interval and analyzed for particle number concentrations, elemental compositions, elemental ratios, and multi-element nanoparticle clusters. Results from the YDB interval were compared with sediments above and below the anomaly. Results A pronounced geochemical anomaly is confined to a narrow interval between 357.5 and 362.5 cm depth. Total nanoparticle number concentrations increase by a factor of 4.6 relative to surrounding sediments (p < 0.01), accompanied by reduced average particle mass. The anomalous interval contains two distinct nanoparticle populations: one enriched in platinum-group and siderophile elements, and a second enriched in lithophile and rare earth elements. Eight elemental ratios exhibit elevated values relative to background sediments, including Au/Ir (3.80), Cr/Ni (3.75), and Au/Pt (1.16), each exceeding background values by more than a factor of two. Systematic fractionation among noble and siderophile elements is also evident, with Au, Pt, and Pd exhibiting greater enrichments than Os, Ir, and Ru, consistent with elemental fractionation during high-temperature vaporization, condensation, and atmospheric transport processes. Several multi-element nanoparticle clusters occur predominantly within the YDB interval. Conclusions The YDB layer at Wonderkrater contains a compositionally distinct nanoparticle assemblage characterized by elevated platinum-group elements, siderophile-element enrichments, unique elemental ratios, and changes in terrestrial dust-related signatures. The elemental ratio patterns and nanoparticle populations are consistent with a compositionally heterogeneous, volatile-bearing extraterrestrial component modified by high-temperature processes, together with enhanced terrestrial dust input. These observations are consistent with the introduction of geochemically distinct nanoparticle populations coincident with the onset of the Younger Dryas.","author":[{"family":"Moore","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Thackeray","given":"JF"},{"family":"Scott","given":"Louis"},{"family":"West","given":"Allen"},{"family":"Lecompte","given":"Malcolm"},{"family":"Defant","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Alam","given":"Mahbub"},{"family":"Baalousha","given":"Mohammed"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.12688/f1000research.184551.1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.184551.1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4408695045","type":"article-journal","title":"Primitive homochiral polyester formation driven by tartaric acid and calcium availability","abstract":"α-hydroxy acids (αHAs), simple and prebiotically plausible organic monomers, were likely present in various environments on and off Earth and could have played a role in directing the emergence of the first homochiral living systems. Some αHAs, which could have been of varying chirality, can undergo dehydration polymerization into polyesters, which could assemble into membraneless microdroplets upon rehydration; understanding these processes is critical for unraveling how simple prebiotic molecules transitioned into more complex systems capable of supporting selective chemical reactions, a key step toward the origin of life. Here, we focused on tartaric acid (TA), a prebiotically relevant αHA with multiple chiral forms, to probe plausible mechanisms by which primitive αHA and polyester-based systems could have participated in selective homochiral polymer synthesis. Enantiopure solutions of d -TA or l -TA polymerize efficiently via dehydration, while racemic dl -TA polymerization is inhibited due to stereochemical incompatibility. We found that Ca 2+ ions influence this process in two significant ways: 1) regulating TA monomer availability through selective crystallization, removing equal amounts of both enantiomers in racemic proportion and thereby enriching the enantiomeric excess of the remaining nonracemic TA solution; and 2) modulating polymerization by suppressing enantiopure TA polymerization while enabling dl -TA polymerization. These findings suggest that the differential availability of simple inorganic ions, such as Ca 2+ , could have indirectly mediated the selection of simple organic chiral monomers and the emergence of homochirality in primitive protocell-forming polymers, offering a pathway from nonliving to living matter in early Earth environments.","author":[{"family":"Chen","given":"Chen"},{"family":"Yi","given":"Ruiqin"},{"family":"Igisu","given":"Motoko"},{"family":"Afrin","given":"Rehana"},{"family":"Sithamparam","given":"Mahendran"},{"family":"Chandru","given":"Kuhan"},{"family":"Ueno","given":"Yuichiro"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Linhao"},{"family":"Laurenzi","given":"Tommaso"},{"family":"Eberini","given":"Ivano"},{"family":"Fraccia","given":"Tommaso"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Anna"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2419554122","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2419554122","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413265871","type":"article-journal","title":"TanSat-2: a new satellite for mapping solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence at both red and far-red bands with high spatiotemporal resolution","abstract":"Abstract. Global observations of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) serve as a robust proxy for monitoring vegetation photosynthetic activity and elucidating the terrestrial carbon cycle. To date, several atmospheric remote sensing satellites have been deployed to generate global SIF products. However, accurate mapping of dual-band (red and far-red) SIF with daily temporal resolution and kilometer-level spatial resolution remains a critical gap, despite its significance for various applications. The Chinese next-generation greenhouse gas monitoring satellite, TanSat-2, is set to succeed the original TanSat satellite, aiming to record the fraction of greenhouse gases, pollutants, and SIF measurements from space. According to current schedules, TanSat-2 is slated for launch in 2026. This satellite will feature a wide swath of 2900 km, a high spatial resolution of 2 km at an orbit altitude of 7000 km, and near-daily global coverage. TanSat-2 is equipped with two spectral channels, 747–777 and 672–702 nm, operating at a spectral resolution of 0.12 nm, thereby offering significant potential for mapping SIF in both the red and the far-red bands. In this study, we explore the prospective capabilities of TanSat-2 for SIF retrieval through simulation experiments. First, we simulated the satellite's radiative transfer processes using the Moderate Resolution Atmospheric Transmission 5 (MODTRAN 5) and Soil Canopy Observation of Photosynthesis and Energy (SCOPE) models. An end-to-end orbit simulation dataset for TanSat-2 was generated by aggregating global bottom-of-atmosphere (BOA) reflectance, meteorological datasets, and the global Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) SIF dataset (GOSIF). We then assessed the theoretical accuracy of TanSat-2 based on this spectral simulation dataset, yielding root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.24 and 0.19 mW m−2 sr−1 nm−1 for SIF retrievals at 740 and 685 nm, respectively. Finally, we examined the global prospects of TanSat-2 SIF retrievals using the end-to-end orbit simulations. Comparisons between the anticipated TanSat-2 SIF retrievals and GOSIF inputs revealed excellent correlation at both bands, with R2 values of 0.88 and 0.61 and RMSE values of 0.082 and 0.061 mW m−2 sr−1 nm−1, respectively. Thus, TanSat-2 is poised to provide a valuable data resource for reliable SIF retrievals in the red and far-red bands, characterized by high spatiotemporal resolution on a global scale.","author":[{"family":"Zhao","given":"Dianrun"},{"family":"Du","given":"Shanshan"},{"family":"Zou","given":"Chu"},{"family":"Tian","given":"Longfei"},{"family":"Fan","given":"Meng"},{"family":"Du","given":"Yang"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Liangyun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/amt-18-3647-2025","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-3647-2025","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416977845","type":"article-journal","title":"Optimizing water purification with Shungite: a metric approach for characterizing its efficiency in removing contaminants","abstract":"Abstract Shungite is a Precambrian carbon-rich metamorphic rock from the Lake Onega region (Karelia, Russia), consisting of fullerene-like polyhedral carbon within a silicate matrix. Its high carbon content and extended conjugation confer notable sorptive and catalytic behavior. We evaluated its multifunctional potential for water purification targeting organic, inorganic, and microbial contaminants. Two grades (Type I, Type III) were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, and tested under batch conditions within a metric framework combining removal efficiency and distribution coefficient. After 7 days (Type I), removals were: 32.5% for Mercury, 14.9% for Lead, 20.8% for Cadmium, 32.7% for Arsenic, 13.6% for Zinc, and 21.0% for Aluminium. Microbial counts decreased by up to $$0.24 \\log _{10}$$ 0.24 log 10 for total coliforms and 0.18 log $$_{10}$$ 10 for Escherichia coli and Enterococcus . Corresponding distribution coefficient values for Type I ranged from 15 to 1300 L/kg, consistently exceeding Type III for cationic metals (notably Mercury), while Arsenic(V) responses depended on pH/speciation. Organic-load indicators (Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 days), Total Organic Carbon) increased by 10–16%, consistent with Chemical Oxygen Demand leaching; mitigation (e.g., pre-washing or hybridization with activated carbon) is discussed. Overall, results support Shungite as a versatile sorbent/reactive medium, particularly for cationic metals and microbial indicators. The proposed metrics enable direct comparison with conventional carbons and mineral adsorbents under similar conditions.","author":[{"family":"Luccio","given":"Diana"},{"family":"Campos","given":"Néstor"},{"family":"Lay-Ekuakille","given":"A"},{"family":"Maggi","given":"S"},{"family":"Mora","given":"JPR"},{"family":"Fragnito","given":"F"},{"family":"Palmisano","given":"M"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s13762-025-06837-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-025-06837-z","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7130503274","type":"article-journal","title":"Apatite saturation revisited: new model formulations and applications to igneous rocks","abstract":"Abstract Apatite is the primary phosphate mineral in the Earth’s crust and is present in a range of intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks, typically at minor to trace quantities. Similarly, apatite is a stable phase in many equilibrium crystallization experiments conducted with phosphorus-bearing starting compositions. We leverage this experimental stability to produce a large compilation of apatite-saturated liquid compositions, supplemented by additional apatite trace element and volatile partitioning and explicit apatite solubility experiments, as well as analyses of natural rhyolitic glasses. Using this compilation, we calibrate two new, independent models: for apatite saturation temperature as a function of melt P 2 O 5 and SiO 2 contents and aluminum saturation index (ASI; molar Al/(2Ca + Na + K)); and for melt P 2 O 5 contents at apatite saturation as a function of temperature, melt SiO 2 contents and ASI. The first model reproduces apatite saturation temperatures with an accuracy of ~ 32 °C, significantly outperforming existing apatite saturation models as well as recent zircon saturation thermometers. The second model reproduces melt P 2 O 5 contents at apatite saturation by better than a factor of two across four orders of magnitude. Our new calibrations show that, within uncertainty, apatite stability does not differ regardless of the specific volatile species present (H 2 O, F or Cl) or on the quantity of H 2 O dissolved in the melt. Further, we find that apatite stability is not sensitive to pressures at least in the range of 1 atm to 2 GPa. This model accurately describes the saturation of apatite in a wide range of liquids, including metaluminous liquids, moderately alkaline liquids, and most peraluminous liquids. Experimental and natural peraluminous liquids with unusually high P 2 O 5 contents that are not well described by our model contain CaO:P 2 O 5 ratios below apatite stoichiometry (‘perphosphorous melts’), indicating that apatite saturation in these liquids is at minimum jointly controlled by CaO and P 2 O 5 contents.","author":[{"family":"Klein","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Müntener","given":"Othmar"},{"family":"Gillespie","given":"Jack"},{"family":"Marxer","given":"Felix"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00410-026-02300-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-026-02300-5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7130940756","type":"article-journal","title":"Binder Jetting of Lunar Regolith: Densification Optimization in Air and Vacuum, and Mechanical Performance Evaluation","abstract":"ABSTRACT Binder jetting has emerged as a compelling approach for processing lunar regolith, as it is well‐suited for low‐energy environments and requires lower amounts of organic binder, compared to the competitive technologies. This study investigates the feasibility of binder jetting lunar regolith simulants from micrometric particles, focusing on the interplay between sintering conditions, especially atmosphere and temperature, and the resulting microstructural and mechanical properties. Sintering was explored across a range of conditions to elucidate the evolution of porosity and phase composition. Microstructural characterization revealed void morphologies varying due to progressive coalescence, while energy‐dispersive x‐ray (EDX) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) identified the primary presence of bytownite with other minor oxides, partially subjected to redistribution and reduction as in the case of ilmenite and pyroxene. Mechanical testing revealed the influence of sintering conditions on mechanical properties. While the compression samples, sintered at 1150°C, yielded 228.7 ± 100.9 MPa of strength, the performance of the samples sintered at 1200°C in air degraded down to 180.6 ± 53.7 MPa.","author":[{"family":"Mariani","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Isachenkov","given":"Maxim"},{"family":"Bertolini","given":"Francesco"},{"family":"Galassi","given":"Carmen"},{"family":"Grande","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Sala","given":"Giuseppe"},{"family":"Lecis","given":"N"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1111/jace.70595","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.70595","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7134213091","type":"article-journal","title":"Sampling, Mobility, and Anchoring in Small‐Body Sampling Robots: A Comprehensive Review","abstract":"ABSTRACT Small‐body sampling robots are crucial for asteroid and comet exploration as well as in situ resource utilization, yet they face unique challenges of microgravity, irregular terrain, and uncertain surface properties. Although existing studies have advanced sampling, mobility, and anchoring technologies, current reviews often treat these technologies in isolation, failing to reveal their intrinsic coupling relationships and hinder holistic research and development. To address this gap, this review provides a unified review of small‐body sampling robots, focusing on the mechanical aspects of the three core functional modules: sampling, mobility, and anchoring. It surveys state‐of‐the‐art techniques demonstrated in missions, highlights emerging approaches and compares performance trade‐offs in efficiency, adaptability, and technology readiness. The review further highlights critical challenges, including the coupling effects among the three functional modules as well as additional challenges arising from other factors. Finally, this review outlines the prospective development trends of small‐body sampling robots. By consolidating lessons from past missions and emerging innovations, this work aims to serve as both a reference for ongoing research and a road map for the design of next‐generation autonomous sampling robots.","author":[{"family":"Shen","given":"Yurui"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Yanan"},{"family":"Bao","given":"Mingxia"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Ting"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Hao","given":"Jingbin"},{"family":"Hua","given":"Dezheng"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Xinhua"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1002/smb2.70032","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smb2.70032","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7161597863","type":"article-journal","title":"Direct comparison of the chemical composition of alkylated CHN compounds and mineral composition in the Murchison meteorite","abstract":"Soluble organic matter (SOM) in carbonaceous chondrites is an important aspect of understanding the origin and evolution of extraterrestrial organic matter. Interactions with minerals and water on planetesimals are essential for the formation and evolution of SOM, yet the detailed processes remain poorly understood. To elucidate these processes, it is necessary to establish relationships between SOM and minerals, particularly secondary minerals. In this study, nitrogen (N)-heterocyclic compounds (CHN compounds) in the methanol extracts of powdered Murchison meteorite fragments were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC/HRMS). Their abundance patterns and chemical characteristics were examined in direct relation to mineral compositions determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) from the same samples. Five homologous series of CHN compounds (alkylpyridines: CnH2n-4N+ or CnH2n-6N+, alkylpiperidines: CnH2n+2N+, and alkylimidazoles: CnH2n-1N2+ or CnH2n-3N2+, which were identified as positive ions) were identified from all of the samples. XRD analyses revealed inter-sample variability in the abundance of phyllosilicate, anhydrous silicates, sulfides, and carbonates. Several CHN homologous series exhibited systematic relationships with alteration minerals, particularly phyllosilicates and magnetite, whereas correlations with minor phases were generally weak. These relationships are consistent with water–mineral–organic interactions on the Murchison parent body, such as mineral-surface/interlayer interactions, fluid-driven chromatographic effects during aqueous alteration, redox-dependent alteration , and the potential heterogeneity of precursor organic molecules. Although this present approach is not universally applicable to all classes of SOM and requires careful evaluation of potential mineral alteration during extraction, it enables direct comparisons between soluble organics and minerals, thereby providing new insights into water–mineral–organic interactions on planetesimals.","author":[{"family":"Arai","given":"Narumi"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Mimura","given":"Koichi"},{"family":"Hashiguchi","given":"Minako"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.2343/geochemj.gj26010","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2343/geochemj.gj26010","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406825550","type":"article-journal","title":"Supply Chain Disruption and Import Strategy: Evidence from the Great East Japan Earthquake","abstract":"Abstract Global supply chain networks foster collaboration but accelerate cross‐border risk transmission. This study investigates the effect of the 2011 East Japan earthquake on Chinese firms' import strategies. The findings reveal that the disruption led to a shift toward supply chain concentration, with firms reducing the diversification of import sources. There was a slight increase in the number of countries from which firms sourced imports but import shares became more concentrated, reflecting a reliance on fewer, centralized suppliers. Firms affected by the earthquake prioritized long‐term partnerships and sought suppliers in regions with lower natural disaster risks, aiming to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities and reduce switching costs. The findings also show that state‐owned enterprises, private firms, and research and development‐intensive firms were more inclined to centralize their import sources. This suggests that these firms, leveraging their larger scale, substantial resources, and robust risk management strategies, favored a more concentrated sourcing approach in order to better control their supply chains and ensure stability in the face of global disruptions.","author":[{"family":"Lü","given":"Fan"},{"family":"Li","given":"Zilong"},{"family":"Cai","given":"Xinrong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/cwe.12569","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/cwe.12569","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7169574189","type":"article-journal","title":"Editorial: Microbial interactions with metals/minerals: from environmental aspects to applications","abstract":"reactions alter geological substrates under diverse environmental conditions. Moving into deep biosphere regimes, Rolfes et al. (2025) show that ancient basaltic tephra (volcanic ash) layers in marine sediments harbor unique microbial communities capable of exploiting specific \"reducible\" Fe(III) oxides, suggesting how life flourishes in carbon-lean sub-seafloor environments. On the surface, the dissolution kinetics of such substrates are further analyzed by Yunda et al. (2026), who show that the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrobaculum islandicum enhances the dissolution of Fe(III)-rich basaltic glass through active Fe(III) reduction.In freshwater systems, seasonal transitions profoundly dictate metal mobility. Hahn et al.(2025) explore how thermal stratification and subsequent anoxia drive prokaryotic community shifts that accelerate manganese (Mn 2+ ) and iron release from reservoir sediments. The physiological mechanisms of these iron-reducing pathways are elegantly tied to environmental detoxification by Takahashi et al. (2026), who reveal that bromate reduction by Shewanella species depends on an interconnected system of endogenous c-type cytochromes and exogenous iron mediators that chemically reduce carcinogenic bromate into harmless bromide. Furthermore, the physical constraints of mineral matrices on microbial enzymes are underscored by Ai et al. (2026), who show how coal matrix structures directly govern the organic desulfurization efficiency of Pseudomonas putida via the 4S metabolic pathway. (2025) contribute a comprehensive review that frames quorum sensing as a key regulatory dial controlling biofilm dynamics, heavy metal resistance, and metabolic optimization during bioremediation.Collectively, the articles within this research topic show that microbial interactions with metals and minerals are not just isolated chemical reactions. Instead, they are highly dynamic and coordinated processes driven by cellular localization, the surrounding environment, nutrient availability, and community signaling. The insights gathered here not only deepen our fundamental knowledge of terrestrial and marine biogeochemistry but also provide us with versatile biotechnological tools to clean up industrial pollution, secure agricultural health, and sustainably harvest critical resources on Earth and beyond. We extend our sincere gratitude to all the authors, reviewers, and editors who contributed their expertise to make this topic a milestone in the field of environmental microbiology.","author":[{"family":"Lee","given":"Ji"},{"family":"Ho","given":"Cuong"},{"family":"Han","given":"Dongfei"},{"family":"Baddar","given":"Zeinah"},{"family":"Amendola","given":"Roberta"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2026.1908894","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1908894","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7128158200","type":"article-journal","title":"A Review of Soil Thermal Conductivity Measurement Techniques, Challenges, and Future Directions","abstract":"Soil thermal conductivity (λ) plays a critical role in regulating heat dynamics at the land surface. In agricultural soils, it directly affects crop performance and can also influence soil management strategies. Nowadays, understanding the significance of soil λ has become vital for promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This review explores a wide range of measurement techniques for soil λ, including both traditional and advanced methods, and focuses on their applications, benefits, and limitations. Traditional steady-state methods-such as the guarded hot plate, thermal cell, steady-state needle probe, and box probe, are compared with transient techniques, including time-domain reflectometry, laser flash, transient hot wire, transient plane source, heat pulse, and transient line heat source. Although steady-state methods provide high accuracy in controlled laboratory conditions, they usually require extended testing times and are influenced by variations in soil water content and texture. Transient approaches, while more rapid and suitable for field conditions, find difficulties due to soil heterogeneity and environmental variability. Emerging technologies, such as fiber optic sensors and wireless sensor networks, give non-invasive, real-time monitoring with minimal soil disturbances, however, they are limited by higher prices and technological complexity. We evaluated them for their accuracy, efficiency, and adaptability to diverse agricultural conditions. This review underscores the necessity of precise soil λ measurements to enhance soil management strategies, improve resilience to environmental changes, and support sustainable agriculture. Important challenges in methods include calibration, sensitivity to soil characteristics, and practical field usability. It provides a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, offering insights into integrating soil λ measurements into modern agricultural systems. Finally, future research directions are proposed, focusing on leveraging wireless sensor network technologies and machine learning to deepen our understanding of soil heat dynamics and their implications for sustainable farming practices.","author":[{"family":"Al-Shammary","given":"Ahmed"},{"family":"Al-Shihmani","given":"Layth"},{"family":"Fernández-Gálvez","given":"Jesús"},{"family":"Caballero-Calvo","given":"Andrés"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11831-026-10509-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11831-026-10509-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409740587","type":"article-journal","title":"Structural Insights into the Dehydration and Rehydration of Gypsum","abstract":"The formation and transformation of phases within the CaSO 4 –H 2 O system are crucial in natural and industrial processes. Despite intensive research, however, the mechanisms of gypsum’s (CaSO 4 ·2H 2 O) thermal dehydration and rehydration remain unclear. Here we investigated the crystallographic and textural relationship between parent and product phases during the dehydration and rehydration of gypsum single crystals using two-dimensional X-ray diffraction (2D-XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), in situ and ex situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). Our findings reveal that the dehydration products, bassanite (CaSO 4 ·0.5H 2 O) or soluble anhydrite (γ-CaSO 4 ), exhibit no clear structural relationship with the parent phase in the case of millimeter-sized gypsum crystals. Conversely, a topotactic replacement reaction is observed for micrometer-sized gypsum crystals. This disparity is due to localized nonoriented crystallization of α-hemihydrate in microhydrothermal cavities within large crystals resulting from local gypsum dehydration, whereas in smaller gypsum crystals unimpeded H 2 O release results in oriented β-hemihydrate via a solid-state mechanism. Rehydration proceeds via a dissolution–precipitation mechanism, without structural continuity between parent and product phases. Importantly, gypsum relicts in partially dehydrated pseudomorphs serve as template for the epitaxial crystallization of gypsum during rehydration. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing hemihydrate production and hydraulic setting, benefiting both construction and biomedical applications.","author":[{"family":"Burgosruiz","given":"Miguel"},{"family":"Elert","given":"Kerstin"},{"family":"Rodrígueznavarro","given":"Alejandro"},{"family":"Ruíz-Agudo","given":"Encarnación"},{"family":"Rodrígueznavarro","given":"Carlos"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.cgd.4c01414","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.cgd.4c01414","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7153121030","type":"article-journal","title":"A MULTIMODEL REGRESSION APPROACH TO FORECASTING MINERAL HARDNESS FROM CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL FEATURE","abstract":"Mineral hardness and density serve as fundamental physical characteristics in fields such as geology, mining, and material science, where they are widely used for mineral identification and classification.Conventionally, hardness was evaluated using the Mohs scale through manual scratch testing, in which minerals were compared against standard reference specimens.This process typically demanded laboratory facilities, domain expertise, and considerable time to achieve reliable results.Moreover, it was often labor-intensive and prone to inconsistencies arising from human error and varying experimental conditions.To overcome these challenges, the proposed work presents a Machine Learning driven multimodel regression framework designed to estimate mineral hardness and specific gravity based on their chemical and physical attributes.The system is developed as a web-based application using the Django framework, enabling an interactive and accessible platform.Multiple regression techniques are employed to enhance predictive accuracy, including CatBoost Regressor (CBR), AdaBoost Regressor (ABR), Random Forest Regressor (RFR), and a hybrid ML and Deep Learning (DL) model as Greedy Tab Transformer (GTT).These models learn the relationships between mineral features and target variables to generate accurate predictions for Mohs hardness and specific gravity.Experimental results indicate that the GTT model achieves superior predictive performance compared to the other approaches.In addition to prediction, the system incorporates functionalities such as model training, comparative analysis of algorithms, and prediction modules for evaluating mineral properties.By combining ML techniques with a web-based interface, the system provides a more efficient, scalable, and reliable alternative to traditional manual testing methods for mineral property prediction.","author":[{"family":"Ramireddy","given":"D"},{"family":"Gayatri","given":"Dussa"},{"family":"Teja","given":"DMC"},{"family":"Nikitha","given":"Amruthapalli"},{"family":"Ramesh","given":"Velpula"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.64771/ijesat.2026.v26.i04.2617","URL":"https://doi.org/10.64771/ijesat.2026.v26.i04.2617","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410313626","type":"article-journal","title":"Cretaceous Chert‐Hosted Microfossils Visualized With Synchrotron Ptychographic X‐Ray Computed Tomography (PXCT)","abstract":"Silicification of microfossils is an important taphonomic process that provides a record of microbial life across a range of environments throughout Earth history. However, questions remain regarding the mechanism(s) by which silica precipitated and preserved delicate organic material and detailed cellular morphologies. Constraining the different mechanisms of silica precipitation and identifying the common factors that allow for microfossil preservation is the key to understanding ancient microbial communities and fossil-preserving mechanisms. Here, we use synchrotron ptychographic X-ray computed tomography (PXCT) as a novel technique to analyze microfossils from the Cretaceous Barra Velha Formation and better characterize their diverse morphologies and preservation styles. Through this technique, we generate 2D and 3D reconstructions that illustrate the microfossils and silica-organic textures at nanometer resolution. At this resolution, we identify previously uncharacterized silica textures and organic-silica relationships that help us relate findings from modern silicifying environments and experimental work to the fossil record. Additionally, we identify primary morphological differences among the microfossils as well as preservational variability that may have been driven by physiological and/or biochemical differences between the different organisms that inhabited the Cretaceous pre-salt basin. These findings help us to better characterize the diversity and complexity of the microbiota in this ancient basin as well as taphonomic processes and biases that may have driven microfossil preservation in this and other silicifying environments throughout Earth history.","author":[{"family":"Moore","given":"Kelsey"},{"family":"Present","given":"Theodore"},{"family":"Crémière","given":"Antoine"},{"family":"Guizarsicairos","given":"Manuel"},{"family":"Holler","given":"Mirko"},{"family":"Barnett","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Bergmann","given":"Kristin"},{"family":"Amthor","given":"Joachim"},{"family":"Grotzinger","given":"JP"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/gbi.70019","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gbi.70019","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410823927","type":"article-journal","title":"Investigation of simulation and mechanical characterization of water-bearing lunar polar regolith","abstract":"It is of great significance for human to find the direct evidence of water existing on the Moon and understand the Moon better. China plans to launch the Chang?e-7 in 2026 to carry out unmanned sampling and in-situ analysis in the Lunar south pole. In order to ensure the success of the mission, it is necessary to carry out sampling simulation experiments adequately on the ground. However, the simulation of water-bearing lunar regolith is the basis for the experiment. In this paper, the simulation and preparation process of water-bearing lunar regolith are studied in terms of the physical and mechanical properties. The uniformity of water distribu?tion and low temperature water migration characteristics of water-bearing lunar regolith is analyzed. On the basis, the mechanical properties of the water-bearing lunar regolith are tested. The mechanical properties such as compressive strength, tensile strength and shear strength of the water-bearing lunar regolith are obtained, which provide support for the polar sampling tests.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Xingwang"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Qichen"},{"family":"Pang","given":"Yong"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Chu"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Lu"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Zeng"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Guoxin"},{"family":"Fang","given":"Jin"},{"family":"Hao","given":"Haichun"},{"family":"Zeng","given":"Ting"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.2298/tsci2502325z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2298/tsci2502325z","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7168610336","type":"article-journal","title":"Cross-scale estimation method for rock mechanical parameters based on mineral nanoindentation testing","abstract":"The mechanical properties of rocks are critically important for the design and analysis of rock mass engineering. However, under specific conditions—such as core disking due to high in-situ stress, highly jointed rock masses, and extraterrestrial rock bodies—obtaining standard cylindrical rock specimens that meet conventional testing requirements can be challenging. To address this issue, this study develops an integrated prediction framework for estimating the macroscopic mechanical parameters of rocks based on nanoindentation tests of the constituent minerals. First, nanoindentation is employed to obtain meso-scale mechanical parameters of rock-forming minerals, including hardness, elastic modulus, and mode-I fracture toughness. The generalized means method is then applied to upscale the mineral elastic moduli to the macroscopic elastic modulus of the rock, demonstrating significantly higher prediction accuracy than traditional homogenization approaches. Second, leveraging the physical consistency between indentation hardness and uniaxial compressive strength, a multiple linear regression model incorporating the influence of minerals with varying strength grades is established to predict the uniaxial compressive strength of rocks, revealing the dominant role of low-strength minerals in controlling macroscopic strength. Furthermore, by integrating fracture mechanics theory with an equivalent weighting model, a predictive model for the tensile strength of rocks is formulated based on the mode-I fracture toughness of minerals. This framework provides an effective approach for the rapid estimation of rock mechanical parameters under sampling-constrained conditions and, through the introduction of the Hoek-Brown criterion, establishes a methodological foundation for achieving cross-scale predictions of mechanical parameters from “rock cuttings nanoindentation-rock core-rock mass”.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Xiuyang"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Dingping"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Quan"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shaojun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3724/1000-6915.jrme.2025.0756","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3724/1000-6915.jrme.2025.0756","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7171699730","type":"article-journal","title":"Bioregenerative Mineral Extraction from Lunar Regolith: The EcoMine™ ISRU Platform","abstract":"As humanity advances toward a sustained presence beyond Earth, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) will be essential for constructing and maintaining off-world infrastructure. Conventional terrestrial mining and leaching methods, while foundational to modern industry, are energy-intensive, chemically demanding, and environmentally destructive. The EcoMine™ bioregenerative mining facility addresses these challenges by replacing chemical leaching with a biologically driven, closed-loop system that regenerates its own consumables (oxygen, CO2, lixiviants, nutrients, and water) while extracting valuable minerals (Al, Ti, Fe, Si) from regolith. Significant progress has been made in integrating the bioregenerative reactor loop, which consists of a Photobioreactor (PBR), an Aerobic Fermenting Reactor (AFR), and a Waste Treatment Reactor (WTR). Efforts are focused on designing an integrated closed-loop system able to support metabolic stability over operational cycles, enabling the continuous regeneration of key consumables. Development of the WTR has focused on achieving organic compound mineralization and water recovery through regenerative UV+TiO₂ photocatalysis. Demonstrating effective contaminant degradation and long-term stability of the TiO2 photocatalyst is critical for this approach to be compatible with the constraints of lunar operations. Ongoing work in the mineral subsystem targets selective separation and staged precipitation processes for recovering minerals of interest from leached effluents. Early trials emphasize optimizing mineral purity during extraction while minimizing reagent consumption to support sustainable material recovery. The EcoMine Brassboard design and subsystem preliminary results indicate the feasibility of bioregenerative approaches for future ISRU applications. This work is relevant to self sustaining, closed loop resource utilization architectures for lunar and planetary missions, and terrestrial sustainability efforts. The EcoMine™ project is supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under Grant No. 80NSSC24CA217.","author":[{"family":"Flores","given":"Pamela"},{"family":"Garcia","given":"Naiara"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Chamberlain","given":"Christine"},{"family":"Abbud-Madrid","given":"Angel"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Jaeheon"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.32865/2346/108961","URL":"https://doi.org/10.32865/2346/108961","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7162933568","type":"article-journal","title":"Design, Environmental Validation, and Candidate Crop Screening in a Modular Micro-Lunar Greenhouse System under CELSS-Like Conditions","abstract":"Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) require reliable in situ crop production for long-duration lunar and planetary habitation. However, existing research infrastructure remains divided between large, expensive facilities and conventional growth chambers that lack the environmental realism needed for standardized crop screening. This study aimed to design, engineer, and experimentally validate a Micro-Lunar Greenhouse System (MLGS) as a mid-scale modular platform for evaluating functionally diverse candidate crops under CELSS-like conditions. The 1.52 m3 MLGS integrated automated control of atmospheric composition, temperature, relative humidity, airflow, hydroponics, and programmable LED lighting across three independent cultivation zones. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, Anredera cordifolia, and Anoectochilus roxburghii were cultivated for 180 days under species-optimized MLGS conditions and compared with standard laboratory chamber conditions using three biological replicates per treatment. Platform performance and crop responses were assessed through environmental stability, growth, photosynthetic traits, nutritional and bioactive composition, resource-use efficiency, waste-processing capacity, and microbial safety. The MLGS maintained environmental setpoints within ±0.8°C, ±1.5% relative humidity, and 25-35 ppm CO2 of target values for more than 97% of operating time, with low spatial heterogeneity among cultivation zones. Relative to the control, the optimized MLGS treatment increased biomass by 38-62%, enhanced key nutritional or bioactive compounds by 24-46%, and improved water-use efficiency by 25-55%. Nitrogen and phosphorus removal from simulated waste streams reached 58-79% and 47-70%, respectively, and no foodborne pathogens were detected. These results validate the MLGS as a reproducible bridge platform between large CELSS facilities and conventional growth chambers, supporting standardized crop screening for future space agriculture applications.","author":[{"family":"Wei","given":"Tao"},{"family":"Bakumenko","given":"Olha"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yunfan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.55151/ijeedu.v8i2.452","URL":"https://doi.org/10.55151/ijeedu.v8i2.452","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7165531627","type":"article-journal","title":"Oxygen isotopes of anhydrous minerals within micrometeorites show connections to volatile-rich parent bodies","abstract":"Chondritic materials retain isotopic signatures of protoplanetary disk gas and provide insights into disk chemistry and evolution during planet formation. We present mineralogy and oxygen isotope compositions of Antarctic micrometeorites (MMs) from the 1994 Cap Prud'homme collection, analysed by electron probe micro-analysis and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry. Mineralogical and isotopic data link CP94-050 MMs to the carbonaceous chondrites (CCs), representing water-rich asteroidal and cometary materials. Olivine and pyroxene grains exhibit O isotopes that overlap with silicate inclusions in ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites. A majority of the minerals have values consistent with Type I and Type II chondrules (Δ17O ≈ -5 ‰ to +5 ‰), with the lowest Δ17O value being – 30.5 ‰ (Particle #60), which is consistent with formation in the earliest, 16O-rich disk reservoir. Particle #60 has the strongest affinities to olivine in CR chondrites, while particle #22 with an 16O-rich composition has no definitive link to known chondrite types. Together, these results show that MMs sample a mixture of mostly hydrated outer-disk materials and, less abundant, refractory inner-disk silicates. The MMs in CP94-050 preserve primitive isotopic reservoirs despite post-accretionary alteration and offer critical constraints on the oxygen isotope reservoirs in the protoplanetary disk.","author":[{"family":"Sims","given":"R"},{"family":"Bose","given":"M"},{"family":"Guan","given":"Y"},{"family":"Suttle","given":"MD"},{"family":"Genge","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Wittmann","given":"A"},{"family":"Joseph","given":"R"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.6084/m9.figshare.c.8551235","URL":"https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.8551235","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416838301","type":"article-journal","title":"Nakhlite Emplacement as Constrained by X‐Ray Computed Tomography and 3D Quantitative Textural and Petrofabric Analyses","abstract":"Abstract Nakhlites, clinopyroxene‐rich rocks, are the largest single‐origin suite of samples from Mars. Despite extensive study to discern their petrogenetic histories, nakhlite emplacement mechanisms and environments are not well‐constrained, and it is unknown whether they represent intrusive or extrusive igneous rocks, or a combination. Here, we use X‐ray computed microtomography (XCT) and three‐dimensional (3D) quantitative textural analyses (e.g., 2D–3D modal abundances, crystal size distributions [CSDs], and petrofabrics) to place additional constraints on nakhlite formation and emplacement. Modal abundances between and within the nakhlites are variable on both a 2D and 3D basis, highlighting the significance of XCT and 3D analyses when studying these samples. All nakhlites in our study have similar crystallization conditions and histories based on 3D CSDs. Cumulus phases (=olivine and pyroxene) crystallized from magma(s) with high nucleation densities, likely related to effective undercooling, and subsequently underwent a period of magma storage. The CSD profiles record evidence for magma recharge events. Pyroxene long‐axis orientations in the nakhlites studied here exhibit a magmatic foliation, which likely developed during crystal settling and accumulation in low‐to‐no flow settings, such as magma chambers, shallow intrusions (e.g., sills and dikes), lava lake or pond infills, or thick lava flows. We also show that the pyroxenitic layer of Theo's Flow (Canada) may not be an appropriate terrestrial analog for the nakhlites due to differences in emplacement mechanisms and conditions. Our findings suggest that lava flows may be less prevalent in the martian meteorite collection, while intrusive bodies and rocks may be more common than initially thought.","author":[{"family":"Ramsey","given":"Sierra"},{"family":"Irvin","given":"Piper"},{"family":"Udry","given":"Arya"},{"family":"Eckley","given":"SA"},{"family":"Ostwald","given":"Amanda"},{"family":"Ketcham","given":"Richard"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2025je009220","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2025je009220","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7125509300","type":"article-journal","title":"Direct method for Ra-226 analysis in water samples using ICP-QQQ-MS","abstract":"Abstract The paper describes a method of determination of Ra-226 in natural water using ICP-QQQ-MS, Agilent 8900, that enables an efficient direct determination of Ra-226 with high sensitivity without using any reaction gas and separation procedures for interference removal. The matrix effect, together with the instability of the sensitivity are controlled by spiking the sample with Ra-226. The method is simple and fast with a detection limit around of 0.1 fg g -1 (3.6 mBq kg -1 ), which is tenfold lower than required by the EU Directive for water consumption (40 mBq kg -1 ) and five times better than results obtained from alternative direct method for routine analysis described in the literature. The method can easily be implemented for routine analysis Ra-226 which was demonstrated by direct determination of Ra-226 in IAEA proficiency test water sample. This is the first time that the accuracy (trueness and precision) of a mass spectrometry method for the direct determination of Ra-226 has been tested and confirmed in an independent proficiency test.","author":[{"family":"Coha","given":"Ivana"},{"family":"Štrok","given":"Marko"},{"family":"Kávási","given":"Norbert"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-025-18775-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-18775-4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7167622303","type":"article-journal","title":"Statistical insights into the role of HCN–mineral interactions in aqueous aerosols during chemical evolution","abstract":"The polymerization of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is considered a central route to molecular complexity in prebiotic chemistry, following the seminal synthesis of adenine reported by Oró. Here, we investigate how mineral identity and mineral loading modulate cyanide reactivity in aqueous aerosols using selected geologically relevant silicate, oxide, carbonate, sulfide, and mixed mineral substrates as simplified analogues of early planetary mineral–water interfaces. Using a target-agnostic, systems-level strategy, we combine complementary spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, such as FTIR spectroscopy, HPLC–FLD and GC–MS, with multivariate statistical analyses (CATPCA and PCA) to interrogate highly complex reaction mixtures from cyanide polymerizations in the presence of aqueous aerosols. This approach reveals statistically robust, mineral-dependent trends in spectroscopic and chromatographic profiles that are strongly dependent on both mineral abundance and analytical methodologies. Our results demonstrate that minerals could act either as inert matrices or as active modulators of cyanide chemistry, while highlighting the power of untargeted statistical frameworks to extract chemically meaningful information from analytically intractable prebiotic systems, as is the case of the organic complex mixtures from cyanide polymerization reactions. The polymerization of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is considered a central route to molecular complexity in prebiotic chemistry, but the influence of mineral-rich settings in this process remains underexplored. Here, the authors combine spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques with multivariate statistical analyses to study complex reaction mixtures emerging from cyanide polymerization in the presence of aqueous aerosols, showing that minerals can act either as inert matrices or as active modulators of cyanide chemistry.","author":[{"family":"López-García","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Gónzalez-Toril","given":"Elena"},{"family":"Blasco","given":"Fuencisla"},{"family":"Ruizbermejo","given":"Marta"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42004-026-02109-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-026-02109-0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7147305595","type":"article-journal","title":"Platinum-Group Element systematics in the North Atlantic Igneous Province: new insights from Northern Irish and Irish magmatism","abstract":"The North Atlantic Igneous Province (NAIP) is one of the most prospective regions for Ni-Cu-Platinum-Group Element (PGE) mineralisation in Europe, and recent studies have discovered elevated PGE concentrations within its early lavas and minor intrusions comprising the British and Irish Palaeogene Igneous Province (BIPIP). This study presents an extended digital map of the regional mafic dyke swarms associated with the BIPIP in Northern Ireland and Ireland and a comprehensive new geochemical dataset of these magma conduits, the Antrim Lava Group and associated minor intrusions, including PGE and Au analyses. Digital mapping using aerial electromagnetic data reveals a high density of dyke-related anomalies on the island of Ireland. Dyke density and orientation indicate at least one swarm originating from an onshore Palaeogene igneous centre (Slieve Gullion, Carlingford, possibly Dromore High), whilst others are likely propagating from submarine igneous centres in the North Atlantic. The origins and evolution of dyke swarms provide context for interpreting variations in PGE abundances. Previous authors have highlighted that early NAIP magmatic rocks (e.g., Greenland and Scotland) had high Pt/Pd ratios (~1.9), while younger sequences (e.g., Iceland) trend towards lower ratios (~0.4). Our data reveal that Irish BIPIP centres record a similar transition with an average Pt/Pd ratio of 1.6 ± 0.8, reflecting an evolving geodynamic setting where the magmatic conditions transitioned from intra-plate volcanism through to the inception of continental rifting and ocean opening. A close spatiotemporal association between variable Pt/Pd in BIPIP rocks in Ireland and high Pt/Pd in BIPIP rocks in Scotland suggests that the geodynamic transition occurred within a geologically short time interval (<1 Myr). Results from our samples attest to widespread sulphide saturation, supporting the potential for orthomagmatic Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation within related central complexes or magmatic feeder networks.","author":[{"family":"Morrison","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Stock","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Cooper","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Andersen","given":"Jens"},{"family":"Hughes","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Carter","given":"Elliot"},{"family":"Beckwith","given":"Jack"},{"family":"Mcdonald","given":"Iain"},{"family":"Kerr","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Mohr","given":"Paul"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.31223/x5kf52","URL":"https://doi.org/10.31223/x5kf52","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416374993","type":"article-journal","title":"Gravity Modeling of Lunar Lava Tubes: Insights From a Terrestrial Analog","abstract":"Abstract The exploration of lunar lava tubes can address challenges of human habitation on the Moon by identifying natural shelters against radiation, temperature extremes, and micrometeoroid impacts. This study shows the feasibility of detecting lunar lava tubes with gravimetry using Ape Cave in Washington State, USA, as a terrestrial analog. Ape Cave's unique features, including its 3.5 km length, irregular geometry, and minimal surface expression, make it an ideal model for simulating lunar conditions. A high‐resolution 3D model of the cave enabled the creation of forward gravity models, incorporating density and geometric variations of realistic terrestrial and lunar conditions. These models show significant negative gravity anomalies that closely fit field measurements along transects above Ape Cave, validating their use in predicting anomalies from lava tubes with comparable dimensions and complexity. Extending this to the Moon, two forward models simulated lunar lava tubes: one with Ape Cave's dimensions and another scaled to five times larger. Results show that while lunar anomalies are weaker due to lower surface gravity, instruments with resolutions of <25 μ Gal can nevertheless reliably detect tubes even at burial depths reaching >26 m. However, larger and more realistic lunar lava tubes produce detectable signals even with lower reading resolution instrument thresholds. This study underscores the benefit of integrating analog models with advanced gravimetric technologies for lunar exploration and highlights the importance of refining sensor capabilities to optimize the detection of lunar subsurface features. These findings contribute to the development of geophysical exploration strategies for future lunar missions to identify habitable environments.","author":[{"family":"Muñoz","given":"Sarai"},{"family":"Williamsjones","given":"Glyn"},{"family":"Hayward","given":"N"},{"family":"Patre","given":"ACD"},{"family":"Bahreyni","given":"Behraad"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2025je009130","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2025je009130","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406242726","type":"article-journal","title":"The impact of high discharge variability on sedimentology and architecture of bar deposits in the meandering Powder River (Montana, USA)","abstract":"Abstract Point bars are emblematic deposits of meandering rivers. Classical facies models that define their architecture and sedimentology are essentially based on rivers with low to moderate peak discharge variability. However, many global rivers experience high peak discharge variability, which may significantly impact point‐bar sedimentological features. This study investigates how high peak discharge variability affects the sedimentology and architecture of point‐bar deposits along the meandering Powder River in south‐eastern Montana, USA. The analysis integrates detailed sedimentological data from trenches and natural exposures at four point bars where century‐long discharge records and more than four decades of geomorphic surveys are available. Sedimentological data reveals substantial deviations from classical facies models. Coarsening‐upward and blocky vertical grain‐size trends are common, in contrast with the classic fining‐upward model. Upper‐flow regime structures are abundant features that record rapid waning of high‐magnitude floods, whereas lateral accretion surfaces matching the original extent of bar slopes are rare due to frequent bar slope reworking. Chute channels are large, occupying significant portions of the bar area, with complex internal architectures of coarse‐grained upper‐flow regime deposits that further obscure lateral accretion geometries of the hosting bar. Oxidized mud layers suggest prolonged sub‐aerial exposure of most of the bar slope between floods. Results from this study challenge assumptions of classical point‐bar models and provide new criteria for recognizing ancient deposits of meandering rivers with high peak discharge variability, with implications for palaeohydrological reconstructions, understanding pre‐vegetation fluvial dynamics and interpreting deposits on other planetary bodies. This new evidence accounts for hydrological modulation effects on fluvial deposits, enabling more robust facies analysis of alluvial successions across a spectrum of discharge variability regimes.","author":[{"family":"Maitan","given":"Riccardo"},{"family":"Fielding","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Moody","given":"John"},{"family":"Finotello","given":"Alvise"},{"family":"Tognin","given":"Davide"},{"family":"Dalpaos","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Ghinassi","given":"Massimiliano"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/sed.13258","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/sed.13258","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4408255630","type":"article-journal","title":"The Photochemistry of Amino Acids Produced on the Polar Cryovolcanic Regions of Titan","abstract":"The cryovolcanic regions of Titan offer transient opportunities for prebiotic molecules to exist in water-ammonia solutions on the surface of the Saturnian moon. The upcoming NASA's Dragonfly mission will search for high nitrogen concentrations and amino acids on Titan's equatorial terrains. Cryovolcanic features, however, are most common on the polar regions. To mitigate the distance, bubble bursting may encapsulate the prebiotic molecules into aerosols, which Titan's Hadley circulation would subsequently transport to the equator. We investigate whether alanine and glycine survive this meridional journey. Despite the unconstrained meridional wind velocities, our results suggest that the amino acids can survive the transport through the mesosphere. Dragonfly may find cryo-volcanogenic amino acids on Titan's equator. Further, the interaction between the two amino acids increased 10-fold the photodegradation rate of glycine. We justify it based on changes in the environment polarity.","author":[{"family":"Gonçalves","given":"Diogo"},{"family":"Hofmann","given":"Florence"},{"family":"Wipf","given":"Severin"},{"family":"Urso","given":"Riccardo"},{"family":"Bocková","given":"Jana"},{"family":"Meinert","given":"Cornelia"},{"family":"Rimmer","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Stroscio","given":"Gautam"},{"family":"Goldman","given":"Nir"},{"family":"Elsaesser","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Pedras","given":"Bruno"},{"family":"Martins","given":"Zita"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00376","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00376","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7128434939","type":"article-journal","title":"The chemical habitability of Earth and rocky planets prescribed by core formation","abstract":"Abstract A crucial factor governing the habitability of exoplanets is the availability of bioessential elements such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P), which foster prebiotic chemistry and sustain life after its emergence. However, concentrations of P and N in planetary mantles vary, owing to initial availability and oxidation conditions during planet formation, and thus their characterization and availability in planetary environments are challenging. Here we use a core-formation model to show that moderate oxygen fugacity during core formation is the key parameter to the availability of these two elements, with the existence of a narrow ‘chemical Goldilocks zone’ that allows both P and N to be present with the right abundances in the mantle. Earth falls within this zone, whereas planets with more reducing/oxidizing conditions will sequester P/N into the core, hindering their availability for life. Future observations refining estimates of the oxygen fugacity prevalent during exoplanet core formation will be crucial to properly evaluate exoplanetary habitability and correctly interpret possible biosignatures.","author":[{"family":"Walton","given":"Craig"},{"family":"Rogers","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Bonsor","given":"Amy"},{"family":"Spaargaren","given":"Rob"},{"family":"Shorttle","given":"Oliver"},{"family":"Schönbächler","given":"Maria"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41550-026-02775-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-026-02775-z","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7165144643","type":"article-journal","title":"The Zeolitic Continuum: From Conventional Mineral Resources to Advanced Functional Materials of Bulgarian and Turkish Origin","abstract":"This review examines the scientific basis and technological development of natural zeolites, focusing particularly on deposits and research from Bulgaria and Turkey. It traces the transformation of zeolites from conventional industrial minerals into advanced, high-performance functional materials. A stepwise methodological framework was employed to conduct a bibliometric assessment of research and review articles published between 2015 and 2025, primarily focusing on contributions from researchers in Bulgaria and Turkey. In parallel, the study evaluates historical industrial data and the foundational literature. Beyond its regional focus, the bibliometric analysis reveals that Turkey ranks among the world's leading contributors to zeolite research after Iran, China, and Indonesia, while Bulgaria maintains significant presence within the global network of active researchers in the field. The findings suggest that zeolite science in the region is expanding rapidly and dynamically, with current research increasingly focused on modifying, functionalizing, and diversifying zeolitic materials for a wide range of scientific and technological applications, including wastewater treatment, environmental remediation, construction materials production, agriculture, animal husbandry, and healthcare enhancement. The growing demand for effective adsorbents, therapeutic agents, and nutritional supplements, coupled with the critical need to reduce manufacturing costs, serves as a primary driver for accelerated zeolite research.","author":[{"family":"Kiradzhiyska","given":"Denitsa"},{"family":"Gavazov","given":"Kiril"},{"family":"Bachvarov","given":"V"},{"family":"Milcheva","given":"Nikolina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/molecules31122142","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31122142","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414377901","type":"article-journal","title":"Machine Learning-Guided Synthetic Microbial Communities Enable Functional and Sustainable Degradation of Persistent Environmental Pollutants","abstract":"Abstract Persistent environmental pollutants demand the use of diverse microbial metabolic capabilities for effective degradation. While naturally occurring consortia or single strains often fall short in efficiency, synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) hold greater promise for enhanced degradation. To address this challenge, we developed GENIA (Genomically and Environmentally Networked Intelligent Assemblies), a genome-informed and machine learning–guided framework for the rational design of SynComs capable of multi-pollutant degradation under simulated environmental conditions. Using a microfluidic high-throughput cultivation platform, 2,155 bacterial strains were isolated from xenobiotic-enriched environments and screened for pollutant-specific growth. Whole-genome sequencing and functional annotation of 45 prioritized strains revealed metabolic traits associated with the potential degradation of challenging persistent environmental pollutants as proof of concept, i.e., lignin oxidation, atrazine dechlorination, and PFAS defluorination. These genomic profiles were encoded into spline-based graph representations and integrated within the GENIA pipeline, which combines graph neural networks, pathway complementarity modeling, and functional redundancy minimization to predict optimal community assemblies. The resulting nine-member community—comprising Pantoea dispersa , Atlantibacter hermannii , Pseudomonas fulva , Paenibacillus polymyxa , Bacillus cabrialesii , Micrococcus luteus , Bacillus pseudomycoides , Bacillus licheniformis , and Pseudomonas pergaminensis —was predicted to exhibit broad catabolic capacity and minimal intra-community competition. Kinetic experiments in minimal medium demonstrated simultaneous multi-pollutant degradation: lignin (91.6% removal by day 5), atrazine (91.4% removal by day 3), and PFOS (93.1% removal within seven days), representing a 2-4-fold improvement over existing approaches. GENIA establishes a scalable and generalizable framework that integrates systems-level genomics, phenotypic screening, and predictive modeling to engineer ecologically coherent microbial consortia with application to complex environmental bioremediation. Graphical Abstract","author":[{"family":"Vega-Camarillo","given":"Esau"},{"family":"Arreolavargas","given":"Jorge"},{"family":"Antonybabu","given":"Sanjay"},{"family":"Mathur","given":"Saurav"},{"family":"Santos","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Shim","given":"Won‐bo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.est.6c01112","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6c01112","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412782072","type":"article-journal","title":"Maximizing Scientific Exploitation of Raman Spectroscopy With A.C.M.E. (Atmospheric Chamber for Measurements in Environment)","abstract":"ABSTRACT The Atmospheric Chamber for Measurements in Environment (A.C.M.E.) provides a versatile and highly controlled environment for simulating planetary conditions, supporting the testing and calibration of instruments for planetary exploration. In this study, we utilized A.C.M.E. to evaluate the performance of a novel hollow‐core fiber (HCF) Raman gas sensor prototype developed by the ERICA research team. By integrating the HCF sensor with a dedicated spectrometer, we confirmed that Raman spectrometers, such as the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS), could be used for atmospheric gas analysis in future planetary missions, expanding their applications beyond mineralogical studies. By using the A.C.M.E. chamber to produce representative gas mixtures, this work analytically demonstrated that, once optimized, the HCF sensor prototype could be potentially used to investigate the atmosphere of both Mars and Venus in future planetary missions. These findings underscore the critical role of atmospheric chambers like A.C.M.E. in advancing technologies for future planetary exploration missions.","author":[{"family":"Reyesrodríguez","given":"Iván"},{"family":"Julvegonzalez","given":"Sofía"},{"family":"Veneranda","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Manrique","given":"JA"},{"family":"Sanzarranz","given":"A"},{"family":"Mayoralyagüe","given":"M"},{"family":"Jiménezblázquez","given":"S"},{"family":"Asenjoestévez","given":"L"},{"family":"Charro","given":"E"},{"family":"Iglesias","given":"Jaime"},{"family":"Lalla","given":"EA"},{"family":"Barriosareinamo","given":"Belen"},{"family":"Rull","given":"F"},{"family":"López-Reyes","given":"G"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1002/jrs.70030","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.70030","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407397222","type":"article-journal","title":"Collection of Antarctic micrometeorites stored in the surface snow near the Dome Fuji Station","abstract":"Abstract Over a period of 16 years, we collected Antarctic micrometeorites (AMMs) preserved in 1‐t snow samples from the surface to a depth of ~10–15 cm near Dome Fuji Station, Antarctica. A total of 1025 AMMs were identified: 843 unmelted AMMs, 51 scoriaceous ones, and 131 cosmic spherules. Their average sizes were 40, 64, and 40 μm, respectively. The accretion rate of AMMs was inferred to be (3.3 ± 1.8) × 10 3 t year −1 , based on the snow accumulation rate near Dome Fuji Station. We compared the Dome Fuji collection (DFC) with our previous Tottuki #5 collection (T5C) recovered from blue ice in 2000. Regardless of the collection methods, the full range size distributions of AMMs were well fitted by lognormal functions. In 2019 and 2020, we applied a freeze‐drying (FD) system to collect AMMs. We identified 21 AMMs from 17 kg of surface snow. Both GEMS (glass with embedded metal and sulfide)‐rich chondritic porous (CP) AMMs and hydrated fine‐grained (H f‐g) AMMs were identified. No detectable mineralogical differences were observed between a CP AMM from the DFC‐FD and one from the DFC, suggesting that ~6 h of exposure to cold water (<8.7°C) did not affect the mineralogy of CP AMMs.","author":[{"family":"Noguchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Tominaga","given":"Takahito"},{"family":"Takase","given":"Minako"},{"family":"Yamaguchi","given":"Akira"},{"family":"Imae","given":"Naoya"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14324","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14324","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406870640","type":"article-journal","title":"Ceres: Organic‐Rich Sites of Exogenic Origin?","abstract":"Abstract Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt, is the only potential ocean world in the inner Solar System. Previous studies identified deposits of aliphatic organics in and around the Ernutet crater, and at small locations at Inamahari and Urvara craters. The origin of organics, either endogenic or exogenic, in these fresh exposures is still under debate. This study addresses the origin of the organics by analyzing their global distribution and geologic context. Our first step involved a global search for organic‐rich sites that might have escaped previous detections. We achieved this by using a deep neural network, utilizing spectral redness in the Dawn's Framing Camera multispectral data to identify potential organic‐rich sites. The identified sites were further studied by using IR spectrometer data to infer the compositions of materials showing spectral redness. Of the newly identified red‐sloped sites, only two can be considered certain to be organic‐rich. We also identified sites with spectral redness, but without any signature of organics in their infrared spectra. These sites could be attributed to the aqueous alteration of magnetite into ferric‐iron bearing phases. At Ernutet, Inamahari, and Urvara, the organic‐rich material is confined to the near surface only. Additionally, the absence of tectonic/volcanic features at these sites makes an endogenic origin questionable. The global rarity of detectable organics also supports this assessment. Consequently, we suggest that organics at these sites were originally delivered by low‐velocity, organic‐rich impactor(s) from the main belt and subsequently excavated, rather than originating from endogenous processes.","author":[{"family":"Sarkar","given":"R"},{"family":"Nathues","given":"A"},{"family":"Hoffmann","given":"M"},{"family":"Cloutis","given":"EA"},{"family":"Mengel","given":"K"},{"family":"Singh","given":"Pragya"},{"family":"Thangjam","given":"G"},{"family":"Hernández","given":"J"},{"family":"Karunatillake","given":"S"},{"family":"Coutelier","given":"Maélie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024av001362","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024av001362","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7141478439","type":"article-journal","title":"From Geology to Robotics: A Review of Next-Generation Autonomous Drilling Technologies for Critical Mineral Exploration","abstract":"The growing global demand for critical raw materials (CRMs) essential to renewable energy, electromobility, and digital technologies has accelerated the need for advanced exploration methods capable of operating in increasingly challenging geological environments. Traditional drilling systems, designed primarily for shallow mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, face limitations in heterogeneous and consolidated formations where rock heterogeneity, variable mechanical strength, and borehole instability restrict operational efficiency. This review bridges geological science and robotic engineering by analyzing the evolution of next-generation autonomous drilling technologies integrating sensor systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time geotechnical feedback. The current work explores how robotic drilling systems can autonomously adapt to variable lithologies, optimize penetration rates, and ensure borehole stability through intelligent sensing and control. The paper reviews the geological, geomechanical and ore deposit characteristics of CRMs, discusses state-of-the-art drilling optimization strategies, and highlights advances in measurement while drilling (MWD), logging while drilling (LWD), and geochemical analysis techniques. It also suggests a list of sensor techniques for possible future integration in autonomous subsurface robotic systems. It concludes by emphasizing the need for integration between subsurface geological modeling and intelligent drilling robotics as a pathway toward sustainable and efficient CRM exploration.","author":[{"family":"Avrantinis","given":"Nikolaos"},{"family":"Koukakis","given":"Panagiotis"},{"family":"Avramidis","given":"Pavlos"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/geosciences16040139","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16040139","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7130514719","type":"article-journal","title":"Mars Express: Genesis and Infancy","abstract":"Abstract This paper describes the flow of events which led ESA to select this Mars Express mission for a launch in 2003, following the failure of the Russian Mars 96 in 1996. The unique genesis of Mars Express is reflected in its system design, the payload selected, and the operation strategy. Although a low cost “F-mission”, Mars Express achieved unprecedented objectives, with in particular coupled analyses of all Mars envelopes, from its exosphere, high and low atmosphere, to the surface and subsurface characterization. For ESA, Mars Express constitutes the first ever Mars mission, on which the Agency, the European space industry and the science community built its level of excellence, opening wide cooperative partnerships.","author":[{"family":"Bibring","given":"JP"},{"family":"Bertaux","given":"JL"},{"family":"Bonnet","given":"R"},{"family":"Bonneville","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Korablev","given":"O"},{"family":"Langevin","given":"Y"},{"family":"Frécon","given":"L"},{"family":"Poinsignon","given":"Vincent"},{"family":"Schmidt","given":"R"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-026-01278-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-026-01278-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7133805551","type":"article-journal","title":"Additive Manufacturing in Space: Technologies, Flight Heritage, and Materials","abstract":"Additive manufacturing (AM) is increasingly recognized as a critical enabler for sustainable space exploration, offering on-demand fabrication, reduced reliance on Earth-based resupply, and enhanced mission autonomy. Over the past decade, in-space AM has progressed from early polymer extrusion experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to the demonstration of multi-material capabilities involving polymers, metals, ceramics, recycling systems, and in situ resource utilization (ISRU) concepts. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of AM technologies developed for space applications, with emphasis on demonstrated flight heritage, process behavior under microgravity and vacuum conditions, and materials validated in orbit. The paper surveys major AM process families relevant to space, including fused filament fabrication, directed energy deposition, ceramic stereolithography, bioprinting, and closed-loop recycling systems. Key ISS-based platforms—such as the Additive Manufacturing Facility, Ceramic Manufacturing Module, and Refabricator—are reviewed to assess technological maturity and system-level integration. Materials performance across polymers, metals, ceramics, and regolith-based feedstocks is discussed, highlighting the influence of microgravity, thermal transport, and environmental exposure. By comparing in-space results with terrestrial and reduced-gravity studies, this review identifies consistent trends, critical limitations, and remaining knowledge gaps, providing a structured perspective on the readiness of in-space additive manufacturing for future orbital and deep-space missions.","author":[{"family":"Prisăcariu","given":"Emilia"},{"family":"Dumitrescu","given":"Oana"},{"family":"Roșu","given":"Raluca"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/technologies14030165","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14030165","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7169837627","type":"article-journal","title":"Applying bronzite mineral as a novel and effective magnetic catalyst for photo-Fenton reaction: Experimental design and machine learning","abstract":"This study investigates bronzite, an iron-rich orthopyroxene mineral, as a natural and cost-effective catalyst for the photo-Fenton degradation of amaranth dye in water. Bronzite powder's high Fe content, visible-light absorption (band gap of 2.48 eV), and magnetic recoverability were confirmed by XRD, FTIR, SEM/EDS, BET, DRS, and magnetic analysis. The optimal conditions for attaining 98.3% dye degradation and 64% TOC removal under visible-light irradiation were found to be pH 3, catalyst dosage of 1 g L⁻¹, and 100 µg L⁻¹ H₂O₂ using a central composite rotational design (CCRD). Photogenerated holes (h⁺) are the predominant reactive species, whereas •OH and e⁻ have minor contributions, according to scavenger tests. The degradation profiles under various operating circumstances were accurately represented (R 2 >0.95) by a kinetic model linking adsorption–desorption and surface oxidation. Reaction intermediates were successfully predicted by machine learning (Random Forest), which supported a degradation route that began with azo bond cleavage and progressively oxidized aromatic fragments. Over the course of five reuse cycles, the catalyst remained highly active and showed no discernible ecotoxicity to Artemia salina. These findings show that bronzite is a stable, reusable, and eco-friendly natural catalyst with potential use in the photo-Fenton treatment of wastewater tainted with dyes.","author":[{"family":"Franco","given":"Dison"},{"family":"Blois","given":"Vitor"},{"family":"Costa","given":"Matheus"},{"family":"Garcia","given":"Wagner"},{"family":"Dorneles","given":"Lucio"},{"family":"Foletto","given":"Edson"},{"family":"Oliveira","given":"Jivago"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.cherd.2026.07.048","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2026.07.048","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407165580","type":"article-journal","title":"Mass Supply from Io to Jupiter’s Magnetosphere","abstract":"Since the Voyager mission flybys in 1979, we have known the moon Io to be both volcanically active and the main source of plasma in the vast magnetosphere of Jupiter. Material lost from Io forms neutral clouds, the Io plasma torus and ultimately the extended plasma sheet. This material is supplied from Io's upper atmosphere and atmospheric loss is likely driven by plasma-interaction effects with possible contributions from thermal escape and photochemistry-driven escape. Direct volcanic escape is negligible. The supply of material to maintain the plasma torus has been estimated from various methods at roughly one ton per second. Most of the time the magnetospheric plasma environment of Io is stable on timescales from days to months. Similarly, Io's atmosphere was found to have a stable average density on the dayside, although it exhibits lateral (longitudinal and latitudinal) and temporal (both diurnal and seasonal) variations. There is a potential positive feedback in the Io torus supply: collisions of torus plasma with atmospheric neutrals are probably a significant loss process, which increases with torus density. The stability of the torus environment may be maintained by limiting mechanisms of either torus supply from Io or the loss from the torus by centrifugal interchange in the middle magnetosphere. Various observations suggest that occasionally (roughly 1 to 2 detections per decade) the plasma torus undergoes major transient changes over a period of several weeks, apparently overcoming possible stabilizing mechanisms. Such events (as well as more frequent minor changes) are commonly explained by some kind of change in volcanic activity that triggers a chain of reactions which modify the plasma torus state via a net change in supply of new mass. However, it remains unknown what kind of volcanic event (if any) can trigger events in torus and magnetosphere, whether Io's atmosphere undergoes a general change before or during such events, and what processes could enable such a change in the otherwise stable torus. Alternative explanations, which are not invoking volcanic activity, have not been put forward. We review the current knowledge on Io's volcanic activity, atmosphere, and the magnetospheric neutral and plasma environment and their roles in mass transfer from Io to the plasma torus and magnetosphere. We provide an overview of the recorded events of transient changes in the torus, address several contradictions and inconsistencies, and point out gaps in our current understanding. Lastly, we provide a list of relevant terms and their definitions.","author":[{"family":"Roth","given":"Lorenz"},{"family":"Blöcker","given":"Aljona"},{"family":"Kleer","given":"Katherine"},{"family":"Goldstein","given":"David"},{"family":"Lellouch","given":"Emmanuel"},{"family":"Saur","given":"Joachim"},{"family":"Schmidt","given":"Carl"},{"family":"Strobel","given":"DF"},{"family":"Tao","given":"Chihiro"},{"family":"Tsuchiya","given":"Fuminori"},{"family":"Dols","given":"V"},{"family":"Huybrighs","given":"Hans"},{"family":"Mura","given":"A"},{"family":"Szalay","given":"JR"},{"family":"Badman","given":"SV"},{"family":"Pater","given":"Imke"},{"family":"Dott","given":"Anne"},{"family":"Kagitani","given":"Masato"},{"family":"Klaiber","given":"Lea"},{"family":"Koga","given":"Ryoichi"},{"family":"Mcewen","given":"AS"},{"family":"Milby","given":"Zachariah"},{"family":"Retherford","given":"KD"},{"family":"Schlegel","given":"Stephan"},{"family":"Thomas","given":"N"},{"family":"Tseng","given":"WL"},{"family":"Vorburger","given":"Audrey"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-025-01137-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-025-01137-x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7143411641","type":"article-journal","title":"Kenoargentotennantite-(Fe), Ag 6 (Cu 4 Fe 2 )As 4 S 12 □, a new “keno” member of the tetrahedrite group","abstract":"Kenoargentotennantite-(Fe), Ag 6 (Cu 4 Fe 2 )As 4 S 12 □, has been discovered at the Pollone mine, Valdicastello Carducci, Pietrasanta, Apuan Alps, Tuscany (Italy), where it occurs in quartz ± baryte extension veins hosted in the pyrite ± baryte ore body as μm-sized rims grown around crystals of Ag-bearing tennantite-(Zn), in association with argentotennantite-(Zn) and the notyet approved \"kenoargentotennantite-(Zn)\".Its colour is black and the luster is metallic.In reflected light microscopy, kenoargentotennantite-(Fe) is isotropic, grey with greenish tints in colour.Reflectance values for the four COM wavelengths in air are [λ (nm): R (%)]: 470: 31.7;546: 30.6; 589: 29.8; 650: 28.5.Electron microprobe analysis (average of 6 spot analyses) gave (in wt%): Cu 20.39, Ag 27.21, Fe 3.90, Zn 1.45, Hg 4.28, As 11.99, Sb 8.28, S 22.21, total 99.71.The chemical formula, recalculated on the basis of ΣMe = 16 atoms per formula unit, is Cu 5.61(6) Ag 4.41(7) Fe 1.22(3) Zn 0.39(5) Hg 0.37(2) (As 2.80(4) Sb 1.19(4) )S 12.12(9) .Kenoargentotennantite-(Fe) is cubic, I 4 3m, with a = 10.3740(5)Å, V = 1116.45(16)Å 3 , Z = 2.The crystal structure of kenoargentotennantite-(Fe) has been refined by single-crystal Xray diffraction data to a final R 1 = 0.0404 on the basis of 374 reflections with F > 4σ F and 23 refined parameters.Kenoargentotennantite-(Fe) is isotypic with other members of the tetrahedrite group.Silver is hosted at the triangularly coordinated M(2) site, whereas the tetrahedrally coordinated M(1) site is occupied by Cu and Fe, with minor Zn and Hg.The S(2) site is mainly vacant, counterbalanced by the metal cluster [Ag 6 ] 4+ , thus reflecting the keno-nature of this new member of the tetrahedrite group.Along with argentotennantite-(Fe) and argentotennantite-(Zn), kenoargentotennantite-(Fe) belongs to the arsenofreibergite series.","author":[{"family":"Biagioni","given":"Cristian"},{"family":"Sejkora","given":"Jiří"},{"family":"Moëlo","given":"Yves"},{"family":"Makovicky","given":"E"},{"family":"Musetti","given":"Silvia"},{"family":"Pasero","given":"M"},{"family":"Dolníček","given":"Zdeněk"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1180/mgm.2026.10214","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2026.10214","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7140785125","type":"article-journal","title":"Maximum grain size record from sediments of a Czech headwater lake reveals precipitation patterns during the Allerød to Younger Dryas transition","abstract":"This study examines environmental changes recorded in the sediments of Plešné Lake (48°46.6’N, 13°51.9’E, Bohemian Forest, Czech Republic) between 13,200 and 12,200 cal yr BP, encompassing the Allerød-Younger Dryas (AL-YD) transition (∼12,900 years ago). Using sedimentological, geochemical, and chronological analyses, we reassess the prevailing interpretation of consistently arid conditions at the onset of the Younger Dryas (YD) and instead propose a more complex hydroclimatic pattern. We introduce a methodological innovation based on microscopic measurements of maximum grain sizes as a high-resolution proxy for precipitation intensity. The chronological framework integrates radiocarbon dating with the identification of the Laacher See cryptotephra, extending the known distribution of this important volcanic marker within the Bohemian Forest region. Our findings indicate an initial drying at the beginning of the YD followed by episodes of intense precipitation during the early YD, suggesting a two-phase model rather than uniformly arid conditions. An organic-rich layer spanning the AL-YD transition shows that organic accumulation began prior to both the tephra deposition and the YD onset. Geochemical analyses reveal a phosphorus anomaly and associated elemental patterns, likely reflecting a combination of volcanic input, acid rain-induced mobilization, and localized lacustrine processes. This suggests gradual environmental changes were already underway before these events. Several lines of evidence suggest that the Laacher See eruption (∼13 cal kyr BP), which preceded the YD onset by approximately 100–200 years, contributed to environmental stress in the region. Overall, these results highlight the complex nature of climate and environmental changes during the AL-YD transition, and provide local constraints that can be integrated into broader discussions of volcanic influences and hydroclimatic variability around the YD onset.","author":[{"family":"Kletetschka","given":"G"},{"family":"Vondrák","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Meier","given":"Verena"},{"family":"Hubáček","given":"Tomáš"},{"family":"Porcal","given":"Petr"},{"family":"Küpper","given":"Hendrik"},{"family":"Jan","given":"Jiří"},{"family":"Ballard","given":"Joanne"},{"family":"Löbelová-Švecová","given":"Eva"},{"family":"Takáč","given":"M"},{"family":"Smrčinová","given":"Lucie"},{"family":"Matoušková","given":"Šárka"},{"family":"Rohovec","given":"Jan"},{"family":"Stuchlík","given":"Evžen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fenvs.2026.1719593","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2026.1719593","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4417523935","type":"article-journal","title":"Coupling Liquid Chromatography to Orbitrap Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry: Overcoming Isotope Effects of Chromatography and Amount-Dependency by Peak Homogenization","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Electrospray ionization Orbitrap mass spectrometry (ESI-Orbitrap-MS) has recently proven to be a powerful tool for compound- and position-specific stable isotope analysis, targeting isotopologues of multiple elements (H, C, N, O, S) in polar analytes. However, studies have so far mainly focused on pure analyte solutions via direct infusion. Here, we present the online coupling of liquid chromatography (LC) to ESI-Orbitrap-MS for stable isotope analysis of sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a synthetic antimicrobial, used as a model compound. Our study explored the fidelity of isotope values with two strategies for capturing and broadening chromatographic peaks after LC. When capturing the target analyte in a capillary (0.7 mm inner diameter), peak shape was retained, resulting in systematic deviations in isotope values caused by isotope effects from chromatography of up to 70‰ and amount-dependency of up to 65‰. A dynamic mixing chamber was used to homogenize the target analyte upon elution, removing these deviations and resulting in stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotopologue ratios in various fragments of sulfamethoxazole across the chromatographic peak. Comparison with data from conventional magnetic sector isotope ratio mass spectrometry successfully calibrated the setup for carbon and sulfur isotope ratio analysis. This resulted in a precision for δ 13 C within the isoxazole moiety from SMX of 1.5‰ (95% confidence intervals CIs derived from uncertainties of sample ( n = 4) and reference ( n = 5)), and for δ 34 S in the SO 2 fragment of 0.9‰ (95% CI, derived again from uncertainties of sample ( n = 4) and reference ( n = 5)). This work paves the way for the online coupling of LC to ESI-Orbitrap-MS in future compound- and position-specific stable isotope analyses across various research fields.","author":[{"family":"Canavan","given":"Aoife"},{"family":"Prechtl","given":"Leonhard"},{"family":"Al-Ghoul","given":"Habib"},{"family":"Kuhlbusch","given":"Nils"},{"family":"Erhardt","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Elsner","given":"Martin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05530","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05530","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415720755","type":"article-journal","title":"Sporulation Abilities and Heat Resistance of Clostridium perfringens Strains Isolated from French Food Borne Outbreaks","abstract":"Clostridium perfringens is responsible for various diseases. Foodborne outbreaks (FBOs) result from the in situ production of C. perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) by type F strains during sporulation. The cpe gene can be plasmidic (p-cpe) or chromosomal (c-cpe). Strains (c-cpe) exhibit greater heat resistance and are frequently associated with FBO. Strains cpe-negative are considered heat-sensitive. This study investigates the sporulation abilities and heat resistance of eight C. perfringens strains isolated from French foodborne outbreaks. Whole-genome sequencing classified the strains into two clades: the “chromosomal cpe clade,”, mainly composed of cpe-positive strains with c-cpe and some cpe-negative strains, and the “plasmidic cpe clade,”, primarily containing cpe-negative strains and a few with plasmid-borne cpe. Sporulation assays and thermal inactivation kinetics were performed on FBO strains to evaluate the influence of genetic variability on sporulation abilities and heat resistance. Experimental analyses revealed that strains within the “chromosomal cpe clade” exhibited the highest sporulation abilities, regardless of cpe presence, while those in the “plasmidic cpe clade” had low sporulation ability. Moreover, heat-resistant spores were produced exclusively by strains of the “chromosomal cpe clade,” with c-cpe strains exhibiting the highest heat resistance (δ95 °C ≈ 49 min), followed by cpe-negative strains (δ95 °C ≈ 9.5 min). p-cpe strains exhibited a heat-sensitive phenotype, with δ85 °C values of 12 min. A key finding of this study is the identification of a group with intermediate heat resistance, distinct from the highly heat-resistant (c-cpe) and heat-sensitive (p-cpe) strains. This intermediate heat-resistance phenotype, observed in cpe-negative strains within the “chromosomal cpe clade,” offers a new perspective on C. perfringens stress adaptation, suggesting their potential for persistence in food. Their heat resistance, along with the potential for cpe gene transfer, could make these strains a relevant hazard for cooked, cooled, and re-heated meat products.","author":[{"family":"Firmesse","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Maladen","given":"Véronique"},{"family":"Bourelle","given":"William"},{"family":"Fédérighi","given":"Michel"},{"family":"Tran","given":"Christina"},{"family":"Mtimet","given":"Narjes"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/foods14213735","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14213735","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414326426","type":"article-journal","title":"Prebiotic Roles of Formaldehyde as an Activating Agent and a Building Block in Solid-State Peptide Modification","abstract":"Signal transduction by gaseous small molecules is an essential process in modern living systems, where the gasotransmitters relay cellular signals to bio-(macro)-molecules through covalent bond formation. However, the origin or a primordial version of such signaling events in abiotic worlds has been poorly understood to date. Through examination of chemical reactivities between formaldehyde and cyclic dipeptide/diketopiperazine derivatives in prebiotically relevant solid-state environments, this study demonstrates that the gaseous small molecule may serve not only as a mere building block for the abiotic construction of biomolecules but also as an activating agent that transforms the inert peptide into reactive, prebiotically important chemical species. In addition, superiority of solid-state reactions or mechanochemistry to solution-based reaction conditions described in this article may be an indication of potential significance of the mechanical force-induced chemistry for chemical evolution, in particular for abiotic emergence of polypeptides.","author":[{"family":"Thuan","given":"Jamie"},{"family":"Koirala","given":"Anuja"},{"family":"Pirez","given":"James"},{"family":"Ohata","given":"Jun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.5c00167","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.5c00167","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7125219454","type":"article-journal","title":"Crossing boundaries: Brachinites and their diverse asteroidal origins","abstract":"Brachinite meteorites are typically linked to the olivine-rich A-type asteroids. In this study, however, they appear to exhibit unexpected spectral diversity. Spectroscopic analysis of seven meteorites from the brachinite clan reveals two distinct populations in band parameters, overlapping with both the A-type and S-complex asteroids. This dual association shows that a single meteorite group can originate from multiple asteroid taxonomies. Notably, one S-complex-like specimen, Northwest Africa (NWA) 14,635, displays band parameters similar to those of asteroid (65803) Didymos, the target of the European Space Agency's (ESA) ongoing Hera mission. These results underscore the value of spectroscopic characterization of poorly understood meteorite groups and identifying potential analogs that are highly relevant for current and future mission planning. • We measure the spectroscopic properties of the brachinite clan. • The clan can be split into two, showing affinities to the A-type and S-complex asteroids. • Indicating that a single meteorite group can be linked with multiple asteroid types. • NWA 14635 demonstrates band structure parameters similar to the asteroid Didymos. • This implies that Didymos may not be simply chondritic in nature.","author":[{"family":"Rider-Stokes","given":"BG"},{"family":"Davies","given":"FA"},{"family":"Burbine","given":"TH"},{"family":"Maclennan","given":"Eric"},{"family":"Greenwood","given":"RC"},{"family":"Jackson","given":"SL"},{"family":"Anand","given":"M"},{"family":"Sheikh","given":"D"},{"family":"Grady","given":"MM"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.icarus.2026.116965","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2026.116965","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7167834484","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbial diversity, functional potential, and antimicrobial resistance across soil depth in fire-affected rotational shifting cultivation soils","abstract":"Abstract Charcoal-rich surface hosts distinct, low-evenness microbiome. Nitrogen-fixing taxa peak in the nutrient-leaching layer. Sharp vertical shift from copiotrophs to oligotrophs with depth. Surface soils act as hotspots of methane and nitrogen transformations. AMR genes persist across depths without anthropogenic inputs. Fire is a recurring disturbance in rotational shifting cultivation (RSC) system, yet the depth-related organization of soil microbial communities in these systems remains poorly understood. This study investigated microbial diversity, functional potential, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in relation to soil depth and fire legacy in fire-affected RSC soils of northern Thailand using metagenomic sequencing. Soil samples were collected from three depth layers: the charcoal-mixed surface (CS, 0–2 cm), nutrient-leaching (N, 10–20 cm), and deep (D, 100 cm) horizons. Results revealed significant depth-dependent variation in soil physicochemical properties, microbial diversity, and taxonomic composition. The CS layer exhibited higher nutrient content and metabolic activity but lower Shannon diversity and evenness compared with deeper soils. Actinomycetota and Bacillota dominated surface soils, while Acidobacteriota and Pseudomonadota were enriched in subsoils, indicating a transition from copiotrophic to oligotrophic communities with increasing depth. Functional gene profiles (COG and KEGG) demonstrated strong vertical differentiation: surface soils were enriched in genes for amino acid metabolism, nutrient transport, and energy production, whereas deeper layers showed higher abundances of genes associated with DNA repair, replication, and stress tolerance. Functional genes linked to carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus cycles displayed clear stratification, with surface layers supporting greater biogeochemical activity. AMR genes, particularly those conferring resistance to Rifamycin, Macrolide , and Glycopeptide antibiotics, were most abundant in the D horizon. These patterns were observed in fire-affected RSC soils and are associated with both soil depth and fire legacy, and may reflect microbial responses to environmental stress conditions.","author":[{"family":"Arunrat","given":"Noppol"},{"family":"Mhuantong","given":"Wuttichai"},{"family":"Sereenonchai","given":"Sukanya"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s42832-026-0468-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s42832-026-0468-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7138859639","type":"article-journal","title":"Sustainable Concrete Mix Designs: Multiobjective Optimization through Machine Learning Approaches","abstract":"Developing concrete mix designs that enhance structural performance while reducing environmental impact is vital for achieving sustainable construction. This study utilizes multiobjective optimization and machine learning (ML) that aim to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production by utilizing industrial by-products (e.g., slag and fly ash) as replacements for cement without compromising concrete strength. A data set of 1,105 observations detailing mix compositions, ages, and compressive strengths was utilized to train and test various ML models, including neural networks (NN). The NN model, optimized using grid search, random search, and Bayesian optimization, demonstrated superior performance with an R2 value of 0.89 for compressive strength prediction. The model was further validated using material compositions and compressive strength tests not included in the training or verification data sets. A key innovation of this research lies in applying dimensionality reduction and multiobjective optimization techniques to navigate the trade-off between compressive strength and environmental impact. The Pareto front was generated, highlighting optimal concrete mix designs that achieve compressive strength requirements while reducing carbon emissions by 30%–70%. This design space, derived through ML, enables engineers to make informed decisions about designing sustainable, high-performing concrete mixtures. The findings underscore the drastic potential of ML in advancing sustainable construction practices, achieving structural quality, and mitigating the environmental footprint of building materials.","author":[{"family":"Hammoud","given":"Amer"},{"family":"Karaki","given":"Ayman"},{"family":"Dujovic","given":"Milos"},{"family":"Battalgazy","given":"Bekassyl"},{"family":"Arroyave","given":"Raymundo"},{"family":"Masad","given":"Eyad"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1061/jccee5.cpeng-6748","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1061/jccee5.cpeng-6748","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7133128049","type":"article-journal","title":"Seasonal Dynamics of Sediment Microbial Communities in Glacial Lakes","abstract":"High-altitude lakes are sensitive sentinels of climate change, and yet the microbial processes driving biogeochemical cycles under warming remain poorly understood. Seasonal dynamics of sediment microbial communities in four glacial lakes within the cirques of the Seven Rila Lakes (Rila Mountains, Bulgaria) were investigated during June, August, and October 2024. Environmental monitoring showed pronounced seasonal variability with summer peaks in temperature, dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen, and increased inputs of labile organic matter. Multivariate analyses revealed strong seasonal structuring of microbial assemblages, with the largest shifts occurring between the early ice-free season and summer. Archaeal communities were dominated by Halobacteriota over time, whereas lake warming corresponded to a shift from early-season dominance of Actinomycetota and Bacillota to the summer prevalence of Pseudomonadota and Cyanobacteriota, as well as a proliferation of minor phyla Gemmatimonadota. At the genus level, summer enrichment of archaeal methanogen Methanosaeta and bacterial genera Paucibacter, Ca. Accumulibacter, Methylibium, Crenothrix, and Pseudanabaena was observed. Canonical correspondence analysis identified temperature and nutrient availability as the primary drivers of microbial community restructuring. Our results provide empirical evidence that warming and associated changes in organic matter inputs drive shifts in sediment microbial communities, with direct implications for carbon cycling and methane production. Additionally, the results highlight the sensitivity of high-altitude lakes to global warming and emphasize the critical role of microbial communities in modulating ecosystem responses to climate change.","author":[{"family":"Angelova","given":"Boyanka"},{"family":"Boteva","given":"Silvena"},{"family":"Traykov","given":"Ivan"},{"family":"Tsvetkov","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Kenarova","given":"Anelia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/w18050592","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/w18050592","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7117365105","type":"article-journal","title":"Identification of diagenetic overprint and recrystallization of foraminiferal shell calcite by Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD)","abstract":"Abstract. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements and data evaluation render the mode of crystal organization in the scanned sample volume, many crystallographic attributes of the comprising crystals and structural information of the entire hard tissue. Knowledge is gained on crystal microstructure, crystal texture, degree of misorientation and/or co-orientation between crystals, crystal-twin-formation, among others. As foraminiferal Ca-carbonate records chemical and physical parameters of the ambient environment, the shells serve as archives for environmental and climate change. However, the recorded information is often biased due to the alteration of shell Ca-carbonate by dissolution, precipitation, recrystallization, and the transformation of the biocrystals into their inorganic analogues. We demonstrate that the diagenetic overprint of foraminiferal Ca-carbonate can be identified using structural characteristics measured with EBSD and information obtained from the corresponding data evaluation. We investigated modern/pristine and fossil Trilobatus sacculifer shells and highlighted an undisturbed shell surface for both. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that there is an increase in recrystallized calcite in the shells and a decrease in pristine, twinned calcite with increasing fossilization. We show that crystal microstructure and texture, and the frequency of the 60°-{001}-twin-misorientation and other misorientations are modified with an increasing degree of overprint. We propose the use of structural attributes provided by EBSD to identify recrystallized/overprinted foraminiferal carbonate. Highlighting low degrees of overprint is of main importance as, in contrast to strong overprint, small structural changes of overprinted shells are easily overlooked with SEM-imaging, while even a minute change of shell microstructure and texture is easily identified with EBSD measurements.","author":[{"family":"Vaquer","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Griesshaber","given":"Erika"},{"family":"Meilland","given":"Julie"},{"family":"Yin","given":"Xiaofei"},{"family":"Siccha","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Kucera","given":"Michal"},{"family":"Schmahl","given":"Wolfgang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/egusphere-2025-6224","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-6224","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7156942488","type":"article-journal","title":"The Future of Rocky Worlds Exploration","abstract":"Abstract This article reviews the short-, medium-, and long-term prospects for characterizing rocky exoplanets, a central goal of contemporary astrophysics. The primary objectives are to determine whether these planets host atmospheres; if so, to constrain their molecular composition and search for potential biosignatures; if not, to infer their surface composition and thereby enabling a form of exo-geology. In the near term, the James Webb Space Telescope ( JWST ) will continue to lead this effort through photometric and spectroscopic observations of transits, eclipses, and phase curves, primarily targeting rocky exoplanets orbiting M dwarfs, including a limited number within their habitable zones. By the early 2030s, Giant Segmented-Mirror Telescopes (GSMTs) will provide the combination of high angular resolution, high contrast, and high spectral resolution needed to characterize rocky exoplanets around nearby M dwarfs via direct imaging, significantly broadening the accessible target sample and enabling detailed atmospheric and surface studies. Extending these investigations to rocky exoplanets orbiting solar-type stars, particularly those within habitable zones, will require the launch of next-generation space observatories in the 2040s, such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory ( HWO ), optimized for ultraviolet-to-near-infrared observations, and the Large Interferometer For Exoplanets ( LIFE ), designed for mid-infrared interferometry. In parallel, characterizing the broader planetary environment — including host stars and additional companions — will provide essential context. Missions such as Gaia (astrometric detection of companions), PLATO , Earth 2.0 (stellar characterization via asteroseismology), and Ariel (population-level atmospheric studies) will offer critical complementary insights into the architectures and habitability of nearby planetary systems.","author":[{"family":"Lagage","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Mandell","given":"Avi"},{"family":"Giménez","given":"Àlvaro"},{"family":"Angerhausen","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Bolmont","given":"Emeline"},{"family":"Ducrot","given":"Elsa"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Renyu"},{"family":"Roberge","given":"Aki"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-026-01297-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-026-01297-4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7131289529","type":"article-journal","title":"Reassessing the origin of organic compounds in Mariana forearc serpentinite mud volcanoes: insights from isotopologue and molecular signatures","abstract":"Abstract Serpentinization-associated geofluid systems are thought to facilitate the abiotic synthesis of organic compounds, which may have played a key role in the prebiotic chemical evolution on the early Earth. The Mariana convergent margin hosts one of the serpentinization-associated systems, which has evolved into serpentinite mud volcanoes at the forearc region. Previous investigations have revealed abundant hydrocarbons and other organic compounds in the Mariana geofluid systems, but their origin, whether abiogenic or not, remains controversial owing to the potential input of organic-rich materials from the subducting slab. In this study, we collected serpentinite mud samples from two Mariana mud volcanoes, the South-Chamorro and Asùt Tesoru seamounts, using a deep-sea boring machine system, with the deepest core from 33.7 m below the seafloor. Consistent with prior scientific-drilling-based observations from the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Expedition 195 and the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expeditions 366, the high pH and negligible abundance of Mg coupled with patterns of major ions species in the deep parts of cores indicate that the upwelling pristine fluids were recovered successfully. To elucidate the origin of organics in the muds, the doubly-substituted (clumped) isotopologue of ethane ( 13 C 2 H 6 ) and conventional isotopic compositions of various hydrocarbons were analyzed. In addition, the characteristic patterns of long-chain alkanes, fatty acids, and amino acids were examined to assess the origin of organic compounds other than ethane. The clumped isotopologue signatures of ethane indicated the biotic source with thermal diagenesis. Similar signatures, indicating the thermal maturation of biotic organic matter, are further observed in the polyphasic analyzes: the high concentrations of ammonium and the predominance of even-numbered carbon chains in both aliphatic hydrocarbons with the unresolved complex mixture and long-chain fatty acids. These results indicate that a major part of the indigenous organic compounds in the Mariana serpentinite mud volcanoes is derived from thermogenic alteration of subducting organic matter rather than from abiotic synthesis. Although distinguishing the source of methane, the most abundant hydrocarbon, is challenging, its thermogenic provenance seems to be very likely because all other abundant organic matter represents the biotic origin that have undergone thermal maturation. Our study shows that multiple proxies are necessary critically to distinguish organic molecule sources; otherwise, the abiotic synthesis of organic matter in the Earth’s crust may be overestimated.","author":[{"family":"Taguchi","given":"Koudai"},{"family":"Kawagucci","given":"Shinsuke"},{"family":"Gilbert","given":"Alexis"},{"family":"Ueno","given":"Yuichiro"},{"family":"Matsui","given":"Yohei"},{"family":"Takano","given":"Yoshinori"},{"family":"Tasumi","given":"Eiji"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Masayuki"},{"family":"Makabe","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Junichi"},{"family":"Sawada","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Takahata","given":"Naoto"},{"family":"Takai","given":"K"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40645-026-00806-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40645-026-00806-x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4417431750","type":"article-journal","title":"Wavelength Requirements for Life Detection via Reflected Light Spectroscopy of Rocky Exoplanets","abstract":"Searching for signs of life is a primary goal of the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). However, merely detecting oxygen, methane, or other widely discussed biosignatures is insufficient evidence for a biosphere. In parallel with biosignature detection, exoplanet life detection additionally requires characterization of the broader physicochemical context to evaluate planetary habitability and the plausibility that life could produce a particular biosignature in a given environment. Life detection further requires that we can confidently rule out photochemical or geological phenomena that can mimic life (i.e., “false positives”). Evaluating false-positive scenarios may require different observatory specifications than biosignature detection surveys. Here, we explore the coronagraph requirements for assessing habitability and for cautiously excluding known false-positive (and false-negative) scenarios for oxygen and methane, the two most widely discussed biosignatures for Earth-like exoplanets. We find that broad wavelength coverage ranging from the near ultraviolet (UV; 0.26 µm) and extending into the near infrared (NIR; 1.7 µm) is necessary to contextualize these potential biosignatures with HWO. The short-wavelength cutoff is driven by the need to identify Proterozoic-like biospheres via O 3 , whereas the long-wavelength cutoff is driven by the need to contextualize O 2 and CH 4 biosignatures via constraints on carbon-bearing atmospheric species. The ability to obtain spectra with signal-to-noise ratios of 20–40 across this 0.26–1.7 µm range (assuming R = 7 UV, R = 140 VIS, and R = 70 NIR) is also required. While not every Earth-analog biosignature and false positive can be unambiguously identified with these capabilities—and the plausibility and contextual clues of many biosignature false positives remain an area of active research—our minimal spectral recommendations would enable a broad search for Earth-like life assuming such observations are achievable for a statistically meaningful number of HWO targets.","author":[{"family":"Krissansentotton","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Ulses","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Frissell","given":"Maxwell"},{"family":"Gilbert-Janizek","given":"Samantha"},{"family":"Young","given":"A"},{"family":"Lustigyaeger","given":"Jacob"},{"family":"Robinson","given":"Tyler"},{"family":"Olson","given":"Stephanie"},{"family":"Alei","given":"Eleonora"},{"family":"Arney","given":"Giada"},{"family":"Hagee","given":"Celeste"},{"family":"Harman","given":"Chester"},{"family":"Hinkel","given":"Natalie"},{"family":"Laflèche","given":"Émilie"},{"family":"Latouf","given":"Natasha"},{"family":"Mandell","given":"Avi"},{"family":"Moussa","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Parenteau","given":"Niki"},{"family":"Ranjan","given":"Sukrit"},{"family":"Russell","given":"Blair"},{"family":"Schwieterman","given":"Edward"},{"family":"Sousasilva","given":"Clara"},{"family":"Tokadjian","given":"Armen"},{"family":"Wogan","given":"Nicholas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1177/15311074261477497","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15311074261477497","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7128603070","type":"article-journal","title":"Quantifying Vein Network Permeability in Dehydrated Serpentinites Using Thermodynamics and Generative AI","abstract":"Abstract Fluids released from subducting hydrated rocks influence volcanism, tectonics, and geochemical cycling, but the mechanisms of fluid escape in subduction zones remain poorly understood. We address this issue by investigating the Erro‐Tobbio meta‐serpentinites (ET‐MS), Italy, exhumed serpentinite rocks that preserve extensive dehydration vein networks formed by the porosity‐generating breakdown of antigorite and brucite. We characterized the structure and morphology of these self‐organized vein networks and evaluated their hydrodynamic properties using a novel approach. Specifically, we combined X‐ray tomography and drone imagery with generative machine learning, electron microscopy, and equilibrium thermodynamics to model and analyze fluid pathways in the ET‐MS. In both natural and simulated samples, these dehydration vein networks act as efficient drainage systems, enabling rapid fluid percolation even at porosities below 1%. The maximum network permeability is , several orders of magnitude higher than that of intact serpentinite. Fe‐rich olivine and monticellite occur alongside relict brucite and magnetite in these veins. This assemblage indicates that the high permeability arises from porosity localized along brucite‐ and magnetite‐rich veins, where infiltration of reducing fluids enhanced dehydration reactions. These findings demonstrate that serpentinite dehydration in subduction zones can produce flow‐optimized vein structures that efficiently channel fluids at low porosity, potentially influencing fluid migration on local to regional scales before widespread dehydration occurs.","author":[{"family":"Arias","given":"Austin"},{"family":"Eberhard","given":"Lisa"},{"family":"Beinlich","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"John","given":"T"},{"family":"Kotowski","given":"Alissa"},{"family":"Plümper","given":"Oliver"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2025jb032776","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2025jb032776","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7116728520","type":"article-journal","title":"Review of Analytical Lithium Detection and Quantification Methods Along the Lithium Value Chain","abstract":"ABSTRACT With the invention of the lithium‐ion battery, the demand for lithium raw materials is increasing due to the electrification of the transport sector (EV batteries) and the expansion of renewable energies and their storage. Technological progress is accompanied by new demands on analytical methods for lithium, particularly with respect to spatially resolved analysis. Knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of the existing methods is important for a wide range of disciplines involved in lithium extraction and processing, from geoscience to battery manufacturing and recycling. Parameters such as spatial resolution, detection limits, and analytical uncertainty vary greatly across a wide range of commonly used methods. This article reviews a selection of suitable state‐of‐the‐art analytical methods for different scales of spatial resolution and detection of lithium for a variety of lithium‐bearing materials along the lithium value chain. The various materials differ greatly in terms of their lithium content by more than 5 orders of magnitude and also vary in their structural composition. Moreover, the spatial resolution required for any particular application is highly variable. Therefore, we emphasize that it is advisable to consider the combination of lithium detection limits with the spatial resolution of all relevant methods to develop the most suitable approach to address any task of lithium analysis. In many cases, it will be necessary to use a combination of methods to fully characterize a geological or artificial lithium‐bearing material. We also note that the availability of suitable reference materials, which is a prerequisite for accurate quantification across different lithium concentration ranges and matrices, and the lack of standardized procedures for lithium content determinations present an important research gap that requires the community's attention.","author":[{"family":"Kropp","given":"Nico"},{"family":"Halama","given":"Ralf"},{"family":"Wehrspohn","given":"Ralf"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1002/appl.70057","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/appl.70057","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7171993826","type":"article-journal","title":"GGR Handbook of Rock and Mineral Analysis Chapter 24 Multiple Collector ICP ‐ MS : Technological Advances in High Precision Isotope Ratio Measurements Across the Periodic Table","abstract":"This chapter (Multiple Collector ICP‐MS: Technological advances in high precision isotope ratio measurements across the Periodic Table) is a contribution to the Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research Handbook of Rock and Mineral Analysis – an online textbook that is a fully revised and updated edition of A Handbook of Silicate Rock Analysis (P. J. Potts, 1987, Blackie, Glasgow). Chapter 24 (contributing to Section 4 of the handbook dealing with techniques for age determination and isotope ratio measurement) describes how MC‐ICP‐MS has, since its first commercialisation about three decades ago, become one of the most widely used platforms in Earth sciences and beyond for producing isotope ratio data across much of the periodic table. The success of MC‐ICP‐MS relies on continuing technological developments, which have allowed the measurement of increasingly diverse isotope compositions at ever‐improving precision. In this review article, we describe the fundamentals of the original technology and the developments that continue to render MC‐ICP‐MS cutting edge instrumentation. We outline the strategies for data processing and sample introduction that can be chosen depending on the type of element and isotope measurement that is targeted. We also provide a broad overview of the applications that have followed as the technology became increasingly powerful. These include radiogenic, nucleosynthetic, cosmogenic and stable isotope measurements. Finally, we discuss some of the latest advances in MC‐ICP‐MS technology including collision reaction cell applications and triple isotope measurements that can distinguish different isotope fractionation mechanisms.","author":[{"family":"Nielsen","given":"Sune"},{"family":"Heard","given":"Andy"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Justin"},{"family":"Rehkämper","given":"Mark"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1111/ggr.70056","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ggr.70056","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7143823442","type":"article-journal","title":"Two-Dimensional Layered Materials in Photoelectrocatalysis: A Review on Energy Conversion and Environmental Remediation","abstract":"Photoelectrochemical (PEC) technology serves as a pivotal pathway for converting solar energy into chemical fuels, demonstrating significant potential in addressing global energy crises and environmental challenges. Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials have garnered extensive attention in PEC research due to their unique structural characteristics, such as high specific surface area, efficient charge transport capabilities, and tunable electronic properties. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the application of 2D materials in PEC systems, including metal oxyhalides, MXenes, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and layered double hydroxides (LDHs), with a focus on their design, performance optimization, and implementation in energy conversion and environmental remediation. The article highlights key modification strategies for enhancing the PEC performance of 2D materials, such as photosensitizer decoration, elemental doping, and heterojunction engineering, which collectively contribute to improved light absorption, facilitated charge separation and transport, and accelerated surface reaction kinetics. Furthermore, diverse applications of 2D materials in PEC water splitting, CO2 reduction, nitrogen reduction, organic pollutant degradation, and biosensing are summarized. Despite remarkable progress, the practical application of 2D materials in PEC systems still faces challenges related to conversion efficiency, operational stability, and cost-effectiveness. Future efforts should prioritize the development of novel robust materials, the integration of advanced in situ characterization and theoretical simulations to elucidate underlying mechanisms, and the fabrication of PEC devices resistant to electrochemical corrosion. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation, 2D materials are poised to play a crucial role in advancing green energy conversion and sustainable chemical production.","author":[{"family":"Xu","given":"Penghui"},{"family":"Niu","given":"Hao"},{"family":"He","given":"Yuanping"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Yongfang"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Qiuhong"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yang"},{"family":"Bai","given":"Xiao"},{"family":"Peng","given":"Yung"},{"family":"Bao","given":"Tongjun"},{"family":"Liang","given":"Yanli"},{"family":"Feng","given":"Deqiang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Jianhua"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Yufei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.53941/photocatalysis.2026.100003","URL":"https://doi.org/10.53941/photocatalysis.2026.100003","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7125709974","type":"article-journal","title":"Preliminary Study of Potential Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria Identified by 16S rRNA Sequencing in Haina Port Water Samples, Dominican Republic","abstract":"Microorganisms live in a wide range of environments, performing diverse roles either independently or in association with other organisms forming consortia. This study is focused on those with the ability to bioremediate environments contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), that is, the case of bacteria, fungi, algae, and consortia. PHC contamination constitutes a major global environmental issue, and presents a serious ecological risk. This research was conducted in the coastal waters of Haina Port (Dominican Republic) and the main objective was to characterise the bacterial communities with bioremediation capacity by sequencing the 16S rRNA. The samples were collected in sterile conditions, and physicochemical and molecular analyses were conducted. The results revealed the composition and distribution of bacterial communities in the area. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria is the dominant group, accounting for 70–90% of the community. At the class level, Gammaproteobacteria is the predominant group, followed by Alphaproteobacteria which ranks second in relative abundance. Bacillaceae appears as the most abundant family at most points. This 16S rRNA survey provides a taxonomic baseline of the microbial community, identifying taxa with documented degradative potential. Future functional analyses and culture studies are required to quantify and confirm the active metabolic pathways of the detected microorganisms.","author":[{"family":"Mena","given":"Y"},{"family":"Navarro-Pedreño","given":"José"},{"family":"Hernández-Martich","given":"JD"},{"family":"Jordán","given":"Manuel"},{"family":"Sala-Sala","given":"Víctor"},{"family":"Gómez-Lucas","given":"Ignacio"},{"family":"Pérez-Gimeno","given":"Ana"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/w18030307","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/w18030307","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7148609681","type":"article-journal","title":"Direct Samples of Interstellar and Interplanetary Material with IMAP","abstract":"The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration (IMAP) mission probes the interaction between our heliosphere and the interstellar medium (ISM) in unprecedented detail. The broad science that IMAP addresses has been organized into three distinct science themes: A) Acceleration and the broader context of the solar wind and space weather; B) Exploring the outer heliosphere through energetic neutral atoms, and C) Sampling of the interstellar and interplanetary material. This paper summarizes the scientific goals of the latter theme and identifies the key scientific opportunities for IMAP available due to its unique ability to directly sample the interstellar and interplanetary material from 1 au. It is organized into three broad scientific questions that directly relate to IMAP's science objectives: 1) What is the state of the pristine upstream LISM and how does it relate to its origins and evolution? 2) How does the VLISM interact with the heliosphere? 3) How does interstellar material, as well as interplanetary dust, affect the near-Sun environment?","author":[{"family":"Szalay","given":"JR"},{"family":"Provornikova","given":"Elena"},{"family":"Ayari","given":"Ethan"},{"family":"Bzowski","given":"M"},{"family":"Christian","given":"ER"},{"family":"Funsten","given":"HO"},{"family":"Galli","given":"A"},{"family":"Gkioulidou","given":"M"},{"family":"Horányi","given":"M"},{"family":"Livi","given":"S"},{"family":"Mccomas","given":"DJ"},{"family":"Möbius","given":"E"},{"family":"Ogasawara","given":"K"},{"family":"Rahmanifard","given":"F"},{"family":"Rankin","given":"JS"},{"family":"Reisenfeld","given":"DB"},{"family":"Schwadron","given":"NA"},{"family":"Sternovsky","given":"Z"},{"family":"Swaczyna","given":"P"},{"family":"Turner","given":"D"},{"family":"Zank","given":"GP"},{"family":"Zirnstein","given":"EJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-026-01291-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-026-01291-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7160102666","type":"article-journal","title":"Decoding the mechanical property “genome” of Chang’e-5 lunar regolith","abstract":"Abstract The mechanical properties of lunar regolith constitute the engineering foundation for lunar bases and in-situ resource utilization. Yet, the micromechanical “genome” of lunar regolith—its fundamental structure-property relationships—has remained largely un-decoded. A central question in extraterrestrial materials science is whether the intrinsic mechanical behavior of lunar regolith particles—highly complex products of space weathering—aligns with universal physical principles governing terrestrial granular media. Here, we investigated a single lunar particle returned by China’s Chang’e-5 mission through multi-scale structural analysis and high-throughput nanoindentation, quantitatively mapping the interplay between mineral phase, microstructure, and mechanical performance. Furthermore, we report the discovery of universal scaling laws that relate hardness to the reduced Young’s modulus and fracture toughness to Young’s modulus, which stem from composition- and structure-driven divergences in the elastic/plastic deformation mechanisms of the constituent minerals. Our findings not only provide a physical basis for predicting the macroscopic behavior of lunar regolith but also open new avenues for the design of future extraterrestrial exploration engineering missions.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Yiwei"},{"family":"He","given":"Yizhuo"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Songzheng"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Guanghui"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Guanghui"},{"family":"Tian","given":"Ziwei"},{"family":"Pang","given":"Ronghua"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Xin"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Guodong"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yang"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Hanyu"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Guang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Peng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s44453-026-00035-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s44453-026-00035-y","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406125016","type":"article-journal","title":"Search for pre‐accretionary irradiation effects in calcium‐aluminum inclusions from the CV3 chondrite Allende","abstract":"Abstract Calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) are the first objects that formed in the solar accretion disk and therefore provide valuable insights into the evolution of the early solar system. A long‐standing question regarding this earliest formative period relates to the storage of CAIs in the 1–4 Myr time period between their formation and later accretion into chondrite parent bodies. Were the CAIs stored in a pre‐existing parent body, or in distant parts of the solar accretion disk? In the latter scenario, CAIs might have been exposed to cosmic rays, either from the galaxy or from the Sun and such pre‐accretion irradiation effects might be detectable. We searched for such pre‐accretional irradiation effects in 7 fine‐ and 11 coarse‐grained CAIs from the CV 3.6 carbonaceous chondrite Allende. The extracted samples were analyzed for their major chemical composition and all samples were analyzed using μCT techniques. Using physical model calculations, 21Necos and (22Ne/21Ne)cos production rate ratios were calculated for each CAI by fully considering their individual chemical composition. Measured He, Ne, Ar, and Kr isotope compositions of the CAIs show cosmogenic signals; clear signals for He and Ne isotopes; and detectable signals for some of the Ar and Kr isotopes. In addition, most samples show clear indications for radiogenic 4He and some samples show evidence for radiogenic 40Ar. Higher 36Ar/38Ar, 22Ne/21Ne, 80Kr/84Kr, and 82Kr/84Kr ratios together with lower cosmogenic 38Arcos concentrations in fine‐grained CAIs compared to coarse‐grained CAIs are consistent with more alteration of the former compared to the latter. The CRE ages for the CAIs range between 4.12 ± 0.41 Myr and 6.40 ± 0.63 Myr. Statistical tests indicate that the data are normally distributed with no outliers, indicating that all CAIs share a common irradiation history, likely the irradiation in the Allende meteoroid. The average CRE age of 4.87 ± 0.19 Myr agrees with the nominally accepted CRE age of Allende of ~5.2 Myr. There is no correlation between 21Necos concentrations and indicators of aqueous alteration like Na and/or U concentrations. The lack of correlation together with the finding of normally distributed modeled CRE ages indicates that either none of the studied CAIs experienced a pre‐accretion irradiation before parent body compaction and/or that any pre‐accretion irradiation effects have been completely erased during aqueous alteration events. Taking alteration aside, the findings are not in favor of X‐wind type models but are more consistent with the idea of CAI outward transport in an expanding disk.","author":[{"family":"Ghaznavi","given":"Parastoo"},{"family":"Burkhardt","given":"Christoph"},{"family":"Tissot","given":"François"},{"family":"Leya","given":"I"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14300","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14300","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7127059946","type":"article-journal","title":"Origins, evolutions, and future directions of Landsat science products for advancing global inland water and coastal ocean observations","abstract":"Abstract. In April 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center introduced a Level 2 provisional Aquatic Reflectance (AR) product for the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI), marking the initial phase in developing a standardized global product for Landsat-derived surface water measurements. The goal of USGS EROS aquatic product research and development is to prepare for an operational processing architecture for Landsat Collection 3 in the late 2020s that will enable use of quality-controlled data for emerging Landsat aquatic science applications. To achieve this, we released a subset of the Landsat 8/9 provisional AR products (Crawford et al., 2025, https://doi.org/10.5066/P14MBBRM) and examined its general performance through the Science Algorithms to Operations (SATO) framework alongside quantitative assessment using community made inland water data records (GLObal Reflectance community dataset for Imaging and optical sensing of Aquatic environments, GLORIA) and radiometric coastal validation platforms (NASA's Ocean Color component of the Aerosol Robotic Network, AERONET-OC). Variability within the validation datasets indicate that the performance of the Landsat 8/9 provisional AR retrieval is highly context-dependent; errors are minimal in optically simple waters (e.g., clear to moderately turbid coastal waters) but increase considerably in optically complex waters where factors such as elevated levels of turbidity, chlorophyll (Chl a) concentrations, or colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) dominate the water column. Additionally, this paper examines key algorithmic considerations for atmospheric correction, highlighting factors that influence accuracy, scalability, and computational efficiency necessary for collection processing in the operational Landsat Product Generation System (LPGS). This paper is intended to communicate with aquatic scientists, satellite oceanographers, and the broader Earth observation community on the origins, requirements, challenges, successes, and future objectives for operationalizing global AR data products for Landsat satellite missions.","author":[{"family":"Page","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Crawford","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Arab","given":"Saeed"},{"family":"Schmidt","given":"Gail"},{"family":"Barnes","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Wellington","given":"Danika"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/essd-18-779-2026","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-779-2026","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7204215758","type":"article-journal","title":"Martian Dust Exposure Limits: Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), Toxicological Risks, and Health Standards for Martian Dust as Discussed By the Mars Dust Working Group (February 20 and 27, 2026)","abstract":"Human exploration of Mars will expose crews to a persistent, fine particulate environment whose physicochemical properties and health implications remain only partly understood. Because no samples of authentic Martian airborne dust have been returned to Earth, NASA must rely on lunar dust toxicology, Martian regolith simulants, and extensive rover/lander geochemical and mineralogical datasets to develop an initial, risk‑informed Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). Across two working sessions, panel members reviewed mission architecture drivers, the current scientific understanding of Martian dust composition and behavior, and the toxicological evidence base supporting the establishment of a Mars dust PEL. Discussions emphasized the critical interplay between dust standards and Mars mission design elements including Extravehicular Activity (EVA) cadence, dust ingress characteristics, and the performance of habitat environmental control systems; these features highlight the need for a limit that is conservative, verifiable, and adaptable as the Mars architecture evolves.","author":[{"family":"Ebert","given":"Douglas"},{"family":"Lowe","given":"Kim"},{"family":"Francisco","given":"David"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.64631/drmq1173","URL":"https://doi.org/10.64631/drmq1173","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412364531","type":"article-journal","title":"Research and prospect of ground-penetrating radar on the Moon","abstract":"Abstract Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has become a pivotal tool in lunar geological exploration, providing direct insight into the Moon's subsurface structure. This review provides a focused summary of GPR applications in the Apollo 17, Kaguya, and Chang'e lunar missions, synthesizing their key scientific findings and technological advancements. In terms of scientific discoveries, GPR observations have revealed a lunar subsurface far more complex than previously thought, characterized by a multi-layered stratigraphy of volcanic deposits, impact ejecta, and ancient buried regolith. Furthermore, GPR has identified numerous unique subsurface features, including lava tubes, buried impact craters, and bifurcated structures. Notably, radar data reveal that the lunar farside's regolith exhibits significantly lower attenuation of radio waves than the nearside's, due to its lower iron and titanium oxide content, which allows for greater penetration depths. The paper also highlights recent advances in lunar GPR data processing, including forward modeling, improved dielectric property estimation through methods such as hyperbolic fitting and direct comparison with returned samples, and the application of advanced migration and machine learning-based imaging methodologies. These techniques have been crucial for converting radar travel times to depth, enhancing image resolution, and accurately characterizing lunar materials. Different GPR systems offer a trade-off between penetration depth and resolution. Orbital sounders can see deep into the subsurface with low resolution, whereas surface rovers provide high-resolution data limited to shallow depths. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the lunar subsurface requires a multi-frequency, data-fusion approach. Looking ahead, GPR will be indispensable for future resource-prospecting missions, such as mapping water ice deposits, and for the selection of sites for lunar bases.","author":[{"family":"Zhao","given":"Chunyang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Ling"},{"family":"Lu","given":"Shaoping"},{"family":"Gao","given":"Rui"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1093/jge/gxaf084","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jge/gxaf084","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7160026733","type":"article-journal","title":"Applications of Aramid Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites in Civil Engineering: A Review","abstract":"Aramid fiber is a high-performance fiber with excellent mechanical properties, heat resistance, and corrosion resistance. Its exceptional shear and fatigue properties make it a promising material for civil engineering applications. This study summarizes the basic properties and current development of aramid fiber, as well as the applications of aramid fiber and its composites in civil engineering, including aramid fiber-reinforced composite (AFRP)-concrete/steel composite structures, AFRP rebars, and AFRP rock anchors. The results indicate that the poor interfacial bonding performance between aramid fibers and the resin matrix is the primary bottleneck restricting the application of AFRP composites in civil engineering. Consequently, developing a continuous surface treatment method suitable for industrial-scale production remains a key challenge for the widespread adoption of these composites. Furthermore, in certain specific working conditions and environments-such as seismic retrofitting of rectangular concrete columns, impact/explosion resistance reinforcement, and rock anchoring-AFRPs show the potential to replace traditional inorganic fiber-reinforced polymer composites. However, systematic investigation into the fundamental mechanical properties and long-term service performance of AFRP is still required prior to their practical application.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Anni"},{"family":"Lan","given":"Runping"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Q"},{"family":"Kong","given":"Weichen"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Haoyu"},{"family":"Yue","given":"Qingrui"},{"family":"Liu","given":"XC"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/polym18091102","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18091102","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412459547","type":"article-journal","title":"Can Boronyl-Bearing Carbon Chains Serve as Gas-Phase Molecular Carriers of Interstellar Boron?","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Boron is an exotic element in space. However, although no boron-bearing molecules have yet been identified in the interstellar medium (ISM), its unique chemical properties suggest that it could play a pivotal role in astrobiology and the origins of life. Given the isoelectronic relationship between the cyano (CN) and boronyl (BO) groups and the widespread detection of HC n CN carbon chains in the ISM, we herein computationally investigate the potential of analogous BO-bearing chains (HC n BO, n = 1–12) as viable gas-phase carriers of interstellar boron. Our calculations indicate that HC n BO species exhibit lower enthalpies of formation and higher dipole moments than their CN-bearing counterparts, suggesting enhanced intrinsic stability and potential for detection via rotational spectroscopy. However, analysis of their formation and destruction pathways reveals that BO-bearing chains are susceptible to exergonic decomposition through reactions with CN radicals and H – anions, which may significantly affect their abundances in the ISM. These findings underscore that, while HC n BO systems emerge as theoretically attractive interstellar boron carriers, competitive decomposition and the element’s low cosmic abundance pose substantial challenges to their astrophysical detection.","author":[{"family":"Prieto-García","given":"Cinthya"},{"family":"Quitián-Lara","given":"Heidy"},{"family":"Masqué","given":"Josep"},{"family":"Fantuzzi","given":"Felipe"},{"family":"Jiménezhalla","given":"JÓC"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00089","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00089","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7172280321","type":"article-journal","title":"Mycelium-based composites for extreme environment engineering: from Earth to space","abstract":"With the continued expansion of global resource development and scientific exploration, engineering construction in extreme environments requires material systems with environmental resilience and multifunctional protective capacity. Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) show strong potential for engineering in extreme settings due to their low energy demand, environmental responsiveness, and multifunctional integration. This paper reviews the application of mycelium-based composites for construction in four extreme environments: deserts, polar regions, marine, and extraterrestrial settings. Evidence shows that mycelium-based systems exhibit strong environmental adaptability. In desert environments, they support thermal regulation and passive heat storage; in polar environments, they provide thermal insulation, foundation stabilization, and humidity buffering; and in marine environments, they contribute to in-situ use of solid waste, resistance to water erosion, and extension of impact-resistant structures. For extraterrestrial engineering, the growth-based fabrication of MBCs aligns with in-situ resource utilization and offers sustainable solutions for structural construction, radiation protection, and closed-loop life support. Owing to their bioactivity and self-growth characteristics, living or reactivatable MBC systems may further support localized regrowth, self-repair, or environmental response under controlled hydration and nutrient conditions, enabling dynamic responses to external environmental fluctuations during long-term service. Future efforts should emphasize coordinated multifunctional design, long-term control and protection of mycelial activity, and the establishment of extraterrestrial multi-factor simulation and on-orbit verification systems.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Sheng"},{"family":"Gan","given":"Yidong"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Fangyuan"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Cheng"},{"family":"Ding","given":"Lieyun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.bgtech.2026.100262","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bgtech.2026.100262","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413109482","type":"article-journal","title":"On the spatiotemporal coincidence of meteorites in recent fall search campaigns","abstract":"ABSTRACT The meteoritical community widely assumes that the probability of finding two meteorites from different falls laying in close proximity is negligible. However, recent studies have suggested that spatiotemporal coincidences may be critical when associating a meteorite with a witnessed fall. In this work, we estimate the number of accumulated meteorites – those resulting from past falls – that are present in landing regions of new falls, while accounting for the effects of terrestrial weathering. We present a simple, fast-computing model to estimate such probability, validated with a Monte Carlo approach based on dark flight computations from real meteorite-dropping fireball data. Considering meteorite masses higher than 10 g, our results indicate that in regions with minimal weathering, like Antarctica, the probability of encountering a previous meteorite within a new fall strewn field may be as high as 75 per cent. In environments with higher weathering rates, like countryside or urban regions, this probability decreases to $\\lesssim 1~{{\\ \\rm per\\ cent}}$. When considering the 30 g Lake Frome 006 meteorite coincidence case, the probability of recovering a non-related meteorite with an age of 3.2 kyr from a 0.7 km$^2$ search area is 6.9 per cent. In the case of the 1 kg Ischgl meteorite, the probability of coincidence with another fresh meteorite of similar mass is 0.06 per cent assuming a large strewn field of 210 km$^2$. Applied to the Almahata Sitta case, our model predicts a 11.3 per cent of coincidence with a previous meteorite fall. Our results strongly suggest that isotopic dating is essential before associating any meteorite with a witnessed fall.","author":[{"family":"Grèbol-Tomàs","given":"Pau"},{"family":"Peñaasensio","given":"Eloy"},{"family":"Trigorodríguez","given":"JM"},{"family":"Ibáñez","given":"Jordi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1093/mnras/staf1296","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/staf1296","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410934187","type":"article-journal","title":"Improved Precision and Reference Materials for Stable Carbon Isotope Measurement in Basaltic Glasses using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry","abstract":"We introduce three new synthetic basalt reference materials and a new high‐precision set‐up for stable carbon isotope measurement in basaltic glasses using a large‐geometry secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) instrument. The new reference materials, characterised for carbon mass fraction and isotope composition, show homogeneity for in situ analysis for the reported set‐up. Their bulk hydrogen mass fraction and isotope ratios are reported. Our SIMS protocol uses multi‐collection, cycling between concurrent measurements of 12C and 13C on electron multipliers, and either 30Si or 18O, as a reference mass, on a 1011 Ω resistor Faraday cup. This set‐up achieves high measurement repeatability for δ13C down to ± 0.35‰ 1RSE at 1706 +89/‐88 μg g‐1 CO2, with ± 1.00‰ 1RSE or better between 163 +5.1/‐5.2 and 267 +8.9/‐8.9 μg g‐1 CO2, using a 10 nA primary beam current and a 40 μm analytical pit over a 100 cycle analysis. Carbon blanks were characterised by measuring carbon‐free olivines, allowing for blank corrections on δ13C measurements. After blank and instrument mass fractionation corrections, we measure δ13C in glasses down to 26.16 +0.85/‐0.86 μg g‐1 CO2 with a final measurement standard sample deviation of ± 2.97‰ 1s. We report in situ measurements on an ocean floor basaltic glass and a set of synthetic basaltic glasses to demonstrate our approach. Reference materials and the SIMS set‐up improve the accuracy and precision of δ13C measurements in natural basaltic glasses across a wide range of geologically relevant carbon contents.","author":[{"family":"Shea","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Hughes","given":"Ery"},{"family":"Balzer","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Bindeman","given":"Ilya"},{"family":"Blundy","given":"Jon"},{"family":"Brooker","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Botcharnikov","given":"Roman"},{"family":"Cartigny","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Eimf"},{"family":"Gaetani","given":"GA"},{"family":"Kilgour","given":"Geoff"},{"family":"Maclennan","given":"John"},{"family":"Monteleone","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Neave","given":"David"},{"family":"Shorttle","given":"Oliver"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/ggr.12609","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ggr.12609","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7126190567","type":"article-journal","title":"Reevaluating the impact origin of the Luna Structure in western India using mineralogy, highly siderophile elements, and Re‐Os isotopes","abstract":"Abstract The Holocene Luna Structure in western India has been claimed to be the fourth and youngest impact crater on the Indian subcontinent. The circular shape; the unusual mineralogy including high‐temperature mineral phases such as kirschsteinite and wüstite; and the elevated abundance of highly siderophile elements (HSE: Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, and Pd) have been provided as evidence in favor of an impact origin. Here, we present new mineralogical, bulk rock geochemical data including isotope‐dilution HSE abundances and 187 Re‐ 187 Os compositions of the suspected Luna impactites. The samples are dense irregular nodules with undulated surface and flow‐like structures and are glassy to extremely fine grained, with or without vesicles. The new HSE data show no Ir enrichment compared to upper continental crust. The radiogenic measured 187 Os/ 188 Os compositions (0.2289–0.7253) further rule out any extraterrestrial contribution in the suspected impactites. The observed high‐temperature mineral assemblage shows similarity to that of iron‐rich archaeological slags. We reinterpret the Luna Structure materials as slags that are likely associated with the Bronze Age in the Harappan Civilization and may have formed as a byproduct of copper smelting. Considering the new evidence, the Luna Structure of western India is not a meteorite impact crater.","author":[{"family":"Asokan","given":"Ajay"},{"family":"Kadlag","given":"Yogita"},{"family":"Srivastava","given":"Y"},{"family":"Das","given":"Khirod"},{"family":"Hazarika","given":"Rumanshu"},{"family":"Day","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70099","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70099","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7135098731","type":"article-journal","title":"Quantum Chemical Insights into the Dissociation of Phenol: Shedding Light on Impact Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Icy Moon Exploration","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Ice grains emitted by the Saturnian moon Enceladus were sampled by Cassini’s Cosmic Dust Analyser (CDA) using impact ionization mass spectrometry. CDA revealed that Enceladus hosts a rich organic and inorganic chemical inventory in its subsurface ocean, hinting at its potential habitability. Analysis of fragmentation patterns with laser desorption experiments for the interpretation of CDA data has been essential; however, theoretical insights regarding both fragmentation and ionization processes are often missing. Here, we use density functional theory methods to investigate the energies for dissociation channels of phenol, a model aromatic compound for the features observed by CDA. The fragmentation channels are compared to experimental spectra obtained by using laser-induced liquid beam ion desorption (LILBID) mass spectrometry, an analogue for ice impact mass spectra. Our findings suggest that protonation is the dominant mechanism of ionization, that dissociation from the radical cation and neutral phenol molecule is limited, and that multiple isomers of the protonated molecule act as starting points for dissociation. The highest-intensity organic fragments observed in the LILBID spectrum─arising from the losses of CO, [M + H–CO] +, and water, [M + H–H 2 O] + ─are found to be both thermodynamically and kinetically accessible. We examined water–molecule interactions during the initial production of the protonated molecule. The presence of water significantly influences the preferred site of protonation and causes variation in the relative energy ordering of the protomers. This work builds toward a computational model of ice grain impact ionization mass spectrometry, relevant for missions such as Europa Clipper and ESA’s L4 mission to Enceladus.","author":[{"family":"Osullivan","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Bera","given":"Partha"},{"family":"Khawaja","given":"Nozair"},{"family":"Napoleoni","given":"Maryse"},{"family":"Abel","given":"Bernd"},{"family":"Postberg","given":"Frank"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00318","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00318","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4417359039","type":"article-journal","title":"Enhancing Molecular High-Pressure Simulations by Implicit Solvation","abstract":"Gaussians On Surface Tesserae Simulate HYdrostatic Pressure (GOSTSHYP) and the eXtended Hydrostatic Compression Force Field (X-HCFF) are quantum chemical methods to simulate the effects of pressure on a single molecule. Both methods have the usage of discretized molecular surfaces in common, which are also needed in implicit solvation models like the Conductor-like Polarizable Continuum Model (C-PCM). However, a combined usage of GOSTSHYP or X-HCFF with C-PCM was not possible in previous implementations inside the Q-Chem program package. To address this circumstance, we present an independent surface construction routine for both of the pressure models. This routine enables a stable combination of C-PCM with GOSTSHYP or X-HCFF, which serves as the first step to consider the chemical surrounding inside these two pressure models. For three different compounds occurring in both neutral and zwitterionic forms, the energetic difference between these states under pressure via GOSTSHYP was investigated. Especially for compounds occurring in both zwitterionic and neutral structures, the C-PCM is essential to access the zwitterionic state. Calculated pressure dependencies in the Raman spectra of the zwitterionic structure of glycine show good agreement with experimental data. The dimerization reaction of orthosilicic acid at elevated pressure is also influenced by implicit solvation, leading to better agreement between the simulations and the experimental data. This study paves the way for the inclusion of explicit solvation to disentangle intra- and intermolecular effects that cause geometric and spectroscopic changes under pressure applied with GOSTSHYP and X-HCFF.","author":[{"family":"Kißing","given":"Nico"},{"family":"Zeller","given":"Felix"},{"family":"Neudecker","given":"Tim"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.jpca.6c02133","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpca.6c02133","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7124148911","type":"article-journal","title":"Responsive liquid metal materials towards unstructured environment","abstract":"Abstract Real‐world environments are dynamic, variable, and often unpredictable, where temperature, pressure, and chemical composition fluctuate beyond designed limits. Such complexity challenges materials to maintain reliable behavior under coupled physical and chemical fields. Room‐temperature liquid metals (RTLMs) show excellent adaptability originating from metallic and fluid. The coexistence of high conductivity, deformability, and reconfigurable interfaces enables stable performance across unstable or fluctuating environments. This review focuses on RTLM‐based material systems under unstructured conditions, analyzing how their physicochemical characteristics, including interfacial dynamics, oxidation tolerance, and recoverable morphology, govern environmental adaptability, mechanical resilience, self‐healing, and long‐term stability. Five representative unstructured scenarios are discussed, including in vivo, underwater, open‐air, space, and high‐radiation environments, illustrating how RTLMs achieve multifunctions including sensing, actuation, thermal regulation, and shielding under non‐ideal conditions. The outlook highlights remaining challenges in interfacial control, material standardization, and scalable integration. RTLMs provide a material foundation for robust and adaptive systems capable of sustained operation in complex real‐world environments.","author":[{"family":"Yuan","given":"Bo"},{"family":"Song","given":"Huaitong"},{"family":"Xiang","given":"Kaiyuan"},{"family":"Tang","given":"SH"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Cailin"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Hongzhang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1002/rpm2.70037","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/rpm2.70037","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411097629","type":"article-journal","title":"The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 113","abstract":"Abstract Meteoritical Bulletin 113 contains the 3646 meteorites approved by the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society in 2024. It includes 17 falls, 2964 ordinary chondrites, 218 HED, 158 carbonaceous chondrites (including 7 ungrouped), 59 lunar meteorites, 38 iron meteorites (9 ungrouped), 30 ureilites, 31 primitive achondrites (3 ungrouped), 28 mesosiderites, 24 enstatite chondrites, 21 martian meteorites, 24 ungrouped stony achondrites, 20 Rumuruti chondrites, 17 pallasites, 8 angrites, 5 enstatite achondrites (one ungrouped), and 1 ungrouped chondrite. Of the meteorites approved in 2024, 1250 were collected in Antarctica, 1102 in Africa, 689 in Asia, 575 in South America, 17 in North America, 11 in Europe, and 2 in Oceania.","author":[{"family":"Gattacceca","given":"J"},{"family":"Mccubbin","given":"FM"},{"family":"Grossman","given":"JN"},{"family":"Schrader","given":"DL"},{"family":"Cartier","given":"Camille"},{"family":"Consolmagno","given":"Guy"},{"family":"Goodrich","given":"CA"},{"family":"Greshake","given":"A"},{"family":"Groß","given":"Juliane"},{"family":"Joy","given":"KH"},{"family":"Miao","given":"Bingkui"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Bidong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14374","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14374","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412199650","type":"article-journal","title":"A Cross-Disciplinary Review of Rare Earth Elements: Deposit Types, Mineralogy, Machine Learning, Environmental Impact, and Recycling","abstract":"Rare-earth elements (REEs), including lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium, are important for advanced technologies such as renewable energy systems, electronics, medical diagnostics, and precision agriculture. Despite their relative crustal abundance, REE extraction is impeded by complex geochemical behavior, dispersed distribution, and environmental challenges. This review presents a comprehensive overview of REE geochemistry, mineralogy, and major deposit types including carbonatites, alkaline igneous rocks, laterites, placer deposits, coal byproducts, and marine sediments. It also highlights the global distribution and economic potential of key REE projects. The integration of machine learning has further enhanced exploration by enabling deposit classification and geochemical modeling, especially in data-limited regions. Environmental and health challenges associated with REE mining, processing, and electronic waste (e-waste) recycling are studied, along with the expanding use of REEs in agriculture and medicine. Some recycling efforts offer promise for supply diversification, but significant technological and economic barriers remain. Ensuring a secure and sustainable REE supply will require integrated approaches combining advanced analytics, machine learning, responsible extraction, and coordinated policy efforts. The present review offers a general overview that can be useful for informing future studies and resource-related discussions.","author":[{"family":"Rezaei","given":"MR"},{"family":"Sanchez-Lecuona","given":"Gabriela"},{"family":"Abdolazimi","given":"Omid"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min15070720","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min15070720","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411983586","type":"article-journal","title":"Impact-induced sublimation drives volatile depletion in carbonaceous meteorites","abstract":"Carbonaceous chondrites are amongst the most chemically primitive solid materials in the Solar System, yet many are depleted in moderately volatile elements. Here, we report enrichments in heavier zinc isotopes in heated carbonaceous chondrites compared to the typical ranges for chondritic meteorites. Our results indicate that impact-driven thermal metamorphism under low-pressure conditions led to partial sublimation of zinc. First-principles calculations support that zinc escapes from solids in the absence of melting, consistent with shock heating and rapid outgassing. The resulting solid residue is strongly enriched in heavier Zn isotopes with minimal recondensation. These findings link extreme isotopic signatures to collisional processing, revealing that asteroid-scale impacts can drive volatile loss from undifferentiated asteroids. These carbonaceous chondrites provide the first unequivocal evidence for purely kinetic Zn isotope fractionation during volatilization. Impact-induced volatilization drives volatile depletion in asteroidal parent bodies, with implications for the delivery and distribution of volatiles in early planetary systems.","author":[{"family":"Long","given":"Zheng"},{"family":"Moynier","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Bögels","given":"Tim"},{"family":"Fang","given":"Linru"},{"family":"Caracas","given":"Razvan"},{"family":"Paquet","given":"Marine"},{"family":"Jourdan","given":"Fred"},{"family":"Luu","given":"Tu"},{"family":"Rigoussen","given":"Dimitri"},{"family":"Qiu","given":"Kun‐feng"},{"family":"Deng","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Day","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-61115-3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61115-3","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413134389","type":"article-journal","title":"Feasibility of in situ K‐Ar isochron dating on Mars: Assessment using the mineralogy of Martian meteorites","abstract":"Abstract Dating rocks with a 2σ precision of 200 Ma is required to understand the history of Martian habitability and volcanic activity since ~4000 Ma. In situ K‐Ar dating using a spot‐by‐spot laser ablation technique has been developed for isochron dating on Mars. The precision of isochron ages is determined mainly by the relationship between the laser spot diameter and the grain size of the sample. However, the achievable precision of age estimates using a realistic mineralogy of Martian rocks has yet to be investigated. We simulated isochrons under various conditions, including different laser spot sizes, K and Ar measurement errors, and numbers of analyses based on the mineral abundances of representative Martian meteorites (NWA 817, Zagami, and NWA 1068) analyzed using an electron probe microanalyzer. We found that attaining a precision of 200 Ma necessitates an isochron data range, defined as the ratio of the maximum to minimum K concentrations, of >6, a laser spot diameter of 250 μm, and measurement errors of <10% for both K and Ar. Reducing the laser spot size and selecting a sample with a large grain size are effective in obtaining a large K range. Furthermore, minimizing the variance in measurement errors between K and Ar is essential to increase the accuracy of the age estimates. We demonstrate that the precision required for in situ dating on Mars is achievable with realistic instrument settings, thus demonstrating the feasibility of establishing an in situ K‐Ar geochronology for Mars.","author":[{"family":"Hyuga","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Cho","given":"Yuichiro"},{"family":"Miura","given":"Yayoi"},{"family":"Mikouchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Sugita","given":"Seiji"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70022","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70022","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406270848","type":"article-journal","title":"Systematic meteorite collection in the Catalina Dense Collection area (Chile): Description and statistics","abstract":"Abstract We present the outcome of search campaigns conducted in the Catalina Dense Collection area (DCA) located in the central depression of the Atacama Desert, Chile. The “Catalina Systematic Collection” (CSC) was assembled through systematic on‐foot searches, resulting in a total of 1599 meteorites, before pairing, collected over a surface of 6.80 km 2 . This yielded a recovery density of 235 meteorites per km 2 (67 meteorites >20 g per km 2 ), making it the densest among hot deserts, even higher than the neighboring El Médano DCA collection. This confirms that the central depression of the Atacama Desert holds the highest meteorite density among hot deserts. We classified 457 meteorites weighing more than 20 g. After correcting for various recovery biases, we estimated a true meteorite density on the ground of 131 meteorites per km 2 for meteorites >20 g before pairing. Using a probabilistic approach, we calculated an average pairing likelihood, yielding 71 meteorites >20 g per km 2 after pairing. This high density is likely linked to an old age of the CSC, which would also explain the absence of carbonaceous chondrites, as they are more prone to alteration by abrasion. This long meteorite accumulation period is related to the long‐term hyper‐aridity and surface stability of the Atacama Desert, which have persisted for several million years. Meteorites from the CSC show less chemical weathering on average than in other hot deserts, despite the long accumulation period. The H/L ratio in the CSC is higher than in meteorites from other hot deserts, Antarctica, and falls, but similar to the El Médano collection, potentially reflecting variations in the composition of the meteorite flux over the past Myr.","author":[{"family":"Sadaka","given":"Carine"},{"family":"Gattacceca","given":"J"},{"family":"Gounelle","given":"M"},{"family":"Roskosz","given":"M"},{"family":"Lagain","given":"Anthony"},{"family":"Tartèse","given":"Romain"},{"family":"Bonal","given":"L"},{"family":"Maurel","given":"Clara"},{"family":"Martínez","given":"Rodrigo"},{"family":"Valenzuela","given":"Millarca"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14307","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14307","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406930363","type":"article-journal","title":"The Interplay of Surface Composition, Mineralogy, and Physical Conditions That Affect the Surface Release Processes and Particle Environment of Mercury","abstract":"Abstract Mercury has a very tenuous atmosphere starting at the surface, which is referred to as a surface-bound exosphere, where there are no collisions between exospheric particles. Having a surface-bound exosphere means that the particles in the exosphere have their origin on Mercury’s surface; thus, the composition of the exosphere is connected to the composition of the surface. In situ composition measurements of the exosphere can contribute to the study of the composition of the surface, together with a range of remote sensing techniques (ultraviolet, visible, infrared, X-ray, gamma-ray, and neutron spectroscopy). The external drivers for the particle release from the surface are solar photons, solar wind plasma, and micrometeoroid impacts. These drivers also cause space weathering of the surface, resulting in significant physical and chemical alterations in the regolith, ranging from the very surface to depths up to one meter. Modifications of the surface by space weathering must be considered when interpreting the composition measurements of the exosphere as well as the composition measurements of the surface by the established remote sensing techniques, because their information comes from the space-weathered volume of the surface. Therefore, the particle populations in the exosphere, space weathering, and the composition of the surface are intimately connected and must be studied together. In the following, we will review the connections between the surface and the exosphere of Mercury.","author":[{"family":"Wurz","given":"P"},{"family":"Jäggi","given":"Noah"},{"family":"Galli","given":"André"},{"family":"Vorburger","given":"Audrey"},{"family":"Domingue","given":"Deborah"},{"family":"Szabo","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Benkhoff","given":"J"},{"family":"Barraud","given":"Océane"},{"family":"Savin","given":"DW"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3847/psj/ad95fa","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/psj/ad95fa","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412629141","type":"article-journal","title":"Silicate mineralogy and bulk composition of exoplanetary material in polluted white dwarfs","abstract":"ABSTRACT White dwarf planetary systems uniquely link the bulk elemental composition of exoplanetary material to the mineralogy as photospheric abundances can be compared to circumstellar dust mineralogy. This study re-examines Spitzer/IRS spectra of eight white dwarfs with both circumstellar dust and photospheric metals. All systems show 10 $\\mu$m silicate emission features consistent with a mixture of olivine and pyroxene silicates, with varying dominance. New Hubble Space Telescope ultraviolet spectroscopic observations of two of these systems, GD56 and WD 1150–153, reveal that both are accreting dry, rocky material. WD 1150–153 is accreting material consistent with Bulk Earth, while GD56 is accreting core-rich material with an inferred core mass fraction of 0.59$^{+0.08}_{-0.09}$ (0.37$^{+0.08}_{-0.08}$ by mole). A comparison between the bulk elemental composition of the accreted planetary material and the dust mineralogy of the eight systems reveals a tentative correlation between the dominant silicate mineralogy and the Mg/Si ratio, indicating that the circumstellar and photospheric material are compositionally similar. This suggests that rapid and well-mixed accretion is occurring with minimal compositional alteration. Furthermore, new ggchem equilibrium chemistry models confirm that Mg-rich planetary material preferentially forms olivine-rich dust, highlighting the importance of equilibrium in planetary chemistry and that a host star or rock’s Mg/Si can be used to predict whether its silicate mineralogy is olivine- or pyroxene-dominated, influencing its capacity to structurally store water, recycle key nutrients, and possibly habitability.","author":[{"family":"Rogers","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Bonsor","given":"Amy"},{"family":"Bourdais","given":"Érika"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Siyi"},{"family":"Su","given":"KYL"},{"family":"Richards","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Buchan","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Ballering","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Brouwers","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Dufour","given":"P"},{"family":"Kisslerpatig","given":"M"},{"family":"Melis","given":"Carl"},{"family":"Zuckerman","given":"B"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1093/mnras/staf1221","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/staf1221","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409417365","type":"article-journal","title":"Rubidium and potassium isotope compositions of enstatite meteorites: implications for the evolution of their parent body(ies)","abstract":"Enstatite meteorites, including enstatite chondrites and enstatite achondrites (e.g., aubrites), formed under highly reducing conditions in the solar system. Enstatite chondrites underwent progressive thermal metamorphism from petrologic type 3 to type 6, potentially leading to vaporization and redistribution of volatile elements. Coupled Rb and K isotopic analyses of enstatite meteorites could provide complementary insights into the inherent isotopic variability and volatile depletion processes. In this study, we present Rb and K isotopic compositions for a suite of enstatite meteorites, including sixteen enstatite chondrites spanning metamorphic grades from 3 to 6, as well as four aubrites. Type 3 enstatite chondrites exhibit isotopic compositions similar to those of Earth for both Rb and K, which further underscores the isotopic resemblance between Earth and enstatite chondrites. From type 3–4 to type 5–6, the examined enstatite chondrites generally show a trend towards heavier Rb and K isotopic compositions, indicating volatilization and redistribution of Rb and K during open system thermal metamorphism of the parent body(ies). One EH5 (St. Marks) and two EL6 (Pillistfer and Atlanta) samples deviate from this trend with light K isotope compositions, which may result from an interplay of evaporation, vapor transport and recondensation. On the other hand, the Rb and K isotopic variations in aubrites—which originated from the melting and fractional crystallization of enstatite chondrite-like parent body(ies)—likely reflect more complex processes, possibly involving a combination of plagioclase-bearing melt extraction, magmatic differentiation, core segregation, and the back-condensation of volatiles after impact volatilization.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Baoliang"},{"family":"Moynier","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Yan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gca.2025.04.007","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2025.04.007","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412178423","type":"article-journal","title":"Characterising the Composition of Olivine and Iron Oxides in a Sample of the Sericho Meteorite by Raman Spectroscopy Using Principal Component Analysis","abstract":"ABSTRACT Raman spectroscopy is a key technique for planetary exploration, providing mineralogical insights under strict constraints on power, mass and data transmission. This study applies principal component analysis (PCA) to Raman imaging data from the Sericho pallasite meteorite, composed mainly of Mg‐rich olivine and Fe‐Ni alloy. PCA efficiently reduced the complex dataset to only five principal components, retaining most of the molecular information. Using PCA scores, averaged Raman spectra were calculated to significantly simplify spectral interpretation, highlighting olivine as the dominant mineral and goethite, disordered hematite as well as disordered carbon as minor phases in the sample. In addition, PCA scores associated with the x‐y coordinate of the Raman image enable identification of distinct mineralogical domains, revealing the spatial distribution of iron oxyhydroxides primarily at interfaces and fractures of the olivine inclusions. Additionally, PCA‐filtered spectra enabled spatially resolved quantification of olivine composition, showing a 5%–10% magnesium enrichment in olivine cores compared to interfaces with iron oxyhydroxides, suggesting weathering origins of the Fe‐Ni alloy. These results demonstrate the strong potential of PCA for data reduction, visualization and interpretation of complex Raman datasets, making it a powerful tool for in situ mineralogical analysis during future robotic or human planetary missions where fast real‐time data processing is key for informed decision‐making.","author":[{"family":"Malherbe","given":"Cédric"},{"family":"Hutchinson","given":"Ian"},{"family":"Lerman","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Mchugh","given":"Melissa"},{"family":"Eppe","given":"Gauthier"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1002/jrs.70019","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.70019","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410127668","type":"article-journal","title":"A complete inventory of institutional and public meteorite collections in Switzerland","abstract":"Abstract Museums and universities are important for collecting, maintaining, and curating meteorites. To make specimens known and available for research, inventorying and optimal curation are important. However, not all meteorite collections are well curated, especially in smaller institutions. During a 12‐month project supported by the Swiss Confederacy under the “SwissCollNet” framework, we viewed, photographed, and inventoried all public and institutional meteorite collections in Switzerland. In total, the 27 collections contain 7616 specimens, derived from 3469 different meteorites. New, switched, and missing specimens were found in many collections. More than half of the collections contained specimens without inventory numbers and unknown or unofficial specimens, several of which could be assigned to a known meteorite fall or find during this project. The identification of switched or unknown samples was done using handheld X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry and magnetic susceptibility measurements. In total, 201 specimens were attributed a preliminary classification. We demonstrate the importance of smaller collections, which often hold fragments of rare meteorite types. We underline how large‐scale projects like the one presented here allow for unique data, for example, finding specimens missing from one collection in another. By tracking the origin of specimens using historic labels, we show that the history of meteoritics is reflected in the composition of the Swiss collections. During the inventorying process, several prehistoric and modern artifacts made of meteoritic material were found, underlining the potential of analyzing non‐geological specimens in museums.","author":[{"family":"Eschrig","given":"J"},{"family":"Meier","given":"MMM"},{"family":"Hofmann","given":"Beda"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14361","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14361","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414946304","type":"article-journal","title":"The Noritic mineralogy of V- and S-type objects and the links with asteroid (4) Vesta","abstract":"Ungrouped achondrites with affinities to Howardite-Eucrite-Diogenite (HED) meteorites offer critical insights into the diversity of differentiated bodies in the inner Solar System. They can help address the longstanding discrepancy between V-type asteroids related to the asteroid (4) Vesta and those that show similar characteristics but lack a dynamical relationship. In this study, we present new spectral, mineralogical, and oxygen isotopic analyses of two ungrouped achondritic meteorites. Al Bir Lahlou 001 exhibits strong compositional and spectral similarities to typical V-type asteroids, while Wan Zawatin 001 shows unexpected affinities to S-type asteroids. These findings suggest a more complex evolutionary history for differentiated asteroids than previously recognized and support the existence of multiple asteroidal bodies with HED-like characteristics. Our results highlight the importance of continued investigation into ungrouped achondrites to better understand the formation, distribution, and evolution of differentiated material beyond the Vesta family. • We measure the spectroscopic properties of two plagioclase-rich ungrouped achondrites. • The samples show close mineralogical and isotopic similarities to the HEDs. • However, spectrally, one of the samples classifies as a S-type. • This is due to the high proportion of plagioclase subduing the pyroxene bands. • Indicating that HED-like material can be represented by multiple asteroid complexes.","author":[{"family":"Rider-Stokes","given":"Ben"},{"family":"Wong","given":"AY"},{"family":"Burbine","given":"TH"},{"family":"Maclennan","given":"Eric"},{"family":"Greenwood","given":"RC"},{"family":"Jackson","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Anand","given":"M"},{"family":"White","given":"LF"},{"family":"Grady","given":"MM"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.icarus.2025.116844","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2025.116844","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413121966","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of the Benavila (Portugal) Bentonites","abstract":"This work aims to perform a detailed mineralogical, crystal-chemical, and geochemical characterization of bentonites from the Benavila outcrop, the largest known deposit of bentonites in continental Portugal. Bulk samples and different size fractions were characterized through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Structural formulae of the smectites were fitted from point analyses acquired by analytical electron microscopy (AEM) with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Smectites are the major component with variable amounts of calcite and minor amounts of quartz, feldspar, illite, and chlorite. Occasionally, amphiboles and dolomite have also been identified. The high content of carbonates in different parts of the sampling area is related to the circulation of carbonate-rich fluids. The smectites present high-layer charge, are intermediate terms of the montmorillonite–beidellite series, and also show an intermediate cisvacant–transvacant configuration. Major and trace elements concentrations were determined by ICP-MS. The geochemical analysis of the samples indicates an enrichment in SiO2 and Al2O3 and a depletion of the more clayey materials in REE, HFSE, and Y, among others. The calculation of the PIA and CIA alteration indices, along with other parameters observed, shows the possible alteration pathways of the Benavila deposit. Research to evaluate the ability of these bentonites to be used as engineering barrier systems (EBS) and sealing materials for radioactive waste repositories is ongoing.","author":[{"family":"García-Rivas","given":"Javier"},{"family":"Dias","given":"María"},{"family":"Paiva","given":"De"},{"family":"Fernandes","given":"P"},{"family":"Marques","given":"Rosa"},{"family":"Romero","given":"Emilia"},{"family":"Suárez","given":"Mercedes"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min15080836","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min15080836","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416994831","type":"article-journal","title":"Mössbauer Study of Weathering Products in Meteorites from the Atacama Desert","abstract":"During their stay at the surface of the Earth, meteorites undergo terrestrial weathering. In particular, the iron-nickel alloys and iron sulfides that are abundant in many types of meteorites transform into oxides and oxihydroxides (magnetite, maghemite, akaganeite, etc.). Mössbauer spectroscopy is a powerful tool to identify these weathering products. However, distinguishing signals from different phases summed up in the Fe3+ paramagnetic doublets in the central part of the spectrum remains challenging. This study focuses on a detailed investigation of meteorite weathering products to separate signals from different secondary minerals formed on Earth in a series of weathered meteorites. We carried out a room-temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy study on seventy ordinary chondrites collected in the Atacama Desert, Chile, in order to make a comparative qualitative analysis of the mineralogy of their terrestrial weathering products. Based on these results, three samples showing a variety of weathering products (Catalina 146, Catalina 535, and El Médano 070) were selected for a detailed study and two of them for low-temperature Mössbauer study. We found that, above 200 K, most meteorites exhibit superparamagnetic magnetization dynamics attributable to strong dispersed maghemite–magnetite phase formed as a weathering product. On the other hand, other iron-bearing weathering products (goethite, akaganeite, hematite) demonstrate line shapes of the corresponding partial components that are close to the shapes of the bulk samples. Only two of the 70 measured meteorites showed no superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature.","author":[{"family":"Pyataev","given":"АV"},{"family":"Kuzina","given":"DM"},{"family":"Gattacceca","given":"J"},{"family":"Sadaka","given":"Carine"},{"family":"Муфтахетдинова","given":"РФ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/magnetochemistry11120107","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/magnetochemistry11120107","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413335441","type":"article-journal","title":"Chemical and Structural Evidence for Melt-Induced Amorphization of Alkali Feldspar in Lunar Meteorite DEW 12007: Insight into Shock Amorphization Mechanisms","abstract":"Abstract Feldspar minerals, including alkali feldspar and plagioclase, commonly undergo shock-induced amorphization, making them key indicators for reconstructing the impact history and thermal evolution of planetary materials. This study focuses on alkali feldspar in the lunar meteorite DEW 12007 to elucidate the mechanisms of amorphization using Raman spectroscopy and electron probe microanalysis. Our findings reveal a strong correlation between crystallinity and chemical composition, with Na enrichment and K depletion observed in amorphous regions compared to the crystalline counterparts. These compositional shifts can be explained by the chemical behavior of sanidine–albite system, supporting impact melt-induced partial amorphization as the dominant mechanism. The crystalline counterparts near amorphous boundaries exhibit increased K content, reflecting the compositional redistribution during partial melting and quenching. To assess the utility of these findings, feldspar from the well-documented L6 ordinary chondrites were analyzed. Feldspars from the ordinary chondrites showed opposite trends, exhibiting the amorphous phases enriched in K and depleted in Na relative to the crystalline counterparts. These differences are consistent with the chemical behavior of sanidine–albite system. This ability has a potential to differentiate whether maskelynite was formed via solid-state transformation or melt-quenching processes, providing critical insights into the impact history and thermal evolution of the rocky crusts of the Moon and other solar system bodies. Extending this framework to other meteorites, returned samples, and planetary bodies enhances our understanding of impact processes, offering a robust approach for unraveling the complex interplay between shock metamorphism and planetary evolution.","author":[{"family":"Kim","given":"Hyeong"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Hyeong"},{"family":"Park","given":"Changkun"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Eun"},{"family":"Park","given":"Sun"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Hyun"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Hwayoung"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Hyun"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Hyun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1093/petrology/egaf074","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egaf074","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413942479","type":"article-journal","title":"Magnetic Mineralogy in Lunar Mare Basalts and Implications for Paleointensity Retrieval","abstract":"Abstract Lunar paleomagnetic studies have identified multidomain metallic Fe–Ni alloys as the dominant magnetic contributors in mare basalts. Here, we explore the low‐temperature magnetic behavior of standard samples for a suite of opaque minerals that occur within mare basalts (single‐domain and multidomain Fe, wüstite, ulvöspinel, iron chromite, ilmenite, and troilite). We compare the observed low‐temperature behaviors to those of several Apollo mare basalt samples (10003, 10044, 10020, 10069, 10071, 12009, 12022, 15597). Notable magnetic transitions were detected at 30 K (ilmenite), 60–80 K (chromite, troilite), and 100–125 K (ulvöspinel, chromite). We also investigated the effects of low‐temperature cycling on mare basalt remanence and observed that only grains with coercivities 20–40 mT were cleaned. This suggests a minimal impact of diurnal temperature cycling at the lunar surface on the retrieved lunar paleointensity values. Using comprehensive electron microscopy techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS), x‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we further examined magnetic phases within four Apollo 11 mare basalt samples. Our findings revealed the presence of Fe grains (one to 10 μm in diameter) associated with troilite contain sub‐grains ranging in size from tens to hundreds of nanometers in some samples. These grains, which fall within the single‐domain to multi‐domain range as observed in their first‐order reversal curves, might have the potential to retain high coercivity components and thereby effectively record an ancient dynamo field.","author":[{"family":"Jung","given":"Ji‐in"},{"family":"Tikoo-Schantz","given":"Sonia"},{"family":"Váci","given":"Z"},{"family":"Krawczynski","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Solheid","given":"Peat"},{"family":"Burns","given":"Dale"},{"family":"Vailionis","given":"Artūras"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2025je009030","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2025je009030","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413040071","type":"article-journal","title":"Cosmic ray exposure ages and pre‐atmospheric shielding of Omani meteorites: Implications for 14C and 14C / 10Be terrestrial ages of meteorites from hot and cold deserts","abstract":"Abstract We present isotope concentrations of the light noble gases He and Ne for samples from five well‐documented strewnfields and two individual meteorites from the Omani desert. Cosmogenic (22Ne/21Ne)cos for the strewnfield samples are low, as expected considering the total known masses. A (22Ne/21Ne)cos of 1.210 for the LL6 chondrite RaS 267 from Oman indicates a small pre‐atmospheric size of less than 10 cm. The CRE ages for the Omani meteorites calculated using 21Necos range from 1 to 20 Ma. Using the (22Ne/21Ne)cos and previously established correlations, new shielding‐corrected 14C and 14C‐10Be terrestrial ages are calculated. For the strewnfield samples, the new ages are similar to the earlier ages but are more consistent. The new terrestrial age for RaS 267 is more than 20% lower than the previous age. Motivated by this success, we reinvestigated meteorites from other hot deserts (Acfer, Adrar, and Nullarbor regions) and Antarctica using literature data for 14C and (22Ne/21Ne)cos, along with the newly established correlations between 14C production rates and (22Ne/21Ne)cos. For these meteorites, the new terrestrial ages are systematically younger than the ages calculated earlier using a shielding‐independent approach. Using shielding‐corrected 14C terrestrial ages, the long‐term puzzling problem that there is a lack of meteorites with short terrestrial ages disappears. The new histogram, though with only a limited number of data, shows the expected decrease in the number of meteorites with increasing terrestrial age. Therefore, the unexpected shape in the terrestrial age histogram was most likely due to a bias in the 14C dating system, that is, ages of small meteorites are overestimated.","author":[{"family":"Tauseef","given":"Mohammad"},{"family":"Leya","given":"I"},{"family":"Hofmann","given":"Beda"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70029","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70029","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413402657","type":"article-journal","title":"The sub‐μm petrography of the observed meteorite fall Winchcombe—A complex array of pristine and altered chondrite components","abstract":"Abstract Samples of observed meteorite falls provide important constraints on alteration histories of Solar System materials. Due to its rapid collection, terrestrial alteration in the observed Mighei‐type (CM) carbonaceous chondrite fall Winchcombe was minimal. In this work, the petrography and mineralogy of three Winchcombe lamellae, two from the matrix and one from a lithological clast, were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Our results demonstrate that the matrix of Winchcombe is dominated by Mg‐Fe‐rich serpentine‐type phyllosilicates and tochilinite‐cronstedtite intergrowth (TCI)‐like phases with variable, but generally high (petrologic type 2.0–2.3) alteration degrees that agree with petrologic types acquired on TCIs on larger scales in other work. However, we also located pristine areas in investigated lamellae such as homogeneous amorphous silicates and glassy particles with sulfide and metal inclusions that resemble altered cometary GEMS (glass with embedded metal and sulfides). One distinct GEMS‐like domain shows Fe‐rich metal and sulfide grains with oxygen‐enriched rims in a Mg‐rich amorphous groundmass embedded in organic matter, which likely shielded it from more severe alteration. Fe‐Ni‐sulfides are mainly pentlandite and concentrated in matrix lamellae. In addition to the sub‐μm scale brecciated texture, the three lamellae show different alteration extents, further demonstrating the complex alteration nature of this CM2 meteorite.","author":[{"family":"Lier","given":"Johannes"},{"family":"Vollmer","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Risthaus","given":"Linus"},{"family":"Kepaptsoglou","given":"Demie"},{"family":"Ramasse","given":"Quentin"},{"family":"Mosberg","given":"Aleksander"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Bays","given":"Charlotte"},{"family":"Schofield","given":"PF"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70027","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70027","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414935907","type":"article-journal","title":"Petrogenesis of Néma 001, an alkali-rich meteorite from the acapulcoite-lodranite parent body","abstract":"Primitive achondrites are meteorites characterised by granoblastic textures evidencing high-temperature metamorphism and low degrees of partial melting. These include the acapulcoite and lodranite meteorites, which originated from a common parent body. Acapulcoites experienced low degrees of partial melting (ca. <1 to 5%) and lodranites experienced higher degrees of partial melting (∼5-20%). Meteorite collections also include a sample of their chondritic precursor, Grove Mountains 020043, as well as limited examples of partial melting products, such as the mm-sized gabbroic clasts in the Lewis Cliff 86220 transitional acapulcoite-lodranite and the 4.86 g pyroxene-plagioclase coarse-grained Frontier Mountain 93001 meteorite. This suite of samples, thus, provides us with a crucial snapshot into the transition from chondritic material to differentiated planetesimals. Here we propose that the 75.8 g alkali-rich Néma 001 meteorite, a coarse-grained igneous meteorite composed primarily of ortho- and clinopyroxene, plagioclase, and olivine, also originated from the acapulcoite-lodranite parent body. This is supported by a bulk oxygen isotope composition that is undistinguishable from that of the acapulcoites-lodranites and similar ferromagnesian mineral Fe/Mn ratios. Petrological modelling suggests that Néma 001 represents silicate melts formed by ∼15% melting of a chondritic precursor similar to Grove Mountains 020043. With the addition of Néma 001, we now have a comprehensive suite of samples from the acapulcoite-lodranite parent body, including chondritic precursor material, residues from ∼1-20% partial melting, and variably differentiated igneous rocks. This unique suite of samples is key to further investigate melting and differentiation processes of asteroids, and supports the existence of partially differentiated planetesimals.","author":[{"family":"Tartèse","given":"Romain"},{"family":"Gattacceca","given":"J"},{"family":"Avice","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Devouard","given":"Bertrand"},{"family":"Debaille","given":"Vinciane"},{"family":"Fawcett","given":"Lydia"},{"family":"Hublet","given":"Geneviève"},{"family":"Joy","given":"KH"},{"family":"Sonzogni","given":"Corinne"},{"family":"Villeneuve","given":"Johan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.33063/agc.v1i2.776","URL":"https://doi.org/10.33063/agc.v1i2.776","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416570976","type":"article-journal","title":"Kindberg, the fifth meteorite fall in Austria: A weakly shocked L6 chondrite breccia with high‐pressure phases","abstract":"Abstract A bright fireball was seen at 4:46 a.m. CET on November 19, 2020, over Austria, and also eye witnessed in Italy and Germany. The resulting Kindberg meteorite was the fifth well‐approved meteorite fall in Austria, and all rocks represent ordinary chondrites. One specimen of Kindberg, measuring 233.08 g, was recovered on July 4, 2021, largely covered by a dark brownish fusion crust. The meteorite is an L6 ordinary chondrite (OC) breccia; Kindberg's highly equilibrated type 6 character is also supported by the large‐sized plagioclase grains (An 9‐12 ; with grains >100 μm) and the homogeneous compositions of olivine (Fa 24.4±0.4 ) and low‐Ca pyroxene (Fs 20.6±0.3 ). The meteorite shows remarkable shock effects in the form of easily visible dark shock veins cross‐cutting the bulk rock. The olivine in Kindberg is dominated by grains with undulous extinction or planar fractures, indicating a weakly shocked (S3 [C‐S3]) chondritic rock. Close to the shock veins, olivine can also show mosaicism. In addition, wadsleyite, a high‐pressure polymorph of olivine, was identified by Raman and IR spectroscopy. Wadsleyite, sometimes in paragenesis with maskelynite and locally part of an intergrowth with majorite and perhaps ringwoodite, was found within and close to the veins. The occurrence of high‐pressure phases of olivine and maskelynite in a weakly shocked bulk rock clearly indicates their formation at relatively low equilibrium shock pressures of <20 GPa (S3/S4 transition). Equilibrium shock pressures consistent with those experienced by bulk rocks shocked to S5 (>30–35 GPa) and S6 (>45 GPa; S5/S6 transition) are not required to form high‐pressure polymorphs of olivine. The L‐chondrite classification is confirmed by O isotope data. The bulk chemical composition also supports L‐group membership.","author":[{"family":"Bischoff","given":"A"},{"family":"Reitze","given":"Maximilian"},{"family":"Roszjar","given":"J"},{"family":"Patzek","given":"Markus"},{"family":"Barrat","given":"Jean‐alix"},{"family":"Berndt","given":"Jasper"},{"family":"Rocco","given":"Tommaso"},{"family":"Pack","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Weber","given":"I"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70072","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70072","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414915509","type":"article-journal","title":"A petrological, geochemical, and geochronological study of Ramlat Fasad 532: An Omani addition to the Antarctic ‘YAMM’ lunar meteorite group","abstract":"Ramlat Fasad (RF) 532 is a lunar meteorite recovered from the desert plains of Oman in 2018 during systematic searching. Our study shows that RF 532 is a monomict gabbro breccia, dominantly composed of anorthitic plagioclase and augitic to pigeonitic pyroxene. In situ Pb isotope analyses of feldspars, pyroxene, symplectite, apatite, zircon, and zirconolite reveal a minimum crystallisation age of 3858.9 ± 3.2 Ma (2σ uncertainty), and Pb isotope evolution modelling indicates that it was derived from a source with a 238U/204Pb ratio of ~71–81 (typically referred to as the µ-value). With a monomict brecciated texture, partly maskelynitised plagioclase, and melt pockets and veins, it was likely subject to shock pressures of ~20–25 GPa. In terms of petrology, geochemistry, and geochronology, RF 532 is indistinguishable from the ‘YAMM’ meteorites—Yamato 793169, Asuka 881757, Miller Range 05035, and Meteorite Hills 01210, which are basaltic/gabbroic lunar meteorites recovered from various Antarctic icefields—indicating that all the stones are grouped. Together, they sample a basaltic lava flow and overlying regolith that has been subject to at least one impact event. They were likely ejected from the Moon at the same time, but differences in terrestrial residence ages and recovery locations suggest they did not fall to Earth in the same event. Thus, RF 532 and the YAMM group become the first lunar launch group where all members were recovered during systematic searches, with precise recovery coordinates for all meteorites.","author":[{"family":"Oliveira","given":"Bre"},{"family":"Snape","given":"JF"},{"family":"Tartèse","given":"Romain"},{"family":"Jeon","given":"Heejin"},{"family":"Whitehouse","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Joy","given":"KH"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.33063/agc.v1i2.772","URL":"https://doi.org/10.33063/agc.v1i2.772","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406805948","type":"article-journal","title":"VIS ‐to‐ MIR reflectance and Raman spectroscopy of the CM2 NWA 12184 carbonaceous chondrite","abstract":"Abstract The spectral analysis of CM meteorites can help to constrain the mineralogical composition of their parent body, the C‐type asteroids. The CM2 NWA 12184 was spectrally examined employing seven complementary techniques at different spatial resolutions, including VIS‐to‐MIR reflectance and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, the effects of space weathering on asteroids can be investigated by performing laboratory simulations on meteorites samples; thus, the meteorite was processed with He+ ions at 200 keV (maximum fluence of 1.0 × 1017 ions cm−2) to simulate the solar wind irradiation on C‐type asteroids. We discriminated the mineralogical composition of the NWA 12184 at the millimeter scale and at the micrometer scale, investigating both matrix and chondrules. The ion experiment produced spectral darkening, reddening, shifting of the hydration band, and weakening of the absorption band ascribed to olivine in the VIS‐NIR range, as well as the reduction in the olivine's peak in MIR range, clue of the sample's amorphization. The study identified the native mineralogy of the meteorite, the products of terrestrial weathering, and the aqueous and thermal alteration experienced by the parent body of the sample.","author":[{"family":"Galiano","given":"A"},{"family":"Dirri","given":"Fabrizio"},{"family":"Ferrari","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Carli","given":"Cristian"},{"family":"Bruschini","given":"Enrico"},{"family":"Filacchione","given":"G"},{"family":"Piccioni","given":"G"},{"family":"Palomba","given":"E"},{"family":"Stefani","given":"Stefania"},{"family":"Raponi","given":"A"},{"family":"Ciarniello","given":"M"},{"family":"Palumbo","given":"ME"},{"family":"Scappuzzo","given":"Carlotta"},{"family":"Baratta","given":"GA"},{"family":"Urso","given":"Riccardo"},{"family":"Inno","given":"Laura"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14315","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14315","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407796962","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy of terminal grains recovered from the Tanpopo capture panel onboard the International Space Station","abstract":"Abstract The Tanpopo experiment is Japan's first astrobiology mission aboard the Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility on the International Space Station. The Tanpopo‐1 mission exposed silica aerogel panels to low Earth orbit from 2015 to 2016 to capture micrometeoroids. We identified an impact track measuring approximately 8 mm long, which contained terminal grains in the silica aerogel panel oriented toward space. The impact track exhibited a bulbous cavity with two thin, straight tracks branching from it, each preserving a terminal grain at their ends. The terminal grains were extracted from the silica aerogel and analyzed using scanning transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy to investigate their X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (STXM‐XANES). Both grains are Fe‐bearing and relatively homogeneous orthopyroxene crystals (En 88.4±0.4 and En 88.2±1.8 ). The recovery of Fe‐bearing low‐Ca pyroxene aligns with previous studies of micrometeoroids captured in LEO. Micrometeoroids containing Fe‐bearing olivine and low‐Ca pyroxene are likely abundant in LEO.","author":[{"family":"Noguchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Miyake","given":"Akira"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Suga","given":"Hiroki"},{"family":"Tabata","given":"M"},{"family":"Okudaira","given":"Kyoko"},{"family":"Yamagishi","given":"Akihiko"},{"family":"Yano","given":"Hajime"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14327","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14327","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7155405568","type":"article-journal","title":"Kryzaite, Na4(MgCr)(PO4)3 – a new mineral from the Morasko IAB-MG iron meteorite (Poland) and the first natural NASICON compound","abstract":"Abstract Kryzaite, a new mineral with the ideal formula Na4(MgCr)(PO4)3 and the empirical formula Na3.93(Mg0.94Fe2+0.07Mn2+0.03 Cr3+1.02)Σ2.06P2.99O12 is the third new phosphate to be discovered in the graphite-troilite nodules of the iron meteorite Morasko, which belongs to the IAB-MG meteorite group. The other two minerals are moraskoite, Na2Mg(PO4)F, and czochralskiite, Na4Ca3Mg(PO4)4. The kryzaite structure was refined based on a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of a 0.02 × 0.012 × 0.01 mm grain. It is a trigonal, space group R-3c, a = 8.8509(6)Å, c = 21.2564(18)Å, V = 1442.1(2) Å3, Z = 6. A synthetic analogue, belonging to the NASICON (Na Super Ionic Conductor) compound type, is known and has a potential application in the production of Na-ion batteries. The kryzaite structural framework is formed by [(Mg/Cr)O6] octahedra and (PO4) tetrahedra jointed at the vertices and contains channels with Na-occupied sites. The high rate of low-temperature Na diffusion determines the high ionic conductivity and high chemical reactivity of kryzaite type compounds. Kryzaite preservation is defined by the rapid formation of a stable rim that preserves and protects the mineral from later alteration. Kryzaite forms transparent green grains with a vitreous lustre measuring up to 30 μm in size in the central part of aggregates. The rim of these aggregates is formed by a transparent brown phase with a vitreous lustre and the empirical formula Na1.50(Mg0.98Mn2+0.07)(Fe3+0.77Cr3+1.01)(PO4)3. The calculated density of kryzaite is 3.14 g·cm-3, based on structural data and the empirical formula. The following bands are observed in the Raman spectrum of kryzaite (cm-1): 1116, 1111, 1066 ν3(PO4)3-; 1022 ν3(PO4)3-/ν1(PO4)3-; 979 ν1(PO4)3; 597 ν4(PO4)3; 459, 437 ν2(PO4)3-; 341 ν(CrO6)9-; 266, 231, 163 νT(PO4)3-, νR(PO4)3-, νNa-O. Kryzaite in the Morasko meteorite most likely crystallized from a phosphate melt at a temperature of about 950-1000°C, as well as the primary Na-containing phosphates - brianite, moraskoite, czochralskiite and merrillite.","author":[{"family":"Galuskin","given":"Evgeny"},{"family":"Muszyński","given":"Andrzej"},{"family":"Panikorovskii","given":"Taras"},{"family":"Kusz","given":"Joachim"},{"family":"Książek","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Galuskina","given":"Irina"},{"family":"Zieliński","given":"Grzegorz"},{"family":"Prusik","given":"Krystian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.2138/am-2025-10138","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2025-10138","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413377939","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy and geochemical study of sulfide mineralization, in Kadikhel Valley, Western Kohistan Island Arc, North Pakistan","abstract":"This study reports sulfide mineralization in Kadikhel Valley, Upper Dir region, for the first time, located in the western Kohistan Island Arc, north Pakistan. The area is poorly explored for exploration, mineral identification, ore characterization, and processes of ore genesis. This study aims to investigate the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of sulfide mineralization and its origination within the quartz veins and associated host rocks (amphibolites), which is a new discovery in this region. Detailed field investigation, mineralogical, petrochemical, and O-S isotopic studies were conducted by analyzing the representative samples collected during the field using advanced instrumental techniques such as AAS, ICP-MS, XRD, and SEM-EDX. Results of the samples from the study area indicated three types of copper mineralization, including copper mineralization along Quartz veins, copper mineralization in amphibolites, and supergene enrichment of copper mineralization. The economically significant concentration of copper in the altered amphibolites ranges from 2.4 % to 5.78 %, while in mineralized quartz veins, it is from 5.2 % to 16.4 %. Trace elements (ppm) such as Pb (121-647), Zn (112-458), W (110-2069), Ni (15-491), Cr (115-538), Co (101-421), and Ag (5.1- 5.7) are found in relatively smaller amounts. The gain and loss analysis shows that the hydrothermal fluids were enriched in MnO, FeO, Cu, Pb, Zn, W, Ni, Cr, Co, Au, and Ag. The enriched elements formed an important part of the mineralizing hydrothermal fluids. The major ore minerals identified in the study area are chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite, pyrite, malachite, azurite, hematite, and magnetite, with minor concentrations of sphalerite and galena. The associated gangue minerals include quartz, biotite, muscovite, amphibole, plagioclase, epidote, and chlorite. Different ore phases and mineral textures were determined using ore microscopy, SEM-EDS, and XRD studies. Metallic mineralization is formed in two stages (i.e. hydrothermal and replacement stages). The average isotope values of sulfur (δ34S) 2.17 %, and oxygen (δ18O) 7.8 %, suggest that a magmatic-hydrothermal fluid derived from a magmatic source is responsible for the precipitation of sulfide mineralization in the mineralized quartz veins and adjacent mineralized/altered amphibolites. We suggest that the episodic intrusions of diorite/granodiorites of the Kohistan batholith are the main sources of metal-rich hydrothermal fluid responsible for the precipitation of the sulfide mineralization in the study area.","author":[{"family":"Din","given":"Israr"},{"family":"Shah","given":"Mohammad"},{"family":"Ali","given":"Liaqat"},{"family":"Ali","given":"Asghar"},{"family":"Alshehri","given":"Fahad"},{"family":"Almadani","given":"Sattam"},{"family":"Shahab","given":"Muhammad"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.13168/agg.2025.0018","URL":"https://doi.org/10.13168/agg.2025.0018","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410158012","type":"article-journal","title":"Space weathering on the lunar nearside and farside constrained from Si isotopes","abstract":"Over long timescales, space weathering processes can modify the compositions of surface materials on the Moon. To assess the effects of space weathering of lunar soils, we study Si isotopes of Chang’E-5 (CE-5) and Chang’E-6 (CE-6) returned samples, and lunar meteorites. Here we show that both bulk soils from CE-5 and CE-6 exhibit heavier Si isotopic compositions than the basalt clasts within the soils and lunar meteorites, indicating that the space weathering obviously increase δ30Si of lunar soils. Furthermore, the CE-6 soil from the lunar farside has heavier Si isotopic values than the average of CE-5 soils from the nearside, suggesting that the CE-6 soil has experienced a higher space weathering degree than the CE-5 soils. This increased weathering degree could be attributed to either a longer weathering period or stronger micrometeorite impacts on CE-6 soil from farside compared to CE-5 soils from nearside. Chang’E-5 and Chang’E-6 lunar soils show higher δ30Si than lunar basalts, with CE-6 having the highest value, suggesting space weathering produced by micrometeorite impacts alters Si isotopes of lunar soils, with stronger effects on the farside.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Hui"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Huimin"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Haolan"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Yu"},{"family":"Xiao","given":"Zicong"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Lin"},{"family":"Kang","given":"Jinting"},{"family":"Shen","given":"Ji"},{"family":"Qin","given":"Liping"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Fang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-59577-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-59577-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415689563","type":"article-journal","title":"Effects of Mineralogy and UV Radiation on the Detectability of Amino Acids Within the Martian Regolith: The Case for a Combined Chromatographical and Spectroscopical Approach","abstract":"Abstract Amino acids are an extremely heterogeneous group of biomolecules essential for life on Earth. Their biosignatures are expected to be easily degraded on the Martian surface as the absence of a thick atmosphere and a magnetosphere leads to most of the solar radiation directly reaching its surface. To determine the preservation of amino acids in the Martian regolith, and their detectability, we exposed protein‐sourced and free amino acids to UV‐B radiation. This was done while in contact with different particle size ranges of two Martian regolith simulants. Bulk analysis through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) showed that UV‐B radiation led to little damage across all samples, mainly targeting sensitive amino acids like tyrosine, histidine, tryptophan and methionine. The two Martian simulants were divided into five particle size ranges. Smaller particles (<0.045 mm) led to higher recoveries than bigger ones (>0.500 mm), likely through their high specific surface area. Raman spectroscopy offered localized surface information, which HPLC was unable to. One of the simulants (MMS‐2) is rich in iron oxides like hematite, which likely prevented any detection by absorbing the excitation wavelength of the laser. Irradiation also led to widespread loss of signal of all amino acids. Overall, the limitations of both techniques were compensated by each another, which allowed for the precise characterization of the chemical alterations suffered by amino acids in these conditions.","author":[{"family":"Tiemblo","given":"Miguel"},{"family":"Rayo-Pizarroso","given":"Pedro"},{"family":"Martínredondo","given":"MP"},{"family":"Gómez","given":"Felipe"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2025je009070","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2025je009070","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407684818","type":"article-journal","title":"Fast firing technique for Martian regolith simulant: Advancing ISRU capabilities","abstract":"In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) approaches hold significant importance in plans for space colonization. This work explores a different ISRU concept applying fast-firing, a robust and well-known industrial process, to Mars regolith simulant (MGS-1). The fast-fired specimens were compared to the ones obtained by conventional sintered under low heating rates. When the holding time at the firing temperature is longer than 15 min, fast-fired specimens exhibited higher density and flexural strength (> 35 MPa) than conventional sintering. For both processes, the bulk density values and the mechanical properties of the regolith compacts were enhanced with increasing dwell time. This was attributed to higher heating rates changing the densification/crystallization kinetics involving the basalt glass in the regolith composition. Specifically, high heating rate promotes sintering over crystallization. On these bases, fast firing can be considered a potential candidate for ISRU on Mars. • Fast firing was used to consolidate the Martian regolith simulant. • The produced samples were usually denser compared to the conventional ones. • Higher heating rates may alter the densification/crystallization kinetics. • Fast-fired specimens showed bending strength exceeding 35 MPa.","author":[{"family":"Karacasulu","given":"Levent"},{"family":"Tomasini","given":"Alessandro"},{"family":"Vakifahmetoglu","given":"Cekdar"},{"family":"Biesuz","given":"Mattia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.icarus.2025.116521","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2025.116521","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414512454","type":"article-journal","title":"Hydric characteristics and agro-industrial quality of sugarcane under application of correctives and fertilizer in Alagoas, Brazil","abstract":"The objective of this research was to evaluate meteorological variables, water balance and agro-industrial quality of sugarcane under isolated and combined application of pH correctives and organic and mineral fertilization in planting furrows, in rainfed conditions. The statistical design used was in randomized blocks, with five replications and 8 treatments: T1 = limestone, T2 ­= agricultural gypsum; T3 = poultry litter; T4 = T1 + T2; T5 = T1 + T3; T6 = T2 + T3; T7 = T1 + T2 + T3 and T8 = conventional mineral fertilizer. The cultivar used was RB92579 and the agro-industrial quality variables studied were: brix of broth, sugarcane broth apparent sucrose, broth purity, reducing sugars, total recoverable sugars and fiber. The air temperature was not a limiting factor for the growth of sugarcane. The crop evapotranspiration, in 16 months of cultivation, was 2,054 mm. In general, the application of agricultural gypsum in the planting furrow generates higher agro-industrial quality of the sugarcane in comparison with the application of poultry litter. The agro-industrial quality of sugarcane fields cultivated with agricultural limestone and conventional fertilization does not differ significantly from the areas where agricultural gypsum is applied or the areas where poultry litter is used.","author":[{"family":"Silva","given":"Ricardo"},{"family":"Neto","given":"Antônio"},{"family":"Teodoro","given":"Iêdo"},{"family":"Barros","given":"Allan"},{"family":"Santos","given":"Valdevan"},{"family":"Souza","given":"Ademária"},{"family":"Martins","given":"Gleica"},{"family":"Santos","given":"Wellington"},{"family":"Costa","given":"Bruno"},{"family":"Souza","given":"José"},{"family":"Santos","given":"José"},{"family":"Silva","given":"Dayane"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5965/223811712412025021","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5965/223811712412025021","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406199843","type":"article-journal","title":"Divergent Paradigms of Porphyry Cu Deposits in Subduction and Collision Zones","abstract":"The prevailing view suggests that the formation of porphyry Cu deposits involves differentiation of water-rich, metal-bearing juvenile magmas, with subduction of oceanic slabs supplying the necessary volatiles. However, the occurrence of significant porphyry Cu deposits in continental collision zones, where such volatile sources are absent, challenges this paradigm. We analyze a global dataset of whole-rock platinum-group elements and apatite compositions of ore-forming magmas in both subduction and collision zones, combined with Monte Carlo simulations. The results reveal that ore-forming magmas in collision zones exhibit significantly higher degassing efficiencies compared to those in subduction zones. To explain this, we integrate whole-rock geochemistry, mineral thermobarometry, and thermodynamic modeling, proposing that lower water contents of collision zone ore-forming magmas lead to shallower magma storage depths, significantly enhancing degassing efficiency. In contrast, higher water contents of subduction zone ore-forming magmas result in greater emplacements, limiting degassing efficiency. Despite this limitation, higher magma fluxes in subduction zones compensate for lower degassing efficiencies. These findings highlight distinct frameworks of water content, storage depth, and magma flux between subduction and collision zone porphyry Cu deposits. The synergistic interplay of these factors, rather than simply water-rich magmas, is fundamental to porphyry Cu formation.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Zixuan"},{"family":"Zheng","given":"Yuanchuan"},{"family":"Chiaradia","given":"Massimo"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Bo"},{"family":"Hao","given":"Hongda"},{"family":"Hou","given":"Zengqian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.31223/x53b0s","URL":"https://doi.org/10.31223/x53b0s","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407545768","type":"article-journal","title":"The potential of Deception Island, Antarctica, as a multifunctional Martian analogue of astrobiological interest","abstract":"Abstract The establishment of the possible presence of life on Mars (past or present) is based on the study of planetary analogues, which allow in situ analysis of the environments in which living organisms adapt to often extreme conditions. Although Mars has been a candidate for hosting life, based on observations made decades ago, it is thanks to the characteristics identified in environments, mainly volcanic, that it has been possible to calibrate instruments and detail the features of the red planet. In this paper, we present a review of the main characteristics of different planetary analogues, particularly deepening the study of Antarctica, to later expose the factors studied in Deception Island that have contributed to considering it as an analogue of Mars from different perspectives. Although geological and geomorphological studies on the analogies of the island already exist, detailed analyses that present the approach of astrobiological analogues are required, thus allowing further research.","author":[{"family":"Leal","given":"María"},{"family":"Tovar","given":"David"},{"family":"Pablo","given":"MAD"},{"family":"Bonilla","given":"María"},{"family":"Leone","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Nikolaevna","given":"Nadejda"},{"family":"Nieves","given":"Jimena"},{"family":"Molina","given":"A"},{"family":"Lobos","given":"José"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1017/s1473550425000023","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1473550425000023","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.2514/6.2024-4892","type":"article-journal","title":"Modified Bucket Wheel Design and Mining Techniques for Asteroid Mining","abstract":"Space mining is the future, being essential to meet the demands of supplying critical rare materials—abundant on the Moon, Asteroids, and other celestial bodies—required to produce electrical and electronic components for daily life in the coming decades. Asteroids are of particular interest due to their high resource highness and energy accessibility. Both of these properties of asteroids are owed in large part to their low gravity, which poses a challenge to mining them. Asteroid mining ventures must contend with an environment with little gravity bounding machinery to the surface and little cohesion to push against. For low cohesion environments, research shows that the bucket wheel design is the best candidate among other excavators for mining the regolith and can be well suited to the lunar mining context. Adopting the bucket wheel to function in milligravity will provide a way to build off preexisting space excavation technologies to solve a novel problem. Using bucket wheels to mine asteroids and being conscientious of reaction force generation provides scalability in a realm where many leading designs involve the capture of the entire asteroid, limiting viable targets to below the mid-sized (<1 km) range. The majority of well-characterized asteroids like Bennu (~500 m) are within this range. Thus, there is a need for alternative technologies to mine the mid-size asteroid like Bennu. In this paper, we consider the deployment of spacecraft with modified bucket wheel systems used for regolith manipulation on the asteroid surface. The modified bucket wheel system must also contend with uneven terrain and electrostatically charged, coarse grains while minimizing environmental impact. Bucket wheels will be iteratively modified using digital modeling and rapidly prototyped with 3D printing, with the intended final design incorporating a rotating array of extensible claws that will execute a biting motion to scoop regolith. Testing the bucket wheel necessitates the development of a simulant that is mechanically analogous to asteroid surface conditions. Candidate simulants must be able to mimic the low shear strength present on asteroids without the use of buoyant suspension, as that would produce inaccurate force data. The particle size accuracy and affordability of the simulants are other leading criteria for selection. The test bed for each asteroid-mining bucket wheel will read the horizontal cutting force, vertical resistive force, excavation rate, electric power consumption, and the filling efficiency of the mechanism. The resolved force on the bucket wheel will be low enough such that the bucket wheel can remain attached to the surface of a representative asteroid such as Bennu only through the gravitational force. To kickstart the design of the modified asteroid-mining bucket wheel, engineering factors that have the greatest impact on cutting force were identified to be cutting velocity and the volume of the buckets. By examining a simplified bucket wheel design of constrained size bucket shape, hypothetical asteroid-mining excavators were compared to the most developed Lunar excavators to determine the bounds on their bucket volume and cutting velocity in asteroid environments of varying gravity, density, and resource richness. These bounds represent the intersection of an upper limit—the force curve—which determines whether the bucket wheel remains gravitationally attached to the asteroid surface while mining, and a lower limit—the productivity curve—which determines whether the bucket wheel can excavate rare metals faster than a Lunar excavator. Density was found to be the most impactful asteroid parameter on both cutting velocity and bucket volume. Increased gravity had no discernible impact on bucket volume but had a beneficial effect on maximum allowable velocity. Resource richness had little impact on constraining bucket wheel design. High-mass excavators appear to be favored in this model.","author":[{"family":"Hansen","given":"Korbin"},{"family":"Muniysamy","given":"Sivaperuman"},{"family":"Thangavelautham","given":"Jekan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.2514/6.2024-4892","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2024-4892","source":"crossref"},{"id":"oa:W4321254746","type":"article-journal","title":"3D-printed Lunar regolith simulant-based geopolymer composites with bio-inspired sandwich architectures","abstract":"Over time, natural materials have evolved to be lightweight, high-strength, tough, and damage-tolerant due to their unique biological structures. Therefore, combining biological inspiration and structural design would provide traditional materials with a broader range of performance and applications. Here, the application of an ink-based three-dimensional (3D) printing strategy to the structural design of a Lunar regolith simulant-based geopolymer (HIT-LRS-1 GP) was first reported, and high-precision carbon fiber/quartz sand-reinforced biomimetic patterns inspired by the cellular sandwich structure of plant stems were fabricated. This study demonstrated how different cellular sandwich structures can balance the structure–property relationship and how to achieve unprecedented damage tolerance for a geopolymer composite. The results presented that components based on these biomimetic architectures exhibited stable non-catastrophic fracture characteristics regardless of the compression direction, and each structure possessed effective damage tolerance and anisotropy of mechanical properties. The results showed that the compressive strengths of honeycomb sandwich patterns, triangular sandwich patterns, wave sandwich patterns, and rectangular sandwich patterns in the Y -axis ( Z -axis) direction were 15.6, 17.9, 11.3, and 20.1 MPa (46.7, 26.5, 23.8, and 34.4 MPa), respectively, and the maximum fracture strain corresponding to the above four structures could reach 10.2%, 6.7%, 5.8%, and 5.9% (12.1%, 13.7%, 13.6%, and 13.9%), respectively.","author":[{"family":"Ma","given":"Siqi"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Yuqi"},{"family":"Fu","given":"Shuai"},{"family":"He","given":"Peigang"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Chengyue"},{"family":"Duan","given":"Xiaoming"},{"family":"Jia","given":"Dechang"},{"family":"Colombo","given":"Paolo"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Yu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.26599/jac.2023.9220700","URL":"https://doi.org/10.26599/jac.2023.9220700","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/ma17235866","type":"article-journal","title":"The Formation Mechanisms of np-Fe in Lunar Regolith: A Review.","abstract":"Nanophase iron (np-Fe) is widely distributed on the surface of lunar soil particles, forming as a result of space weathering. These np-Fe particles contribute to the reddening and darkening of the visible to near-infrared spectra of weathered lunar material and serve as critical indicators for assessing the maturity of lunar soil. (1) This article reviews the proposed formation mechanisms of np-Fe particles from studies of Apollo and Luna soils, including the thermal reduction of iron melts, vapor deposition caused by micrometeorite impacts, and hydrogen reduction due to solar wind exposure. (2) Additionally, recent findings from the analysis of Chang'E-5 lunar soil are highlighted, revealing new mechanisms such as sub-solidus decomposition of olivine, impact-driven disproportionation, and FeO eutectic reactions. (3) Experimental studies simulating space weathering through laser and ion irradiation are also discussed and compared. Despite extensive research, a definitive understanding of np-Fe particle formation remains elusive. Previous lunar soil samples have been collected from the near side of the Moon. This year, the Chang'E-6 mission has successfully returned the first-ever lunar soil samples from the far side. These samples are expected to exhibit unique space weathering characteristics, providing new insights into the formation mechanisms of np-Fe in lunar soil.","author":[{"family":"Xiong","given":"Mingchao"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Yanxue"},{"family":"Yao","given":"Wenqing"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Zilei"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Yingying"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xia"},{"family":"Yan","given":"Pan"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xiongyao"},{"family":"Zeng","given":"Xiaojia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ma17235866","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235866","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/polym16111582","type":"article-journal","title":"Lunar Regolith Geopolymer Concrete for In-Situ Construction of Lunar Bases: A Review.","abstract":"The construction of lunar bases represents a fundamental challenge for deep space exploration, lunar research, and the exploitation of lunar resources. In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technology constitutes a pivotal tool for constructing lunar bases. Using lunar regolith to create geopolymers as construction materials offers multiple advantages as an ISRU technique. This paper discusses the principle of geopolymer for lunar regolith, focusing on the reaction principle of geopolymer. It also analyzes the applicability of geopolymer under the effects of the lunar surface environment and the differences between the highland and mare lunar regolith. This paper summarizes the characteristics of existing lunar regolith simulants and the research on the mechanical properties of lunar regolith geopolymers using lunar regolith simulants. Highland lunar regolith samples contain approximately 36% amorphous substances, the content of silicon is approximately 28%, and the ratios of Si/Al and Si/Ca are approximately 1.5 and 2.6, respectively. They are more suitable as precursor materials for geopolymers than mare samples. The compressive strength of lunar regolith geopolymer is mainly in the range of 18~30 MPa. Sodium silicate is the most commonly utilized activator for lunar regolith geopolymers; alkalinity in the range of 7% to 10% and modulus in the range of 0.8 to 2.0 are suitable. A vacuum environment and multiple temperature cycles reduce the mechanical properties of geopolymers by 8% to 70%. Future research should be concentrated on the precision control of the lunar regolith's chemical properties and the alkali activation efficacy of geopolymers in the lunar environment.","author":[{"family":"Zheng","given":"Xiaowei"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Cong"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Xiaoyan"},{"family":"Dong","given":"Weiwei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/polym16111582","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111582","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/ma17194789","type":"article-journal","title":"Calibration of Discrete Element Method Parameters for a High-Fidelity Lunar Regolith Simulant Considering the Effects of Realistic Particle Shape.","abstract":"The Discrete Element Method (DEM) is an important tool for investigating the geotechnical properties of lunar regolith. The accuracy of DEM simulations largely depends on precise particle modeling and the appropriate selection of mesoscopic parameters. To enhance the reliability and accuracy of the DEM in lunar regolith studies, this paper utilized the high-fidelity IRSM-1 lunar regolith simulant to construct a DEM model with realistic particle shapes and conducted an angle of repose (AoR) simulation test. The optimal DEM parameters were calibrated using a combination of the Plackett-Burman test, steepest ascent test, and Box-Behnken design. The results indicate that the sliding friction coefficient, rolling friction coefficient, and surface energy significantly influence the simulation AoR. By optimizing against the measured AoR using a second-order regression model, the optimal parameter values were determined to be 0.633, 0.401, and 0.2, respectively. Under these optimal parameters, the error between the simulation and experimental AoR was 2.1%. Finally, the calibrated mesoscopic parameters were validated through a lifting cylinder test, showing an error of 6.3% between the simulation and experimental results. The high similarity in the shape of the AoR further confirms the accuracy and reliability of the parameter calibration method. This study provides a valuable reference for future DEM-based research on the mechanical and engineering properties of lunar regolith.","author":[{"family":"Zhou","given":"Ningxi"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Jian"},{"family":"Tian","given":"Ning"},{"family":"Tian","given":"Kaiwei"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Juehao"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Peng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ma17194789","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194789","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4327811742","type":"article-journal","title":"Insights into the formation and evolution of extraterrestrial amino acids from the asteroid Ryugu","abstract":"All life on Earth contains amino acids and carbonaceous chondrite meteorites have been suggested as their source at the origin of life on Earth. While many meteoritic amino acids are considered indigenous, deciphering the extent of terrestrial contamination remains an issue. The Ryugu asteroid fragments (JAXA Hayabusa2 mission), represent the most uncontaminated primitive extraterrestrial material available. Here, the concentrations of amino acids from two particles from different touchdown sites (TD1 and TD2) are reported. The concentrations show that N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG) is the most abundant amino acid in the TD1 particle, but below detection limit in the other. The TD1 particle mineral components indicate it experienced more aqueous alteration. Furthermore, the relationships between the amino acids and the geochemistry suggest that DMG formed on the Ryugu progenitor body during aqueous alteration. The findings highlight the importance of aqueous chemistry for defining the ultimate concentrations of amino acids in primitive extraterrestrial samples.","author":[{"family":"Potiszil","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Ota","given":"Tsutomu"},{"family":"Yamanaka","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Sakaguchi","given":"Chie"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"K"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Ryoji"},{"family":"Kunihiro","given":"T"},{"family":"Kitagawa","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Nakazawa","given":"Satoru"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-023-37107-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37107-6","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4324330371","type":"article-journal","title":"Degassing of early-formed planetesimals restricted water delivery to Earth","abstract":"The timing of delivery and the types of body that contributed volatiles to the terrestrial planets remain highly debated1,2. For example, it is unknown if differentiated bodies, such as that responsible for the Moon-forming giant impact, could have delivered substantial volatiles3,4 or if smaller, undifferentiated objects were more probable vehicles of water delivery5–7. Here we show that the water contents of minerals in achondrite meteorites (mantles or crusts of differentiated planetesimals) from both the inner and outer portions of the early Solar System are ≤2 μg g−1 H2O. These are among the lowest values ever reported for extraterrestrial minerals. Our results demonstrate that differentiated planetesimals efficiently degassed before or during melting. This finding implies that substantial amounts of water could only have been delivered to Earth by means of unmelted material. The very low water contents of minerals in achondrite meteorites from the early Solar System show that substantial amounts of water could only have been delivered to Earth by means of unmelted material.","author":[{"family":"Newcombe","given":"Megan"},{"family":"Nielsen","given":"Sune"},{"family":"Peterson","given":"Liam"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Jianhua"},{"family":"Alexander","given":"CMO"},{"family":"Sarafian","given":"Adam"},{"family":"Shimizu","given":"Kei"},{"family":"Nittler","given":"LR"},{"family":"Irving","given":"AJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41586-023-05721-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05721-5","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/cryst14010096","type":"article-journal","title":"Toledoite, TiFeSi, a New Mineral from Inclusions in Corundum Xenocrysts from Mount Carmel, Israel","abstract":"During our nanomineralogical investigation of melt inclusions in corundum xenocrysts from the Mount Carmel area, Israel, seven new oxide and alloy minerals have been discovered since 2021. Herein, we report toledoite (TiFeSi; IMA 2022-036), a new alloy mineral. Toledoite occurs as irregular crystals 2–16 μm in size, with gupeiite (Fe3Si), jingsuiite (TiB2), ziroite (ZrO2), osbornite (TiN), xifengite (Fe5Si3), and naquite (FeSi) in corundum Grain WG1124E-1. Toledoite has an empirical formula (Ti0.83Cr0.07Mn0.06V0.02)(Fe0.96Mn0.04)(Si0.99P0.04) and an orthorhombic Ima2 TiFeSi-type structure with the following cell parameters: a = 7.00(1) Å, b = 10.83(1) Å, c = 6.29(1) Å, V = 477(1) Å3, Z = 12. Toledoite is a high-temperature alloy phase, formed under extremely reduced conditions in melt pockets in corundum xenocrysts derived from the upper mantle beneath Mount Carmel in Israel. The name was given in honor of Vered Toledo, of Shefa Gems Ltd. for her support and for providing corundum xenocrysts from the Mount Carmel region for this investigation of new minerals.","author":[{"family":"Ma","given":"Chi"},{"family":"Cámara","given":"Fernando"},{"family":"Bindi","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Griffin","given":"William"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/cryst14010096","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14010096","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1002/adma.202412211","type":"article-journal","title":"Nanozymes and Their Potential Roles in the Origin of Life.","abstract":"The origin of life has long been a central scientific challenge, with various hypotheses proposed. The chemical evolution, which supposes that inorganic molecules can transform into organic molecules and subsequent primitive cells, laid the foundation for modern theories. Inorganic minerals are believed to play crucial catalytic roles in the process. However, the harsh reaction conditions of inorganic minerals hinder the accumulation of organic molecules, preventing the efficient transition from inorganic molecules to biomacromolecules. Given the inherent physicochemical properties and enzyme-like activities, this study proposes that nanozymes, nanomaterials with enzyme-like activities, act as efficient prebiotic catalysts in the origin of life. This hypothesis is based on the following: First, unlike traditional minerals, nanominerals can catalyze organic synthesis under milder conditions. Second, nanominerals can not only protect biomolecules from radiation damage but also catalyze polymerization reactions to form functional biomacromolecules and further lipid vesicles. More importantly, nanominerals are abundant in terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. This perspective will systematically discuss the potential roles of nanozymes in the emergence of life based on the functions of minerals and the characteristics of nanozymes. We hope the research on nanozymes and the origin of life will bridge the gap between inorganic precursors and biomolecules under primitive environments.","author":[{"family":"Ma","given":"Long"},{"family":"Liang","given":"Zimo"},{"family":"Hou","given":"Yinyin"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Ruofei"},{"family":"Fan","given":"Kelong"},{"family":"Yan","given":"Xiyun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/adma.202412211","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202412211","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2306-1625","type":"article-journal","title":"Stephen Hawking's Warning on Contacting Aliens: A Physics Perspective on the Intelligence Trap.","abstract":"The search for extraterrestrial intelligence is a fascinating and important endeavor, but it raises significant ethical and safety concerns. In the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, scientists use knowledge of physics to identify potential communication methods and signals that may be used by extraterrestrial civilizations. One of the most notable scientists to highlight these concerns was the late physicist Stephen Hawking, who cautioned that actively attempting to communicate with extraterrestrial civilizations could harm humanity. While it is true that we cannot predict the intentions of any potential extraterrestrial civilizations, some scientists argue that the potential advantages of seeking contact outweigh the potential risks. Deciding to initiate contact with extraterrestrial civilizations is a complex issue that requires balancing scientific curiosity with concerns for our own safety. The \"Intelligence Trap\" is a concept in psychology that suggests that highly intelligent people are more susceptible to cognitive biases and flawed thinking than less intelligent people. It can be argued that Hawking's warnings may be an example of the so-called intelligence trap, as some evidence from the field of physics suggests. Nonetheless, Hawking emphasized that it is crucial for scientists and policymakers to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of such efforts and proceed with caution.","author":[{"family":"Mortazavi","given":"Seyed"},{"family":"Bevelacqua","given":"Joseph"},{"family":"Mortazavi","given":"Seyed"},{"family":"Rafiepour","given":"Payman"},{"family":"Welsh","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2306-1625","URL":"https://doi.org/10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2306-1625","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1111/maps.14180","type":"article-journal","title":"Non-destructive quantitative analysis of melt inclusions in extraterrestrial samples: Case study of chassignite via nanoscale X-ray computed tomography.","abstract":"Estimation of the composition of planetary rocks and minerals is crucial for understanding their formation processes. In this study, we present the application of X-ray nano-computed tomography (nano-XCT) for non-destructive 3D phase analysis and estimation of phase abundances in rare martian meteorite samples, specifically chassignite Northwest Africa (NWA) 2737. We determined the most suitable laser power for minimizing artifacts and maximizing phase contrast. By utilizing nano-XCT, we successfully identified and segmented primary phases in the bulk meteorite sample. Additionally, we were able to locate and segment crystallized silicate melt inclusions within the meteorite. The phase abundances in bulk NWA 2737 and within melt inclusions calculated using nano-XCT were in good agreement with previous studies that used thin section calculations, demonstrating the reliability of nano-XCT as a non-destructive alternative for estimating bulk phase abundances in rare samples. This study develops a benchmarking protocol and demonstrates the efficacy of nano-XCT as a non-destructive technique for generating an overview of phase distribution and assemblages of melt inclusions within rare samples. Future research can benefit from combining non-destructive 3D phase assemblage estimations with non-destructive 3D chemical analysis techniques to achieve a fully non-destructive parental magma composition estimation of rare cumulate samples.","author":[{"family":"Wu","given":"Peiyu"},{"family":"Dayton","given":"Kyle"},{"family":"Gazel","given":"Esteban"},{"family":"Porri","given":"Teresa"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14180","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14180","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2321069121","type":"article-journal","title":"Triple oxygen isotopes of lunar water unveil indigenous and cometary heritage.","abstract":"The origin of water in the Earth-Moon system is a pivotal question in planetary science, particularly with the need for water resources in the race to establish lunar bases. The candidate origins of lunar water are an indigenous lunar component, solar wind water production, and the delivery of meteoritic and cometary material. Characterizing the oxygen isotopic composition of water provides information on lunar oxygen sources. The scarcity of lunar water required the development of a high-precision analytical technique for small samples. This method employs stepwise heating, fluorination, and oxygen isotopic measurements using a dual inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometer. The three heating steps were selected based on other extraterrestrial material studies to release loosely bound water that may have been terrestrially contaminated (50 °C), loosely bound water (150 °C), and tightly bound water (as OH) (1,000 °C). This method was applied to a suite of 9 Apollo samples (basalts, breccias, and a regolith), along with terrestrial and meteoritic controls. We present here measurements of the triple oxygen isotopic composition of this water. Our data predominantly show high Δ′ 17 O values (≥ 0‰) for lunar water. These values are consistent with enstatite, ordinary, and CI chondrite-like signatures, although coupling Δ′ 17 O with δ 18 O forms mixing trends that dominantly overlap enstatite signatures. The other end of the mixing line is in the positive Δ′ 17 O space with cometary δ 18 O values, providing constraints for cometary Δ′ 17 O between 0.75 to 1.75‰.","author":[{"family":"Thiemens","given":"Maxwell"},{"family":"Thiemens","given":"Maxwell"},{"family":"Martinez","given":"MH"},{"family":"Thiemens","given":"MH"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2321069121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2321069121","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41598-024-64246-7","type":"article-journal","title":"Siderite and vivianite as energy sources for the extreme acidophilic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in the context of mars habitability.","abstract":"Abstract Past and present habitability of Mars have been intensely studied in the context of the search for signals of life. Despite the harsh conditions observed today on the planet, some ancient Mars environments could have harbored specific characteristics able to mitigate several challenges for the development of microbial life. In such environments, Fe 2+ minerals like siderite (already identified on Mars), and vivianite (proposed, but not confirmed) could sustain a chemolithoautotrophic community. In this study, we investigate the ability of the acidophilic iron-oxidizing chemolithoautotrophic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to use these minerals as its sole energy source. A. ferrooxidans was grown in media containing siderite or vivianite under different conditions and compared to abiotic controls. Our experiments demonstrated that this microorganism was able to grow, obtaining its energy from the oxidation of Fe 2+ that came from the solubilization of these minerals under low pH. Additionally, in sealed flasks without CO 2 , A. ferrooxidans was able to fix carbon directly from the carbonate ion released from siderite for biomass production, indicating that it could be able to colonize subsurface environments with little or no contact with an atmosphere. These previously unexplored abilities broaden our knowledge on the variety of minerals able to sustain life. In the context of astrobiology, this expands the list of geomicrobiological processes that should be taken into account when considering the habitability of environments beyond Earth, and opens for investigation the possible biological traces left on these substrates as biosignatures.","author":[{"family":"Silva","given":"Gabriel"},{"family":"Vincenzi","given":"Roberta"},{"family":"Araujo","given":"Gabriel"},{"family":"Venceslau","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Rodrigues","given":"Fábio"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-64246-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64246-7","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1186/s40623-024-02116-2","type":"article-journal","title":"A high-resolution in situ X-ray diffraction study of mineral transitions due to post-hydration heating in CM chondrite meteorites.","abstract":"Abstract: The effects of post-hydration heating over a broad range of temperatures are evident in many Mighei-like carbonaceous (CM) chondrites as a variety of mineral transitions. To better understand these processes and how a CM chondrite's starting composition may have affected them, we experimentally heated two meteorites with different degrees of aqueous alteration, Allan Hills 83100 and Murchison, at 25 °C temperature steps from 200 °C to 950 °C and 300 °C to 750 °C, respectively. During heating, synchrotron in situ X-ray diffraction patterns were collected. With the exception of calcite decomposition and its products, most mineral transitions were unaffected by starting composition. Key observations include: (1) partial decomposition of tochilinite at 200 °C, which indicates that tochilinite breakdown might be a two-stage process due to its intergrown layers of brucite/amakinite and mackinawite; (2) the breakdown of serpentine occurring at 300 °C with transitional phases appearing at 525 °C and 575-600 °C, while secondary olivine formed at 600 °C; (3) cronstedtite decomposing faster than lizardite, (4) the formation of secondary enstatite at 750 °C, and (5) calcite decomposition temperature differing significantly between meteorites, occurring at 725 °C and 575 °C in ALH 83100 and Murchison, respectively. The results for calcite are likely controlled by differences in its microstructure and chemical composition, related to the meteorite's impact history and degree of aqueous alteration. The difference in calcite decomposition temperature also explains the contrasts in the observed breakdown products, with clinopyroxene occurring in both meteorites, and oldhamite only in ALH 83100. Mineral transitions due to post-hydration heating have been characterized with a high resolution XRD method, enabling a better understanding of processes occurring on the parent asteroids of CM chondrites. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40623-024-02116-2.","author":[{"family":"Jenkins","given":"Laura"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Thompson","given":"Stephen"},{"family":"Day","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Saunders","given":"Lucy"},{"family":"Martin","given":"Pierre‐etienne"},{"family":"Bintang","given":"Fahkri"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40623-024-02116-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-024-02116-2","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1002/rcm.9921","type":"article-journal","title":"Triple-oxygen isotopes of stony micrometeorites by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS): Olivine, basaltic glass and iron oxide matrix effects for sensitive high-mass resolution ion microprobe-stable isotope (SHRIMP-SI).","abstract":"RATIONALE: Micrometeorites are extraterrestrial particles smaller than ~2 mm in diameter, most of which melted during atmospheric entry and crystallised or quenched to form 'cosmic spherules'. Their parentage among meteorite groups can be inferred from triple-oxygen isotope compositions, for example, by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). This method uses sample efficiently, preserving spherules for other investigations. While SIMS precisions are improving steadily, application requires assumptions about instrumental mass fractionation, which is controlled by sample chemistry and mineralogy (matrix effects). METHODS: We have developed a generic SIMS method using sensitive high-mass resolution ion micro probe-stable isotope (SHRIMP-SI) that can be applied to finely crystalline igneous textures as in cosmic spherules. We correct for oxygen isotope matrix effects using the bulk chemistry of samples obtained by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and model bulk chemical compositions as three-component mixtures of olivine, basaltic glass and Fe-oxide (magnetite), finding a unique matrix correction for each target. RESULTS: O up to ~6‰. Our main peak in compositions closely coincides with so-called 'Group 1' objects identified by consumptive methods. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of SIMS matrix effects we find is similar to the previous intraspherule variations, which are now the limiting factor in understanding their compositions. The matrix effect for each spherule should be assessed quantitatively and individually, especially addressing Fe-oxide content. We expect micrometeorite triple-oxygen isotope compositions obtained by SIMS to converge on the main clusters (Groups 1 to 4) after correction firstly for magnetite content and secondarily for other phases (e.g., basaltic glass) in each target.","author":[{"family":"Mckibbin","given":"Seann"},{"family":"Avila","given":"J"},{"family":"Ireland","given":"TR"},{"family":"Ginneken","given":"Matthias"},{"family":"Soens","given":"Bastien"},{"family":"Maldeghem","given":"Flore"},{"family":"Huber","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Baeza","given":"L"},{"family":"Patkar","given":"Aditya"},{"family":"Vanhaecke","given":"Frank"},{"family":"Debaille","given":"Vinciane"},{"family":"Claeys","given":"Philippe"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/rcm.9921","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.9921","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41550-024-02380-y","type":"article-journal","title":"Evidence of a 4.33 billion year age for the Moon's South Pole-Aitken basin.","abstract":"The Moon's farside South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin is the largest and oldest visible impact basin in the inner Solar System. Determining the timing of this catastrophic event is key to understanding the onset of the lunar basin-forming epoch, with implications for understanding the impact bombardment history of the inner Solar System. Despite this, the formation age of the SPA basin remains poorly constrained. Here we show that the chemical composition of the lunar meteorite Northwest Africa 2995 is in good agreement with lithologies exposed within the southern region of the SPA basin. Radiometric dating of a range of mineral and rock components in Northwest Africa 2995 yielded consistent dates of ~4.32-4.33 billion years old. We interpret these dates as the age of SPA basin formation, inferring that this event occurred ~120 million years before the formation of the main cluster of lunar impact basins between ~4.2 Ga and 3.8 Ga. This weakens support for a narrow period of lunar late heavy impact bombardment and also implies that the earliest formed impact basins on the Moon (that is, >4.33-4.5 Ga old) were erased either by the SPA impact itself when its formation caused massive resurfacing of the lunar surface or through other geological processes.","author":[{"family":"Joy","given":"KH"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Na"},{"family":"Snape","given":"JF"},{"family":"Goodwin","given":"A"},{"family":"Pernetfisher","given":"JF"},{"family":"Whitehouse","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yang"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Yangting"},{"family":"Darling","given":"James"},{"family":"Tar","given":"P"},{"family":"Tartèse","given":"Romain"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41550-024-02380-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02380-y","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-024-51054-w","type":"article-journal","title":"Rapid heating rates define the volatile emission and regolith composition of (3200) Phaethon.","abstract":"Abstract Asteroid (3200) Phaethon experiences extreme solar radiant heating ( ~ 750 °C) during perihelion (0.14 au), leading to comet-like activity. The regolith composition and mechanism of volatile emission are unknown but key to understanding JAXA’s DESTINY + mission data (fly-by in 2029) and the fate of near-Sun asteroids more generally. By subjecting CM chondrite fragments to fast, open system, cyclic heating (2-20 °C/min), simulating conditions on Phaethon we demonstrate that rapid heating rates combine with the low permeability, resulting in reactions between volatile gases and decomposing minerals. The retention of S-bearing gas limits the thermal decomposition of Fe-sulphides, allowing these minerals to survive repeated heating cycles. Slow escape of S-bearing gases provides a mechanism for repeated gas release from a thermally processed surface and, therefore the comet-like activity without requiring surface renewal to expose fresh material each perihelion cycle. We predict Phaethon regolith is composed of olivine, Fe-sulphides, Ca-sulphates and hematite.","author":[{"family":"Suttle","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Olbrich","given":"Lorenz"},{"family":"Bays","given":"Charlotte"},{"family":"Riches","given":"Liza"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-51054-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51054-w","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41598-024-61114-2","type":"article-journal","title":"High surface area and interconnected nanoporosity of clay-rich astromaterials.","abstract":"Abstract Porosity affects key astromaterial processes from disruption in our atmosphere and impact with the ground, to the comminution of boulders by thermal and impact processes and slope mechanics on asteroid surfaces, to access and utilization of in-situ resources. Whereas the bulk porosity of clay-rich meteorites is well established, the magnitude of their surface area and nano-scale porosity is poorly known. Here we use N 2 BET gas adsorption to measure the specific surface area and nanoscale pore distribution in several clay-rich meteorites. Two recent falls Tarda (C2-ung) and Aguas Zarcas (CM2) have specific surface areas of 72.5 and 16.5 m 2 /g, respectively. However, the specific surface area of Tarda ranges from 33.7 to 81.6 m 2 /g depending on outgassing conditions. The Tarda surface area is dominated by an interconnected network of ~ 3-nm-sized pores, whereas Aguas Zarcas shows a lower density of ~ 3 nm pores and broader size distribution around 40 nm. In contrast, Ivuna and Orgueil (CI1) have surface areas of ~ 15 to 18 m 2 /g: the low values compared to Tarda are likely due to the neoformation of pore-blocking minerals during atmospheric exposure. These data suggest that returned samples from asteroids Ryugu and Bennu, which are mineralogically and texturally similar to Tarda, also have interconnected nano-scale porosity with high surface area.","author":[{"family":"Garvie","given":"LAJ"},{"family":"Trif","given":"László"},{"family":"Cotto-Figueroa","given":"Desireé"},{"family":"Asphaug","given":"Erik"},{"family":"Hoover","given":"Christian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-61114-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61114-2","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-024-50814-y","type":"article-journal","title":"Breunnerite grain and magnesium isotope chemistry reveal cation partitioning during aqueous alteration of asteroid Ryugu.","abstract":"Abstract Returned samples from the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu provide pristine information on the original aqueous alteration history of the Solar System. Secondary precipitates, such as carbonates and phyllosilicates, reveal elemental partitioning of the major component ions linked to the primordial brine composition of the asteroid. Here, we report on the elemental partitioning and Mg isotopic composition (25Mg/24Mg) of breunnerite [(Mg, Fe, Mn)CO3] from the Ryugu C0002 sample and the A0106 and C0107 aggregates by sequential leaching extraction of salts, exchangeable ions, carbonates, and silicates. Breunnerite was the sample most enriched in light Mg isotopes, and the 25Mg/24Mg value of the fluid had shifted lower by ~0.38‰ than the initial value (set to 0‰) before dolomite precipitation. As a simple model, the Mg2+ first precipitated in phyllosilicates, followed by dolomite precipitation, at which time ~76−87% of Mg2+ had been removed from the primordial brine. A minor amount of phyllosilicate precipitation continued after dolomite precipitation. The element composition profiles of the latest solution that interacted with the cation exchange pool of Ryugu were predominantly Na-rich. Na+ acts as a bulk electrolyte and contributes to the stabilization of the negative surface charge of phyllosilicates and organic matter on Ryugu.","author":[{"family":"Yoshimura","given":"Toshihiro"},{"family":"Araoka","given":"Daisuke"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Sakai","given":"Saburo"},{"family":"Ogawa","given":"Nanako"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Hisayoshi"},{"family":"Morita","given":"Mayu"},{"family":"Onose","given":"Morihiko"},{"family":"Yokoyama","given":"Tetsuya"},{"family":"Bizzarro","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Ohkouchi","given":"Naohiko"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-50814-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50814-y","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1126/sciadv.adl2413","type":"article-journal","title":"Multiple sources of water preserved in impact glasses from Chang'e-5 lunar soil.","abstract":"The existence of molecular H 2 O and evolution of solar wind–derived water on the lunar surface remain controversial. We report that large amounts of OH and molecular H 2 O related to solar wind and other multiple sources are preserved in impact glasses from Chang’e-5 (CE5) lunar soil based on reflectance infrared spectroscopy and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses. The estimated water content contributed by impact glasses to CE5 lunar soil was ~72 ppm, including molecular H 2 O of up to 15 to 25 ppm. Our studies revealed that impact glasses are the main carrier of molecular H 2 O in lunar soils. Moreover, water in CE5 impact glasses provides a record of complex formation processes and multiple water sources, including water derived from solar wind, deposited by water-bearing meteorites/micrometeorites, and inherited from lunar indigenous water. Our study provides a better understanding of the evolution of surficial water on airless bodies and identifies potential source and storage pathways for water in the terrestrial planets.","author":[{"family":"Zhou","given":"Chuanjiao"},{"family":"Mo","given":"Bing"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Hong"},{"family":"Gu","given":"Yaya"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xiongyao"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Dan"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Wen"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jianzhong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adl2413","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adl2413","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4401359259","type":"article-journal","title":"Analyzing the Potential of Space Elevator Technology for Sustainable Asteroid Mining","abstract":"As humanity enters a new age of human exploration and expansion, more practical and economically feasible ideas for space travel and resource mining are topics of great interest. Space elevator technology was first depicted in the science fiction novel Dreams of Earth and Sky by Konstantin Tsiolkovsky in the late 1800s and was later reimagined by Arthur C. Clarke dubbed as an “orbital tower” using orbital space stations as its base for construction. Simply stated, a space elevator is a tapered tether that is anchored to a point on a celestial body and extends outward to a given orbital position that is determined by the mission and found using basic rotational dynamics. Attached to the tether are mechanical climbers that ascend to a given radius, based on mission parameters, to launch a payload. The benefits of using a space elevator as a launch system when compared to chemical rocket propulsion are many including longer launch windows, increased frequency of launches, reduction of cost per kilogram of a launch as well as decreased time of travel. One of a vast number of destination targets would be the near earth asteroid 1986 DA that may contain materials such as cobalt and nickel. The mining of asteroids could end human reliance on limited terrestrial resources as well as advance technology in ways yet to be imagined. In this paper, we will go into detail on how the benefits of space elevator technology can make mining operations sustainable and economically viable for future operations. We will examine potential tether arrangements and designs including the length requirements, dynamics, anchoring techniques and performance. We will also present the Earth to asteroid and asteroid to Earth orbital dynamics of such a system such as frequency of launch, time of flight, launch windows and orbital parameters. These will be compared to a chemical rocket-based system. This work is critical for any effort considering long-term, large-scale asteroid mining.","author":[{"family":"Bate","given":"Joseph"},{"family":"Yousuf","given":"Noor"},{"family":"Rothwell","given":"Josiah"},{"family":"George","given":"Lynanne"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.2514/6.2024-85461","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2024-85461","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4384073792","type":"article-journal","title":"Legality of Ownership of Asteroid Mining Results in Space Based on International Law Arrangements","abstract":"Asteroid mining is a proposed solution for mining elements that are commonly obtained from conventional mining as we know it today. However, until now there are no Indonesian laws and regulations, nor international agreements that directly regulate what rights miners of space resources will have. Without certainty about what property rights exist in extracted resources, the incentives to extract these resources will be greatly reduced. The research method in this journal uses a statutory approach, examining the statutory regulations concerned with the legal issues raised, and a conceptual approach, namely an approach based on legal concepts related to the legal issues at issue. Based on the facts found, it can be concluded that the concept of property rights exists and is recognized in the space law regime, even in the absence of territorial rights over celestial bodies, although its application to resource extraction remains a contentious issue.","author":[{"family":"Spears","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Martin","given":"John"},{"family":"Rotham","given":"Betty"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.59653/pancasila.v1i01.75","URL":"https://doi.org/10.59653/pancasila.v1i01.75","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4375861854","type":"article-journal","title":"Overview of the Lunar In Situ Resource Utilization Techniques for Future Lunar Missions","abstract":"Along with the rapid development of space technology, extraterrestrial exploration has gradually tended to further-distanced and longer-termed planet exploration. As the first step of an attempt for humans to build a perpetual planet base, building a lunar base by in situ resource utilization (ISRU) will drastically reduce the reliance of supplies from Earth. Lunar resources including mineral resources, water/ice resources, volatiles, and solar energy will contribute to the establishment of a lunar base for long-term life support and scientific exploration missions, although we must consider the challenges from high vacuum, low gravity, extreme temperature conditions, etc. This article provides a comprehensive review of the past developing processes of ISRU and the latest progress of several ISRU technologies, including in situ water access, in situ oxygen production, in situ construction and manufacture, in situ energy utilization, and in situ life support and plant cultivation on the Moon. Despite being able to provide some material and energy supplies for lunar base construction and scientific exploration, the ISRU technologies need continuous validation and upgrade to satisfy the higher requirements from further lunar exploration missions. Ultimately, a 3-step development plan for lunar ISRU technologies in the next decade is proposed, which consists of providing technological solutions, conducting technical verification on payloads, and carrying out in situ experiments, with the ultimate aim of establishing a permanent lunar station and carrying out long-term lunar surface scientific activities. The overview of ISRU techniques and our suggestions will provide potential guidance for China’s future lunar exploration missions.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Peng"},{"family":"Dai","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Niu","given":"Ran"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Guang"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Guang‐hui"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Xin"},{"family":"Zheng","given":"Bo"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Zhi"},{"family":"Zheng","given":"Haibo"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Chengbao"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Hanzhe"},{"family":"Bai","given":"Yifan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.34133/space.0037","URL":"https://doi.org/10.34133/space.0037","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4394875330","type":"article-journal","title":"Modeling and analysis for volatile characteristics of lunar water ice","abstract":"Lunar water ice resources are important space assets for human survival and sustainable living on the Moon. Detection data indicates that the permanently shadowed regions at the lunar poles contain water ice resources. The efficiency of in-situ extraction of lunar water ice resources depends on its volatile characteristics. In the context of extraction and utilization of water ice resources in the permanently shadowed regions, the sublimation and diffusion processes of lunar water ice are investigated by combining the theory of pure ice sublimation with the fractal theory of porous media. On this basis, a volatilization model for lunar water ice is established to examine the effect of temperature, relative density, and water content on the volatile behaviors of lunar water ice. The findings of this study can provide technical and theoretical support for the in-situ exploration, extraction, and utilization of lunar water ice resources and offer insights into the existence and distribution of lunar water ice resources.","author":[{"family":"Zhu","given":"Fulong"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Weiwei"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Lingxin"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Shengyuan"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Junyue"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Zhenlong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.04.028","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.04.028","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4385987498","type":"article-journal","title":"CubeSat-Based Observations of Lunar Ice Water Using a 183 GHz Horn Antenna: Design and Optimization","abstract":"Technological advancements have revolutionized the space industry, facilitating deep space exploration using CubeSats. One objective is to locate potential life-support elements, such as water, on extraterrestrial planets. Water possesses a distinct spectral signature at 183 GHz, useful in remote sensing and environmental monitoring applications. Detecting this signature provides crucial information about water and ice presence and distribution on celestial bodies, aiding future exploration and colonization efforts. Mostly in space remote sensing uses corrugated horn antennae due to high gain and radiation patterns but fabrication of corrugated antenna is very challenging or even impossible in some cases. To ease this challenge, in our research we propose ideas to transform a corrugated horn antenna into a smooth-walled design by using MATLAB Cubic smoothing Splines algorithms. We compare simulation results between smooth-walled and corrugated antennas, and we can see some improvements in insertion losses, Voltage Standing Wave ratio (VSWR), and gain. We also manufactured this 183 GHz antenna using a commercially available 3D printer by utilizing Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material. The antenna surface was then coated with a thin layer of copper using conductive paint. In the end, we practically evaluate smooth-walled antenna functionality and compare it with the theriacal results. Validating the antenna’s functionality proposes a cost-effective and accessible production method to be used in a CubeSat engineering model or university students’ project.","author":[{"family":"Rastinasab","given":"Vahid"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Weidong"},{"family":"Shahzad","given":"Waseem"},{"family":"Abbas","given":"Syed"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/app13169364","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/app13169364","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4363673630","type":"article-journal","title":"Buried Ice Deposits in Lunar Polar Cold Traps Were Disrupted by Ballistic Sedimentation","abstract":"Abstract The NASA Artemis program will send humans to the lunar south polar region, in part to investigate the availability of water ice and other in situ resources. While trace amounts of ice have been detected at the surface of polar permanently shadowed regions (PSRs), recent studies suggest that large ice deposits could be stable below cold traps in the PSRs over geologic time. A recent study modeling the rate of ice delivery, ejecta deposition and ice loss from cold traps predicted that gigatons of ice could be buried below 100s of meters of crater ejecta and regolith. However, crater ejecta vigorously mix the target on impact through ballistic sedimentation, which may disrupt buried ice deposits. Here, we developed a thermal model to predict ice stability during ballistic sedimentation events. We then modeled cold trap ice and ejecta stratigraphy over geologic time using Monte Carlo methods. We found that ballistic sedimentation disrupted large ice deposits in most cases, dispersing them into smaller layers. Ice retention decreased in most cases, but varied significantly with the sequence of ejecta delivery, particularly from basin‐forming events. Over many model runs, we found that south polar craters Amundsen, Cabeus, and Cabeus B were most likely to retain large deposits of ice at depths up to 100 m, shallow enough to be detectable with ground‐penetrating radar. We discuss these findings in the context of the imminent human exploration activities at the lunar south pole.","author":[{"family":"Udovicic","given":"CJT"},{"family":"Frizzell","given":"KR"},{"family":"Kodikara","given":"GRL"},{"family":"Kopp","given":"M"},{"family":"Luchsinger","given":"Kristen"},{"family":"Madera","given":"Andreana"},{"family":"Meier","given":"Mckayla"},{"family":"Paladino","given":"TG"},{"family":"Patterson","given":"RV"},{"family":"Wroblewski","given":"FB"},{"family":"Kring","given":"DA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2022je007567","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2022je007567","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2321079121","type":"article-journal","title":"A mining code for regulating lunar water ice mining activities.","abstract":"Despite the increasing number of space launches, growth of the commercial space sector, signing of the Artemis Accords, maturation of space mining technologies, the emergence of a regulatory environment through domestic legislation, and a comprehensive body of international law, an intergovernmental governing authority has yet to be established to manage mining activities on the Moon. We developed a Lunar Mining Code and mapping tool to regulate and manage prospecting and exploration activities for water ice at the Moon's poles. The Lunar Mining Code is composed of a notification system to manage prospecting, a contract system for issuing exploration licenses to allotted areas on the Moon, and best mining practices and principles to promote equal access and safeguard the lunar environment.","author":[{"family":"Hubbard","given":"K"},{"family":"Elkinstanton","given":"LT"},{"family":"Masson-Zwaan","given":"Tanja"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2321079121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2321079121","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2321071121","type":"article-journal","title":"Exploring, sampling, and interpreting lunar volatiles in polar cold traps.","abstract":"Numerous missions to the Moon have identified and documented volatile deposits associated with permanently shadowed regions. A series of science goals for the Artemis Program is to explore these volatile deposits and return samples to Earth. Volatiles in these reservoirs may consist of a variety of species whose stable isotope characteristics could elucidate both their sources and the processes instrumental in their formation. For example, the δD of potential contributors to the deposits can be used to identify a uniquely light solar wind component. Because of the exceptionally low temperatures of these volatile deposits, examining and interpreting their stable isotope systems to fulfill Artemis science goals through sampling, preserving, curating, and analyzing these samples are far more difficult than for other sample return missions. Collecting and preserving the samples at cryogenic temperatures dramatically increases science yield but is technologically demanding and poses increased risk during transport.","author":[{"family":"Shearer","given":"CK"},{"family":"Sharp","given":"ZD"},{"family":"Stopar","given":"JD"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2321071121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2321071121","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-024-50155-w","type":"article-journal","title":"Geological evidence for extensive basin ejecta as plains terrains in the Moon's South Polar Region.","abstract":"Abstract Water ice and other volatiles that accumulated in the Moon’s polar regions are among the top priority targets for lunar exploration, due to their significances in both lunar geology and extraterrestrial resource utilization. Locating suitable landing sites and determining the provenance of sampled/measured surface materials are critical for future landed missions. Here, we map over 800 sites of plains terrains in the Moon’s south polar region, with a total surface area of ~46,000 km2. Orbital measurements and analog studies show that most of these plains have apparently higher albedo and lower iron content than volcanic mare plains, suggesting an origin of ejecta-induced debris flows from distant impact craters, especially from the Schrödinger basin. Our findings suggest that the entire lunar south polar region probably have experienced contributions from distant basin materials. We recommend these plains as priority landing sites for future exploration of lunar polar volatiles and early bombardment history.","author":[{"family":"Qiao","given":"Le"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Luyuan"},{"family":"Head","given":"JW"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Jian"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yuzheng"},{"family":"Li","given":"Bo"},{"family":"Ling","given":"Zongcheng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-50155-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50155-w","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/biomimetics9110693","type":"article-journal","title":"Animal-Morphing Bio-Inspired Mechatronic Systems: Research Framework in Robot Design to Enhance Interplanetary Exploration on the Moon.","abstract":"Over the past 50 years, the space race has potentially grown due to the development of sophisticated mechatronic systems. One of the most important is the bio-inspired mobile-planetary robots, actually for which there is no reported one that currently works physically on the Moon. Nonetheless, significant progress has been made to design biomimetic systems based on animal morphology adapted to sand (granular material) to test them in analog planetary environments, such as regolith simulants. Biomimetics and bio-inspired attributes contribute significantly to advancements across various industries by incorporating features from biological organisms, including autonomy, intelligence, adaptability, energy efficiency, self-repair, robustness, lightweight construction, and digging capabilities-all crucial for space systems. This study includes a scoping review, as of July 2024, focused on the design of animal-inspired robotic hardware for planetary exploration, supported by a bibliometric analysis of 482 papers indexed in Scopus. It also involves the classification and comparison of limbed and limbless animal-inspired robotic systems adapted for movement in soil and sand (locomotion methods such as grabbing-pushing, wriggling, undulating, and rolling) where the most published robots are inspired by worms, moles, snakes, lizards, crabs, and spiders. As a result of this research, this work presents a pioneering methodology for designing bio-inspired robots, justifying the application of biological morphologies for subsurface or surface lunar exploration. By highlighting the technical features of actuators, sensors, and mechanisms, this approach demonstrates the potential for advancing space robotics, by designing biomechatronic systems that mimic animal characteristics.","author":[{"family":"Cornejo","given":"José"},{"family":"García","given":"Cecilia"},{"family":"Baca","given":"José"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/biomimetics9110693","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9110693","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4377138689","type":"article-journal","title":"Life on the Edge: Bioprospecting Extremophiles for Astrobiology","abstract":"Abstract Discovering exoplanets and satellites in habitable zones within and beyond our solar system has sparked intrigue in planetary setting varieties that could support life. Based on our understanding of life on Earth, we can shed light on the origin, evolution, and future of Earth-like organisms in the galaxy and predict extinct or extant extraterrestrial life. Hence, extremophiles thriving in mimic outer space environments are particularly interesting as they exhibit traits that preponderate our comprehension regarding the possibility of life elsewhere and in situ life detection. Additionally, many extremophiles have been used for astrobiological research model organisms to unveil native alien life or possible life-produced metabolites outside Earth. Laboratory-based simulation chambers mimic this outer space condition, helping researchers study life beyond Earth in near identical conditions and understand molecular mechanisms for survival. This review summarizes relevant studies with isolated microorganisms from extreme analog Earth environments, harnessing them as promising astrobiological model candidates for pursuing life potentialities in other planetary bodies. We also highlight the necessity of environmental simulation chamber approaches for mimicking extraterrestrial habitats.","author":[{"family":"Schultz","given":"Júnia"},{"family":"Santos","given":"Alef"},{"family":"Patel","given":"Niketan"},{"family":"Rosado","given":"Alexandre"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s41745-023-00382-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s41745-023-00382-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4387755404","type":"article-journal","title":"The relevance of fungi in astrobiology research – Astromycology","abstract":"Since the very first steps of space exploration, fungi have been recorded as contaminants, hitchhikers, or as part of missions’ crews and payloads. Because fungi can cause human disease and are highly active decomposers, their presence in a space-linked context has been a source of major concern given their possible detrimental effects on crews and space structures. However, fungi can also be beneficial and be used for many space applications. The exact effects on fungi are not always clear as they possess high adaptability and plasticity, and their phenotypes and genotypes can undergo several changes under the extreme conditions found in space, thus leading to different results than those we would have on Earth. Understanding and analysing these aspects is the subject of astromycology, a research field within astrobiology. The impending situation of a resurgent space race is expected to boost astromycology’s visibility and importance. However, researchers lack both a framework and a solid base of knowledge from which to contextualise their work. This critical review addresses this gap by conceptualising the field of astromycology, covering key research and current questions pertaining to the field, and providing a relevant research instrument for future work.","author":[{"family":"Simões","given":"Mf"},{"family":"Cortesão","given":"Marta"},{"family":"Azúa-Bustos","given":"Armando"},{"family":"Bai","given":"FY"},{"family":"Canini","given":"Fabiana"},{"family":"Casadevall","given":"Arturo"},{"family":"Cassaro","given":"Alessia"},{"family":"Cordero","given":"Rjb"},{"family":"Fairén","given":"Ag"},{"family":"González","given":"Carolina"},{"family":"Gundecimerman","given":"Nina"},{"family":"Koch","given":"Stephanie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.5943/mycosphere/14/1/13","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5943/mycosphere/14/1/13","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4380264474","type":"article-journal","title":"Future space experiment platforms for astrobiology and astrochemistry research","abstract":"Space experiments are a technically challenging but a scientifically important part of astrobiology and astrochemistry research. The International Space Station (ISS) is an excellent example of a highly successful and long-lasting research platform for experiments in space, that has provided a wealth of scientific data over the last two decades. However, future space platforms present new opportunities to conduct experiments with the potential to address key topics in astrobiology and astrochemistry. In this perspective, the European Space Agency (ESA) Topical Team Astrobiology and Astrochemistry (with feedback from the wider scientific community) identifies a number of key topics and summarizes the 2021 \"ESA SciSpacE Science Community White Paper\" for astrobiology and astrochemistry. We highlight recommendations for the development and implementation of future experiments, discuss types of in situ measurements, experimental parameters, exposure scenarios and orbits, and identify knowledge gaps and how to advance scientific utilization of future space-exposure platforms that are either currently under development or in an advanced planning stage. In addition to the ISS, these platforms include CubeSats and SmallSats, as well as larger platforms such as the Lunar Orbital Gateway. We also provide an outlook for in situ experiments on the Moon and Mars, and welcome new possibilities to support the search for exoplanets and potential biosignatures within and beyond our solar system.","author":[{"family":"Elsaesser","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Burr","given":"David"},{"family":"Mabey","given":"P"},{"family":"Urso","given":"Riccardo"},{"family":"Billi","given":"Daniela"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Cottin","given":"Hervé"},{"family":"Kish","given":"Adrienne"},{"family":"Leys","given":"Natalie"},{"family":"Loon","given":"Jack"},{"family":"Mateomartí","given":"Eva"},{"family":"Moissleichinger","given":"Christine"},{"family":"Onofri","given":"Silvano"},{"family":"Quinn","given":"RC"},{"family":"Rabbow","given":"Elke"},{"family":"Rettberg","given":"Petra"},{"family":"Noetzel","given":"Rosa"},{"family":"Slenzka","given":"Klaus"},{"family":"Ricco","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Vera","given":"Jean‐pierre"},{"family":"Westall","given":"Francès"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-023-00292-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-023-00292-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4327909414","type":"article-journal","title":"A mineral-based origin of Earth’s initial hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen","abstract":"Terrestrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) may have played a central role in the formation of oxic environments and evolution of early life. The abiotic origin of ROS on the Archean Earth has been heavily studied, and ROS are conventionally thought to have originated from H 2 O/CO 2 dissociation. Here, we report experiments that lead to a mineral-based source of oxygen, rather than water alone. The mechanism involves ROS generation at abraded mineral–water interfaces in various geodynamic processes (e.g., water currents and earthquakes) which are active where free electrons are created via open-shell electrons and point defects, high pressure, water/ice interactions, and combinations of these processes. The experiments reported here show that quartz or silicate minerals may produce reactive oxygen-containing sites (≡SiO•, ≡SiOO•) that initially emerge in cleaving Si–O bonds in silicates and generate ROS during contact with water. Experimental isotope-labeling experiments show that the hydroxylation of the peroxy radical (≡SiOO•) is the predominant pathway for H 2 O 2 generation. This heterogeneous ROS production chemistry allows the transfer of oxygen atoms between water and rocks and alters their isotopic compositions. This process may be pervasive in the natural environment, and mineral-based production of H 2 O 2 and accompanying O 2 could occur on Earth and potentially on other terrestrial planets, providing initial oxidants and free oxygen, and be a component in the evolution of life and planetary habitability.","author":[{"family":"He","given":"Hongping"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Xiao"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Jianxi"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Mang"},{"family":"Lv","given":"Ying"},{"family":"Xian","given":"Haiyang"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Yiping"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Xiaoju"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shan"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yiliang"},{"family":"Teng","given":"HH"},{"family":"Thiemens","given":"MH"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2221984120","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2221984120","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4385969284","type":"article-journal","title":"Renaissance for magnetotactic bacteria in astrobiology","abstract":"Abstract Capable of forming magnetofossils similar to some magnetite nanocrystals observed in the Martian meteorite ALH84001, magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) once occupied a special position in the field of astrobiology during the 1990s and 2000s. This flourish of interest in putative Martian magnetofossils faded from all but the experts studying magnetosome formation, based on claims that abiotic processes could produce magnetosome-like magnetite crystals. Recently, the rapid growth in our knowledge of the extreme environments in which MTB thrive and their phylogenic heritage, leads us to advocate for a renaissance of MTB in astrobiology. In recent decades, magnetotactic members have been discovered alive in natural extreme environments with wide ranges of salinity (up to 90 g L−1), pH (1–10), and temperature (0–70 °C). Additionally, some MTB populations are found to be able to survive irradiated, desiccated, metal-rich, hypomagnetic, or microgravity conditions, and are capable of utilizing simple inorganic compounds such as sulfate and nitrate. Moreover, MTB likely emerged quite early in Earth’s history, coinciding with a period when the Martian surface was covered with liquid water as well as a strong magnetic field. MTB are commonly discovered in suboxic or oxic-anoxic interfaces in aquatic environments or sediments similar to ancient crater lakes on Mars, such as Gale crater and Jezero crater. Taken together, MTB can be exemplary model microorganisms in astrobiology research, and putative ancient Martian life, if it ever occurred, could plausibly have included magnetotactic microorganisms. Furthermore, we summarize multiple typical biosignatures that can be applied for the detection of ancient MTB on Earth and extraterrestrial MTB-like life. We suggest transporting MTB to space stations and simulation chambers to further investigate their tolerance potential and distinctive biosignatures to aid in understanding the evolutionary history of MTB and the potential of magnetofossils as an extraterrestrial biomarker.","author":[{"family":"Shen","given":"Jianxun"},{"family":"Paterson","given":"Greig"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Yinzhao"},{"family":"Kirschvink","given":"Joseph"},{"family":"Pan","given":"Yongxin"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Wei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41396-023-01495-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41396-023-01495-w","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/life14111425","type":"article-journal","title":"Extremophiles and Extremophilic Behaviour-New Insights and Perspectives.","abstract":"Extremophiles, throughout evolutionary time, have evolved a plethora of unique strategies to overcome hardships associated with the environments they are found in. Modifying their genome, showing a bias towards certain amino acids, redesigning their proteins, and enhancing their membranes and other organelles with specialised chemical compounds are only some of those strategies. Scientists can utilise such attributes of theirs for a plethora of biotechnological and astrobiological applications. Moreover, the rigorous study of such microorganisms regarding their evolution and ecological niche can offer deep insight into science's most paramount inquiries such as how life originated on Earth and whether we are alone in the universe. The intensification of studies involving extremophiles in the future can prove to be highly beneficial for humanity, even potentially ameliorating modern problems such as those related to climate change while also expanding our knowledge about the complex biochemical reactions that ultimately resulted in life as we know it today.","author":[{"family":"Angelakis","given":"George"},{"family":"Psarologaki","given":"Chrysianna"},{"family":"Pirintsos","given":"Stergios"},{"family":"Kotzabasis","given":"Kiriakos"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life14111425","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111425","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00114","type":"article-journal","title":"Understanding Titan's Prebiotic Chemistry: Synthesizing Amino Acids Through Aminonitrile Alkaline Hydrolysis.","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Titan is an ocean world with a plethora of organic material in its atmosphere and on its surface, making it an intriguing location in the search for habitable environments beyond Earth. Settled aerosols will mix with transient surface melts following cryovolcanic eruptions and impact events, driving hydrolysis reactions and prebiotic chemistry. Previous studies have shown that the hydrolysis of laboratory-synthesized Titan organics leads to the production of amino acids and other prebiotic molecules. The exact molecular structure of Titan aerosols remains unclear, yet aminonitriles have been hypothesized to be among the organic components. This laboratory study tested three reaction pathways that could potentially lead to the formation of amino acids: aminoacetonitrile → glycine, 2-aminopropanenitrile → alanine, and 4-aminobutanenitrile → γ-aminobutyric acid. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) is used to quantify the abundance of amino acids over a 6-month period. We conclude that ammonia plays a key role in the synthesis of amino acids from aminonitriles, while the inclusion of salts (1 wt %) and minerals (25 mg/mL) did not have a significant effect on amino acid formation compared to ammonia. Rate constants ( k ) for alkaline hydrolysis of the aminonitriles were calculated. Our results suggest that if Titan’s surface melts have a composition, including at least 5% ammonia in water, and if aminonitriles are present in Titan’s organic aerosols, then amino acids will likely form. These results are highly relevant to the Dragonfly mission to Titan, which will sample impact melt material at Selk crater to search for prebiotic molecules.","author":[{"family":"Farnsworth","given":"K"},{"family":"Mclain","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Chung","given":"Angela"},{"family":"Trainer","given":"MG"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00114","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00114","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1098/rsta.2023.0195","type":"article-journal","title":"Micrometeorite collections: a review and their current status.","abstract":"Micrometeorites are estimated to represent the main part of the present flux of extraterrestrial matter found on the Earth's surface and provide valuable samples to probe the interplanetary medium. Here, we describe large and representative collections of micrometeorites currently available to the scientific community. These include Antarctic collections from surface ice and snow, as well as glacial sediments from the eroded top of nunataks-summits outcropping from the icesheet-and moraines. Collections extracted from deep-sea sediments (DSS) produced a large number of micrometeorites, in particular, iron-rich cosmic spherules that are rarer in other collections. Collections from the old and stable surface of the Atacama Desert show that finding large numbers of micrometeorites is not restricted to polar regions or DSS. The advent of rooftop collections marks an important step into involving citizen science in the study of micrometeorites, as well as providing potential sampling locations over all latitudes to explore the modern flux. We explore their strengths of the collections to address specific scientific questions and their potential weaknesses. The future of micrometeorite research will involve the finding of large fossil micrometeorite collections and benefit from recent advances in sampling cosmic dust directly from the air. This article is part of the theme issue 'Dust in the Solar System and beyond'.","author":[{"family":"Ginneken","given":"Matthias"},{"family":"Wozniakiewicz","given":"Penelope"},{"family":"Brownlee","given":"DE"},{"family":"Debaille","given":"Vinciane"},{"family":"Corte","given":"Vincenzo"},{"family":"Delauche","given":"L"},{"family":"Duprat","given":"J"},{"family":"Engrand","given":"C"},{"family":"Folco","given":"L"},{"family":"Fries","given":"M"},{"family":"Gattacceca","given":"J"},{"family":"Genge","given":"MJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1098/rsta.2023.0195","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2023.0195","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/gels10040249","type":"article-journal","title":"Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) for Identifying Traces of Adenine in Organic-Bearing Extraterrestrial Dust Analogs Captured in the Tanpopo Aerogel after Hypervelocity Impacts.","abstract":"Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive analytical technique for characterizing organic and inorganic materials with spatial resolution in the micrometer range. This makes it a method of choice for space-mission sample characterization, whether on return or in situ. To enhance its sensitivity, we use signal amplification via interaction with plasmonic silver-based colloids, which corresponds to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). In this study, we focus on the analysis of biomolecules of prebiotic interest on extraterrestrial dust trapped in silica aerogel, jointly with the Japanese Tanpopo mission. The aim is twofold: to prepare samples as close as possible to the real ones, and to optimize analysis by SERS for this specific context. Serpentinite was chosen as the inorganic matrix and adenine as the target biomolecule. The dust was projected at high velocity into the trapping aerogel and then mechanically extracted. A quantitative study shows effective detection even for adenine doping from a 5·10−9mol/L solution. After the dust has been expelled from the aerogel using a solvent, SERS mapping enables unambiguous adenine detection over the entire dust surface. This study shows the potential of SERS as a key technique not only for return samples, but also for upcoming new explorations.","author":[{"family":"Percot","given":"Aline"},{"family":"Mahieddine","given":"Farah"},{"family":"Yano","given":"Hajime"},{"family":"Hasegawa","given":"Sunao"},{"family":"Tabata","given":"M"},{"family":"Yamagishi","given":"Akihiko"},{"family":"Mita","given":"Hajime"},{"family":"Paredes-Arriaga","given":"Alejandro"},{"family":"Maurel","given":"Marie‐christine"},{"family":"Lambert","given":"Jean‐françois"},{"family":"Baklouti","given":"D"},{"family":"Zins","given":"Émilie‐laure"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/gels10040249","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10040249","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/microorganisms12122407","type":"article-journal","title":"Unveiling the Bioleaching Versatility of <i>Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans</i>.","abstract":"Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a Gram-negative bacterium that thrives in extreme acidic conditions. It has emerged as a key player in biomining and bioleaching technologies thanks to its unique ability to mobilize a wide spectrum of elements, such as Li, P, V, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Mo, W, Pb, U, and its role in ferrous iron oxidation and reduction. A. ferrooxidans catalyzes the extraction of elements by generating iron (III) ions in oxic conditions, which are able to react with metal sulfides. This review explores the bacterium’s versatility in metal and elemental mobilization, with a focus on the mechanisms involved, encompassing its role in the recovery of industrially relevant elements from ores. The application of biomining technologies leveraging the bacterium’s natural capabilities not only enhances element recovery efficiency, but also reduces reliance on conventional energy-intensive methods, aligning with the global trend towards more sustainable mining practices. However, its use in biometallurgical applications poses environmental issues through its effect on the pH levels in bioleaching systems, which produce acid mine drainage in rivers and lakes adjacent to mines. This dual effect underscores its potential to shape the future of responsible mining practices, including potentially in space, and highlights the importance of monitoring acidic releases in the environment.","author":[{"family":"Tonietti","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Esposito","given":"Mattia"},{"family":"Cascone","given":"Martina"},{"family":"Barosa","given":"Bernardo"},{"family":"Fiscale","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Tomajoli","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Sbaffi","given":"Tomasa"},{"family":"Santomartino","given":"Rosa"},{"family":"Covone","given":"G"},{"family":"Cordone","given":"Angelina"},{"family":"Rotundi","given":"A"},{"family":"Giovannelli","given":"Donato"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/microorganisms12122407","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122407","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/jacsau.4c00869","type":"article-journal","title":"<i>Rhinocladiella similis</i>: A Model Eukaryotic Organism for Astrobiological Studies on Microbial Interactions with Martian Soil Analogs.","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The exploration of our solar system for microbial extraterrestrial life is the primary goal of several space agencies. Mars has attracted substantial attention owing to its Earth-like geological history and potential niches for microbial life. This study evaluated the suitability of the polyextremophilic fungal strain Rhinocladiella similis LaBioMMi 1217 as a model eukaryote for astrobiology. Comprehensive genomic analysis, including taxonomic and functional characterization, revealed several R. similis genes conferring resistance to Martian-like stressors, such as osmotic pressure and ultraviolet radiation. When cultured in a synthetic Martian regolith (MGS-1), R. similis exhibited altered morphology and produced unique metabolites, including oxylipins, indolic acid derivatives, and siderophores, which might be potential biosignatures. Notably, oxylipins were detected using laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, a technique slated for its use in the upcoming European Space Agency ExoMars mission. Our findings enhance the understanding of extremophilic fungal metabolism under Martian-like conditions, supporting the potential of black yeasts as viable eukaryotic models in astrobiological studies. Further research is necessary to validate these biosignatures and explore the broader applicability of R. similis in other extraterrestrial environments.","author":[{"family":"Santos","given":"Alef"},{"family":"Schultz","given":"Júnia"},{"family":"Dalrio","given":"Isabella"},{"family":"Molodon","given":"Fluvio"},{"family":"Almeida-Trapp","given":"Marília"},{"family":"Tenório","given":"Bernardo"},{"family":"Stajich","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Teixeira","given":"Marcus"},{"family":"Pilau","given":"Eduardo"},{"family":"Rosado","given":"Alexandre"},{"family":"Rodriguesfilho","given":"Edson"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1021/jacsau.4c00869","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.4c00869","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3389/frmbi.2024.1401831","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbial community differentiation in vent chimneys of the Lost City Hydrothermal Field reflects habitat heterogeneity.","abstract":"Oceanic hydrothermal vent systems represent some of the oldest habitats on Earth and serve as analogs for extraterrestrial environments. The Lost City Hydrothermal Field (LCHF) near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is one such environment, and its large chimneys are unique in hosting actively venting hydrothermal fluids that are primarily controlled by serpentinization reactions in the subseafloor. Microbial communities within LCHF have been studied for insights into their functional adaptations to the warm, alkaline, and dissolved inorganic carbon-limited environment. Metagenomic and mineralogical data collected during a recent expedition to Lost City were analyzed to delineate associations between microbial populations and physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the chimneys. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences show a high degree of putative microdiversity within the relatively dominant genera Desulfotomaculum, Sulfurovum, Thiomicrorhabdus, and Serpentinicella, which represent a large core of the overall LCHF vent bacterial community. This microdiversity relates to the compositional fraction of aragonite, brucite, and calcite minerals within chimney samples rather than just the composition of nearby vent fluids. Although many species are found in both chimneys and venting fluids, the overall microbial community structures in chimney biofilms remain distinct from the hydrothermal fluids that flow through them. Shotgun metagenomic analyses reveal differences among genes predicted to be involved in carbon, methane, nitrogen and sulfur cycling with respect to their correlations to the abundances of specific minerals. These data hint at microenvironmental complexity lost within standard bulk analyses. The findings of this study underscore the need to more closely examine microbe-mineral interactions in natural environments, critically informing not just population-level distributions, but also the functional underpinnings of these extremophile microbial communities.","author":[{"family":"Alian","given":"Osama"},{"family":"Brazelton","given":"William"},{"family":"Aquino","given":"Karmina"},{"family":"Twing","given":"Katrina"},{"family":"Pendleton","given":"HL"},{"family":"Frühgreen","given":"Gretchen"},{"family":"Lang","given":"Susan"},{"family":"Schrenk","given":"Matthew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3389/frmbi.2024.1401831","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frmbi.2024.1401831","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-024-45064-x","type":"article-journal","title":"High-spatial resolution functional chemistry of nitrogen compounds in the observed UK meteorite fall Winchcombe.","abstract":"Organic matter in extraterrestrial samples is a complex material that might have played an important role in the delivery of prebiotic molecules to the early Earth. We report here on the identification of nitrogen-containing compounds such as amino acids and N-heterocycles within the recent observed meteorite fall Winchcombe by high-spatial resolution spectroscopy techniques. Although nitrogen contents of Winchcombe organic matter are low (N/C ~ 1-3%), we were able to detect the presence of these compounds using a low-noise direct electron detector. These biologically relevant molecules have therefore been tentatively found within a fresh, minimally processed meteorite sample by high spatial resolution techniques conserving the overall petrographic context. Carbon functional chemistry investigations show that sizes of aromatic domains are small and that abundances of carboxylic functional groups are low. Our observations demonstrate that Winchcombe represents an important addition to the collection of carbonaceous chondrites and still preserves pristine extraterrestrial organic matter.","author":[{"family":"Vollmer","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Kepaptsoglou","given":"Demie"},{"family":"Leitner","given":"J"},{"family":"Mosberg","given":"Aleksander"},{"family":"Hajraoui","given":"Khalil"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Bays","given":"Charlotte"},{"family":"Schofield","given":"PF"},{"family":"Araki","given":"Tohru"},{"family":"Ramasse","given":"Quentin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-45064-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45064-x","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35632","type":"article-journal","title":"Unsupervised and interpretable discrimination of lithium-bearing minerals with Raman spectroscopy imaging.","abstract":"As lithium-bearing minerals become critical raw materials for the field of energy storage and advanced technologies, the development of tools to accurately identify and differentiate these minerals is becoming essential for efficient resource exploration, mining, and processing. Conventional methods for identifying ore minerals often depend on the subjective observation skills of experts, which can lead to errors, or on expensive and time-consuming techniques such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) or Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). More recently, Raman Spectroscopy (RS) has emerged as a powerful tool for characterizing and identifying minerals due to its ability to provide detailed molecular information. This technique excels in scenarios where minerals have similar elemental content, such as petalite and spodumene, by offering distinct vibrational information that allows for clear differentiation between such minerals. Considering this case study and its particular relevance to the lithium-mining industry, this manuscript reports the development of an unsupervised methodology for lithium-mineral identification based on Raman Imaging. The deployed machine-learning solution provides accurate and interpretable results using the specific bands expected for each mineral. Furthermore, its robustness is tested with additional blind samples, providing insights into the unique spectral signatures and analytical features that enable reliable mineral identification.","author":[{"family":"Guimarães","given":"Diana"},{"family":"Monteiro","given":"Catarina"},{"family":"Teixeira","given":"Joana"},{"family":"Lopes","given":"Tomás"},{"family":"Capela","given":"Diana"},{"family":"Dias","given":"Filipa"},{"family":"Lima","given":"Alexandre"},{"family":"Jorge","given":"PAS"},{"family":"Silva","given":"Nuno"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35632","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35632","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2407.20997","type":"manuscript","title":"Meteoritic Tutton salt, a naturally inspired reservoir of cometary and asteroidal ammonium","abstract":"The lack of benchmark data on the real minerals, native ammonium carriers in Solar System gives rise to controversial opinions on extraterrestrial ammonium reservoirs. We herein report on discovery of the first mineral carrier of meteoritic ammonium and show its relevance to the compositional and spectral characteristics of cometary and asteroidal bodies. Chemically distant from previously inferred volatile organics or ammoniated phyllosilicates, it is an aqueous metal-ammonium sulfate related to a family of so-called Tutton salts. Nickeloan boussingaultite, (NH4)2(Mg,Ni)(SO4)2 6H2O, occurs in Orgueil, a primitive carbonaceous chondrite closely related to (162173) Ryugu and (101955) Bennu, the C-type asteroids. The available spectroscopic, chemical and mineralogical data signify that natural Tutton salts perfectly fit into the role of ammonium reservoir under conditions of cometary nuclei and carbonaceous asteroids.","author":[{"family":"Britvin","given":"Sergey"},{"family":"Vereshchagin","given":"Oleg"},{"family":"Vlasenko","given":"Natalia"},{"family":"Krzhizhanovskaya","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Ivanova","given":"Marina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2407.20997","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2407.20997","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W4392715833","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbial supplements for extraterrestrial environments","abstract":"In 2025, the Artemis II marks the first crewed mission orbiting the Moon, with plans for subsequent missions landing astronauts near the lunar South Pole and NASA aims to reach Mars by the 2030s. The growing interest in space underscores the increasing importance of long-term human presence in space missions. Challenges such as human health and sustainable food preservation persist in establishing settlements on other planetary bodies. Space agencies are developing regenerative life support systems utilizing hydroponic cultivation of plants and microalgae, fueled by crew waste as fertilizers. While biological systems could sustain astronauts, the predominantly vegan diets lack essential micronutrients. To address this, integrating microbial-based food supplements into current bioregenerative systems is crucial for ensuring a balanced diet and maintaining the health of space explorers. The aim of this project is to develop an alternative food system by growing microorganisms in space-related conditions and using their biomass, or products thereof, as food supplements for space travelers on long-duration space missions, e.g. to Mars. We select and study the impact of space conditions on microorganisms that can provide useful micronutrients for future space travelers, which cannot be fully provided by vegan diets. This will be done by selecting a range of candidate beneficial microorganisms. Various options are available, including Bacillus subtilis spp., which can produce riboflavin (vitamin B2) and whose spores have already been tested on Mars analog surfaces (Cortesão et al., 2019). Limosilactobacillus reuteri could be used as supplement of riboflavin (Spacova et al., 2022) and has previously been shown to increase its production of reuterin under simulated microgravity conditions (Senatore et al., 2020). In addition, the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is a well-known producer of essential amino acids, PUFA, MUFA, and vitamin B complexes (Jach & Malm, 2022). Final strain selection will be based on (i) their ability and efficiency to produce micronutrients, (ii) their safety and health promoting (incl. Radiation protective) properties, (iii) their ability to survive and maintain production efficiency under extreme environments, including ionizing radiation and microgravity, and (iv) their compatibility with bio-based in situ resource utilization techniques (e.g., gas or mineral sources from Martian atmosphere or regolith through biomining) to increase loop-closure. The selected strains will be stored, revived and grown in simulated Martian conditions, to test their long-term stability and preservation as food supplement source. Through international collaborations, we will test these conditions using reduced-gravity simulators, space radiation analogs, and substrates based on lysed cells of bacteria previously grown on regolith simulants, such as Chroococcidopsis sp. (Billi et al., 2021), and Anabaena sp., which has already been used to grow Bacillus subtilis from its inactivated biomass (Verseux, 2018). At the end of this 4-year PhD research project, the expected outcome is to improve the nutritional well-being of future space travelers settling on other planets, and also to generate innovative insights applicable to Earth-based fields such as biotechnology, radioprotection, and environmental science.","author":[{"family":"Ellena","given":"Gabriele"},{"family":"Santomartino","given":"Rosa"},{"family":"Mazzoli","given":"Arianna"},{"family":"Spacova","given":"Irina"},{"family":"Leys","given":"Natalie"},{"family":"Lebeer","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Mastroleo","given":"Felice"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.14293/p2199-8442.1.sop-.pfdufp.v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.14293/p2199-8442.1.sop-.pfdufp.v1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402719647","type":"article-journal","title":"Likely Ferromagnetic Minerals Identified by the Perseverance Rover and Implications for Future Paleomagnetic Analyses of Returned Martian Samples","abstract":"Abstract Although Mars today does not have a core dynamo, magnetizations in the Martian crust and in meteorites suggest a magnetic field was present prior to 3.7 billion years (Ga) ago. However, the lack of ancient, oriented Martian bedrock samples available on Earth has prevented accurate estimates of the dynamo's intensity, lifetime, and direction. Constraining the nature and lifetime of the dynamo are vital to understanding the evolution of the Martian interior and the potential habitability of the planet. The Perseverance rover, which is exploring Jezero crater, is providing an unprecedented opportunity to address this gap by acquiring absolutely oriented bedrock samples with estimated ages from ∼2.3 to >4.1 Ga. As a first step in establishing whether these samples could contain records of Martian paleomagnetism, it is important to determine their ferromagnetic mineralogy, the grain sizes of the phases, and the forms of any natural remanent magnetization. Here, we synthesize data from various Perseverance instruments to achieve those goals and discuss the implications for future laboratory paleomagnetic analyses. Using the rover's instrument payload, we find that cored samples likely contain iron oxides enriched in Cr and Ti. The relative proportions of Fe, Ti, and Cr indicate that the phases may be titanomagnetite or Fe‐Ti‐Cr spinels that are ferromagnetic at room temperature, but we cannot rule out the presence of non‐ferromagnetic ulvöspinel, ilmenite, and chromite due to signal mixing. Importantly, the inferred abundance of iron oxides in the samples suggests that even <1 mm‐sized samples will be easily measurable by present‐day magnetometers.","author":[{"family":"Mansbach","given":"Elias"},{"family":"Kizovski","given":"TV"},{"family":"Scheller","given":"Eva"},{"family":"Bosak","given":"Tanja"},{"family":"Mandon","given":"Lucia"},{"family":"Horgan","given":"B"},{"family":"Wiens","given":"RC"},{"family":"Herd","given":"CDK"},{"family":"Sharma","given":"Sunanda"},{"family":"Johnson","given":"JR"},{"family":"Gabriel","given":"TSJ"},{"family":"Forni","given":"O"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024je008505","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024je008505","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392790379","type":"article-journal","title":"Characterization of primary silicate minerals in Earth‐like bodies via Raman spectroscopy","abstract":"Abstract The examination and identification of silicate minerals are critical for advancing our understanding of the evolutionary journey of Earth‐like bodies. To facilitate an efficient and productive process, it is imperative that these minerals be detected swiftly and accurately. This study is designed to explore the relationship between varying concentrations of cations and their corresponding Raman shifts. The focus is on primary silicate minerals in Earth‐like bodies, specifically olivine, pyroxene, and feldspar, utilizing data from the RRUFF database. Employing a fitting formula, we identify distinct Raman peak ranges associated with different silicate minerals. Our research covers a wide array of mineral types, including five varieties of olivine (forsterite [Mg2SiO4], fayalite [Fe2+2SiO4], tephroite [Mn2+2SiO4], monticellite [CaMgSiO4], and kirschsteinite [CaFe2+SiO4]), four types of pyroxene (ferrosilite [Fe2+2Si2O6], enstatite [Mg2Si2O6], hedenbergite [CaFe2+Si2O6], and diopside [CaMgSi2O6]), and three varieties of feldspar (alkali feldspar [KAlSi3O8], albite [NaAlSi3O8], and anorthite [CaAl2Si2O8]). The accuracy of matching Raman characteristics is exceptionally high for all olivine and pyroxene types (100%) and an impressive 86% for feldspar. The findings from this study highlight the crucial role of Raman spectroscopy in the field of silicate mineralogy and suggest significant implications for enhancing future exploration missions to Earth‐like bodies.","author":[{"family":"Huang","given":"Shuaidong"},{"family":"Xue","given":"Bin"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Yiyi"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Jianfeng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/jrs.6657","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6657","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401006409","type":"article-journal","title":"Geochemical Quantification of Olivine Minerals by Atom Probe Tomography","abstract":"The ability of atom probe tomography (APT) to interrogate small sample volumes with high efficiency makes it uniquely useful in the study of small mineral grains or domains. Although frequently employed in the analysis of geological materials [1], particularly in the characterisation of nanoscale chemical heterogeneities [2], the degree of quantitative accuracy achieved by APT can be difficult to determine. Deficiencies in nitrogen and oxygen, for example, have been documented in the analysis of semiconductors and other engineered materials [3,4]. In geomaterials, measured chemical compositions have been found to be deficient in oxygen, and also in silicon for some silicate minerals [5]. While these discrepancies may not affect the measurement of cation or interstitial chemistry, which is often of interest, the extent to which these chemical measurements can be relied upon is an open question. Some studies have made comparisons with reference materials for both chemical and isotopic analysis [6–8], and these have generally demonstrated good accuracy in the APT measurements [9,10]. However, similar comparisons have not been made for many oxides, silicates, sulphides and other classes of minerals. Challenges to accurate quantification include equivalent sampling (ranging) of mass peaks in the APT mass spectrum, baseline and background correction to deal with spectrum noise and peak tails, and accurate deconvolution of mass peak overlaps. Ideally, these should be addressed using systematic or algorithmic methods of analysis and quantification before comparisons with standard reference materials can be used to evaluate any intrinsic biases that may be present in the data. To study small olivine mineral grains in extraterrestrial materials, and to gain a better understanding of quantification of trace and minor elements in silicate minerals in general, we have developed algorithmic methods for quantification of APT mass spectra from olivine. This approach uses corrected time-of-flight data [10], equivalent peak sampling, background correction methods, and peak identification and deconvolution to produce robust results independent of subjective decisions made by the analyst. Analyses of a well-characterised olivine sample [11] are used to test and tune the effectiveness of this approach and to characterise the achievable accuracy for this mineral system. Our efforts to better determine the accuracy of APT data from mineral grains are motivated by a desire to characterise small volumes of material within samples returned from the asteroid Bennu [12] that may otherwise be difficult to isolate from a surrounding matrix. Accurate quantification within such small sample volumes has the potential to address many challenges in geochemical analysis, and in particular within the study of extraterrestrial materials, where chemical and isotopic anomalies can yield highly significant information relating to events and processes in the early Solar System. Comparison between microprobe and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) results with those from APT, for major, minor and trace element concentrations. APT datasets were collected under a range of different operating conditions.","author":[{"family":"Saxey","given":"David"},{"family":"Fougerouse","given":"Denis"},{"family":"Dimitriou","given":"Dimitris"},{"family":"Barnes","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Rickard","given":"William"},{"family":"Timms","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Jourdan","given":"Fred"},{"family":"Reddy","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Bland","given":"PA"},{"family":"Ireland","given":"TR"},{"family":"Nguyen","given":"AN"},{"family":"Connolly","given":"HC"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1093/mam/ozae044.032","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/mam/ozae044.032","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404325999","type":"article-journal","title":"Rapid colonization of a space‐returned Ryugu sample by terrestrial microorganisms","abstract":"Abstract The presence of microorganisms within meteorites has been used as evidence for extraterrestrial life, however, the potential for terrestrial contamination makes their interpretation highly controversial. Here, we report the discovery of rods and filaments of organic matter, which are interpreted as filamentous microorganisms, on a space‐returned sample from 162173 Ryugu recovered by the Hayabusa 2 mission. The observed carbonaceous filaments have sizes and morphologies consistent with microorganisms and are spatially associated with indigenous organic matter. The abundance of filaments changed with time and suggests the growth and decline of a prokaryote population with a generation time of 5.2 days. The population statistics indicate an extant microbial community originating through terrestrial contamination. The discovery emphasizes that terrestrial biota can rapidly colonize extraterrestrial specimens even given contamination control precautions. The colonization of a space‐returned sample emphasizes that extraterrestrial organic matter can provide a suitable source of metabolic energy for heterotrophic organisms on Earth and other planets.","author":[{"family":"Genge","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Almeida","given":"NV"},{"family":"Ginneken","given":"Matthias"},{"family":"Pinault","given":"Lewis"},{"family":"Preston","given":"Louisa"},{"family":"Wozniakiewicz","given":"Penelope"},{"family":"Yano","given":"Hajime"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14288","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14288","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4379055667","type":"article-journal","title":"Detecting Oxides Mineralization Utilizing Remote Sensing and Comprehensive Mineralogical Analysis: A Case Study Around Mikbi-Zayatit District, South Eastern Desert, Egypt","abstract":"Undoubtedly, involving more tools, datasets, and techniques for detecting the mineralized areas sharply narrow the zones to be investigated and delivered, in most cases highly potential zones. Consequently, this study is an attempt to apply remote sensing data including Sentinel 2 and ASTER, field observations, petrography of the hydrothermal alteration processes, ore microscopic investigations, X-ray examinations, and EDX analysis to detect and emphasize mineralization types at Wadi Mikbi and Wadi Zayatit district, South Eastern Desert, Egypt. Towards accurate lithological mapping, remote sensing data, previous geological maps, and the field investigations recorded serpentinites, ophiolitic metagabbros, amphibolites, epidosite, arc-related metasediments (schists and quartzites), metagabbro-tonalite complex, dunite, olivine gabbros, and granitic rocks encountered in the study district. Additionally, various hydrothermal alteration zones have been primarily outlined using ASTER and Sentinel 2 data by implementing informative band ratios and constrained energy minimization techniques. The mineralogical studies have confirmed most of the remotely-detected hydrothermal alteration minerals. Ore microscopy, XRD technique, and EDX microchemical analysis of representative mineralized samples of the study district identified magnetite, ilmenite, titanomagnetite, chromite, magnesioferrite, quartz, apatite, clinochlore, plagioclase, pyroxene and epidote. Cross-linking remote sensing results, field observations and laboratory studies revealed that the dominant hydrothermal alteration processes include oxidization, serpentinization, carbonatization, epidotization, silicification, zoisitization, muscovitization, sericitization, and chloritization. Spatial overlay analysis of the resultant altered features, structural dissection, field observations, and analytical studies were integrated to build a mineral potentiality map of the study district.","author":[{"family":"El-Desoky","given":"Hatem"},{"family":"Shebl","given":"Ali"},{"family":"El-Awny","given":"Hamada"},{"family":"El-Rahmany","given":"Mahmoud"},{"family":"Soliman","given":"Omar"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.46717/igj.56.1e.8ms-2023-5-18","URL":"https://doi.org/10.46717/igj.56.1e.8ms-2023-5-18","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4388851042","type":"article-journal","title":"The iron oxidation state of Ryugu samples","abstract":"Abstract The Hayabusa2 mission sampled Ryugu, an asteroid that did not suffer extensive thermal metamorphism, and returned rocks to the Earth with no significant air exposure. It therefore offers a unique opportunity to study the redox state of carbonaceous Cb‐type asteroids and evaluate the overall redox state of the most primitive rocks of the solar system. An analytical framework was developed to investigate the iron mineralogy and valence state in extraterrestrial material at the micron scale by combining x‐ray diffraction, conventional Mössbauer (MS), and nuclear forward scattering (NFS) spectroscopies. An array of standard minerals was analyzed and cross‐calibrated between MS and NFS. Then, MS and NFS spectra on three Ryugu grains were collected at the bulk and the micron scales. In Ryugu samples, iron is essentially accommodated in magnetite, clay minerals (serpentine–smectite), and sulfides. Only a single set of Mössbauer parameters was necessary to account for the entire variability observed in MS and NFS spectra, at all spatial scales investigated. These parameters therefore make up a fully consistent iron mineralogical model for the Ryugu samples. As far as MS and NFS spectroscopies are concerned, Ryugu grains are overall similar to each other and share most of their mineralogical features with CI‐type chondrites. In detail however, no ferrihydrite is found in Ryugu particles even at the very sensitive scale of Mössbauer spectroscopy. The typical Fe 3+ /Fe tot of clay minerals is much lower than typical redox ratios measured in CI chondrites (Fe 3+ /Fe tot = 85%–90%). Furthermore, magnetite from Ryugu is stoichiometric with no significant maghemite component, whereas up to 12% of maghemite was previously identified in the Orgueil's so‐called magnetite. These differences suggest that most CI meteorites suffered terrestrial alteration and that the preterrestrial composition of these carbon‐rich samples was less oxidized than previously measured. However, it is not clear yet whether or not the parent bodies of CI chondrites were as reduced as Ryugu. Finally, the high spatial resolution of NFS allows to disentangle the redox state and the crystal chemistry of iron accommodated in serpentine and smectite. The most likely polytype of serpentine is lizardite, containing <35% of Fe 3+ , a fraction of which being tetrahedrally coordinated. Smectite is more oxidized (Fe 3+ /Fe tot > 65%) and mainly contains octahedral ferric iron. This finding implies that these clays formed from highly alkaline fluids and the spatial variability highlighted here may suggest a temporal evolution or a spatial variability of the nature of this fluid.","author":[{"family":"Roskosz","given":"Mathieu"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Viennet","given":"Jean‐christophe"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Lavina","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Jiyong"},{"family":"Alp","given":"Esen"},{"family":"Takahashi","given":"Yoshio"},{"family":"Morita","given":"Tomoyo"},{"family":"Amano","given":"Kana"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Hisayoshi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14098","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14098","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4381597474","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbial applications for sustainable space exploration beyond low Earth orbit","abstract":"With the construction of the International Space Station, humans have been continuously living and working in space for 22 years. Microbial studies in space and other extreme environments on Earth have shown the ability for bacteria and fungi to adapt and change compared to \"normal\" conditions. Some of these changes, like biofilm formation, can impact astronaut health and spacecraft integrity in a negative way, while others, such as a propensity for plastic degradation, can promote self-sufficiency and sustainability in space. With the next era of space exploration upon us, which will see crewed missions to the Moon and Mars in the next 10 years, incorporating microbiology research into planning, decision-making, and mission design will be paramount to ensuring success of these long-duration missions. These can include astronaut microbiome studies to protect against infections, immune system dysfunction and bone deterioration, or biological in situ resource utilization (bISRU) studies that incorporate microbes to act as radiation shields, create electricity and establish robust plant habitats for fresh food and recycling of waste. In this review, information will be presented on the beneficial use of microbes in bioregenerative life support systems, their applicability to bISRU, and their capability to be genetically engineered for biotechnological space applications. In addition, we discuss the negative effect microbes and microbial communities may have on long-duration space travel and provide mitigation strategies to reduce their impact. Utilizing the benefits of microbes, while understanding their limitations, will help us explore deeper into space and develop sustainable human habitats on the Moon, Mars and beyond.","author":[{"family":"Koehle","given":"Allison"},{"family":"Brumwell","given":"Stephanie"},{"family":"Seto","given":"Emily"},{"family":"Lynch","given":"Anne"},{"family":"Urbaniak","given":"Camilla"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-023-00285-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-023-00285-0","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4317634161","type":"article-journal","title":"Micromechanics-based Modeling of Mechanical Properties of Tricalcium Silicate Processed under Microgravity","abstract":"View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-2025.vid To realize large-scale habitats in extraterrestrial bodies, cement-like binders may be utilized along with in-situ materials such as lunar regolith. The hydration and morphology of cementitious systems formed in microgravity are not well understood. Previously, the size and morphology of a common cement binder was formed by hydration in the microgravity environment (10^-6 or µg) aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Upon return to the ground, their micro-structures, including phase size and distribution, were visually inspected using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in comparison with those of the samples hydrated on the ground in terrestrial gravity (1g). The sample hydrated in the µg environment showed larger porosity and larger calcium hydroxide (CH) crystals; air bubbles are trapped due to the lack of buoyancy, and CH crystals grew to fill in those pores. While the microstructures are well documented, their mechanical characterization has been a challenge due to size limitations and high porosity. Thus, in this study, such mechanical properties will be estimated using micromechanics-based modeling with the NASA Multiscale Analysis Tool (NASMAT). Micromechanics-based modeling requires 3D Repeating Unit Cell (RUCs) when used with highly porous samples. Representative 3D volumes for modeling are being constructed from the backscattered SEM images of the samples, available on NASA’s Physical Sciences Informatics database, using a deep learning-based sub-volume reconstruction. This reconstruction method successfully captured the unique microstructural development (phase composition and morphology) of high water-to-cement ratio tricalcium silicate (C3S) paste, which is the main mineral component of commercial Portland cement. The reconstructed volume was compared with a micro-CT scan of the samples. The reconstructed sub-volumes are then utilized as RUC in the NASMAT code. The workflow presented here can be applied to other multi-phase materials, beyond the space cement.","author":[{"family":"Saseendran","given":"Vishnu"},{"family":"Yamamoto","given":"Namiko"},{"family":"Collins","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Radlińska","given":"Aleksandra"},{"family":"Pineda","given":"Evan"},{"family":"Bednarcyk","given":"Brett"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.2514/6.2023-2025","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-2025","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4383740116","type":"article-journal","title":"Mechanics, Modeling, and Upscaling of Biocemented Soils: A Review of Breakthroughs and Challenges","abstract":"Biogeotechnical research has inspired revolutionary ideas to claim the status of a distinctive branch of geotechnical engineering. Most notably, underground carbonate mineralization, most commonly referred to as microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP), has been seen as a promising solution to mitigate multiple problems, most notably increasing the bearing capacity of soils, slope stabilization, liquefaction mitigation, and erosion protection. To date, it is fair to say that MICP has moved past the proof-of-concept phase and is growing in terms of technology readiness. In this work, a comprehensive review is provided, ranging from MICP’s core fundamentals to recent breakthroughs and milestones, specifically targeting three core axes, namely, the achieved mechanical performance, modeling approaches, and upscaling considerations. From the return of experience in over two decades of research and considering the most recent opportunities and challenges, this review covers more than 150 articles published after 2019, introduces a synthesis of the trends in mechanical performance captured for biocemented materials, and concludes with a holistic overview of the future prospects of biocementation.","author":[{"family":"Harran","given":"Ray"},{"family":"Terzis","given":"Dimitrios"},{"family":"Laloui","given":"Lyesse"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1061/ijgnai.gmeng-8446","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1061/ijgnai.gmeng-8446","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402073083","type":"article-journal","title":"First direct detection of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on asteroid (162173) Ryugu samples: An interstellar heritage","abstract":"Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are considered major players in the physics and chemistry of star‐ and planet‐forming regions. The interstellar PAH hypothesis is based on our understanding of the origin of the aromatic infrared bands (AIBs), a set of bright emission features that are now the focus of observations by the James Webb telescope. While AIB carriers are expected to be large free PAHs (50 carbon atoms or more), laboratory analysis of primitive carbonaceous chondrites (CCs) has mainly revealed relatively small PAHs, up to 24 carbon atoms. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of aromatic species in bulk samples from the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu using a surface mass spectrometry technique provided by two‐step laser desorption ionization. The resulting molecular distribution differs significantly from that obtained for a sample from the CC Orgueil, revealing aromatic species extending up to 61 carbon atoms. The species identified are composed of both peri‐condensed PAHs and non‐condensed aromatics. These results directly support the interstellar PAH hypothesis and open up new perspectives on the formation and evolution of organic matter in star‐forming regions and in the solar nebula. Key Points First direct detection of free aromatic species of large sizes with up to 61 carbon atoms in primitive extraterrestrial matter by applying a highly sensitive two‐step laser mass spectrometry analysis to grain samples from the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu (Hayabusa2 mission). First direct support for the interstellar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) hypothesis, according to which large free PAHs are responsible for the aromatic emission bands that are major infrared features currently observed by the James Webb Space Telescope. The large aromatic species detected are present in trace amounts and future research is needed to develop sensitive techniques for studying these compounds in sample return missions and meteorites.","author":[{"family":"Sabbah","given":"Hassan"},{"family":"Quitté","given":"G"},{"family":"Demyk","given":"Karine"},{"family":"Joblin","given":"C"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/ntls.20240010","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ntls.20240010","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403824362","type":"article-journal","title":"Glycine synthesis from nitrate and glyoxylate mediated by ferroan brucite: An integrated pathway for prebiotic amine synthesis","abstract":"Amino acids are present in all known life, so identifying the environmental conditions under which they can be synthesized constrains where life on Earth might have formed and where life might be found on other planetary bodies. All known abiotic amino acid syntheses require ammonia, which is only produced in reducing and neutral atmospheres. Here, we demonstrate that the Fe-bearing hydroxide mineral ferroan brucite [Fe 0.33 ,Mg 0.67 (OH) 2 ] can mediate the reaction of nitrate and glyoxylate to form glycine, the simplest amino acid used in life. Up to 97% of this glycine was detected only after acid digestion of the mineral, demonstrating that it had been strongly partitioned to the mineral. The dicarboxylic amino acid 3-hydroxy aspartate was also detected, which suggests that reactants underwent a mechanism that simultaneously produced mono- and dicarboxylic amino acids. Nitrate can be produced in both neutral and oxidizing atmospheres, so reductive amination of nitrate and glyoxylate on a ferroan brucite surface expands origins of life scenarios. First, it expands the environmental conditions in which life’s precursors could form to include oxidizing atmospheres. Second, it demonstrates the ability of ferroan brucite, an abundant, secondary mineral in serpentinizing systems where olivine is partly hydrated, to mediate reductive amination. Finally, the results demonstrate the need to consider mineral-bound products when analyzing samples for abiotic amino acid synthesis.","author":[{"family":"Chimiak","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Hara","given":"Ellie"},{"family":"Sessions","given":"Alex"},{"family":"Templeton","given":"Alexis"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2408248121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2408248121","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4391228854","type":"article-journal","title":"Unlocking the potential: analyzing 3D microstructure of small-scale cement samples from space using deep learning","abstract":"Abstract Due to the prohibitive cost of transporting raw materials into Space, in-situ materials along with cement-like binders are poised to be employed for extraterrestrial construction. A unique methodology for obtaining microstructural topology of cement samples hydrated in microgravity environment at the International Space Station (ISS) is presented here. Distinctive Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs of hardened tri-calcium silicate (C3S) samples were used as exemplars in a deep learning-based microstructure reconstruction framework. The proposed method aids in generation of an ensemble of microstructures that is inherently statistical in nature, by utilizing sparse experimental data such as the C3S samples hydrated in microgravity. The hydrated space-returned samples had exhibited higher porosity content (~70 %) with the portlandite phase assuming an elongated plate-like morphology. Qualitative assessment of the volumetric slices from the reconstructed volumes showcased similar visual characteristics to that of the target 2D exemplar. Detailed assessment of the reconstructed volumes was carried out using statistical descriptors, and was further compared against micro-CT virtual data. The reconstructed volumes captured the unique microstructural morphology of the hardened C3S samples of both space-returned and ground-based samples, and can be directly employed as Representative Volume Element (RVE) to characterize mechanical/transport properties.","author":[{"family":"Saseendran","given":"Vishnu"},{"family":"Yamamoto","given":"Namiko"},{"family":"Collins","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Radlińska","given":"Aleksandra"},{"family":"Mueller","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Jackson","given":"Enrique"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-024-00349-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-024-00349-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4396826891","type":"article-journal","title":"Alteration in the Raman spectra of characteristic rock‐forming silicate mixtures due to micrometeorite bombardment","abstract":"Abstract Innovative techniques are required for the in situ investigation of the surfaces of planetary bodies when landings are planned. Raman spectroscopy turned out as an excellent tool for fast mineralogical analyses on space missions. Contribution from a photoluminescence signal is not unexpected and is likely to be even more pronounced on celestial surfaces with a dilute or absent atmosphere exposed to strong space weathering, for example, micrometeorite bombardment. Such signals were found, for example, in Raman analysis of the probes from sample‐return missions. While photoluminescence is generally considered as an accompanying undesired product in the Raman spectral measurement, our studies show that some analytical information can be derived from this signal, and even more, due to the specific correlation of luminescence intensity with space weathering products. Therefore, we investigate the Raman spectra alteration of characteristic rock‐forming mineral mixtures (olivine, pyroxene and plagioclase) by micrometeorite bombardment, which is simulated by nanosecond‐pulse laser irradiation. The changes in the minerals are strongly dependent on the composition and structure. They range from disappearing changes in the minerals with simple chemistry and structure to complete amorphization of minerals with relatively low melting enthalpy. With Raman spectroscopy, we found out that the photoluminescence signals show resonant or anti‐resonant changes to specific mineral phases and amorphization. Furthermore, ablation‐induced iron nanoparticles of minerals containing Fe are detectable by Raman spectroscopy due to their alteration into iron oxides. Trapped volatiles in the matrices are analysed due to the formation of the compounds containing them. This broad spectrum of results indicating specific change phenomena due to space weathering can be effectively used for in situ Raman analysis in planetary missions.","author":[{"family":"Weber","given":"I"},{"family":"Pavlov","given":"SG"},{"family":"Böttger","given":"Ute"},{"family":"Reitze","given":"Maximilian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/jrs.6676","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6676","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4378979617","type":"article-journal","title":"Raman spectroscopy investigations of the Martian regolith breccia Northwest Africa 7533: A support to in situ Raman spectroscopy on Mars","abstract":"Abstract Using continuous‐wave and time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy, we investigate and characterize the mineralogy of the NWA 7533 meteorite, a unique Martian regolith breccia. This meteorite is a crucial sample, giving a rare access to the formation and evolution of the primitive Martian crust, with crystallization processes beginning up to ~4.4 Ga years ago. We provide an overview of Raman spectra for feldspar, plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine, apatite, merrillite, zircon, pyrite, and various Fe‐Cr‐Ti oxides like magnetite, hematite, ilmenite, and rutile. Most analytical points are paired with previous electron microprobe analyses for deeper interpretation of Raman data. The variability of the silicate minerals composition obtained through microanalysis is traced through variation of the Raman spectra characteristics. No trace of any shock event is observed in the mineral structures. Structural diversity of zircon is linked to various metamictization stages. The luminescence signal of minerals bearing rare earth elements (REE), mainly phosphate and zircon, is documented in detail and discussed. We discuss the presence of at least two generations of phosphate minerals with implications for magmatic petrology. Because NWA 7533 provides a unique sampling of various crustal lithologies of Mars, this spectral dataset could be a reference for Raman instruments presently working on Mars (e.g., NASA Mars2020 Perseverance) or going to this planet or its moon Phobos in the future (e.g., ESA ExoMars, JAXA MMX).","author":[{"family":"Malarewicz","given":"Virgile"},{"family":"Beyssac","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Zanda","given":"B"},{"family":"Hewins","given":"RH"},{"family":"Pont","given":"Sylvain"},{"family":"Bouley","given":"Sylvain"},{"family":"Bernard","given":"Sylvain"},{"family":"Gauthier","given":"M"},{"family":"Morand","given":"M"},{"family":"Garino","given":"Y"},{"family":"Rosier","given":"P"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1002/jrs.6556","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6556","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4317603203","type":"article-journal","title":"Identifying meteorite droppers among the population of bright ‘sporadic’ bolides imaged by the Spanish Meteor Network during the spring of 2022","abstract":"ABSTRACT The extraordinary weather conditions available between February and March 2022 over Spain have allowed us to analyse the brightest fireballs recorded by the monitoring stations of the Spanish Meteor Network (SPMN). We study the atmospheric flight of 15 large meteoroids to determine if they are meteorite dropper events to prepare campaigns to search for freshly fallen extraterrestrial material. We investigate their origins in the Solar system and their dynamic association with parent bodies and meteoroid streams. Employing our python pipeline 3d-firetoc, we reconstruct the atmospheric trajectory utilizing ground-based multistation observations and compute the heliocentric orbit. In addition, we apply an ablation model to estimate the initial and terminal mass of each event. Using a dissimilarity criterion and propagating backward in time, we check the connection of these meteoroids with known complexes and near-Earth objects. We also calculate if the orbits are compatible with recent meteoroid ejections. We find that ∼27 per cent of these fireballs are dynamically associated with minor meteoroid streams and exhibit physical properties of cometary bodies, as well as one associated with a near-Earth asteroid. We identify two meteorite-producing events; however, the on-site search was unsuccessful. By considering that these fireballs are mostly produced by cm-sized rocks that might be the fragmentation product of much larger meteoroids, our findings emphasize the idea that the population of near-Earth objects is a source of near-term impact hazards, existing large Earth-colliding meteoroids in the known complexes.","author":[{"family":"Peñaasensio","given":"Eloy"},{"family":"Trigorodríguez","given":"JM"},{"family":"Rimola","given":"Albert"},{"family":"Corretgé-Gilart","given":"M"},{"family":"Koschny","given":"D"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1093/mnras/stad102","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stad102","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/plants14010064","type":"article-journal","title":"Combined Effects of Microgravity and Chronic Low-Dose Gamma Radiation on <i>Brassica rapa</i> Microgreens.","abstract":"Plants in space face unique challenges, including chronic ionizing radiation and reduced gravity, which affect their growth and functionality. Understanding these impacts is essential to determine the cultivation conditions and protective shielding needs in future space greenhouses. While certain doses of ionizing radiation may enhance crop yield and quality, providing “functional food” rich in bioactive compounds, to support astronaut health, the combined effects of radiation and reduced gravity are still unclear, with potential additive, synergistic, or antagonistic interactions. This paper investigates the combined effect of chronic ionizing radiation and reduced gravity on Brassica rapa seed germination and microgreens growth. Four cultivation scenarios were designed: standard Earth conditions, chronic irradiation alone, simulated reduced gravity alone, and a combination of irradiation and reduced gravity. An analysis of the harvested microgreens revealed that growth was moderately reduced under chronic irradiation combined with altered gravity, likely due to oxidative stress, primarily concentrated in the roots. Indeed, an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed, as well as of polyphenols, likely to counteract oxidative damage and preserve the integrity of essential structures, such as the root stele. These findings represent an important step toward understanding plant acclimation in space to achieve sustainable food production on orbital and planetary platforms.","author":[{"family":"Francesco","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Disquet","given":"Isabel"},{"family":"Peredaloth","given":"Veronica"},{"family":"Tisseyre","given":"Lenka"},{"family":"Pascale","given":"Stefania"},{"family":"Amitrano","given":"Chiara"},{"family":"Diaz","given":"Eugénie"},{"family":"Micco","given":"Veronica"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/plants14010064","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14010064","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3389/fmicb.2024.1473270","type":"article-journal","title":"Improved protocol for metabolite extraction and identification of respiratory quinones in extremophilic Archaea grown on mineral materials.","abstract":"We investigated the metabolome of the iron- and sulfur-oxidizing, extremely thermoacidophilic archaeon Metallosphaera sedula grown on mineral pyrite (FeS 2 ). The extraction of organic materials from these microorganisms is a major challenge because of the tight contact and interaction between cells and mineral materials. Therefore, we applied an improved protocol to break the microbial cells and separate their organic constituents from the mineral surface, to extract lipophilic compounds through liquid–liquid extraction, and performed metabolomics analyses using MALDI-TOF MS and UHPLC-UHR-Q/TOF. Using this approach, we identified several molecules involved in central carbon metabolism and in the modified Entner-Doudoroff pathway found in Archaea, sulfur metabolism-related compounds, and molecules involved in the adaptation of M. sedula to extreme environments, such as metal tolerance and acid resistance. Furthermore, we identified molecules involved in microbial interactions, i.e., cell surface interactions through biofilm formation and cell–cell interactions through quorum sensing, which relies on messenger molecules for microbial communication. Moreover, we successfully extracted and identified different saturated thiophene-bearing quinones using software for advanced compound identification (MetaboScape). These quinones are respiratory chain electron carriers in M. sedula , with biomarker potential for life detection in extreme environmental conditions.","author":[{"family":"Gfellner","given":"Sebastian"},{"family":"Colas","given":"Cyril"},{"family":"Gabant","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Groninga","given":"Janina"},{"family":"Cadène","given":"Martine"},{"family":"Milojević","given":"Tetyana"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2024.1473270","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1473270","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1089/ast.2023.0122","type":"article-journal","title":"Biosignature Molecules Accumulate and Persist in Evaporitic Brines: Implications for Planetary Exploration.","abstract":"as described in past laboratory studies. The water-soluble small organic molecule inventory was determined by using microchip capillary electrophoresis paired with high-resolution mass spectrometry (µCE-HRMS). We analyzed the relative distribution of proteinogenic amino acids with a recently developed quantitative method using CE-separation and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection of amino acids in hypersaline brines. Salinity trends for dissolved free amino acids were consistent with amino acid residue abundance determined from the proteome of the microbial community predicted from metagenomic data. This highlights a tangible connection up and down the \"-omics\" ladder across changing geochemical conditions. The detection of water-soluble organic compounds, specifically proteinogenic amino acids at high abundance (>7 mM) in concentrated brines, demonstrates that potential organic biomarkers accumulate at hypersaline sites and suggests the possibility of long-term preservation. The detection of such molecules in high abundance when using diverse analytical tools appropriate for spacecraft suggests that life detection within hypersaline environments, such as evaporates on Mars and the surface or subsurface brines of ocean world Europa, is plausible and argues such environments should be a high priority for future exploration. Key Words: Salts-Analytical chemistry-Amino acids-Biosignatures-Capillary electrophoresis-Preservation. Astrobiology 24, 795-812.","author":[{"family":"Pozarycki","given":"Chad"},{"family":"Seaton","given":"Kenneth"},{"family":"Vincent","given":"Emily"},{"family":"Sanders","given":"Carlie"},{"family":"Nuñez","given":"Nickie"},{"family":"Castillo","given":"Mariah"},{"family":"Ingall","given":"Ellery"},{"family":"Klempay","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Pontefract","given":"A"},{"family":"Fisher","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Paris","given":"Emily"},{"family":"Buessecker","given":"Steffen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2023.0122","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2023.0122","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4394872639","type":"article-journal","title":"Formation of extraterrestrial peptides and their derivatives","abstract":"The formation of protein precursors, due to the condensation of atomic carbon under the low-temperature conditions of the molecular phases of the interstellar medium, opens alternative pathways for the origin of life. We perform peptide synthesis under conditions prevailing in space and provide a comprehensive analytic characterization of its products. The application of 13 C allowed us to confirm the suggested pathway of peptide formation that proceeds due to the polymerization of aminoketene molecules that are formed in the C + CO + NH 3 reaction. Here, we address the question of how the efficiency of peptide production is modified by the presence of water molecules. We demonstrate that although water slightly reduces the efficiency of polymerization of aminoketene, it does not prevent the formation of peptides.","author":[{"family":"Krasnokutski","given":"Serge"},{"family":"Jäger","given":"C"},{"family":"Henning","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Geffroy-Rodier","given":"Claude"},{"family":"Remaury","given":"Quentin"},{"family":"Poinot","given":"Pauline"},{"family":"Jäger","given":"Cornelia"},{"family":"Geffroy","given":"Claude"},{"family":"Remaury","given":"Quentin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adj7179","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adj7179","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391815865","type":"article-journal","title":"Life on Earth can grow on extraterrestrial organic carbon","abstract":"Abstract The universe is a vast store of organic abiotic carbon that could potentially drive heterotrophy on habitable planets. Meteorites are one of the transporters of this carbon to planetary surfaces. Meteoritic material was accumulating on early Earth when life emerged and proliferated. Yet it is not known if this organic carbon from space was accessible to life. In this research, an anaerobic microbial community was grown with the CM2 carbonaceous chondrite Aguas Zarcas as the sole carbon, energy and nutrient source. Using a reversed 13C-stable isotope labelling experiment in combination with optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy of single cells, this paper demonstrates the direct transfer of carbon from meteorite into microbial biomass. This implies that meteoritic organics could have been used as a carbon source on early Earth and other habitable planets, and supports the potential for a heterotrophic metabolism in early living systems.","author":[{"family":"Waajen","given":"Annemiek"},{"family":"Lima","given":"Cássio"},{"family":"Goodacre","given":"Royston"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-54195-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-54195-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404077690","type":"article-journal","title":"Bacteria Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, terrestrial analogue of extraterrestrial microorganisms?","abstract":"Abstract In this comprehensive review, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans , an acidophilic bacterium, has been thoroughly examined as a plausible analogue for microbial life in Venus's lower cloud layer. Given its ability to adapt to extreme conditions, including low pH environments and metal-rich settings, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is considered a promising candidate for studying life analogues in Venus's clouds. This article comprehensively analyses the bacterium's distinctive phenotypic and genotypic features, investigating its metabolic pathways, adaptive strategies and potential ecological niche within Venusian cloud ecosystems. After careful consideration of the environmental parameters characterizing Venus, the unidentified UV absorber in its clouds, and the prospects for microbial life, this review underscores the imperative nature of future Venus missions and the pivotal role that Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans may play in exploring the possible habitability of Venus and advancing astrobiological research.","author":[{"family":"Słowik","given":"Grzegorz"},{"family":"Richer","given":"Renee"},{"family":"Stryjska","given":"Aleksandra"},{"family":"Dąbrowski","given":"Paweł"},{"family":"Slowik","given":"Grzegorz"},{"family":"Stryjska","given":"Aleksandra"},{"family":"Dabrowski","given":"Pawel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1017/s1473550424000181","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1473550424000181","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401922442","type":"article-journal","title":"Alternative Pathways in Astrobiology: Reviewing and Synthesizing Contingency and Non-Biomolecular Origins of Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Life","abstract":"The pursuit of understanding the origins of life (OoL) on and off Earth and the search for extraterrestrial life (ET) are central aspects of astrobiology. Despite the considerable efforts in both areas, more novel and multifaceted approaches are needed to address these profound questions with greater detail and with certainty. The complexity of the chemical milieu within ancient geological environments presents a diverse landscape where biomolecules and non-biomolecules interact. This interaction could lead to life as we know it, dominated by biomolecules, or to alternative forms of life where non-biomolecules could play a pivotal role. Such alternative forms of life could be found beyond Earth, i.e., on exoplanets and the moons of Jupiter and Saturn. Challenging the notion that all life, including ET life, must use the same building blocks as life on Earth, the concept of contingency-when expanded beyond its macroevolution interpretation-suggests that non-biomolecules may have played essential roles at the OoL. Here, we review the possible role of contingency and non-biomolecules at the OoL and synthesize a conceptual model formally linking contingency with non-biomolecular OoL theories. This model emphasizes the significance of considering the role of non-biomolecules both at the OoL on Earth or beyond, as well as their potential as agnostic biosignatures indicative of ET Life.","author":[{"family":"Chandru","given":"Kuhan"},{"family":"Potiszil","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Jia","given":"Tony"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life14091069","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091069","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4396615959","type":"article-journal","title":"Capillary Processes in Extraterrestrial Contexts","abstract":"Abstract The Earth is no longer the only known celestial body containing one or more liquid phases. The Cassini spacecraft has discovered seas of hydrocarbons at the surface of Titan, while a series of corroborating evidences argue in favor of the existence of an aqueous ocean beneath the icy crust of several moons. Capillarity embraces a family of physical processes occurring at the free surface of a liquid. These phenomena depend on the liquid properties and on the local planetary conditions. Capillarity may have important direct or indirect implications on the geoscientific and astrobiological points of view. In this paper, we discuss capillarity physics among solar system objects and expected consequences for planetary science.","author":[{"family":"Cordier","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Ligerbelair","given":"Gérard"},{"family":"Bonhommeau","given":"David"},{"family":"Séon","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Appéré","given":"T"},{"family":"Carrasco","given":"Nathalie"},{"family":"Appéré","given":"Thomas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je008248","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je008248","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402173135","type":"article-journal","title":"Machine learning applications on lunar meteorite minerals: From classification to mechanical properties prediction","abstract":"Amid the scarcity of lunar meteorites and the imperative to preserve their scientific value, non-destructive testing methods are essential. This translates into the application of microscale rock mechanics experiments and scanning electron microscopy for surface composition analysis. This study explores the application of Machine Learning algorithms in predicting the mineralogical and mechanical properties of DHOFAR 1084, JAH 838, and NWA 11444 lunar meteorites based solely on their atomic percentage compositions. Leveraging a prior-data fitted network model, we achieved near-perfect classification scores for meteorites, mineral groups, and individual minerals. The regressor models, notably the K -Neighbor model, provided an outstanding estimate of the mechanical properties—previously measured by nanoindentation tests—such as hardness, reduced Young’s modulus, and elastic recovery. Further considerations on the nature and physical properties of the minerals forming these meteorites, including porosity, crystal orientation, or shock degree, are essential for refining predictions. Our findings underscore the potential of Machine Learning in enhancing mineral identification and mechanical property estimation in lunar exploration, which pave the way for new advancements and quick assessments in extraterrestrial mineral mining, processing, and research.","author":[{"family":"Peñaasensio","given":"Eloy"},{"family":"Trigorodríguez","given":"JM"},{"family":"Sort","given":"Jordi"},{"family":"Ibáñez","given":"Jordi"},{"family":"Rimola","given":"Albert"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.ijmst.2024.08.001","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2024.08.001","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405530302","type":"article-journal","title":"Tribological Investigation of Polymer Composite Dynamic Shaft Seals in Extraterrestrial Applications","abstract":"Polymer seals are utilized in various engineering applications to prevent leakage and contamination. The study investigates the wear and friction behavior of PTFE-based dynamic rotary seals, targeting their usage in space applications. Pin-on-disc dry sliding wear tests were performed with 0.5 MPa contact pressure and 0.2 m/s sliding velocity combining different lip seal (PTFE, PTFE+GF+MoS2), packing (PTFE, PTFE+Aramid fiber+solid lubricant) and shaft materials (34CrNiMo6, PEEK) involving third-body lunar (LHS-1) and Martian regolith (MGS-1) simulants. To understand the different influences of extraterrestrial regolith simulants compared to commonly encountered abrasives on Earth, quartz sand was selected as a reference. Quartz soil resulted in lower wear rates but a similar coefficient of friction to other regoliths. In the case of lip seals, testing with LHS-1 on PEEK and testing with MGS-1 on steel resulted in the most severe wear. Post-mortem surface analysis revealed the effect of external abrasive particles on the wear process and the transfer layer formation. The surface analysis confirmed that both lunar and Martian regolith simulants resulted in significant embedded particles. Based on the wear performance results, the lip seals performed better, but installation with an external packing could further aid the tribosystem.","author":[{"family":"Kalácska","given":"Ádám"},{"family":"Coen","given":"A"},{"family":"Poletto","given":"Jean"},{"family":"Baets","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Kalácska","given":"Gábor"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/lubricants12120451","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12120451","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402307190","type":"article-journal","title":"Atmospheric collection of extraterrestrial dust at the Earth's surface in the mid‐Pacific","abstract":"Abstract The Kwajalein micrometeorite collection utilized high volume air samplers fitted with polycarbonate membrane filters to capture particles directly from the atmosphere at the Earth's surface. This initial study focused on identifying cosmic spherule‐like particles, conservatively categorizing them into four groups based on bulk compositional data: Group I exhibit a range of compositions designated terrestrial in origin; group II are Fe‐rich and contain only additional O, S, and/or Ni; group III are silicate spherules with Mg‐to‐Si At% ratios less than 0.4; group IV are silicate spherules with Mg‐to‐Si At% ratios greater than 0.4. Spherules in groups I, II, and III have compositions that are also consistent with particles that are produced in great numbers by natural and/or anthropogenic terrestrial activities (e.g., volcanic microspherules, fly ash from coal fired power plants, etc.) and thus are assumed terrestrial in origin. Group IV spherules exhibit compositions closest to those of cosmic spherules identified in other collections and are, therefore, designated cosmic spherule candidates. Detailed analysis of seven group IV spherules found that whilst five exhibited morphology and compositions consistent with S‐type cosmic spherules, two appear unique to this collection and could not be matched to either terrestrial or extraterrestrial spherules studied to date.","author":[{"family":"Wozniakiewicz","given":"PJ"},{"family":"Alesbrook","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Bradley","given":"JP"},{"family":"Ishii","given":"HA"},{"family":"Price","given":"MC"},{"family":"Zolensky","given":"ME"},{"family":"Brownlee","given":"Donald"},{"family":"Ginneken","given":"Matthias"},{"family":"Genge","given":"MJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14251","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14251","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391631927","type":"article-journal","title":"Mechanical properties of minerals in lunar and HED meteorites from nanoindentation testing: Implications for space mining","abstract":"Abstract This study analyzes the mechanical and elemental properties of lunar meteorites DHOFAR 1084, JAH 838, NWA 11444, and HED meteorite NWA 6013. Utilizing microscale rock mechanics experiments, that is, nanoindentation testing, this research reveals significant heterogeneity in both mechanical and elemental attributes across the mineral samples. Olivines, pyroxene, feldspar, and spinel demonstrate similar compositional and mechanical characteristics. Conversely, other silicate and oxide minerals display variations in their mechanical properties. Terrestrial olivines subjected to nanoindentation tests exhibit increased hardness and a higher Young's modulus than their lunar counterparts. A linear correlation is observed between the H/E r ratio and both plastic and elastic energies. Additionally, the alignment of mineral phases along a constant H/E r ratio suggests variations in local porosity. This study also highlights the need for further research focusing on porosity, phase insertions within the matrix, and structural orientations to refine our understanding of these mechanical characteristics. The findings have direct implications for in situ resource utilization strategies and future state‐of‐the‐art impact models. This comprehensive characterization serves as a foundational resource for future research efforts in space science and mining.","author":[{"family":"Peñaasensio","given":"Eloy"},{"family":"Trigorodríguez","given":"JM"},{"family":"Sort","given":"Jordi"},{"family":"Ibáñez","given":"Jordi"},{"family":"Rimola","given":"Albert"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14148","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14148","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391225114","type":"article-journal","title":"Electron microscopy observations of the diversity of Ryugu organic matter and its relationship to minerals at the micro‐ to nano‐scale","abstract":"Abstract Transmission electron microscopy analyses of Hayabusa2 samples show that Ryugu organic matter exhibits a range of morphologies, elemental compositions, and carbon functional chemistries consistent with those of carbonaceous chondrites that have experienced low‐temperature aqueous alteration. Both nanoglobules and diffuse organic matter are abundant. Non‐globular organic particles are also present, and including some that contain nanodiamond clusters. Diffuse organic matter is finely distributed in and around phyllosilicates, forms coatings on other minerals, and is also preserved in vesicles in secondary minerals such as carbonate and pyrrhotite. The average elemental compositions determined by energy‐dispersive spectroscopy of extracted, demineralized insoluble organic matter samples A0107 and C0106 are C100N3O9S1 and C100N3O7S1, respectively, with the difference in O/C slightly outside the difference in the standard error of the mean. The functional chemistry of the nanoglobules varies from mostly aromatic C=C to mixtures of aromatic C=C, ketone C=O, aliphatic (CHn), and carboxyl (COOH) groups. Diffuse organic matter associated with phyllosilicates has variable aromatic C, ketone and carboxyl groups, and some localized aliphatics, but is dominated by molecular carbonate (CO3) absorption, comparable to prior observations of clay‐bound organic matter in CI meteorites.","author":[{"family":"Stroud","given":"RM"},{"family":"Barosch","given":"Jens"},{"family":"Bonal","given":"L"},{"family":"Burgess","given":"Katherine"},{"family":"Cody","given":"George"},{"family":"Gregorio","given":"BTD"},{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Dartois","given":"E"},{"family":"Dobrică","given":"E"},{"family":"Duprat","given":"J"},{"family":"Engrand","given":"C"},{"family":"Harries","given":"Dennis"},{"family":"Hashiguchi","given":"Minako"},{"family":"Ishii","given":"HA"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Kilcoyne","given":"AD"},{"family":"Langenhorst","given":"F"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Nittler","given":"LR"},{"family":"Quirico","given":"É"},{"family":"Okumura","given":"Taiga"},{"family":"Rémusat","given":"Laurent"},{"family":"Sandford","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Abreu","given":"NM"},{"family":"Bagot","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Bejach","given":"Laure"},{"family":"Bland","given":"PA"},{"family":"Bridges","given":"JC"},{"family":"Cymes","given":"Brittany"},{"family":"Dazzi","given":"Alexandre"},{"family":"Peña","given":"Francisco"},{"family":"Denisetbesseau","given":"Ariane"},{"family":"Enju","given":"Satomi"},{"family":"Enokido","given":"Yuma"},{"family":"Frank","given":"D"},{"family":"Gray","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Haruta","given":"Mitsutaka"},{"family":"Hata","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Hicks","given":"LJ"},{"family":"Igami","given":"Yohei"},{"family":"Jacob","given":"Damien"},{"family":"Kamide","given":"Kanami"},{"family":"Komatsu","given":"M"},{"family":"Laforet","given":"Sylvain"},{"family":"Leroux","given":"Hugues"},{"family":"Guillou","given":"Corentin"},{"family":"Martins","given":"Zita"},{"family":"Marinova","given":"Maya"},{"family":"Martinez","given":"James"},{"family":"Mathurin","given":"Jérémie"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Megumi"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Matsuno","given":"Junya"},{"family":"Mcfadzean","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Michikami","given":"Tatsuhiro"},{"family":"Mitsukawa","given":"Itaru"},{"family":"Miyake","given":"Akira"},{"family":"Miyahara","given":"Masaaki"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Montagnac","given":"Gilles"},{"family":"Mostefaoui","given":"S"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Nakauchi","given":"Yusuke"},{"family":"Nakazawa","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Ohtaki","given":"Kenta"},{"family":"Ohigashi","given":"Takuji"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Okumura","given":"Shota"},{"family":"Okazaki","given":"Ryuji"},{"family":"Phan","given":"Van"},{"family":"Rebois","given":"Rolando"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"Kanako"},{"family":"Saiki","given":"Takanao"},{"family":"Saito","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Seto","given":"Yusuke"},{"family":"Shigenaka","given":"Miho"},{"family":"Smith","given":"William"},{"family":"Suga","given":"Hiroki"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Mingqi"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Takahashi","given":"Yoshio"},{"family":"Takeichi","given":"Yasuo"},{"family":"Takeuchi","given":"Akihisa"},{"family":"Takigawa","given":"Aki"},{"family":"Tamenori","given":"Y"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Terui","given":"Fuyuto"},{"family":"Thompson","given":"MS"},{"family":"Tomioka","given":"Naotaka"},{"family":"Tsuchiyama","given":"A"},{"family":"Tsuda","given":"Yuichi"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Masayuki"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14128","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14128","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391303747","type":"article-journal","title":"Detection limits of kaolinites and some common minerals in binary mixtures by short-wave infrared spectroscopy","abstract":"The identification of minerals is key for adequately characterizing geological materials at different scales, from the study of outcrop surfaces to extraplanetary exploration. One of the most widely used identification methodologies in recent years is the spectroscopy in the visible, near infrared and short-wave infrared wavelength ranges (VNIR-SWIR spectroscopy). In polymineralic samples the position, geometry and intensity of the absorption features are parameters that can depart from the single-mineral samples as interference phenomena occur between the spectra of each mineral present. In this work it was studied and compared the reflectance spectra of binary mixtures to determine the detection limits of each mineral. For that, binary mixtures of well crystallized kaolinite and poorly crystallized kaolinite mixed with calcite, dolomite, gypsum, quartz and feldspar were prepared. The selected minerals are common in the Earth's crust in different geological contexts, mainly in sedimentary environments, in as alterations associated with ore deposits, and they have also been described on the surface of several extraterrestrial terrains. Binary samples spectra, their continuum removed-spectra and their second derivatives were compared, and identification limits, expressed as a percentage of each mineral, were obtained. These identification limits vary depending on the minerals mixed and the normalization method applied. The results after continuum removal showed that the identification of both kaolinites, in mixtures with calcite and dolomite, is possible if its content is ≥5%; and ≥15%, in mixtures with gypsum. The content to identify calcite must be ≥75%; whereas for dolomite is ≥60%; and ≥20% for gypsum. The implementation of the second derivative entailed some variations in the previous identification limits. Thus, kaolinite is identifiable if its content is ≥5% in all the mixtures; whereas carbonates have identification limits of 90%; and 5% in the case of gypsum. The identification of kaolinite in the presence of both tectosilicates is relatively easy (only 5% content is necessary regardless of the normalization method used). These limits were obtained from a constrained strategy based only in the study of binary mixtures, and easily obtained determination parameters. In that sense, they will probably diverge from the limits obtained in real cases, as other factors such as the number of constituent minerals, grain size, homogenization, and/or crystallinity, among others, may influence the identification. However, the results offer a diagnosis, based on a systematic study, of the arising issues to identify different minerals in polymineralic samples in laboratory or by remote sensing approaches. It is particularly notable the high detection limits of both carbonates in the presence of kaolinite. Therefore, it highlights the ease with which a misidentification of important constituents can occur in SWIR spectroscopy.","author":[{"family":"Santamaría-López","given":"Ángel"},{"family":"Suárez","given":"Mercedes"},{"family":"Romero","given":"Emilia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.clay.2024.107269","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2024.107269","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390947493","type":"article-journal","title":"Focused‐beam X‐ray fluorescence and diffraction microtomographies for mineralogical and chemical characterization of unsectioned extraterrestrial samples","abstract":"Abstract This study describes the application of new synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and diffraction (XRD) microtomographies for the 3‐D visualization of chemical and mineralogical variations in unsectioned extraterrestrial samples. These improved methods have been applied to three compositionally diverse chondritic meteorite samples that were between 300 and 400 μm in diameter, including samples prepared from fragments of the CR2 chondrite LaPaz Icefield (LAP) 02342, H5 chondrite MacAlpine Hills (MAC) 88203, and the CM2 chondrite Murchison. The synchrotron‐based XRF and XRD tomographies used are focused‐beam techniques that measure the intensities of fluorescent and diffracted X‐rays in a sample simultaneously during irradiation by a high‐energy microfocused incident X‐ray beam. Measured sinograms of the emitted and diffracted intensities were then tomographically reconstructed to generate 2‐D slices of XRF and XRD intensity through the sample, with reconstructed pixel resolution of 1–2 μm, defined by the resolution of the focused incident X‐ray beam. For sample LAP 02342, primary mineral phases that were visualized in reconstructed slices using these techniques included isolated grains of α‐Fe, orthopyroxene, and olivine. For our sample of MAC 88203, XRF/XRD tomography allowed visualization of forsteritic olivine as a primary mineral phase, a vitrified fusion crust at the sample surface, identification of localized Cr‐rich spinels at spatial resolutions of several micrometers, and imaging of a plagioclase‐rich glassy matrix. In the sample of Murchison, major identifiable phases include clinoenstatite‐ and olivine‐rich chondrules, variable serpentine matrix minerals and small Cr‐rich spinels. Most notable in the tomographic analysis of Murchison is the ability to quantitatively distinguish and visualize the complex mixture of serpentine‐group minerals and associated tochilinite–cronstedtite intergrowths. These methods provide new opportunities for spatially resolved characterization of sample texture, mineralogy, crystal structure, and chemical state in unsectioned samples. This provides researchers an ability to characterize such samples internally with minimal disruption of sample micro‐structures and chemistry, possibly without the need for sample extraction from some types of sampling and capture media.","author":[{"family":"Lanzirotti","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Sutton","given":"SR"},{"family":"Newville","given":"M"},{"family":"Brearley","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Tschauner","given":"Oliver"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14130","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14130","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402230181","type":"article-journal","title":"Unveiling deep Earth's hidden potential: insights from a new high-pressure phase discovered in a shocked meteorite","abstract":"In this study, we report the discovery of a novel high-pressure phase within the Suizhou shocked meteorite, shedding light on the extreme conditions encountered during meteorite impacts. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques including electron microprobe and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, we identified a previously unknown crystalline structure formed under high pressures and temperatures. The new mineral, ideally Mg 3 (Si 0.5 [] 0.5 )Si 2 O 8 (the symbol [] stands for structural vacancy), was approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA 2024–012) and named ohtaniite in honour of Eiji Ohtani. The phase, a new mineral with the pyroxene chemistry but with wadsleyite structure, was characterized by its distinct crystal lattice and unique physical properties, suggesting a transformation induced by shock compression. This finding expands our understanding of shock-induced mineralogical transformations in extraterrestrial materials and offers insights into the dynamic processes shaping meteorite evolution. Further investigations into these high-pressure phases are crucial for unraveling the geological history of meteorites and their significance in planetary science.","author":[{"family":"Bindi","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Xie","given":"Z"},{"family":"Sharp","given":"TG"},{"family":"Xie","given":"Xiande"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s44346-024-00001-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44346-024-00001-0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391178600","type":"article-journal","title":"Evidence of Sulfate‐Rich Fluid Alteration in Jezero Crater Floor, Mars","abstract":"Abstract Sulfur plays a major role in martian geochemistry and sulfate minerals are important repositories of water. However, their hydration states on Mars are poorly constrained. Therefore, understanding the hydration and distribution of sulfate minerals on Mars is important for understanding its geologic, hydrologic, and atmospheric evolution as well as its habitability potential. NASA's Perseverance rover is currently exploring the Noachian‐age Jezero crater, which hosts a fan‐delta system associated with a paleolake. The crater floor includes two igneous units (the Séítah and Máaz formations), both of which contain evidence of later alteration by fluids including sulfate minerals. Results from the rover instruments Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemistry and Planetary Instrument for X‐ray Lithochemistry reveal the presence of a mix of crystalline and amorphous hydrated Mg‐sulfate minerals (both MgSO 4 ·[3–5]H 2 O and possible MgSO 4 ·H 2 O), and anhydrous Ca‐sulfate minerals. The sulfate phases within each outcrop may have formed from single or multiple episodes of water activity, although several depositional events seem likely for the different units in the crater floor. Textural and chemical evidence suggest that the sulfate minerals most likely precipitated from a low temperature sulfate‐rich fluid of moderate pH. The identification of approximately four waters puts a lower constraint on the hydration state of sulfate minerals in the shallow subsurface, which has implications for the martian hydrological budget. These sulfate minerals are key samples for future Mars sample return.","author":[{"family":"Siljeström","given":"Sandra"},{"family":"Czaja","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Corpolongo","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Berger","given":"EL"},{"family":"Li","given":"An"},{"family":"Cardarelli","given":"Emily"},{"family":"Abbey","given":"William"},{"family":"Asher","given":"Sanford"},{"family":"Beegle","given":"LW"},{"family":"Benison","given":"Kathleen"},{"family":"Bhartia","given":"R"},{"family":"Bleefeld","given":"Benjamin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je007989","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je007989","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405893869","type":"article-journal","title":"Discovery of an Earthborn quasicrystal approximant","abstract":"Abstract Natural quasicrystals, compounds with characteristics intermediate between crystalline material and glass, have been so far discovered in extraterrestrial materials only. Furthermore, their occurrence in nature is limited to metallic, Al-bearing alloys. The presence of metallic aluminum in these minerals raised doubts about their potential occurrence in terrestrial rocks. The geochemical conditions needed to form metallic Al are so reducing that they are considered very unlikely in a terrestrial environment. Given the report of dodecagonal symmetry in the synthetic Ta1.6Te quasicrystal, the search for terrestrial quasicrystals was focused on natural tellurides. Here, we report the discovery of the first terrestrial approximant of a dodecagonal quasicrystal, a Pd-Ni-telluride with formula Pd3Ni4Te8 and tetragonal symmetry, which was found as small inclusions in a rock sample from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Periodic approximants are crystalline materials that share a similar chemical composition with quasicrystals but have a slightly altered atomic structure, aligning their symmetry with the traditional principles of three-dimensional crystallography. These crystalline approximants provide insights into the local atomic structure of their corresponding quasicrystals. Natural Pd3Ni4Te8 has been approved as a new mineral by the International Mineralogical Association with the name proxitwelvefoldite (IMA 2024-034). The Pd3Ni4Te8 composition has never been reported to form quasicrystal approximants among synthetic products and could indicate the possible existence of a 12-fold quasicrystal in the Pd-Ni-Te system. The discovery points to the possibility that the quasicrystalline structure may be much more common than previously thought, even in non-alloy systems.","author":[{"family":"Bindi","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Cabri","given":"Louis"},{"family":"Mihalkovič","given":"M"},{"family":"Laufek","given":"František"},{"family":"Krivovichev","given":"Sergey"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.2138/am-2024-9679","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2024-9679","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400281472","type":"article-journal","title":"An Extraterrestrial Pt Anomaly during the Late Glacial-Younger Dryas: Viso Massif (Italy and France)","abstract":"Paleosol evidence supporting the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis (YDIH) on the Viso Massif of France and Italy is expanded by a Pt anomaly at all sites investigated, accompanied by elevated Os, Ir, Ru, and Rh concentrations at several sites, thus affirming a cosmic driver to the YD climatic shift at 12.8 ka. Original, thin Allerød soils prevalent at the end of the Late Glacial comprise sediments affected by an airburst from a hypothesized secondary daughter fragment or fragments of the main 2P/Encke progenitor comet train that intersected Earth’s land surface and its alpine-continental ice sheets. This event has been previously postulated to have breached Lake Agassiz and other proglacial lakes in North America, released meltwater into the Atlantic Ocean through the St. Lawrence and into the Arctic through the Mackenzie River system, after which cold surface water shut down the thermohaline circulation of the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic. This thermohaline event is the traditional explanation for YD cooling, but was it fast enough to match the pollen evidence, which confirms rapid temperature reversal? Or was an “impact winter” involved? Cosmic signatures reported here include elevated Pt/Pd ratios, Os, Ir, Ru, and Rh concentrations with orders of magnitude (OM) for Ir used to establish the main center of conflagrations that helped trigger an impact winter. While most sections show variable distributions of PGEs, some are fully affected by concentrations entirely through the unweathered substrate or parent material horizons (called “Cu” horizons). Peak distributions of platinum group elements (PGEs) provide new information on the dispersal patterns of grains that add the Western European Alps to the intercontinental array of sites containing the Younger Dryas boundary (YDB) layer, also sometimes called the black mat (BM). Previously, most age determinations for the Alps were derived from relative dating determinations (RD), but here, we report an AMS C14 date from one LG paleosol (G11-Bw) yielding an age of 12,816 ±44 cal yr BP age, coeval with the average 12.8 ka age of the BM.","author":[{"family":"Mahaney","given":"William"},{"family":"Somelar","given":"Peeter"},{"family":"West","given":"Allen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.14293/aci.2024.0006","URL":"https://doi.org/10.14293/aci.2024.0006","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390507018","type":"article-journal","title":"Bacterial templated carbonate mineralization: insights from concave-type crystals induced by Curvibacter lanceolatus strain HJ-1","abstract":"HJ-1 strain, well-known for its proficiency in inducing carbonate mineralization, was employed to trigger the formation of concave-type carbonate minerals. The study meticulously tracked the temporal alterations in the culture solution and conducted comprehensive analyses of the precipitated minerals' mineralogy and morphology using advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam, and transmission electron microscopy. The findings unequivocally demonstrate that concave-type carbonate minerals are meticulously templated by bacterial biofilms and employ calcified bacteria as their fundamental structural components. The precise morphological evolution pathway can be delineated as follows: initiation with the formation of bacterial biofilms, followed by the aggregation of calcified bacterial clusters, ultimately leading to the emergence of concave-type minerals characterized by disc-shaped, sunflower-shaped, and spherical morphologies.","author":[{"family":"Lyu","given":"Jiejie"},{"family":"Li","given":"Fuchun"},{"family":"Long","given":"Haoran"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Xinru"},{"family":"Fu","given":"Nan"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Ziqi"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Weiqing"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1039/d3ra06803j","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d3ra06803j","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4405940651","type":"article-journal","title":"A Machine Learning Approach for the Autonomous Identification of Hardness in Extraterrestrial Rocks from Digital Images","abstract":"Understanding rock hardness on extraterrestrial planets offers valuable insights into planetary geological evolution. Rock hardness correlates with morphological parameters, which can be extracted from navigation images, bypassing the time and cost of rock sampling and return. This research proposes a machine-learning approach to predict extraterrestrial rock hardness using morphological features. A custom dataset of 1496 rock images, including granite, limestone, basalt, and sandstone, was created. Ten features, such as roundness, elongation, convexity, and Lab color values, were extracted for prediction. A foundational model combining Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) was trained through cross-validation. The output of this model was used as the input for a meta-model, undergoing linear fitting to predict Mohs hardness, forming the Meta-Random Forest and Support Vector Regression (MRFSVR) model. The model achieved an R2 of 0.8219, an MSE of 0.2514, and a mean absolute error of 0.2431 during validation. Meteorite samples were used to validate the MRFSVR model’s predictions. The model is used to predict the hardness distribution of extraterrestrial rocks using images from the Tianwen-1 Mars Rover Navigation and Terrain Camera (NaTeCam) and a simulated lunar rock dataset from an open-source website. The results demonstrate the method’s potential for enhancing extraterrestrial exploration.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Shuyun"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Haifeng"},{"family":"Yuan","given":"Zihao"},{"family":"Xiao","given":"Liping"},{"family":"Shen","given":"Chengcheng"},{"family":"Wan","given":"Xue"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Xuhai"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Lu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/aerospace12010026","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12010026","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393097319","type":"article-journal","title":"Application of the 187Re-187Os geochronometer to crustal materials: Systematics, methodology, data reporting, and interpretation","abstract":"Abstract The rhenium-osmium (187Re-187Os) system is a highly versatile chronometer that is regularly applied to a wide range of geological and extraterrestrial materials. In addition to providing geo- or cosmo-chronological information, the Re-Os system can also be used as a tracer of processes across a range of temporal (millennial to gigayear) and spatial scales (lower mantle to cryosphere). An increasing number of sulfide minerals are now routinely dated, which further expands the ability of this system to refine mineral exploration models as society moves toward a new, green economy with related technological needs. An expanding range of natural materials amenable to Re-Os geochronology brings additional complexities in data interpretation and the resultant translation of measured isotopic ratios to a properly contextualized age. Herein, we provide an overview of the 187Re-187Os system as applied to sedimentary rocks, sulfides, and other crustal materials and highlight further innovations on the horizon. Additionally, we outline next steps and best practices required to improve the precision of the chronometer and establish community-wide data reduction procedures, such as the decay constant, regression technique, and software packages to use. These best practices will expand the utility and viability of published results and essential metadata to ensure that such data conform to evolving standards of being findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR).","author":[{"family":"Rooney","given":"Alan"},{"family":"Hnatyshin","given":"Danny"},{"family":"Toma","given":"Jonathan"},{"family":"Saintilan","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Millikin","given":"Alexie"},{"family":"Selby","given":"David"},{"family":"Creaser","given":"Robert"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1130/b37294.1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1130/b37294.1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401844140","type":"article-journal","title":"Trace element detection in anhydrous minerals by micro-scale quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy","abstract":"Nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs) composing Earth’s and planetary rocks incorporate microscopic amounts of volatiles. However, volatile distribution in NAMs and their effect on physical properties of rocks remain controversial. Thus, constraining trace volatile concentrations in NAMs is tantamount to our understanding of the evolution of rocky planets and planetesimals. Here, we present an approach of trace-element quantification using micro-scale Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This approach employs the principle of enhanced mass-sensitivity in NMR microcoils. We were able to demonstrate that this method is in excellent agreement with standard methods across their respective detection capabilities. We show that by simultaneous detection of internal reference nuclei, the quantification sensitivity can be substantially increased, leading to quantifiable trace volatile element amounts of about 50 ng/g measured in a micro-meter sized single anorthitic mineral grain, greatly enhancing detection capabilities of volatiles in geologically important systems. Nominally anhydrous minerals composing Earth’s and planetary rocks incorporate microscopic amounts of volatiles whose distribution affects their physical properties. Here the authors present an approach for trace-element quantification using micro-scale Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy.","author":[{"family":"Fu","given":"Yunhua"},{"family":"Tao","given":"Renbiao"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Lifei"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shijie"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Ya‐nan"},{"family":"Shen","given":"Dehan"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Zilong"},{"family":"Meier","given":"Thomas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-51131-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51131-0","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4390697208","type":"article-journal","title":"Arsenoústalečite, Cu12(As2Te2)Se13, a new mineral, and crystal structures of arsenoústalečite and stibioústalečite","abstract":"Abstract Arsenoústalečite is a new mineral discovered in a sample collected from the abandoned Ústaleč deposit near Horažďovice, SW Bohemia, Czech Republic. It occurs as rare anhedral grains, up to 40 μm in size, in a calcite gangue, associated with stibioústalečite, hakite-(Hg), berzelianite and uraninite. Arsenoústalečite is dark grey, with a metallic lustre. Mohs hardness is ca. 3½–4; calculated density is 5.730 g/cm3. In reflected light, arsenoústalečite is pale grey with a yellowish shade; it is isotropic. Internal reflections were not observed. Reflectance values for the four COM wavelengths in air [R (%) λ (nm)] are: 33.3 (470); 33.1 (546); 33.0 (589); and 32.9 (650). The empirical formula of arsenoústalečite is (Cu5.81Ag0.17)Σ5.98(Cu5.95Fe0.02Zn0.02Hg0.01)Σ6.00(As1.40Sb0.87Te1.73)Σ4.00(Se10.30S2.32)Σ12.61. The ideal formula is Cu12(As2Te2)Se13, which requires (in wt.%) Cu 34.76, As 6.83, Te 11.63, Se 46.78, total 100.00. Arsenoústalečite is cubic, I $\\bar{4}$ 3m, with unit-cell parameters a = 10.6580(19) Å, V = 1210.7(6) Å3 and Z = 2. The strongest reflections of the calculated powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d, Å (I, %) hkl] are: 3.077 (100) 222, 2.848 (10) 321, 1.946 (12) 521, 1.884(52) 440 and 1.608(21) 622. According to the single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (R1 = 0.0285 on the basis of 334 unique reflections with Fo > 4σFo and 24 refined parameters), arsenoústalečite is isotypic with other tetrahedrite-group minerals. The crystal structure of co-existing stibioústalečite, with an empirical formula of (Cu5.69Ag0.07)Σ5.76(Cu5.80Zn0.13Fe0.06Hg0.01)Σ6.00(Sb1.82As0.42Te1.76)Σ4.00(Se9.52S3.10)Σ12.62 and unit-cell parameters a = 10.6975(16) Å, V = 1224.2(5) Å3 and Z = 2, was refined to R1 = 0.0191 on the basis of 267 unique reflections with Fo > 4σFo and 24 refined parameters. Structural relationships and crystal-chemistry of both members of the ústalečite series are discussed. Arsenoústalečite is named after its type locality, the Ústaleč deposit and its chemical composition. The mineral and its name have been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA2022-116).","author":[{"family":"Sejkora","given":"Jiří"},{"family":"Biagioni","given":"Cristian"},{"family":"Škácha","given":"Pavel"},{"family":"Musetti","given":"Silvia"},{"family":"Mauro","given":"Daniela"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1180/mgm.2023.94","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2023.94","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4313560149","type":"article-journal","title":"Setting the geological scene for the origin of life and continuing open questions about its emergence","abstract":"The origin of life is one of the most fundamental questions of humanity. It has been and is still being addressed by a wide range of researchers from different fields, with different approaches and ideas as to how it came about. What is still incomplete is constrained information about the environment and the conditions reigning on the Hadean Earth, particularly on the inorganic ingredients available, and the stability and longevity of the various environments suggested as locations for the emergence of life, as well as on the kinetics and rates of the prebiotic steps leading to life. This contribution reviews our current understanding of the geological scene in which life originated on Earth, zooming in specifically on details regarding the environments and timescales available for prebiotic reactions, with the aim of providing experimenters with more specific constraints. Having set the scene, we evoke the still open questions about the origin of life: did life start organically or in mineralogical form? If organically, what was the origin of the organic constituents of life? What came first, metabolism or replication? What was the time-scale for the emergence of life? We conclude that the way forward for prebiotic chemistry is an approach merging geology and chemistry, i.e., far-from-equilibrium, wet-dry cycling (either subaerial exposure or dehydration through chelation to mineral surfaces) of organic reactions occurring repeatedly and iteratively at mineral surfaces under hydrothermal-like conditions.","author":[{"family":"Westall","given":"Francès"},{"family":"Brack","given":"André"},{"family":"Fairén","given":"Alberto"},{"family":"Schulte","given":"M"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2022.1095701","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2022.1095701","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4401979461","type":"article-journal","title":"Variations of organic functional chemistry in carbonaceous matter from the asteroid 162173 Ryugu","abstract":"Primordial carbon delivered to the early earth by asteroids and meteorites provided a diverse source of extraterrestrial organics from pre-existing simple organic compounds, complex solar-irradiated macromolecules, and macromolecules from extended hydrothermal processing. Surface regolith collected by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft from the carbon-rich asteroid 162173 Ryugu present a unique opportunity to untangle the sources and processing history of carbonaceous matter. Here we show carbonaceous grains in Ryugu can be classified into three main populations defined by spectral shape: Highly aromatic (HA), Alkyl-Aromatic (AA), and IOM-like (IL). These carbon populations may be related to primordial chemistry, since C and N isotopic compositions vary between the three groups. Diffuse carbon is occasionally dominated by molecular carbonate preferentially associated with coarse-grained phyllosilicate minerals. Compared to related carbonaceous meteorites, the greater diversity of organic functional chemistry in Ryugu indicate the pristine condition of these asteroid samples.","author":[{"family":"Gregorio","given":"BTD"},{"family":"Cody","given":"George"},{"family":"Stroud","given":"RM"},{"family":"Kilcoyne","given":"ALD"},{"family":"Sandford","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Guillou","given":"Corentin"},{"family":"Nittler","given":"LR"},{"family":"Barosch","given":"Jens"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Martins","given":"Zita"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Okumura","given":"Taiga"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-51731-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51731-w","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4385246331","type":"article-journal","title":"Applications of Raman spectroscopy technology in deep space exploration: A review","abstract":"Raman spectroscopy acquires the molecular vibration spectra formed by non-elastic scattering of photons generated by laser excited materials. As “fingerprint” spectra of minerals and organic matters identification, Raman spectroscopy has been widely applied in the study of terrestrial and extraterrestrial samples, effectively obtaining key information such as mineral types, mineral chemistry, spatial distribution, rock and ore genesis, etc. It can accurately identify various minerals such as sulfates, chloride salts, layered silicates, and oxides in different hydration states, distinguish the differences in lattice structures between high-pressure phase minerals and low-pressure phase minerals. It can also describe the relationship between the stability and phase transition modes of various altered minerals and environmental parameters, and constrain the detection and identification of specific mineral phases on planetary surfaces based on the ground spectral libraries. In deep space exploration missions, Raman spectroscopy uses active laser excitation to obtain spectra, which has unique advantages in spectral signal acquisition and can effectively break through the constraints of planetary illumination conditions. Therefore, it is recommended for important exploration missions such as the Moon, Mars, asteroids, Venus, and ice satellites. China’s Chang’e-7 mission will also be equipped with a Raman spectrometer to conduct in situ material composition detection in the southern region of the Moon. This review mainly discusses the main research progress of Raman spectroscopy in the field of planetary science and deep space exploration from the basic principles of Raman spectroscopy, research applications of extraterrestrial samples, and deep space exploration applications of Raman spectroscopy. In the basic physical principles of Raman spectroscopy, this review briefly introduces the principle and necessary conditions for the generation of Raman scattering light, provides an expression for the intensity of Raman scattering light, and lists the commonly used analytical methods in Raman spectroscopy quantification. At the end of the chapter, the schematic diagram of the Raman spectrometer and the application fields of Raman spectroscopy technology are also presented. In the application of extraterrestrial sample research, this review introduces the detailed research work on lunar soil, lunar meteorites, and Martian meteorite samples using Raman spectroscopy technology. By characterizing their mineral types, mineral patterns, mineral chemistry, and even impact history, the geological history of the samples can be understood. Raman spectroscopy technology can also monitor the mineral phase changes of minerals under different environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity, study the stable field, phase transition path, and dehydration process of minerals, in order to explore the environmental conditions during mineral formation. In this section, the Raman spectral and fingerprint characteristics of the main components are also summarized, serving the interpretation of Raman spectral data in subsequent engineering exploration missions. In the chapter on the application of Raman spectroscopy in deep space exploration, the scientific objectives, performance indicators, and instrument configurations of four main Raman spectrometer payloads (SHERLOC, SuperCam, RLS, RAX) are introduced. The limitations of Raman spectroscopy in deep space exploration are summarized, and the difficulties and challenges of Raman spectroscopy bringing to engineering exploration tasks are discussed in detail, focusing on the weak intensity of Raman scattering signals and fluorescence interference. At the end of the review, the future development trend of Raman spectroscopy technology in deep space exploration applications is also prospected, in order to provide useful references for future research and application of related payloads.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Ping"},{"family":"Qi","given":"Xiaobin"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yiheng"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Xiaoyu"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Changqin"},{"family":"Xin","given":"Yanqing"},{"family":"Xiao","given":"Ayang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Jiang"},{"family":"Ling","given":"Zongcheng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1360/tb-2023-0421","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1360/tb-2023-0421","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401579324","type":"article-journal","title":"Astrobiological Potential of Rocks Acquired by the Perseverance Rover at a Sedimentary Fan Front in Jezero Crater, Mars","abstract":"Abstract The Perseverance rover has collected seven oriented samples of sedimentary rocks, all likely older than the oldest signs of widespread life on Earth, at the exposed base of the western fan in Jezero crater, Mars. The samples include a sulfate‐ and clay‐bearing mudstone and sandstone, a fluvial sandstone from a stratigraphically low position at the fan front, and a carbonate‐bearing sandstone deposited above the sulfate‐bearing strata. All samples contain aqueously precipitated materials and most or all were aqueously deposited. Although the rover instruments have not confidently detected organic matter in the rocks from the fan front, the much more sensitive terrestrial instruments will still be able to search for remnants of prebiotic chemistries and past life, and study Mars's past habitability in the samples returned to Earth. The hydrated, sulfate‐bearing mudstone has the highest potential to preserve organic matter and biosignatures, whereas the carbonate‐bearing sandstones can be used to constrain when and for how long Jezero crater contained liquid water. Returned sample science analyses of sulfate, carbonate, clay, phosphate and igneous minerals as well as trace metals and volatiles that are present in the samples acquired at the fan front would provide transformative insights into past habitable environments on Mars, the evolution of its magnetic field, atmosphere and climate and the past and present cycling of atmospheric and crustal water, sulfur and carbon.","author":[{"family":"Bosak","given":"Tanja"},{"family":"Shuster","given":"David"},{"family":"Scheller","given":"Eva"},{"family":"Siljeström","given":"Sandra"},{"family":"Zawaski","given":"Mike"},{"family":"Mandon","given":"Lucia"},{"family":"Simon","given":"Justin"},{"family":"Weiss","given":"BP"},{"family":"Stack","given":"KM"},{"family":"Mansbach","given":"Elias"},{"family":"Treiman","given":"AH"},{"family":"Benison","given":"Kathleen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024av001241","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024av001241","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390268946","type":"article-journal","title":"A preliminary study on the evolution and ecology of arsenic minerals","abstract":"Minerals serve as recorders of planetary evolution. A series of significant geological events in the evolution process of the earth were confirmed based on researches of relevant information recorded in minerals. Arsenic is one of the most toxic elements to life, functioning as a sensitive indicator of evolutionary processes of the geochemical environment. Over 760 distinct arsenic minerals have been identified up to date. Based on concepts of ″mineral evolution″ and ″mineral ecology,″ in this study, we have investigated the diversity and deep-time evolutionary process of arsenic minerals. The results reveal that the diversity of arsenic minerals has expanded episodically with the evolution of geological history. Notably, the growth stage of arsenic minerals is corresponded with stages of supercontinent collisions and the great oxygenation events （GOE）. This phenomenon is mainly attributed to the migration and transformation of arsenic facilitated by the enhancement of active hydrothermal and weathering processes during the supercontinent collision periods and the transformation of arsenic from reduced state to oxidized state with relatively strong capabilities of mineralization and migration during the GOE period. Furthermore, by utilizing data of the locations and distributions of arsenic minerals, based on the Poisson Lognormal distribution LNRE （Large number of Rare Events） model, it is predicted that there are at least 1958 kinds of arsenic minerals within the Earth′s crust. Among these, the probability of occurrence for 263 kinds of arsenic minerals is over 95%, indicating that their formations were mainly controlled by deterministic factors. Conversely, the probability of occurrence for most of arsenic minerals is relatively low, especially, that of 184 kinds of arsenic minerals is even lower than 0.1%, suggesting that their formations were mainly controlled by contingent factors.","author":[{"family":"Tang","given":"Ming"},{"family":"Teng","given":"Hui"},{"family":"Lu","given":"Xiancai"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Rucheng"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Xiangyu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3724/j.issn.1007-2802.20240012","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3724/j.issn.1007-2802.20240012","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404839904","type":"article-journal","title":"Distinctive source and hydration state of gold-ore–forming arc magmas","abstract":"Abstract Whole-rock trace-element analyses contain previously unutilized evidence of mantle source fertility, degree of partial melting, and silicate melt hydration state that are applicable to arc magmatism globally. Spidergram arrays of gold-fertile mafic melts have steeper slopes than gold-infertile ones, characterized by higher Ba/Zr, Nb/Y, and U/Yb. Spidergrams of gold-fertile mafic magmas indicate relatively low percentage melting of lithospheric mantle metasomatized by migrating silicate melts as well as aqueous fluids. Gold-fertile and -infertile melts retain distinctively high Ba/Zr, Nb/Y, and U/Yb across the mafic-to-felsic differentiation series. Plots of V/Y versus Ba/Zr discriminate relative hydration states during magmatic differentiation. The ability of these ratios to discriminate gold-mineralizing magmas is demonstrated by comparison of barren reference suites with our compilation of the compositions of Phanerozoic magmas that generated 138 magmatic-hydrothermal gold deposits worldwide. The distinction between mafic melt compositions in mineralized and barren igneous complexes demonstrates that gold metallogenic fertility and infertility are primary properties of melts generated in different mantle source regions. Magmatic gold fertility typically pervades gold ore provinces for the duration of the regional metallogenic epoch, until changing geodynamics modifies the balance of mantle melt sources.","author":[{"family":"Mafra","given":"Carolina"},{"family":"Loucks","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Fiorentini","given":"Marco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1130/g52611.1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1130/g52611.1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400773778","type":"article-journal","title":"The astrochemical evolutionary traits of phospholipid membrane homochirality","abstract":"Compartmentalization is crucial for the evolution of life. Present-day phospholipid membranes exhibit a high level of complexity and species-dependent homochirality, the so-called lipid divide. It is possible that less stable, yet more dynamic systems, promoting out-of-equilibrium environments, facilitated the evolution of life at its early stages. The composition of the preceding primitive membranes and the evolutionary route towards complexity and homochirality remain unexplained. Organics-rich carbonaceous chondrites are evidence of the ample diversity of interstellar chemistry, which may have enriched the prebiotic milieu on early Earth. This Review evaluates the detections of simple amphiphiles — likely ancestors of membrane phospholipids — in extraterrestrial samples and analogues, along with potential pathways to form primitive compartments on primeval Earth. The chiroptical properties of the chiral backbones of phospholipids provide a guide for future investigations into the origins of phospholipid membrane homochirality. We highlight a plausible common pathway towards homochirality of lipids, amino acids, and sugars starting from enantioenriched monomers. Finally, given their high recalcitrance and resistance to degradation, lipids are among the best candidate biomarkers in exobiology. Compartmentalization is crucial for life’s evolution. Yet, the origin of modern phospholipid membranes and their species-dependent homochirality remains unknown. Amphiphile detection in extraterrestrial samples suggests diverse interstellar chemistry, enriching Earth’s prebiotic chemistry with vital membrane precursors. Moreover, chiroptical properties guide research into membrane homochirality origins.","author":[{"family":"Bocková","given":"Jana"},{"family":"Jones","given":"Nykola"},{"family":"Hoffmann","given":"Søren"},{"family":"Meinert","given":"Cornelia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41570-024-00627-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-024-00627-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402861621","type":"article-journal","title":"Test Method for Mineral Spatial Distribution of BIF Ore by Imaging Spectrometer","abstract":"The spatial distribution characteristics of iron ore components are important when measuring the difficulty of their beneficiation. Polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy are traditional methods with some shortcomings, including complicated operation and low efficiency. Most of the laboratory hyperspectral imaging techniques that have emerged in recent years have been focused on the field of mineral resource exploration. In contrast, the mineral distribution and tectonic characteristics of iron ores have been relatively poorly studied in the field of beneficiation. To address the issue, 11 experimental samples of banded iron formation (BIF)-hosted iron ores were selected and tested using an imaging spectrometer. Then, based on the differences in spectral characteristic of the three main components (quartz, hematite, and magnetite) in the samples, the identification model of the spatial distribution of the iron ore components was established using the normalized spectral amplitude index (NSAI) and spectral angle mapper (SAM). The NSAI and SAM identify minerals based on spectral amplitude features and spectral morphological features of the sample, respectively. The spatial distribution of different minerals in the samples was tested using the model, and the test results demonstrated that the spatial distribution of the three components is consistent with the banded tectonic character of the sample. Upon comparison with the chemical test results, the mean absolute errors (MAE) of the model for quartz, hematite, and magnetite in the samples were 2.03%, 1.34%, and 1.55%, respectively, and the root mean square errors (RMSE) were 2.72%, 2.08%, and 1.85%, respectively, with the exception of one martite sample that reached an MAE of 10.17%. Therefore, the model demonstrates a high degree of accuracy. The research provides a new method to test the spatial distribution of iron ore components.","author":[{"family":"Yi","given":"Wenhua"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Shanjun"},{"family":"Ding","given":"Ruibo"},{"family":"Yue","given":"Heng"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Haoran"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Jingli"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min14090959","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min14090959","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391608662","type":"article-journal","title":"Depositional and Diagenetic Sulfates of Hogwallow Flats and Yori Pass, Jezero Crater: Evaluating Preservation Potential of Environmental Indicators and Possible Biosignatures From Past Martian Surface Waters and Groundwaters","abstract":"Abstract The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover has examined and sampled sulfate‐rich clastic rocks from the Hogwallow Flats member at Hawksbill Gap and the Yori Pass member at Cape Nukshak. Both strata are located on the Jezero crater western fan front, are lithologically and stratigraphically similar, and have been assigned to the Shenandoah formation. In situ analyses demonstrate that these are fine‐grained sandstones composed of phyllosilicates, hematite, Ca‐sulfates, Fe‐Mg‐sulfates, ferric sulfates, and possibly chloride salts. Sulfate minerals are found both as depositional grains and diagenetic features, including intergranular cement and vein‐ and vug‐cements. Here, we describe the possibility of various sulfate phases to preserve potential biosignatures and the record of paleoenvironmental conditions in fluid and solid inclusions, based on findings from analog sulfate‐rich rocks on Earth. The samples collected from these outcrops, Hazeltop and Bearwallow from Hogwallow Flats, and Kukaklek from Yori Pass, should be examined for such potential biosignatures and environmental indicators upon return to Earth.","author":[{"family":"Benison","given":"Kathleen"},{"family":"Gill","given":"Karena"},{"family":"Sharma","given":"Sunanda"},{"family":"Siljeström","given":"Sandra"},{"family":"Zawaski","given":"Mike"},{"family":"Bosak","given":"Tanja"},{"family":"Broz","given":"Adrian"},{"family":"Clark","given":"BC"},{"family":"Cloutis","given":"EA"},{"family":"Czaja","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Flannery","given":"David"},{"family":"Fornaro","given":"Teresa"},{"family":"Gómez","given":"Felipe"},{"family":"Hand","given":"KP"},{"family":"Herd","given":"Chris"},{"family":"Johnson","given":"JR"},{"family":"Madariaga","given":"Juan"},{"family":"Madsen","given":"MB"},{"family":"Martínezfrías","given":"Jesús"},{"family":"Nachon","given":"M"},{"family":"Núñez","given":"Jorge"},{"family":"Pedersen","given":"David"},{"family":"Randazzo","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Shuster","given":"David"},{"family":"Simon","given":"Justin"},{"family":"Steele","given":"A"},{"family":"Tate","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Treiman","given":"AH"},{"family":"Uckert","given":"Kyle"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Amy"},{"family":"Yanchilina","given":"Anastasia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je008155","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je008155","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390614809","type":"article-journal","title":"Multiple growth of zirconolite in marble (Mogok metamorphic belt, Myanmar): evidence for episodes of fluid metasomatism and Zr–Ti–U mineralization in metacarbonate systems","abstract":"Abstract. Fluid infiltration into (meta-)carbonate rocks is an important petrologic process that induces metamorphic decarbonation and potential mineralization of metals or nonmetals. The determination of the infiltration time and the compositional features of reactive fluids is essential to understand the mechanism and process of fluid–rock interactions. Zirconolite (ideal formula: CaZrTi2O7) is an important U-bearing accessory mineral that can develop in metasomatized metacarbonate rocks. In this study, we investigate the occurrence, texture, composition, and chronology of various types of zirconolite from fluid-infiltrated reaction zones in dolomite marbles from the Mogok metamorphic belt, Myanmar. Three types of zirconolite are recognized: (1) the first type (Zrl-I) coexists with metasomatic silicate and oxide minerals (forsterite, spinel, phlogopite) and has a homogeneous composition with high contents of UO2 (21.37 wt %–22.82 wt %) and ThO2 (0.84 wt %–1.99 wt %). (2) The second type (Zrl-II) has textural characteristics similar to those of Zrl-I. However, Zrl-II shows a core–rim zonation with a slightly higher UO2 content in the rims (average of 23.5 ± 0.4 wt % (n=8)) than the cores (average of 22.1 ± 0.3 wt % (n=8)). (3) The third type (Zrl-III) typically occurs as coronas around baddeleyite and coexists with polycrystalline quartz. Zrl-III has obviously lower contents of UO2 (0.88 wt %–5.3 wt %) than those of Zrl-I and Zrl-II. All types of zirconolite have relatively low rare earth element (REE) contents (< 480 µg g−1 for ΣREE). Microtextures and compositions of the three zirconolite types, in combination with in situ zirconolite U–Pb dating using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), reveal episodic fluid infiltration and element mobilization in the dolomite marbles. The first-stage infiltration occurred at ∼ 35 Ma, leading to the formation of Mg-rich silicates and oxides and accessory minerals (Zrl-I, baddeleyite, and geikielite). The reactive fluid was characterized by high contents of Zr, Ti, U, and Th. After that, some Zrl-I grains underwent a local fluid-assisted dissolution–precipitation process, which produced a core–rim zonation (i.e., the Zrl-II type). The final stage of fluid infiltration, recorded by the growth of Zrl-III after baddeleyite, took place at ∼ 19 Ma. The infiltrating fluid of this stage had relatively lower U contents and higher SiO2 activities than the first-stage infiltrating fluid. This study illustrates that zirconolite is a powerful mineral that can record repeated episodes (ranging from 35 to 19 Ma) of fluid influx, metasomatic reactions, and Zr–Ti–U mineralization in (meta-)carbonates. This mineral not only provides key information about the timing of fluid flow but also documents the chemical variation in reactive fluids. Thus, zirconolite is expected to play a more important role in characterizing the fluid–carbonate interaction, orogenic CO2 release, and the transfer and deposition of rare metals.","author":[{"family":"Guo","given":"Qian"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Shun"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Yue‐heng"},{"family":"Mao","given":"Qian"},{"family":"Yuan","given":"Jiangyan"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Shitou"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Xiao‐chi"},{"family":"Sein","given":"Kyaing"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.5194/ejm-36-11-2024","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-36-11-2024","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402048792","type":"article-journal","title":"Sea ice as habitat for microalgae, bacteria, virus, fungi, meio- and macrofauna: A review of an extreme environment","abstract":"Abstract The novel concept of the review is a focus on the organisms living in the sea ice and what mechanisms they have developed for their existence. The review describes the physical environment of the sea ice and the microorganisms living there as microalgae, bacteria, virus, fungi, meio- and macrofauna where they inhabit the brine channels and exposed to low temperatures as down to −25 °C and high salinities—up to 300. Nutrients, O 2 , CO 2 , pH, light, and UV are also identified as stressors regarding the metabolism of the microorganisms. It is argued that sea ice must be recognized as an extreme environment as based on records of very high or very low concentrations or intensities of the stressors that living organisms in the ice are exposed to and able to endure. Each taxonomic group of organisms in the sea ice are dealt with in detail in terms of the explicit stressors the group is exposed to, and specifically what known mechanisms that the organisms have amended to secure existence and life. These mechanisms are known for some group of organisms as autotrophs, bacteria, meio- and macrofauna but less so for virus and fungi. The review concludes that sea ice is an extreme environment where the stressors vary significantly in both space and time, both in consort and solitary, classifying organisms living there as polyextremophiles and extremophiles. The review relates further to extraterrestrial moons covered with sea ice and these habitats and points toward sea ice on Earth for prospective studies until further technological advances.","author":[{"family":"Lundhansen","given":"Lars"},{"family":"Gradinger","given":"Rolf"},{"family":"Hassett","given":"Brandon"},{"family":"Jayasinghe","given":"Sahan"},{"family":"Kennedy","given":"Fraser"},{"family":"Martin","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Mcminn","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Søgaard","given":"Dorte"},{"family":"Sorrell","given":"Brian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00300-024-03296-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-024-03296-z","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391281253","type":"article-journal","title":"A sample preparation guide for clay‐rich carbonaceous chondrites","abstract":"Abstract The matrix of the C2‐ungrouped Tarda meteorite contains abundant smectite minerals that swell and crumble when exposed to polar liquids, causing the sample to rapidly slake. This phenomenon presents a serious challenge when polishing the meteorite, as common polishing liquids used on carbonaceous chondrites, such as water, ethanol, ethylene glycol, and isopropyl alcohol, are polar and will cause the sample to swell, making it unsuitable for some analyses. Hexane and mineral oil are nonpolar liquids that were found to not induce swelling on highly expansive montmorillonite‐clay analog material and were effectively integrated into a polishing procedure for Tarda. Here, we detail a procedure for mounting, cutting, and polishing the Tarda meteorite to prepare a surface that is suitable for a variety of sensitive techniques, such as electron microprobe analysis. This work offers a practical methodology for the preparation of other clay‐rich samples, which may include the recently returned Ryugu and Bennu materials.","author":[{"family":"Wilson","given":"Bennett"},{"family":"Cecco","given":"VED"},{"family":"Garvie","given":"LAJ"},{"family":"Tait","given":"KT"},{"family":"Daly","given":"MG"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14140","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14140","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403683284","type":"article-journal","title":"Review of Lithium as a Strategic Resource for Electric Vehicle Battery Production: Availability, Extraction, and Future Prospects","abstract":"This article presents a comprehensive review of lithium as a strategic resource, specifically in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. This study examines global lithium reserves, extraction sources, purification processes, and emerging technologies such as direct lithium extraction methods. This paper also explores the environmental and social impacts of lithium extraction, emphasizing the need for sustainable and ethical practices within the supply chain. As electric vehicles are projected to account for over 60% of new car sales by 2030, the demand for high-performance batteries will persist, with lithium playing a key role in this transition, even with the development of alternatives to lithium-ion batteries, such as sodium and ammonium-based technologies. However, there is an urgent need for technological advancements to reduce the environmental impact of lithium production and lithium-ion battery manufacturing. Additionally, ensuring the safety of LiBs during both use and recycling stages is critical to sustainable EV adoption. This study concludes that advancements in battery recycling and the development of new technologies are essential to improving safety, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impacts, thereby securing a sustainable lithium supply and supporting the future of electric mobility.","author":[{"family":"Vega-Muratalla","given":"Victor"},{"family":"Ramírezmárquez","given":"César"},{"family":"Lirabarragán","given":"Luis"},{"family":"Ponceortega","given":"José"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/resources13110148","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13110148","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392978100","type":"article-journal","title":"Fluorescence Microscopy with Deep UV, Near UV, and Visible Excitation for In Situ Detection of Microorganisms","abstract":"We report a simple, inexpensive design of a fluorescence microscope with light-emitting diode (LED) excitation for detection of labeled and unlabeled microorganisms in mineral substrates. The use of deep UV (DUV) excitation with visible emission requires no specialized optics or slides and can be implemented easily and inexpensively using an oblique illumination geometry. DUV excitation (<280 nm) is preferable to near UV (365 nm) for avoidance of mineral autofluorescence. When excited with DUV, unpigmented bacteria show two emission peaks: one in the near UV ∼320 nm, corresponding to proteins, and another peak in the blue to green range, corresponding to flavins and/or reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). Many commonly used dyes also show secondary excitation peaks in the DUV, with identical emission spectra and quantum yields as their primary peak. However, DUV fails to excite key biosignature molecules, especially chlorophyll in cyanobacteria. Visible excitation (violet to blue) also results in less mineral autofluorescence than near UV, and most autofluorescence in the minerals seen here is green, so that red dyes and red autofluorescence of chlorophyll and porphyrins are readily distinguished. The pairing of DUV and near UV or visible excitation, with emission across the visible, represents the most thorough approach to detection of labeled and unlabeled bacteria in soil and rock.","author":[{"family":"Case","given":"Noel"},{"family":"Johnston","given":"Nikki"},{"family":"Nadeau","given":"Jay"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2023.0020","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2023.0020","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4391512464","type":"article-journal","title":"Unusual sources of fossil micrometeorites deduced from relict chromite in the small size fraction in ~467 Ma old limestone","abstract":"ABSTRACT Extraterrestrial chrome spinel and chromite extracted from the sedimentary rock record are relicts from coarse micrometeorites and rarely meteorites. They are studied to reconstruct the paleoflux of meteorites to the Earth and the collisional history of the asteroid belt. Minor element concentrations of Ti and V, and oxygen isotopic compositions of these relict minerals were used to classify the meteorite type they stem from, and thus to determine the relative meteorite group abundances through time. While coarse sediment‐dispersed extraterrestrial chrome‐spinel (SEC) grains from ordinary chondrites dominate through the studied time windows in the Phanerozoic, there are exceptions: We have shown that ~467 Ma ago, 1 Ma before the breakup of the L chondrite parent body (LCPB), more than half of the largest (>63 μm diameter) grains were achondritic and originated from differentiated asteroids in contrast to ordinary chondrites which dominated the meteorite flux throughout most of the past 500 Ma. Here, we present a new data set of oxygen isotopic compositions and elemental compositions of 136 grains of a smaller size fraction (32–63 μm) in ~467 Ma old pre‐LCPB limestone from the Lynna River section in western Russia, that was previously studied by elemental analysis. Our study constitutes the most comprehensive oxygen isotopic data set of sediment‐dispersed extraterrestrial chrome spinel to date. We also introduce a Raman spectroscopy‐based method to identify SEC grains and distinguish them from terrestrial chrome spinel with ~97% reliability. We calibrated the Raman method with the established approach using titanium and vanadium concentrations and oxygen isotopic compositions. We find that ordinary chondrites are approximately three times more abundant in the 32–63 μm fraction than achondrites. While abundances of achondrites compared to ordinary chondrites are lower in the 32–63 μm size fraction than in the >63 μm one, achondrites are approximately three times more abundant in the 32–62 μm fraction than they are in the present flux. We find that the sources of SEC grains vary for different grain sizes, mainly as a result of parent body thermal metamorphism. We conclude that the meteorite flux composition ~467 Ma ago ~1 Ma before the breakup of the LCPB was fundamentally different from today and from other time windows studied in the Phanerozoic, but that in contrast to the large size fraction ordinary chondrites dominated the flux in the small size fraction. The high abundance of ordinary chondrites in the studied samples is consistent with the findings based on coarse extraterrestrial chrome‐spinel from other time windows.","author":[{"family":"Heck","given":"PR"},{"family":"Schmitz","given":"Birger"},{"family":"Ritter","given":"Xenia"},{"family":"Rout","given":"SS"},{"family":"Kita","given":"NT"},{"family":"Defouilloy","given":"C"},{"family":"Keating","given":"Katarina"},{"family":"Eisenstein","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Terfelt","given":"Fredrik"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14133","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14133","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403109061","type":"article-journal","title":"The evolution of amino acids under asteroidal aqueous alteration","abstract":"Carbonaceous chondrites contain amino acids , with variable abundances and isotope compositions between and within carbonaceous chondrites . The parent body processes, and the presence of clay minerals may explain those differences. Here, we experimentally investigate the evolution of 6 amino acids (glycine, β-alanine, α-alanine, 2-aminoisobutyric acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, and isovaline) exposed to hydrothermal conditions in the presence or absence of silicates. We determined the chemical nature and isotopic composition of the organic compounds of the soluble and solid fractions of the residues using X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and mass-spectrometry methods. Glycine and α-alanine exhibit a rather high stability, which is consistent with the measured abundances of α-alanine and glycine in chondrites having experienced various degrees of aqueous alteration. In the meantime, the evolution of β-alanine under hydrothermal conditions leads to the formation of a new compound, which likely results from the decarboxylation and deamination of β-alanine followed by recombination. More than 95 % of γ-ABA was transformed into 2-pyrrolidione though self-cyclization during the aqueous alteration. The solid residues of the experiments conducted in the presence of clay minerals contain organic material, with abundances varying depending on the amino acid used for the experiments (TOC isovaline > 2-aminoisobutyric acid > γ-aminobutyric acid > glycine > α-alanine > β-alanine). Clay minerals thus preferentially trap branched amino acids over chained amino acids , likely within their interlayer spaces as suggested by XRD data. The δ 13 C values of amino acids have not changed significantly during the experiments, even with the presence of silicates. Thus, the δ 13 C values of amino acids reported in CR and CM chondrites likely relate to synthetic conditions or the origin of their precursors (i.e. inherited from the pre-accretion processes).","author":[{"family":"He","given":"Yingying"},{"family":"Bernard","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Lecasble","given":"Marceau"},{"family":"Viennet","given":"Jean‐christophe"},{"family":"Criouet","given":"I"},{"family":"Boulesteix","given":"David"},{"family":"Khodorova","given":"Nadezda"},{"family":"Delbes","given":"Ludovic"},{"family":"Guillaumet","given":"Maxime"},{"family":"Baudin","given":"François"},{"family":"Laurent","given":"Boris"},{"family":"Buch","given":"A"},{"family":"Rémusat","given":"Laurent"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gca.2024.09.035","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2024.09.035","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392079285","type":"article-journal","title":"Hydroponics: Exploring innovative sustainable technologies and applications across crop production, with Emphasis on potato mini-tuber cultivation","abstract":"There is an urgent need to explore climate-resilient alternative agriculture production systems that focus on resilience, resource efficiency, and disease management. Hydroponics, a soilless cultivation system, gaining interest as it reduces the dependency on agricultural land, and pesticides, and can be implemented in areas with poor soil quality, thus mitigating the negative effects of extreme weather events. Potato is an essential dietary staple crop grown throughout the world and is a major source of food security in underdeveloped countries. However, due to the climatic changes, it is predicted that a significant loss in the suitability of land for potato production would occur, thus leading to potato yield loss. Recently, many case studies have emerged to highlight the advancement of agricultural hydroponic systems that provide a promising solution to the massive production of potato mini tuber at high efficiency. This review paper evaluates popular hydroponic methods and demonstrates how hydroponic has emerged as the go-to, long-term, sustainable answer to the perennial problem of insufficient access to high-quality potato seed stock. The paper discusses the research and innovation possibilities (such as artificial intelligence, nanoparticles, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria) that potentially increase tuber production per plant under optimal hydroponic growth circumstances. These approaches are examined considering new scientific discoveries and practical applications. Furthermore, it emphasizes that by enduring significant reforms in soilless food production systems (particularly for potatoes), the food supply of a rapidly growing population can be addressed. Since hydroponics systems are productive and easily automated without soil and optimal environmental conditions, future hydroponics farming is promising. In conclusion, the hydroponics system provides better yield and crop productivity by saving water, energy, and space. Henceforth, it can be the alternate choice for modern sustainable agriculture.","author":[{"family":"Rajendran","given":"Sasireka"},{"family":"Domalachenpa","given":"Tenzing"},{"family":"Arora","given":"Himanshu"},{"family":"Li","given":"Pai"},{"family":"Sharma","given":"Abhishek"},{"family":"Rajauria","given":"Gaurav"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26823","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26823","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4402050706","type":"article-journal","title":"Perspectives and Energy Applications of Magnetocaloric, Pyromagnetic, Electrocaloric, and Pyroelectric Materials","abstract":"Abstract This perspective provides an overview of the state of research and innovation in the areas of magnetocaloric and pyromagnetic materials, and electrocaloric and pyroelectric materials, including the overlapping sub‐areas of multicaloric and multipyro materials that can operate simultaneously under the application of magnetic and electric fields. These materials are critically examined for their potential to revolutionize cooling, heating, and energy‐harvesting applications. This perspective first summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art advancements and highlights recent significant developments. Then, it is identified and discussed that the prevailing challenges hindering the widespread adoption of technologies based on these materials. In this context, after consulting with members of the caloric and pyro communities, a technology roadmap is outlined to guide research efforts in overcoming current barriers to applications, with the goal of achieving impactful results by 2040. This roadmap emphasizes the importance of focusing on under‐researched materials, novel devices, and application spaces, paving the way for interdisciplinary efforts that can lead to significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.","author":[{"family":"Klinar","given":"Katja"},{"family":"Law","given":"Jia"},{"family":"Franco","given":"V"},{"family":"Moya","given":"Xavier"},{"family":"Kitanovski","given":"Andrej"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/aenm.202401739","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202401739","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4396977540","type":"article-journal","title":"Preservation of Bacillus subtilis’ cellular liquid state at deep sub-zero temperatures in perchlorate brines","abstract":"Abstract Although a low temperature limit for life has not been established, it is thought that there exists a physical limit imposed by the onset of intracellular vitrification, typically occurring at ~−20 °C for unicellular organisms. Here, we show, through differential scanning calorimetry, that molar concentrations of magnesium perchlorate can depress the intracellular vitrification point of Bacillus subtilis cells to temperatures much lower than those previously reported. At 2.5 M Mg(ClO4)2, the peak vitrification temperature was lowered to −83 °C. Our results show that inorganic eutectic salts can in principle maintain liquid water in cells at much lower temperatures than those previously claimed as a lower limit to life, raising the prospects of active biochemical processes in low temperature natural settings. Our results may have implications for the habitability of Mars, where perchlorate salts are pervasive and potentially other terrestrial and extraterrestrial, cryosphere environments.","author":[{"family":"Gault","given":"Stewart"},{"family":"Fonseca","given":"Fernanda"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42003-024-06277-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-06277-4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403267883","type":"article-journal","title":"Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in space applications: Review and prospects","abstract":"This review describes the principles and summarizes the challenges of analytical methods based on optical emission spectroscopy (OES) in space applications, with a particular focus on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Over the past decade, LIBS has emerged as a powerful analytical technique for space exploration and In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) of celestial bodies. Its implementation has been suggested for various segments of the Space Resources Value Chain, including prospecting, mining, and beneficiation. Current missions to Mars, including the ChemCam instrument on the Curiosity rover, the SuperCam on the Perseverance rover, and the MarSCoDe on the Zhurong rover, are considered flagship applications of LIBS. Despite neither the Pragyan rover nor the Vikram lander waking from the lunar night, the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission marks another milestone in the development of LIBS instruments, with further missions, including commercial ones, anticipated. This paper reviews the deployment of LIBS payloads on Mars rovers, upcoming missions prospecting the Moon and asteroids, and LIBS analysis of meteorites. Additionally, it highlights the importance of data processing specific to space applications, emphasizing recent trends in transfer learning. Furthermore, LIBS combined with other spectroscopic techniques (e.g., Raman Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) represents an intriguing platform with comprehensive analytical capabilities. The review concludes by emphasizing the significance of LIBS-based contributions in advancing our understanding of celestial bodies and paving the way for future space exploration endeavors. • Implementation of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectrsocopy (LIBS) in the analysis of astromaterial • LIBS for prospecting of astromaterial (namely Moon, Mars, and asteroids) • Modelling of laser-induced plasma under various atmospheric conditions • Advanced machine learning for processing of LIBS data for astrogeology • Hyphenated systems combined with LIBS for complete chemical analysis","author":[{"family":"Saeidfirozeh","given":"Homa"},{"family":"Kubelík","given":"Petr"},{"family":"Laitl","given":"Vojtěch"},{"family":"Křivková","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Vrábel","given":"Jakub"},{"family":"Rammelkamp","given":"K"},{"family":"Schröder","given":"Susanne"},{"family":"Gornushkin","given":"Igor"},{"family":"Képeš","given":"Erik"},{"family":"Žabka","given":"Ján"},{"family":"Ferus","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Pořízka","given":"Pavel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.trac.2024.117991","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2024.117991","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400504046","type":"article-journal","title":"Primordial aqueous alteration recorded in water-soluble organic molecules from the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu","abstract":"We report primordial aqueous alteration signatures in water-soluble organic molecules from the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft of JAXA. Newly identified low-molecular-weight hydroxy acids (HO-R-COOH) and dicarboxylic acids (HOOC-R-COOH), such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, glyceric acid, oxalic acid, and succinic acid, are predominant in samples from the two touchdown locations at Ryugu. The quantitative and qualitative profiles for the hydrophilic molecules between the two sampling locations shows similar trends within the order of ppb (parts per billion) to ppm (parts per million). A wide variety of structural isomers, including α- and β-hydroxy acids, are observed among the hydrophilic molecules. We also identify pyruvic acid and dihydroxy and tricarboxylic acids, which are biochemically important intermediates relevant to molecular evolution, such as the primordial TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle. Here, we find evidence that the asteroid Ryugu samples underwent substantial aqueous alteration, as revealed by the presence of malonic acid during keto-enol tautomerism in the dicarboxylic acid profile. The comprehensive data suggest the presence of a series for water-soluble organic molecules in the regolith of Ryugu and evidence of signatures in coevolutionary aqueous alteration between water and organics in this carbonaceous asteroid.","author":[{"family":"Takano","given":"Yoshinori"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Koga","given":"Toshiki"},{"family":"Sasaki","given":"Kazunori"},{"family":"Sato","given":"Hajime"},{"family":"Oba","given":"Yasuhiro"},{"family":"Ogawa","given":"Nanako"},{"family":"Yoshimura","given":"Toshihiro"},{"family":"Hamase","given":"Kenji"},{"family":"Ohkouchi","given":"Naohiko"},{"family":"Parker","given":"Eric"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-49237-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49237-6","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4386409112","type":"article-journal","title":"Chemical Engineering beyond Earth: Astrochemical Engineering in the Space Age","abstract":"The Space Race in the second half of the 20th century was primarily concerned with getting there and back. Gradually, technology and international collaboration opened new horizons, but human activity was mostly restricted around Earth’s orbit, while robotic missions were sent to solar system planets and moons. Now, nations and companies claim extraterrestrial resources and plans are in place to send humans and build bases on the Moon and Mars. Exploration and discovery are likely to be followed by exploitation and settlement. History suggests that the next step is the development of space industry. The new industrial revolution will take place in space. Chemical engineers have been educated for more than a century on designing processes adapted to the Earth’s conditions, involving a range of raw materials, atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature, solar radiation, and 1-g. In space, the raw materials differ, and the unique pressure, temperature and solar radiation conditions require new approaches and methods. In the era of space exploration, a new educational concept for chemical engineers is necessary to prepare them for playing key roles in space. To this end, we introduce Astrochemical Engineering as an advanced postgraduate course and we propose a 2-year 120 ECTS MEng curriculum with a brief description of the modules and learning outcomes. The first year includes topics such as low-gravity process engineering, cryogenics, and recycling systems. The second year includes the utilization of planetary resources and materials for space resources. The course culminates in an individual design project and comprises two specializations: Process Engineering and Space Science. The course will equip engineers and scientists with the necessary knowledge for the development of advanced processes and industrial ecologies based on closed self-sustained systems. These can be applied on Earth to help reinvent sustainability and mitigate the numerous challenges humanity faces.","author":[{"family":"Inglezakis","given":"Vassilis"},{"family":"Rapp","given":"Donald"},{"family":"Razis","given":"PA"},{"family":"Zorpas","given":"Antonis"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/su151713227","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713227","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402253304","type":"article-journal","title":"Towards Establishing Best Practice in the Analysis of Hydrogen and Deuterium by Atom Probe Tomography","abstract":"As hydrogen is touted as a key player in the decarbonization of modern society, it is critical to enable quantitative hydrogen (H) analysis at high spatial resolution and, if possible, at the atomic scale. H has a known deleterious impact on the mechanical properties (strength, ductility, toughness) of most materials that can hinder their use as part of the infrastructure of a hydrogen-based economy. Enabling H mapping including local hydrogen concentration analyses at specific microstructural features is essential for understanding the multiple ways that H affect the properties of materials including embrittlement mechanisms and their synergies. In addition, spatial mapping and quantification of hydrogen isotopes is essential to accurately predict tritium inventory of future fusion power plants thus ensuring their safe and efficient operation. Atom probe tomography (APT) has the intrinsic capability to detect H and deuterium (D), and in principle the capacity for performing quantitative mapping of H within a material's microstructure. Yet, the accuracy and precision of H analysis by APT remain affected by complex field evaporation behavior and the influence of residual hydrogen from the ultrahigh vacuum chamber that can obscure the signal of H from within the material. The present article reports a summary of discussions at a focused workshop held at the Max-Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials in April 2024. The workshop was organized to pave the way to establishing best practices in reporting APT data for the analysis of H. We first summarize the key aspects of the intricacies of H analysis by APT and then propose a path for better reporting of the relevant data to support interpretation of APT-based H analysis in materials.","author":[{"family":"Gault","given":"Baptiste"},{"family":"Saksena","given":"Aparna"},{"family":"Sauvage","given":"Xavier"},{"family":"Bagot","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Aota","given":"Leonardo"},{"family":"Arlt","given":"Jonas"},{"family":"Belkacemi","given":"Lisa"},{"family":"Boll","given":"Torben"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Yi‐sheng"},{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Djukic","given":"Milos"},{"family":"Douglas","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1093/mam/ozae081","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/mam/ozae081","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4398232810","type":"article-journal","title":"Science Overview of the Europa Clipper Mission","abstract":"Abstract The goal of NASA’s Europa Clipper mission is to assess the habitability of Jupiter’s moon Europa. After entering Jupiter orbit in 2030, the flight system will collect science data while flying past Europa 49 times at typical closest approach distances of 25–100 km. The mission’s objectives are to investigate Europa’s interior (ice shell and ocean), composition, and geology; the mission will also search for and characterize any current activity including possible plumes. The science objectives will be accomplished with a payload consisting of remote sensing and in-situ instruments. Remote sensing investigations cover the ultraviolet, visible, near infrared, and thermal infrared wavelength ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as an ice-penetrating radar. In-situ investigations measure the magnetic field, dust grains, neutral gas, and plasma surrounding Europa. Gravity science will be achieved using the telecommunication system, and a radiation monitoring engineering subsystem will provide complementary science data. The flight system is designed to enable all science instruments to operate and gather data simultaneously. Mission planning and operations are guided by scientific requirements and observation strategies, while appropriate updates to the plan will be made tactically as the instruments and Europa are characterized and discoveries emerge. Following collection and validation, all science data will be archived in NASA’s Planetary Data System. Communication, data sharing, and publication policies promote visibility, collaboration, and mutual interdependence across the full Europa Clipper science team, to best achieve the interdisciplinary science necessary to understand Europa.","author":[{"family":"Pappalardo","given":"RT"},{"family":"Buratti","given":"BJ"},{"family":"Korth","given":"H"},{"family":"Senske","given":"DA"},{"family":"Blaney","given":"DL"},{"family":"Blankenship","given":"Donald"},{"family":"Burch","given":"JL"},{"family":"Christensen","given":"PR"},{"family":"Kempf","given":"S"},{"family":"Kivelson","given":"MG"},{"family":"Mazarico","given":"E"},{"family":"Retherford","given":"KD"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-024-01070-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-024-01070-5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391389706","type":"article-journal","title":"The Martian crustal field recorded in Antarctic meteorite Grove Mountains 020090","abstract":"Abstract We present the first rock magnetic and paleomagnetic analyses of the Martian meteorite Grove Mountains (GRV) 020090, a suitable candidate for paleomagnetic study due to its low degree of weathering and shock metamorphism. Petrological and rock magnetic investigation indicates that pyrrhotite is the dominant magnetic mineral in GRV 020090, where it occurs as a primary phase without significant shock metamorphism or alteration. The magnetic grains in GRV 020090 exhibit single‐domain behavior that facilitates high‐fidelity magnetic recording. We obtained a positive fusion‐crust baked contact test, which supports an extraterrestrial origin of the primary remanence in GRV 020090. The nature of the primary remanence was identified as thermoremanence acquired during crystallization of the rock on Mars. Anhysteretic remanent magnetization and isothermal remanent magnetization paleointensity methods indicated paleofield strengths of 1.6 and 2.6 μT, respectively, for the primary remanence. However, the shock pressure that GRV 020090 experienced may have partially demagnetized the primary remanence, leading to underestimated paleointensity values. Therefore, 1.6 μT is regarded as the lower limit on the paleointensity of GRV 020090. This lower limit is higher than the model‐predicted surface magnetic field strength in the source region for GRV 020090, suggesting that it may have recorded a small‐scale crustal magnetic field previously undetected by orbital magnetic data. This small‐scale crustal field is likely generated by the underlying ancient, magnetized layers, as the crustal magnetization of the surficial terrane with lithology similar to GRV 020090 is too weak to produce such a crustal field.","author":[{"family":"Cao","given":"Ting"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Huapei"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Shaochen"},{"family":"Qi","given":"Kaixian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14136","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14136","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4397009159","type":"article-journal","title":"Radiation-induced alteration of apatite on the surface of Mars: first in situ observations with SuperCam Raman onboard Perseverance","abstract":"Planetary exploration relies considerably on mineral characterization to advance our understanding of the solar system, the planets and their evolution. Thus, we must understand past and present processes that can alter materials exposed on the surface, affecting space mission data. Here, we analyze the first dataset monitoring the evolution of a known mineral target in situ on the Martian surface, brought there as a SuperCam calibration target onboard the Perseverance rover. We used Raman spectroscopy to monitor the crystalline state of a synthetic apatite sample over the first 950 Martian days (sols) of the Mars2020 mission. We note significant variations in the Raman spectra acquired on this target, specifically a decrease in the relative contribution of the Raman signal to the total signal. These observations are consistent with the results of a UV-irradiation test performed in the laboratory under conditions mimicking ambient Martian conditions. We conclude that the observed evolution reflects an alteration of the material, specifically the creation of electronic defects, due to its exposure to the Martian environment and, in particular, UV irradiation. This ongoing process of alteration of the Martian surface needs to be taken into account for mineralogical space mission data analysis.","author":[{"family":"Clavé","given":"Elise"},{"family":"Clavé","given":"E"},{"family":"Beyssac","given":"O"},{"family":"Bernard","given":"Sylvain"},{"family":"Royer","given":"C"},{"family":"Lopez-Reyes","given":"G"},{"family":"Schröder","given":"Susanne"},{"family":"Rammelkamp","given":"Kristin"},{"family":"Forni","given":"O"},{"family":"Fau","given":"A"},{"family":"Cousin","given":"A"},{"family":"Manrique","given":"JA"},{"family":"Ollila","given":"A"},{"family":"Madariaga","given":"JM"},{"family":"Aramendia","given":"J"},{"family":"Sharma","given":"SK"},{"family":"Fornaro","given":"Teresa"},{"family":"Maurice","given":"S"},{"family":"Wiens","given":"RC"},{"family":"Team","given":"The"},{"family":"Acosta-Maeda","given":"TE"},{"family":"Agard","given":"Christophe"},{"family":"Alberquilla","given":"Fernando"},{"family":"Álvarez-Llamas","given":"César"},{"family":"Anderson","given":"RB"},{"family":"Applin","given":"DM"},{"family":"Aramendia","given":"Julene"},{"family":"Arana","given":"Gorka"},{"family":"Beal","given":"Roberta"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Bedford","given":"CC"},{"family":"Benzerara","given":"Karim"},{"family":"Bernard","given":"Sylvain"},{"family":"Bernardi","given":"Pernelle"},{"family":"Bertrand","given":"Tanguy"},{"family":"Beyssac","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Bloch","given":"Thierry"},{"family":"Bonnet","given":"Jean"},{"family":"Bousquet","given":"Bruno"},{"family":"Boustelitane","given":"Abderrahmane"},{"family":"Mann","given":"Magali"},{"family":"Brand","given":"MI"},{"family":"Caïs","given":"Philippe"},{"family":"Caravaca","given":"Gwénaël"},{"family":"Pinedo","given":"Kepa"},{"family":"Cazalla","given":"Charlene"},{"family":"Charpentier","given":"Antoine"},{"family":"Chide","given":"Baptiste"},{"family":"Clavé","given":"Elise"},{"family":"Clavé","given":"Elise"},{"family":"Clegg","given":"SM"},{"family":"Cloutis","given":"EA"},{"family":"Coloma","given":"Leire"},{"family":"Comellas","given":"Jade"},{"family":"Connell","given":"Stephanie"},{"family":"Cousin","given":"Agnes"},{"family":"Deflores","given":"Lauren"},{"family":"Dehouck","given":"E"},{"family":"Delapp","given":"Dot"},{"family":"Perez","given":"Tomas"},{"family":"Deron","given":"Robin"},{"family":"Donny","given":"Christophe"},{"family":"Doressoundiram","given":"A"},{"family":"Dromart","given":"Gilles"},{"family":"Essunfeld","given":"Ari"},{"family":"Fabre","given":"C"},{"family":"Fau","given":"A"},{"family":"Fischer","given":"Woodward"},{"family":"Follic","given":"Hugo"},{"family":"Forni","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Fouchet","given":"Thierry"},{"family":"Francis","given":"Raymond"},{"family":"Frydenvang","given":"J"},{"family":"Gabriel","given":"TSJ"},{"family":"Gallegos","given":"ZE"},{"family":"Garcíaflorentino","given":"Cristina"},{"family":"Gasda","given":"PJ"},{"family":"Gasnault","given":"O"},{"family":"Gibbons","given":"Erin"},{"family":"Gillier","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Gómez","given":"L"},{"family":"Julvegonzalez","given":"Sofía"},{"family":"Grotzinger","given":"JP"},{"family":"Huidobro","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Jacob","given":"Xavier"},{"family":"Johnson","given":"JR"},{"family":"Kalucha","given":"Hemani"},{"family":"Kelly","given":"Evan"},{"family":"Knutsen","given":"Elise"},{"family":"Lacombe","given":"Gaétan"},{"family":"Lamarque","given":"Florentin"},{"family":"Lanza","given":"N"},{"family":"Larmat","given":"Carène"},{"family":"Laserna","given":"JJ"},{"family":"Lasue","given":"J"},{"family":"Deit","given":"LL"},{"family":"Mouëlic","given":"Stéphane"},{"family":"Legett","given":"Carey"},{"family":"Léveillé","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Lewin","given":"Éric"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-61494-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61494-5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401688712","type":"article-journal","title":"Investigating Polyextremophilic Bacteria in Al Wahbah Crater, Saudi Arabia: A Terrestrial Model for Life on Saturn’s Moon Enceladus","abstract":"The study of extremophilic microorganisms has sparked interest in understanding extraterrestrial microbial life. Such organisms are fundamental for investigating life forms on Saturn’s icy moons, such as Enceladus, which is characterized by potentially habitable saline and alkaline niches. Our study focused on the salt-alkaline soil of the Al Wahbah crater in Saudi Arabia, where we identified microorganisms that could be used as biological models to understand potential life on Enceladus. The search involved isolating 48 bacterial strains, sequencing the genomes of two thermo-haloalkaliphilic strains, and characterizing them for astrobiological application. A deeper understanding of the genetic composition and functional capabilities of the two novel strains of Halalkalibacterium halodurans provided valuable insights into their survival strategies and the presence of coding genes and pathways related to adaptations to environmental stressors. We also used mass spectrometry with a molecular network approach, highlighting various classes of molecules, such as phospholipids and nonproteinogenic amino acids, as potential biosignatures. These are essential features for understanding life’s adaptability under extreme conditions and could be used as targets for biosignatures in upcoming missions exploring Enceladus’ orbit. Furthermore, our study reinforces the need to look at new extreme environments on Earth that might contribute to the astrobiology field.","author":[{"family":"Santos","given":"Alef"},{"family":"Schultz","given":"Júnia"},{"family":"Almeida-Trapp","given":"Marília"},{"family":"Modolon","given":"Flúvio"},{"family":"Romanenko","given":"Andrii"},{"family":"Jaiswal","given":"Arun"},{"family":"Gomes","given":"Lucas"},{"family":"Rodriguesfilho","given":"Edson"},{"family":"Rosado","given":"Alexandre"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2024.0017","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2024.0017","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04165","type":"article-journal","title":"Immunoanalytical Detection of Conserved Peptides: Refining the Universe of Biomarker Targets in Planetary Exploration.","abstract":"Ancient peptides are remnants of early biochemistry that continue to play pivotal roles in current proteins. They are simple molecules yet complex enough to exhibit independent functions, being products of an evolved biochemistry at the interface of life and nonlife. Their adsorption to minerals may contribute to their stabilization and preservation over time. To investigate the feasibility of conserved peptide sequences and structures as target biomarkers for the search for life on Mars or other planetary bodies, we conducted a bioinformatics selection of well-conserved ancient peptides and produced polyclonal antibodies for their detection using fluorescence microarray immunoassays. Additionally, we explored how adsorbing peptides to Mars-representative minerals to form organomineral complexes could affect their immunological detection. The results demonstrated that the selected peptides exhibited autonomous folding, with some of them regaining their structure, even after denaturation. Furthermore, their cognate antibodies detected their conformational features regardless of amino acid sequences, thereby broadening the spectrum of target peptide sequences. While certain antibodies displayed unspecific binding to bare minerals, we validated that peptide-mineral complexes can be detected using sandwich immunoassays, as confirmed through desorption and competitive assays. Consequently, we conclude that the diversity of peptide sequences and structures suitable for use as target biomarkers in astrobiology can be constrained to a few well conserved sets, and they can be detected even if they are adsorbed in organomineral complexes.","author":[{"family":"Mustieles-Del-Ser","given":"Pedro"},{"family":"Ruanogallego","given":"David"},{"family":"Parro","given":"Vı́ctor"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04165","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04165","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/microorganisms12040760","type":"article-journal","title":"A Comparison of Different Protocols for the Extraction of Microbial DNA Inhabiting Synthetic Mars Simulant Soil.","abstract":"Compared with typical Earth soil, Martian soil and Mars simulant soils have distinct properties, including pH > 8.0 and high contents of silicates, iron-rich minerals, sulfates, and metal oxides. This unique soil matrix poses a major challenge for extracting microbial DNA. In particular, mineral adsorption and the generation of destructive hydroxyl radicals through cationic redox cycling may interfere with DNA extraction. This study evaluated different protocols for extracting microbial DNA from Mars Global Simulant (MGS-1), a Mars simulant soil. Two commercial kits were tested: the FastDNA SPIN Kit for soil (\"MP kit\") and the DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Kit (\"PowerSoil kit\"). MGS-1 was incubated with living soil for five weeks, and DNA was extracted from aliquots using the kits. After extraction, the DNA was quantified with a NanoDrop spectrophotometer and used as the template for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and qPCR. The MP kit was the most efficient, yielding approximately four times more DNA than the PowerSoil kit. DNA extracted using the MP kit with 0.5 g soil resulted in 28,642-37,805 16S rRNA gene sequence reads and 30,380-42,070 16S rRNA gene copies, whereas the 16S rRNA gene could not be amplified from DNA extracted using the PowerSoil kit. We suggest that the FastDNA SPIN Kit is the best option for studying microbial communities in Mars simulant soils.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Han"},{"family":"Pijl","given":"Agata"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Binbin"},{"family":"Wamelink","given":"GWW"},{"family":"Korthals","given":"GW"},{"family":"Costa","given":"Ohana"},{"family":"Kuramae","given":"Eiko"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/microorganisms12040760","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040760","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1098/rsta.2023.0060","type":"article-journal","title":"Towards a taxonomy of geodiversity.","abstract":"Geodiversity is a topical concept in earth and environmental sciences. Geodiversity information is needed to conserve nature, use ecosystem services and achieve sustainable development goals. Despite the increasing demand for geodiversity data, there exists no comprehensive system for categorizing geodiversity. Here, we present a hierarchically structured taxonomy that is potentially applicable in mapping and quantifying geodiversity across different regions, environments and scales. In this taxonomy, the main components of geodiversity are geology, geomorphology, hydrology and pedology. We propose a six-level hierarchical system where the components of geodiversity are classified at progressively lower taxonomic levels based on their genesis, physical-chemical properties and morphology. This comprehensive taxonomy can be used to compile geodiversity information for scientific research and various applications of value to society and nature conservation. Ultimately, this hierarchical system is the first step towards developing a global geodiversity taxonomy. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Geodiversity for science and society'.","author":[{"family":"Hjort","given":"Jan"},{"family":"Seijmonsbergen","given":"AC"},{"family":"Kemppinen","given":"Julia"},{"family":"Tukiainen","given":"Helena"},{"family":"Maliniemi","given":"Tuija"},{"family":"Gordon","given":"John"},{"family":"Alahuhta","given":"Janne"},{"family":"Gray","given":"Murray"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1098/rsta.2023.0060","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2023.0060","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/microorganisms12030513","type":"article-journal","title":"The Molecular Profile of Soil Microbial Communities Inhabiting a Cambrian Host Rock.","abstract":"The process of soil genesis unfolds as pioneering microbial communities colonize mineral substrates, enriching them with biomolecules released from bedrock. The resultant intricate surface units emerge from a complex interplay among microbiota and plant communities. Under these conditions, host rocks undergo initial weathering through microbial activity, rendering them far from pristine and challenging the quest for biomarkers in ancient sedimentary rocks. In addressing this challenge, a comprehensive analysis utilizing Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was conducted on a 520-Ma-old Cambrian rock. This investigation revealed a diverse molecular assemblage with comprising alkanols, sterols, fatty acids, glycerolipids, wax esters, and nitrogen-bearing compounds. Notably, elevated levels of bacterial C16, C18 and C14 fatty acids, iso and anteiso methyl-branched fatty acids, as well as fungal sterols, long-chained fatty acids, and alcohols, consistently align with a consortium of bacteria and fungi accessing complex organic matter within a soil-type ecosystem. The prominence of bacterial and fungal lipids alongside maturity indicators denotes derivation from heterotrophic activity rather than ancient preservation or marine sources. Moreover, the identification of long-chain (>C22) n-alkanols, even-carbon-numbered long chain (>C20) fatty acids, and campesterol, as well as stigmastanol, provides confirmation of plant residue inputs. Furthermore, findings highlight the ability of contemporary soil microbiota to inhabit rocky substrates actively, requiring strict contamination controls when evaluating ancient molecular biosignatures or extraterrestrial materials collected.","author":[{"family":"Huang","given":"Ting"},{"family":"Carrizo","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Sánchezgarcía","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Qitao"},{"family":"Anglés","given":"Angélica"},{"family":"Gómez-Ortíz","given":"David"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Liang"},{"family":"Fernándezremolar","given":"David"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/microorganisms12030513","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030513","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-024-47798-0","type":"article-journal","title":"Nonmagnetic framboid and associated iron nanoparticles with a space-weathered feature from asteroid Ryugu.","abstract":"Abstract Extraterrestrial minerals on the surface of airless Solar System bodies undergo gradual alteration processes known as space weathering over long periods of time. The signatures of space weathering help us understand the phenomena occurring in the Solar System. However, meteorites rarely retain the signatures, making it impossible to study the space weathering processes precisely. Here, we examine samples retrieved from the asteroid Ryugu by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft and discover the presence of nonmagnetic framboids through electron holography measurements that can visualize magnetic flux. Magnetite particles, which normally provide a record of the nebular magnetic field, have lost their magnetic properties by reduction via a high-velocity (>5 km s–1) impact of a micrometeoroid with a diameter ranging from 2 to 20 μm after destruction of the parent body of Ryugu. Around these particles, thousands of metallic-iron nanoparticles with a vortex magnetic domain structure, which could have recorded a magnetic field in the impact event, are found. Through measuring the remanent magnetization of the iron nanoparticles, future studies are expected to elucidate the nature of the nebular/interplanetary magnetic fields after the termination of aqueous alteration in an asteroid.","author":[{"family":"Kimura","given":"Yuki"},{"family":"Kato","given":"Takeharu"},{"family":"Anada","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Yoshida","given":"Ryuji"},{"family":"Yamamoto","given":"Kazuo"},{"family":"Tanigaki","given":"Toshiaki"},{"family":"Akashi","given":"Tetsuya"},{"family":"Kasai","given":"Hiroto"},{"family":"Kurosawa","given":"Kosuke"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Sato","given":"Masahiko"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-47798-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47798-0","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41540-024-00403-y","type":"article-journal","title":"On the salient limitations of the methods of assembly theory and their classification of molecular biosignatures.","abstract":"We demonstrate that the assembly pathway method underlying assembly theory (AT) is an encoding scheme widely used by popular statistical compression algorithms. We show that in all cases (synthetic or natural) AT performs similarly to other simple coding schemes and underperforms compared to system-related indexes based upon algorithmic probability that take into account statistical repetitions but also the likelihood of other computable patterns. Our results imply that the assembly index does not offer substantial improvements over existing methods, including traditional statistical ones, and imply that the separation between living and non-living compounds following these methods has been reported before.","author":[{"family":"Uthamacumaran","given":"Abicumaran"},{"family":"Abrahão","given":"Felipe"},{"family":"Kiani","given":"Narsis"},{"family":"Zenil","given":"Héctor"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41540-024-00403-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41540-024-00403-y","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s42004-024-01119-0","type":"article-journal","title":"Nickel-organo compounds as potential enzyme precursors under simulated early Earth conditions.","abstract":"Abstract The transition from inorganic catalysis through minerals to organic catalysis by enzymes is a necessary step in the emergence of life. Our work is elucidating likely reactions at the earliest moments of Life, prior to the existence of enzymatic catalysis, by exploring essential intersections between nickel bioinorganic chemistry and pterin biochemistry. We used a prebiotically-inspired acetylene-containing volcanic hydrothermal experimental environment to shed light on the efficient formation of nickel-organo complexes. The simplest bis(dithiolene)nickel complex (C2H2S2)2Ni was identified by UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance. Its temporal progression and possible function in this simulated early Earth atmosphere were investigated by isolating the main bis(dithiolene)nickel species from the primordial experimental setup. Using this approach, we uncovered a significant diversity of nickel-organo compositions by identifying 156 elemental annotations. The formation of acetaldehyde through the subsequent degradation of these organo-metal complexes is intriguing, as it is reminiscent of the ability of Pelobacter acetylenicus to hydrate acetylene to acetaldehyde via its bis(dithiolene)-containing enzyme acetylene hydratase. As our findings mechanistically characterize the role of nickel sulfide in catalyzing the formation of acetaldehyde, this fundamental pre-metabolic reaction could play the role of a primitive enzyme precursor of the enzymatic acetylene metabolism and further strengthen the role of acetylene in the molecular origin of life.","author":[{"family":"Diederich","given":"Philippe"},{"family":"Seitz","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Buckett","given":"Lance"},{"family":"Salzer","given":"Liesa"},{"family":"Geisberger","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Eisenreich","given":"Wolfgang"},{"family":"Huber","given":"Claudia"},{"family":"Schmittkopplin","given":"Philippe"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42004-024-01119-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-024-01119-0","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2408721121","type":"article-journal","title":"Effect of a giant meteorite impact on Paleoarchean surface environments and life.","abstract":"Large meteorite impacts must have strongly affected the habitability of the early Earth. Rocks of the Archean Eon record at least 16 major impact events, involving bolides larger than 10 km in diameter. These impacts probably had severe, albeit temporary, consequences for surface environments. However, their effect on early life is not well understood. Here, we analyze the sedimentology, petrography, and carbon isotope geochemistry of sedimentary rocks across the S2 impact event (37 to 58 km carbonaceous chondrite) forming part of the 3.26 Ga Fig Tree Group, South Africa, to evaluate its environmental effects and biological consequences. The impact initiated 1) a giant tsunami that mixed Fe 2+ -rich deep waters into the Fe 2+ -poor shallow waters and washed debris into coastal areas, 2) heating that caused partial evaporation of surface ocean waters and likely a short-term increase in weathering and erosion on land, and 3) injection of P from vaporization of the S2 bolide. Strata immediately above the S2 impact event contain abundant siderites, which are associated with organic matter and exhibit light and variable δ 13 C carb values. This is consistent with microbial iron cycling in the wake of the impact event. Thus, the S2 impact likely had regional, if not global, positive and negative effects on life. The tsunami, atmospheric heating, and darkness would likely have decimated phototrophic microbes in the shallow water column. However, the biosphere likely recovered rapidly, and, in the medium term, the increase in nutrients and iron likely facilitated microbial blooms, especially of iron-cycling microbes.","author":[{"family":"Drabon","given":"Nadja"},{"family":"Knoll","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Lowe","given":"Donald"},{"family":"Bernasconi","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Brenner","given":"Alec"},{"family":"Mucciarone","given":"David"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2408721121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2408721121","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2303754120","type":"article-journal","title":"Constraining the oxygen requirements for modern microbial eukaryote diversity.","abstract":"Eukaryotes originated prior to the establishment of modern marine oxygen (O 2 ) levels. According to the body fossil and lipid biomarker records, modern (crown) microbial eukaryote lineages began diversifying in the ocean no later than ~800 Ma. While it has long been predicted that increasing atmospheric O 2 levels facilitated the early diversification of microbial eukaryotes, the O 2 levels needed to permit this diversification remain unconstrained. Using time-resolved geochemical parameter and gene sequence information from a model marine oxygen minimum zone spanning a range of dissolved O 2 levels and redox states, we show that microbial eukaryote taxonomic richness and phylogenetic diversity remain the same until O 2 declines to around 2 to 3% of present atmospheric levels, below which these diversity metrics become significantly reduced. Our observations suggest that increasing O 2 would have only directly promoted early crown-eukaryote diversity if atmospheric O 2 was below 2 to 3% of modern levels when crown-eukaryotes originated and then later met or surpassed this range as crown-eukaryotes diversified. If atmospheric O 2 was already consistently at or above 2 to 3% of modern levels by the time that crown-eukaryotes originated, then the subsequent diversification of modern microbial eukaryotes was not directly driven by atmospheric oxygenation.","author":[{"family":"Mills","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Simister","given":"Rachel"},{"family":"Sehein","given":"Taylor"},{"family":"Hallam","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Sperling","given":"Erik"},{"family":"Crowe","given":"Sean"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2303754120","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2303754120","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1126/sciadv.adn9871","type":"article-journal","title":"High-precision U-Pb zircon dating identifies a major magmatic event on the Moon at 4.338 Ga.","abstract":"The Moon has had a complex history, with evidence of its primary crust formation obscured by later impacts. Existing U-Pb dates of >500 zircons from several locations on the lunar nearside reveal a pronounced age peak at 4.33 billion years (Ga), suggesting a major, potentially global magmatic event. However, the precision of existing geochronology is insufficient to determine whether this peak represents a brief event or a more protracted period of magmatism occurring over tens of millions of years. To improve the temporal resolution, we have analyzed Apollo 14, 15, and 17 zircons that were previously dated by ion microprobe at ~4.33 Ga using isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Concordant dates with sub-million-year uncertainty span ~4 million years from 4.338 to 4.334 Ga. Combined with Hf isotopic ratios and trace element concentrations, the data suggest zircon formation in a large impact melt sheet, possibly linked to the South Pole-Aitken basin.","author":[{"family":"Barboni","given":"Mélanie"},{"family":"Szymanowski","given":"Dawid"},{"family":"Schoene","given":"Blair"},{"family":"Dauphas","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Zhe"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Xi"},{"family":"Mckeegan","given":"KD"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adn9871","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn9871","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/plants13050747","type":"article-journal","title":"Assessment of Fertility Dynamics and Nutritional Quality of Potato Tubers in a Compost-Amended Mars Regolith Simulant.","abstract":"Mars exploration will foresee the design of bioregenerative life support systems (BLSSs), in which the use/recycle of in situ resources might allow the production of food crops. However, cultivation on the poorly-fertile Mars regolith will be very challenging. To pursue this goal, we grew potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants on the MMS-1 Mojave Mars regolith simulant, pure (R100) and mixed with green compost at 30% (R70C30), in a pot in a cold glasshouse with fertigation. For comparison purposes, we also grew plants on a fluvial sand, pure (S100) and amended with 30% of compost (S70C30), a volcanic soil (VS) and a red soil (RS). We studied the fertility dynamics in the substrates over time and the tuber nutritional quality. We investigated nutrient bioavailability and fertility indicators in the substrates and the quality of potato tubers. Plants completed the life cycle on R100 and produced scarce but nutritious tubers, despite many critical simulant properties. The compost supply enhanced the MMS-1 chemical/physical fertility and determined a higher tuber yield of better nutritional quality. This study demonstrated that a compost-amended Mars simulant could be a proper substrate to produce food crops in BLSSs, enabling it to provide similar ecosystem services of the studied terrestrial soils.","author":[{"family":"Caporale","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Paradiso","given":"Roberta"},{"family":"Palladino","given":"Mario"},{"family":"Arouna","given":"Nafiou"},{"family":"Izzo","given":"Luana"},{"family":"Ritieni","given":"Alberto"},{"family":"Pascale","given":"Stefania"},{"family":"Adamo","given":"Paola"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/plants13050747","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13050747","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1098/rsta.2023.0197","type":"article-journal","title":"Transport of dust across the Solar System: Constraints on the spatial origin of individual micrometeorites from cosmic-ray exposure.","abstract":"The origin of micrometeorites (MMs) from asteroids and comets is well-established, but the relative contribution from these two classes remains poorly resolved. Likewise, determining the precise origin of individual MMs is an open challenge. Here, cosmic-ray exposure ages are used to resolve the spatial origins of 12 MMs collected from urban areas and Antarctica. Their 26 Al and 10 Be concentration, produced during cosmic-ray irradiation in space, were measured by accelerator mass spectrometry. These data are compared to results from a model simulating the transport and irradiation of the MM precursors in space. This model, for the first time, considers a variety of orbits, precursor particle sizes, compositions and densities and incorporates non-isotropic solar and galactic cosmic-ray flux profiles, depth-dependent production rates, as well as spherical evaporation during atmospheric entry. While the origin for six MMs remains ambiguous, two MMs show a preferential tendency towards an origin in the Inner Solar System (Near Earth Objects to the Asteroid Belt) and four towards an origin in the Outer Solar System (Jupiter Family Comets to the Kuiper Belt). These findings challenge the notion that dust originating from the Outer Solar System is unlikely to survive long-term transport and delivery to the terrestrial planets. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Dust in the Solar System and beyond’.","author":[{"family":"Feige","given":"Jenny"},{"family":"Airo","given":"Alessandro"},{"family":"Berger","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Brückner","given":"Dennis"},{"family":"Gärtner","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Genge","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Leya","given":"I"},{"family":"Marekani","given":"FH"},{"family":"Hecht","given":"Lutz"},{"family":"Klingner","given":"Nico"},{"family":"Lachner","given":"Johannes"},{"family":"Li","given":"X"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1098/rsta.2023.0197","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2023.0197","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1002/cctc.202301218","type":"article-journal","title":"Synergistic Effects of Silica-Supported Iron-Cobalt Catalysts for CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Reduction to Prebiotic Organics.","abstract":"Abstract To test the ability of geochemical surfaces in serpentinizing hydrothermal systems to catalyze reactions from which metabolism arose, we investigated H 2 ‐dependent CO 2 reduction toward metabolic intermediates over silica‐supported Co−Fe catalysts. Supported catalysts converted CO 2 to various products at 180 °C and 2.0 MPa. The liquid product phase included formate, acetate, and ethanol, while the gaseous product phase consisted of CH 4 , CO, methanol, and C 2 −C 7 linear hydrocarbons. The 1/1 ratio CoFe alloy with the same composition as the natural mineral wairauite yielded the highest concentrations of formate (6.0 mM) and acetate (0.8 mM), which are key intermediates in the acetyl‐coenzyme A (acetyl‐CoA) pathway of CO 2 fixation. While Co‐rich catalysts were proficient at hydrogenation, yielding mostly CH 4 , Fe‐rich catalysts favored the formation of CO and methanol. Mechanistic studies indicated intermediate hydrogenation and C−C coupling activities of alloyed CoFe, in contrast to physical mixtures of both metals. Co in the active site of Co−Fe catalysts performed a similar reaction as tetrapyrrole‐coordinated Co in the corrinoid iron‐sulfur (CoFeS) methyl transferase in the acetyl‐CoA pathway. In a temperature range characteristic for deeper regions of serpentinizing systems, oxygenate product formation was favored at lower, more biocompatible temperatures.","author":[{"family":"Belthle","given":"Kendra"},{"family":"Martin","given":"William"},{"family":"Tüysüz","given":"Harun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/cctc.202301218","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.202301218","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4385792557","type":"article-journal","title":"On the Diversity and Formation Modes of Martian Minerals","abstract":"Abstract A systematic survey of 161 known and postulated minerals originating on Mars points to 20 different mineral‐forming processes (paragenetic modes), which are a subset of formation modes observed on Earth. The earliest martian minerals, as on Earth, were primary phases from mafic igneous rocks and their ultramafic cumulates. Subsequent primary igneous minerals were associated with products of limited fractional crystallization, including alkaline and quartz‐normative lithologies. Significant mineral diversification occurred via precipitation of primary phases from aqueous and atmospheric fluids, including authigenesis, hydrothermal and cryogenic precipitation, and evaporites, including freeze drying during eras of low atmospheric pressures. In particular, hydrothermal mineral formation associated with both volcanic fluids and sustained hydrothermal activity in impact fracture zones may have triggered significant mineral diversification, though as yet undocumented. At least 65 such primary minerals have been identified by flown missions to Mars and from martian meteorites. A host of secondary martian minerals were produced by near‐surface processes related to water/rock interactions, including hydration/dehydration, oxidation/reduction, serpentinization, metasomatism, and a variety of diagenetic alterations. Additional mineral diversity resulted from metamorphic events, including thermal and shock metamorphism, lightning, and bolide impacts. However, several dominant sources of mineral diversity on Earth, including (a) extensive fluid/rock interactions and element concentration associated with plate tectonics; (b) high‐pressure regional metamorphism associated with plate tectonics; and (c) biologically mediated mineralization—are not known to be in play on Mars. Consequently, we estimate the total mineral diversity of Mars to be an order of magnitude smaller than on Earth.","author":[{"family":"Hazen","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Downs","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Morrison","given":"Shaunna"},{"family":"Tutolo","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Blake","given":"DF"},{"family":"Bristow","given":"TF"},{"family":"Chipera","given":"SJ"},{"family":"Mcsween","given":"HY"},{"family":"Ming","given":"Doug"},{"family":"Morris","given":"RV"},{"family":"Rampe","given":"EB"},{"family":"Thorpe","given":"MT"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je007865","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je007865","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389296974","type":"article-journal","title":"Proximal ejecta of the Bolaven extraterrestrial impact, southern Laos","abstract":"Sediments in southern Laos and eastern Thailand confirm that the Australasian tektite strewn field came from an extraterrestrial impact crater on the Bolaven Plateau of southern Laos. The principal evidence is the Bolaven diamicton, a pebbly to bouldery breccia that is thickest and coarsest on the plateau. Tektites, the melted target material strewn widely by the forces of the impact 789.0 ± 1.8 ka ago, lie either within the uppermost part of the diamicton or atop it. On the flanks of the plateau, the basal diamicton often contains clasts from preimpact lavas and gravels and sometimes mantles broken Mesozoic bedrock. Locally, its upper portions contain unweathered boulders of basalt or sandstone. Its sharp upper contact with a thick sandy silt implies that the two beds formed in rapid succession. These characteristics of the Bolaven diamicton show that it resulted primarily from the excavation, comminution, and launch of sandstone and weathered basaltic lavas from a crater on the Bolaven Plateau, and entrained other materials while in transit.","author":[{"family":"Sieh","given":"Kerry"},{"family":"Angel","given":"Dayana"},{"family":"Herrin","given":"JS"},{"family":"Jicha","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Singer","given":"Brad"},{"family":"Sihavong","given":"Vanpheng"},{"family":"Wiwegwin","given":"Weerachat"},{"family":"Wong","given":"Nathanael"},{"family":"Quah","given":"Jia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2310351120","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2310351120","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4318715290","type":"article-journal","title":"What is mineral informatics?","abstract":"Abstract Minerals are information-rich materials that offer researchers a glimpse into the evolution of planetary bodies. Thus, it is important to extract, analyze, and interpret this abundance of information to improve our understanding of the planetary bodies in our solar system and the role our planet’s geosphere played in the origin and evolution of life. Over the past several decades, data-driven efforts in mineralogy have seen a gradual increase. The development and application of data science and analytics methods to mineralogy, while extremely promising, has also been somewhat ad hoc in nature. To systematize and synthesize the direction of these efforts, we introduce the concept of “Mineral Informatics,” which is the next frontier for researchers working with mineral data. In this paper, we present our vision for Mineral Informatics and the X-Informatics underpinnings that led to its conception, as well as the needs, challenges, opportunities, and future directions of the field. The intention of this paper is not to create a new specific field or a sub-field as a separate silo, but to document the needs of researchers studying minerals in various contexts and fields of study, to demonstrate how the systemization and enhanced access to mineralogical data will increase cross- and interdisciplinary studies, and how data science and informatics methods are a key next step in integrative mineralogical studies.","author":[{"family":"Prabhu","given":"Anirudh"},{"family":"Morrison","given":"Shaunna"},{"family":"Fox","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Xiaogang"},{"family":"Wong","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Mcguinness","given":"Kenneth"},{"family":"Krivovichev","given":"Sergey"},{"family":"Lehnert","given":"Kerstin"},{"family":"Ralph","given":"Jolyon"},{"family":"Lafuente","given":"B"},{"family":"Downs","given":"Robert"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.2138/am-2022-8613","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2022-8613","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400689672","type":"article-journal","title":"Evidence of a hydrated mineral enriched in water and ammonium molecules in the Chang’e-5 lunar sample","abstract":"The presence and distribution of water on the Moon are fundamental to our understanding of the Earth–Moon system. Despite extensive laboratory research and remote sensing explorations, the origin and chemical form of lunar water have remained elusive. In this study we present the discovery of a hydrated mineral, (NH4)MgCl3·6H2O, in lunar soil samples returned by the Chang’e-5 mission that contains approximately 41 wt% H2O. The mineral’s structure and composition closely resemble novograblenovite, a terrestrial fumarole mineral formed through the reaction of hot basalt with water-rich volcanic gases, and carnallite, an Earth evaporite mineral. We rule out terrestrial contamination or rocket exhaust as the origin of this hydrate on the basis of its chemical and isotopic compositions and formation conditions. The presence of ammonium indicates a more complex lunar degassing history and highlights its potential as a resource for lunar habitation. Our findings also suggest that water molecules can persist in sunlit areas of the Moon as hydrated salts, providing crucial constraints on the fugacity of water and ammonia vapour in lunar volcanic gases. A hydrated lunar mineral, (NH4)MgCl3·6H2O, is found in Chang’e-5 samples. The presence of abundant water and ammonium molecules on the Moon provides insight into the lunar degassing history and a potential resource for lunar habitation.","author":[{"family":"Jin","given":"Shifeng"},{"family":"Hao","given":"Munan"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Zhongnan"},{"family":"Yin","given":"Bohao"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Yuxin"},{"family":"Deng","given":"Lijun"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Chen"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Xu"},{"family":"Song","given":"Yanpeng"},{"family":"Chai","given":"Congcong"},{"family":"Wei","given":"Qi"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Yunqi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41550-024-02306-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02306-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4361223714","type":"article-journal","title":"Variations of the surface characteristics of Ryugu returned samples","abstract":"Abstract Hayabusa2 spacecraft successfully collected rock samples from the surface of C-type near-Earth asteroid 162173 Ryugu through two touchdowns and brought them back to Earth in 2020. At the Extraterrestrial Sample Curation Center in JAXA, we performed initial description of all samples to obtain fundamental information and prepare the database for sample allocation. We propose morphological classifications for the returned samples based on the initial description of 205 grains described in the first 6 months. The returned samples can be distinguished by four morphological characteristics: dark, glossy, bright, and white. According to coordinated study to provide an initial description and detailed investigation by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis in this study, these features reflect the differences in the degree of space weathering and mineral assemblages. The degree of space weathering of the four studied grain types is heterogeneous: weak for A0042 (dark group) and C0041 (white group); moderate for C0094 (glossy); and severe for A0017 (bright). The white phase, which is the mineral characteristic of the white group grains, is identified as large carbonate minerals. This is the first effort to classify Ryugu returned samples into distinct categories. Based on these results, researchers can estimate sample characteristics only from the information on the JAXA curation public database. It will be an important reference for sample selection for further investigation. Graphical Abstract","author":[{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Nagashima","given":"Kana"},{"family":"Hatakeda","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Kumagai","given":"Kazuya"},{"family":"Hitomi","given":"Yuya"},{"family":"Soejima","given":"Hiromichi"},{"family":"Bibring","given":"Jean‐pierre"},{"family":"Pilorget","given":"C"},{"family":"Hamm","given":"Vincent"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"R"},{"family":"Riu","given":"Lucie"},{"family":"Lourit","given":"Lionel"},{"family":"Loizeau","given":"D"},{"family":"Pivert-Jolivet","given":"Tania"},{"family":"Lequertier","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Moussisoffys","given":"Aurélie"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Nakazawa","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Saiki","given":"Takanao"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Terui","given":"Fuyuto"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Makoto"},{"family":"Watanabe","given":"Sei‐ichiro"},{"family":"Tsuda","given":"Yuichi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40623-022-01754-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-022-01754-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400975783","type":"article-journal","title":"Looking for Microbial Biosignatures in All the Right Places: Clues for Identifying Extraterrestrial Life in Lava Tubes","abstract":"Lava caves are home to a stunning display of secondary mineral speleothems, such as moonmilk and coralloids, as well as highly visible microbial mats. These features contain diverse and under-characterized groups of bacteria. The role of these bacteria in the formation of secondary mineral speleothems is just beginning to be investigated. The lava caves of the Big Island of Hawai`i and in El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico (USA), share many morphologically similar speleothems. This study focused on investigating the overlap in bacteria across a wide range of speleothems in these two geographically distant sites. Through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 16S rRNA gene analysis, we found that Hawaiian caves have a greater alpha diversity and beta diversity separated by cave and speleothem type. Many Actinobacteriota were in higher abundance in New Mexico caves, while Hawaiian caves contained more bacteria that are unclassified at the genus and species level. Discovering the diversity in bacteria in these secondary speleothems will assist in identifying cave secondary mineral formations that may be good candidates for finding life on extraterrestrial bodies.","author":[{"family":"Medley","given":"Joseph"},{"family":"Hathaway","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Spilde","given":"M"},{"family":"Northup","given":"Diana"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/app14156500","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156500","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4381734479","type":"article-journal","title":"A Mars-analog sulfate mineral, mirabilite, preserves biosignatures","abstract":"Abstract Various sulfate minerals exist on Mars; except for gypsum, they are understudied on Earth. Extremophiles have been documented in modern gypsum and halite and ancient halite, but other chemical sediments have not been evaluated for biosignatures. Here, we present the first observations and analysis of microorganisms and organic compounds in primary fluid inclusions in the Mars-analog mineral mirabilite, Na2SO4·10H2O, from Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA. Microscopy by transmitted light and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) light, and Raman spectroscopy, show abundant bacteria and/or Archaea, algae, fungi, diatoms, protozoa, and organic compounds such as beta-carotene. This discovery expands our current knowledge of biological materials trapped in salt and aids the search for life on Mars, both for sample selection by rover and for analyses of return samples on Earth.","author":[{"family":"Gill","given":"Karena"},{"family":"Jagniecki","given":"Elliot"},{"family":"Benison","given":"Kathleen"},{"family":"Gibson","given":"Martha"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1130/g51256.1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1130/g51256.1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4317212534","type":"article-journal","title":"Rapid detection and identification of rocks and minerals by laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy","abstract":"Abstract In geological exploration, it is necessary to analyze the geological history according to the rock types. But in places for people to reach, sample collection, and transportation is a costly task. At present, the remote intelligent detection of rock types needs to be further developed. In this study, laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), a sensitive optical technique that can rapidly analyze various elements, is applied to real‐time detection and analysis of rock types. Representative rock samples and minerals are selected for spectral analysis and machine learning. The characteristic spectral lines of Ca, Al, Mg, Ti, Si, Na, Fe, K, and Li were observed in the spectra. By comparing the spectra of different samples, the differences among them were discussed. First, principal component analysis (PCA) is used for dimensionality reduction. With the help of PCA, the data are distributed in two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional space and different kinds of rocks and minerals are classified successfully. Then, combined with error back propagation training artificial neural network, the rock and mineral identification model was established, and the recognition rate can reach 100%. The results show that LIBS is a powerful tool for remote intelligent real‐time rock detection and classification, and has great application prospects in the exploration of extraterrestrial objects including planets, satellites and asteroids in the future.","author":[{"family":"Huang","given":"Junzhe"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Wentao"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Junyi"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yijing"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yuzhu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1002/mop.33622","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mop.33622","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4384202586","type":"article-journal","title":"Iodine-Biofortified Microgreens as High Nutraceutical Value Component of Space Mission Crew Diets and Candidate for Extraterrestrial Cultivation","abstract":"The success of Space missions and the efficacy of colonizing extraterrestrial environments depends on ensuring adequate nutrition for astronauts and autonomy from terrestrial resources. A balanced diet incorporating premium quality fresh foods, such as microgreens, is essential to the mental and physical well-being of mission crews. To improve the nutritional intake of astronaut meals, two levels of potassium iodide (KI; 4 µM and 8 µM) and an untreated control were assessed for iodine (I) biofortification, and overall nutraceutical profile of four microgreens: tatsoi (Brassica rapa L. subsp. narinosa), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), green basil, and purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). A dose-dependent increase in I was observed at 8 µM for all species, reaching concentrations of 200.73, 118.17, 93.97, and 82.70 mg kg−1 of dry weight, in tatsoi, coriander, purple basil, and green basil, respectively. Across species, I biofortification slightly reduced fresh yield (–7.98%) while increasing the antioxidant activity (ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH). LC–MS/MS Q extractive orbitrap analysis detected 10 phenolic acids and 23 flavonoids among microgreen species. The total concentration of phenolic acids increased (+28.5%) in purple basil at 8 µM KI, while total flavonoids in coriander increased by 23.22% and 34.46% in response to 4 and 8 µM KI, respectively. Both doses of KI increased the concentration of total polyphenols in all species by an average of 17.45%, compared to the control.","author":[{"family":"Giordano","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Ciriello","given":"Michele"},{"family":"Formisano","given":"Luigi"},{"family":"Elnakhel","given":"Christophe"},{"family":"Pannico","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Graziani","given":"Giulia"},{"family":"Ritieni","given":"Alberto"},{"family":"Kyriacou","given":"Marios"},{"family":"Rouphael","given":"Youssef"},{"family":"Pascale","given":"Stefania"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/plants12142628","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12142628","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400387631","type":"article-journal","title":"Volatile systematics in terrestrial igneous apatite: from microanalysis to decoding magmatic processes","abstract":"Abstract Apatite has been recognized as a robust tool for the study of magmatic volatiles in terrestrial and extraterrestrial systems due to its ability to incorporate various volatile components and its common occurrence in igneous rocks. Most previous studies have utilized apatite to study individual magmatic systems or regions. However, volatile systematics in terrestrial magmatic apatite formed under different geological environments has been poorly understood. In this study, we filtered a large compilation of data for apatite in terrestrial igneous rocks (n > 20,000), categorized the data according to tectonic settings, rock types, and bulk-rock compositions, and conducted statistical analyses of the F–Cl–OH–S–CO2 contents (~ 11,000 data for halogen and less for other volatiles). We find that apatite from volcanic arcs preserves a high Cl signature in comparison to other tectonic settings and the median Cl contents differ between arcs. Apatite in various types and compositions of igneous rocks shows overlapping F–Cl–OH compositions and features in some rock groups. Specifically, apatite in kimberlite is characterized as Cl-poor, whereas apatite in plutonic rocks can contain higher F and lower Cl contents than the volcanic counterparts. Calculation using existing partitioning models indicates that apatite with a high OH (or F) content does not necessarily indicate a H2O-rich (or H2O-poor) liquid because it could be a result of high (or low) magma temperature. Our work may provide a new perspective on the use of apatite to investigate volatile behavior in magma genesis and evolution across tectonic settings, volatile recycling at subduction zones, and the volcanic-plutonic connection.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Weiran"},{"family":"Bernard","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Utami","given":"Sri"},{"family":"Phua","given":"Marcus"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00410-024-02147-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-024-02147-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391205106","type":"article-journal","title":"1.63-billion-year-old multicellular eukaryotes from the Chuanlinggou Formation in North China","abstract":"Multicellularity is key to the functional and ecological success of the Eukarya, underpinning much of their modern diversity in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Despite the widespread occurrence of simple multicellular organisms among eukaryotes, when this innovation arose remains an open question. Here, we report cellularly preserved multicellular microfossils ( Qingshania magnifica ) from the ~1635-million-year-old Chuanlinggou Formation, North China. The fossils consist of large uniseriate, unbranched filaments with cell diameters up to 190 micrometers; spheroidal structures, possibly spores, occur within some cells. In combination with spectroscopic characteristics, the large size and morphological complexity of these fossils support their interpretation as eukaryotes, likely photosynthetic, based on comparisons with extant organisms. The occurrence of multicellular eukaryotes in Paleoproterozoic rocks not much younger than those containing the oldest unambiguous evidence of eukaryotes as a whole supports the hypothesis that simple multicellularity arose early in eukaryotic history, as much as a billion years before complex multicellular organisms diversified in the oceans.","author":[{"family":"Miao","given":"Lanyun"},{"family":"Yin","given":"Zongjun"},{"family":"Knoll","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Qu","given":"Yuangao"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Maoyan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adk3208","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adk3208","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4394751916","type":"article-journal","title":"Role of Acetylene in the Chemical Evolution of Carbon Complexity","abstract":"Acetylene, among the multitude of organic molecules discovered in space, plays a distinct role in the genesis of organic matter. Characterized by its unique balance of stability and reactivity, acetylene is the simplest unsaturated organic molecule known to have a triple bond. In addition to its inherent chemical properties, acetylene is one of the most prevalent organic molecules found across the Universe, spanning from the icy surfaces of planets and satellites and the cold interstellar medium with low temperatures to hot circumstellar envelopes where temperatures surge to several thousand kelvins. These factors collectively position acetylene as a crucial building block in the molecular diversification of organic molecules and solids present in space. This review comprehensively discusses the formation and expansion of carbon skeletons involving acetylene, ranging from the formation of simple molecules to the origination of the first aromatic ring and ultimately to the formation of nanosized carbon particles. Mechanisms pertinent to both hot environments, such as circumstellar envelopes, and cold environments, including molecular clouds and planetary atmospheres, are explored. In addition, this review contemplates the role of acetylene in the synthesis of prebiotic molecules. A distinct focus is accorded to the recent advancements and future prospects of research into catalytic processes involving acetylene molecules, which is a significant instrument in driving the evolution of carbon complexity in the Universe. The insights garnered from this review underscore the significance of acetylene in astrochemistry and potentially contribute to our understanding of the chemical evolution of the Universe.","author":[{"family":"Pentsak","given":"Evgeniy"},{"family":"Murga","given":"MS"},{"family":"Ananikov","given":"Valentine"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.3c00223","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.3c00223","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402725189","type":"article-journal","title":"Exchange experiments for chlorine and bromine partitioning in scapolite at variable fluid salinities, pressures, and temperatures: implications for tracing crustal fluid sources via Cl/Br ratios in scapolite","abstract":"Halogen ratios (Cl/Br) preserved in halogen-bearing minerals can be very useful to identify the sources of fluids interacting with crystalline rocks, as different fluid types have distinct halogen ratios. In this study we conduct exchange experiments for chlorine and bromine partitioning between scapolite and brine treated at variable fluid salinities ranging from 0.20 to 0.66 mol fraction of salt (NaCl + NaBr). Experiments involved two different natural scapolites, which were treated in the presence of brine and minor calcite in sealed platinum capsules at 0.32 to 1.52 GPa and 600 °C to 1000 °C for durations of 12–120 h. Neomorphic scapolite appeared as overgrowths on the initial scapolite, or, in some cases, fully recrystallized with no relict scapolite visible. The experiments show that the Ca/Na ratio of scapolite depends on the treatment temperature, the fluid salinity, and pressure. In contrast, the Cl/Br distribution coefficients between neomorphic scapolite and fluids do not depend on the temperature, composition of the mineral or the total salinity of the fluid. The Cl/Br distribution coefficient is, however, markedly pressure-dependent. The experimentally-determined partitioning coefficients of this study and previous work, ranging from 1 atm to 1.5 GPa, enable the use of Cl/Br ratios in scapolite to characterize the halogen ratio of fluids throughout the entire crust. The molar Cl/Br ratio of a fluid can be determined from the measured molar Cl/Br of scapolite via: Cl/Br fluid = Cl/Br scapolite x ( – 1.473 × P + 1.119 × P 2 – 0.299 × P 3 + 1.103) −1 , where P is pressure in GPa, over the range of 0.0001–1.5 GPa.","author":[{"family":"Hammerli","given":"Johannes"},{"family":"Jenkins","given":"David"},{"family":"Collins","given":"David"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00410-024-02162-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-024-02162-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403342503","type":"article-journal","title":"Rebuttal of Holliday et al.’s Comprehensive Gish Gallop of the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis","abstract":"In an article comprising some 96,000 words, Holliday et al. (2023) (HEA) claim to have “comprehensively refuted” the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis (YDIH), even though it has been corroborated by scores of articles in dozens of peer-reviewed journals based on the discovery of some combination of synchronous nanodiamonds, exotic microspherules and platinum enrichment at more than 50 Younger Dryas boundary sites on five continents. No hypothesis or theory is immune from criticism, but to “comprehensively refute” one so well established should require dispositive falsifying evidence. However, HEA provide no new evidence of their own and many of their arguments are based on faulty reasoning. Their remaining differences of opinion do not lend themselves to the falsification of an active hypothesis supported by an abundance of reproducible evidence, which now includes shocked quartz which is generally accepted to be produced only by cosmic impacts. Their article can therefore be called a Gish gallop; a long series of weak or flawed arguments designed to overwhelm an opponent. Since HEA’s claims are too many to respond to individually, we instead have selected portions of their article for critical analysis. By providing strong line-by-line counterarguments to their text we crucially show that they demonstrate a poor understanding of the logic required to test the YDIH and a poor understanding of uncertainty in experimental data analysis, and these problems propagate through many parts of their review. We also show that they repeatedly distort the facts and make misleading claims or derisory remarks. In summary, their approach is a corruption of the scientific method. In fact, the YDIH remains in a very strong position and probably represents a second example to go along with the Alvarez Theory of an extraterrestrial event that affected life on Earth. A hypothesis with such potential should not be so casually dismissed and instead should continue to be the subject of research.","author":[{"family":"Sweatman","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Powell","given":"James"},{"family":"West","given":"Allen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.14293/aci.2024.0007","URL":"https://doi.org/10.14293/aci.2024.0007","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402199721","type":"article-journal","title":"Safety protocols, precautions, and countermeasures aboard the International Space Station to prevent ocular injury","abstract":"The International Space Station (ISS) is a $100 billion epicenter of human activity in the vacuum of space that displays mankind's collective endeavor to explore the cosmic frontier. Even within the marvels of technological sophistication aboard the ISS, the human eye remains a highly vulnerable structure. In the absence of multiple layers of protection and risk assessments, crewmembers would face a substantial increase in vulnerability to ocular injury. Aside from stringent preflight screening criteria for astronauts, the ISS is equipped with ophthalmic medications, environmental control and life support systems (e.g., humidity regulation, carbon dioxide removal, pressurized device regulators), and radiation protection to reduce ocular injury. Moreover, additional countermeasures are currently being developed to mitigate the effects of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) and lunar dust toxicity for the Artemis Program missions. The success of future endeavors hinges not only on continued technological innovation, but also respecting the intricate interplay between human physiology and the extraterrestrial environments. Establishing habitations on the Moon and Mars, as well as NASA's Gateway Program (humanity's first space station around the Moon), will introduce a new set of challenges, underscoring the necessity for continuous insights into ocular health in space. We discuss the safety protocols, precautions, and countermeasures implemented on the ISS to prevent ocular injury - an aspect often overshadowed by the grandeur of space exploration.","author":[{"family":"Suh","given":"Alex"},{"family":"Ditelberg","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Szeto","given":"J"},{"family":"Kumar","given":"Divy"},{"family":"Ong","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Gibson","given":"Chandrika"},{"family":"Mader","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Waisberg","given":"Ethan"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Andrew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.08.005","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.08.005","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403280041","type":"article-journal","title":"Nitrogen in the Orgueil meteorite: Abundant ammonium among other reservoirs of variable isotopic compositions","abstract":"Nitrogen, because of its abundance and variety of carrier phases, is a unique tracer of physico-chemical processes occurring throughout star and planet formations. The refractory organic matter is commonly considered as the main carrier of nitrogen in the most primitive objects of our Solar System. However, nitrogen in the form of ammonium (NH 4 + ) was observed in the Ivuna-type carbonaceous (CI) chondrites Alais in 1834, and Orgueil just after its fall in 1864, as well as more recently on Ceres, comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, and possibly on some asteroids. In the present study, we have measured the nitrogen content and isotopic composition in various nitrogen-bearing phases of several samples of the Orgueil meteorite, with different degrees of terrestrial weathering. Water-soluble NH 4 + is present in Orgueil at a mean concentration of 0.07 ± 0.01 wt%, with a mean isotopic composition of δ 15 N = +72 ± 9 ‰ ( 14 N/ 15 N = 254 ± 2), confirming its extra-terrestrial origin. In the most terrestrially altered sample of Orgueil that we analysed, the isotopic composition is δ 15 N = +50 ± 12 ‰ ( 14 N/ 15 N = 259 ± 3). NH 4 + is in species that are thermally stable up to 383 K, possibly ammonium inorganic/organic salts and ammoniated phyllosilicates. We also show that the nitrogen in Orgueil is distributed among the insoluble organic matter (IOM) (35 ± 5 %), ammonium (27 ± 5 %), and other minor water-soluble species (e.g., nitrate, amines etc.: < 6 %). The remaining nitrogen (34 ± 14 %) is mainly in an unidentified organic matter (UOM), which may be IOM lost during its extraction and/or acid hydrolysable functional groups bounded to the IOM and/or organic nitrogen trapped within minerals. The three main carriers of nitrogen in Orgueil have δ 15 N (and 14 N/ 15 N) values of + 32 ± 1 ‰ (264 ± 0.3) for IOM, +39 ± 16 ‰ (262 ± 4) for UOM, and + 72 ± 9 ‰ (254 ± 2) for NH 4 + . Although IOM and NH 4 + have significantly different δ 15 N, we cannot exclude that these phases could be compositionally related because IOM is heterogeneous in 15 N. Ammonium could have been produced via heating and/or aqueous alteration processes of organic matter in the CI parent body. Alternatively, or additionnally, ammonium could be a tracer of the accretion and/or later deposit of NH 3 ice, NH 3 hydrates, and/or NH 4 + salts on the CI parent body. As shown by previous studies, Ryugu grains sampled by the Hayabusa2 mission (JAXA) have heterogeneous compositions at the millimeter scale, with nitrogen concentrations and δ 15 N similar or lower than Orgueil, possibly because of different parent body processing. The present study suggests that the lack or loss of 15 N-rich NH 4 + in some Ryugu grains may explain some of these differences with Orgueil.","author":[{"family":"Laize-Générat","given":"Lucie"},{"family":"Soussaintjean","given":"Lison"},{"family":"Poch","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Bonal","given":"L"},{"family":"Savarino","given":"Joël"},{"family":"Caillon","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Ginot","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Vella","given":"Anthony"},{"family":"Lamothe","given":"Alexis"},{"family":"Elazzouzi","given":"Rhabira"},{"family":"Flandinet","given":"L"},{"family":"Vacher","given":"Lionel"},{"family":"Gounelle","given":"M"},{"family":"Bizzaro","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Quirico","given":"É"},{"family":"Schmitt","given":"B"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gca.2024.10.001","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2024.10.001","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393853147","type":"article-journal","title":"RNA-seq analysis in simulated microgravity unveils down-regulation of the beta-rhizobial siderophore phymabactin","abstract":"Abstract Exploiting the symbiotic interaction between crops and nitrogen-fixing bacteria is a simple and ecological method to promote plant growth in prospective extraterrestrial human outposts. In this study, we performed an RNA-seq analysis to investigate the adaptation of the legume symbiont Paraburkholderia phymatum STM815T to simulated microgravity (s0-g) at the transcriptome level. The results revealed a drastic effect on gene expression, with roughly 23% of P. phymatum genes being differentially regulated in s0-g. Among those, 951 genes were upregulated and 858 downregulated in the cells grown in s0-g compared to terrestrial gravity (1 g). Several genes involved in posttranslational modification, protein turnover or chaperones encoding were upregulated in s0-g, while those involved in translation, ribosomal structure and biosynthesis, motility or inorganic ions transport were downregulated. Specifically, the whole phm gene cluster, previously bioinformatically predicted to be involved in the production of a hypothetical malleobactin-like siderophore, phymabactin, was 20-fold downregulated in microgravity. By constructing a mutant strain (ΔphmJK) we confirmed that the phm gene cluster codes for the only siderophore secreted by P. phymatum as assessed by the complete lack of iron chelating activity of the P. phymatum ΔphmJK mutant on chrome azurol S (CAS) agar plates. These results not only provide a deeper understanding of the physiology of symbiotic organisms exposed to space-like conditions, but also increase our knowledge of iron acquisition mechanisms in rhizobia.","author":[{"family":"Golaz","given":"Daphné"},{"family":"Papenfuhs","given":"Chad"},{"family":"Bellés-Sancho","given":"Paula"},{"family":"Eberl","given":"Leo"},{"family":"Egli","given":"Marcel"},{"family":"Pessi","given":"Gabriella"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-024-00391-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-024-00391-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4396833230","type":"article-journal","title":"Formation of nanophase metallic iron through charge disproportionation of ferrous iron during micrometeoroid impact‐induced splash melting","abstract":"Abstract Charge disproportionation of ferrous iron has been considered as one of the mechanisms for the formation of metallic iron on the lunar surface. However, the detailed mechanism of the disproportionation reaction on the Moon is yet to be elucidated. We provide direct evidence for the ferrous disproportionation reaction that produces nano phase metallic iron (npFe0) during a rapid cooling process after splash melting from a lunar sample returned by China's Chang'e‐5 mission. Space weathering processes have resulted in the formation of three distinct zones at the rim of a pyroxene fragment, as observed through transmission electron microscopy. These zones, made up of splashed melts, newly formed melts from the substrate, and the mineral, are distinguished as I, II, and III. Quantitative analyses of the iron valence state by electron energy loss spectroscopy show that disproportionation reactions occurred in zone II at a low temperature of <570°C during a rapid cooling process. The reaction led to the production of α‐structure npFe0 and Fe3+ reserve in the glass phase. The npFe0 produced by the disproportionation reaction has a larger grain size than those formed from solar wind irradiation, implying that micrometeoroid impacts mainly contribute to the darkening of visible and near‐infrared reflectance. These findings reveal a novel rim structure by repeated space weathering and a universal formation mechanism of npFe0 during micrometeoroid impacts, suggesting that the disproportionation reaction could be widespread on airless bodies with impact‐induced splash processes.","author":[{"family":"Xian","given":"Haiyang"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Jianxi"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Yiping"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shan"},{"family":"Xi","given":"Jiaxin"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Xiaoju"},{"family":"Xing","given":"Jieqi"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Xiao"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Hongmei"},{"family":"He","given":"Hongping"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Yi‐gang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14174","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14174","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4388572528","type":"article-journal","title":"Interactions of magmas and highly reduced fluids during intraplate volcanism, Mt Carmel, Israel: Implications for mantle redox states and global carbon cycles","abstract":"Oxygen fugacity (ƒO2) controls the speciation of COH fluids in Earth’s mantle; a major question is whether the sublithospheric mantle is metal-saturated, maintaining ƒO2 near the Iron-Wüstite (IW) buffer reaction. If so, then COH fluids from this source will be dominated by CH4+H2, rather than the more oxidized CO2-H2O fluids commonly considered in petrological studies. A key to this question is found in rare but widespread examples of natural mineral assemblages that require unusually low ƒO2. We summarize an investigation of super-reduced mineral assemblages in corundum xenocrysts from Late Cretaceous alkali-basalt volcanoes on Mt Carmel, northern Israel and related Plio-Pleistocene alluvial deposits. P-T estimates indicate that the corundum xenocrysts crystallized in the uppermost mantle. The well-documented geological controls on the origin of these deposits, and radiometric dating of the super-reduced phases, ensure the “naturalness” of the controversial assemblages and make these mineral parageneses a benchmark for evaluation of related occurrences worldwide. The tuffs contain a “basalt-megacryst” mineral suite (zircon, sapphire, ilmenite, spinel). The megacryst chemistry and the geochronology of the zircons indicate that the megacrysts crystallized from broadly syenitic melts that differentiated at subcrustal levels (P ca 1 GPa) within a thick gabbroic underplate built up from Permian through Pliocene time and perhaps into the Pleistocene. Reaction of mantle-derived CH4-H2 fluids with these syenitic melts led to the separation of immiscible Fe0 and Fe-Ti oxide melts near fO2=IW. Trace-element distributions suggest the syenitic melts then separated into immiscible Si-Al-Na-K-rich and FeO-rich oxide melts; the latter were enriched in HFSE, REE, P and Zr as in other natural and synthetic examples of melt-melt immiscibility. In a model magma chamber the FeO-rich melts would sink, leaving the Si-Al-Na-K melts in an upper zone, both still fluxed by CH4-H2 fluids. At fO2 of ΔIW-6 to -7 the removal of immiscible Fe-Ti-Si-C silicide melts from the FeO-rich melt would leave a desilicated Ca-Al-Si oxide melt that crystallized high-Ti corundum + hibonite cumulates with inclusions requiring fO2 from ΔIW+2 to ΔIW-9, while the less-reduced conjugate silicate melts in the upper levels crystallized low-Ti corundum. Aggregates of skeletal, strongly Ti-zoned corundum crystals. reflect rapid crystallization from very reduced melt-fluid mixtures, probably in fluid-escape channels. Explosive eruptions sampled individual magma chambers at different depths and with different initial compositions, fluid mixtures and fluid dynamics to produce Mt Carmel’s mineralogical diversity. A review of similar occurrences worldwide suggests that the Mt Carmel assemblages reflect a fundamental process – the rise of CH4-H2 fluids into the upper mantle -- that accompanies mantle-derived magmatism in many tectonic settings. The interaction of these fluids with lithospheric mantle rocks and melts can lead to extreme fractionation via the separation of immiscible Fe-Ti-Si-C melts and residual desilicated melts. The oxidation of CH4-H2 fluids in the lithospheric mantle may be the ultimate source of metasomatic fluids dominated by CO2+H2O, and of many diamonds. More attention should be paid to the role of methane and other reduced fluids in mantle petrology, and their relevance to metasomatic processes and global carbon cycles.","author":[{"family":"Griffin","given":"William"},{"family":"Bindi","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Cámara","given":"Fernando"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Chi"},{"family":"Gain","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Saunders","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Alard","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Jin"},{"family":"Shaw","given":"Jeremy"},{"family":"Meredith","given":"Caleb"},{"family":"Toledo","given":"Vered"},{"family":"Oreilly","given":"Suzanne"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gr.2023.10.013","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2023.10.013","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4396512150","type":"article-journal","title":"Physically Based Real‐Time Rendering of Atmospheres using Mie Theory","abstract":"Abstract Most real‐time rendering models for atmospheric effects have been designed and optimized for Earth's atmosphere. Some authors have proposed approaches for rendering other atmospheres, but these methods still use approximations that are only valid on Earth. For instance, the iconic blue glow of Martian sunsets can not be represented properly as the complex interference effects of light scattered at dust particles can not be captured by these approximations. In this paper, we present an approach for generalizing an existing model to make it capable of rendering extraterrestrial atmospheres. This is done by replacing the approximations with a physical model based on Mie Theory. We use the particle‐size distribution, the particle‐density distribution as well as the wavelength‐dependent refractive index of atmospheric particles as input. To demonstrate the feasibility of this idea, we extend the model by Bruneton et al. [BN08] and implement it into CosmoScout VR, an open‐source visualization of our Solar System. In a first step, we use Mie Theory to precompute the scattering behaviour of a particle mixture. Then, multi‐scattering is simulated, and finally the precomputation results are used for real‐time rendering. We demonstrate that this not only improves the visualization of the Martian atmosphere, but also creates more realistic results for our own atmosphere.","author":[{"family":"Schneegans","given":"Simon"},{"family":"Meyran","given":"T"},{"family":"Ginkel","given":"I"},{"family":"Zachmann","given":"Gabriel"},{"family":"Gerndt","given":"Andreas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/cgf.15010","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/cgf.15010","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4388890953","type":"article-journal","title":"Methodologies for 176Lu–176Hf Analysis of Zircon Grains from the Moon and Beyond","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Zircons are found in extraterrestrial rocks from the Moon, Mars, and some differentiated meteorite parent-bodies. These zircons are rare, often of small size, and have been affected by neutron capture induced by cosmic ray exposure. The application of the 176 Lu– 176 Hf decay system to zircons from planetary bodies such as the Moon can help establish the chronology of large-scale differentiation processes such as the crystallization of the lunar magma ocean. Here, we present methods to measure the isotopic composition of Hf of extraterrestrial zircons dated using ID-TIMS U–Pb after chemical abrasion. We introduce a 2-stage elution scheme to separate Hf from Zr while preserving the unused Zr fraction for future isotopic analysis. The effect of neutron capture is also re-examined using the latest thermal neutron capture cross sections and epithermal resonance integrals. Our tests show that the precision of Hf isotopic analyses is close to what is theoretically attainable. We have tested this method to a limited set of zircon grains from lunar rocks returned by the Apollo missions (lunar soil 14163, fragmental polymict breccia 72275, and clast-rich breccia 14321). The model ages align with previously reported values, but further work is needed to assess the chronology of lunar magma ocean crystallization as only a handful of small zircons (5 zircons from 3 samples) were analyzed, and the precision of the analyses can be improved by measuring more and larger lunar zircon grains.","author":[{"family":"Chen","given":"Xi"},{"family":"Dauphas","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Zhe"},{"family":"Schoene","given":"Blair"},{"family":"Barboni","given":"Mélanie"},{"family":"Leya","given":"I"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Junjun"},{"family":"Szymanowski","given":"Dawid"},{"family":"Mckeegan","given":"KD"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.3c00093","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.3c00093","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392371705","type":"article-journal","title":"Atom Probe Tomography Reveals Nano-Scale Organic Remaining In Conodont","abstract":"Distinguishing biomineralized minerals from inorganic minerals has been a longstanding challenge. The organic matter within biomineralized minerals constitutes compelling evidence that sets them apart from inorganic minerals. However, for small samples that have undergone degradation and diagenetic alteration, routine analytical technologies have difficulties in identifying internal residual organic signals. Atom Probe Tomography, as the highest-spatial-resolution microanalytical technique, facilitates the study of elements spatial distribution and nano-scale structures, holding significant potential for applications in biogeochemistry. In this study, Atom Probe Tomography has been applied to fossil samples for the first time, comparing inorganic Durango apatite with fossil conodont. This research discovered residual organic components within conodont, manifesting in the form of nano-scale particles coupled with high carbon and nitrogen concentrations. This signal is promising for differentiating between biominerals and inorganic minerals, which is greatly potential for identifying nano-scale biosignatures in ancient samples.","author":[{"family":"Gao","given":"Fan"},{"family":"Xue","given":"Jing"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Rong"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xianhua"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Rong"},{"family":"Li","given":"Qiuli"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.46770/as.2024.026","URL":"https://doi.org/10.46770/as.2024.026","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4395011234","type":"article-journal","title":"Characterization of refractory aerosol particles collected in the tropical upper troposphere–lower stratosphere (UTLS) within the Asian tropopause aerosol layer (ATAL)","abstract":"Abstract. Aerosol particles with diameters larger than 40 nm were collected during the flight campaign StratoClim 2017 within the Asian tropopause aerosol layer (ATAL) of the 2017 monsoon anticyclone above the Indian subcontinent. A multi-impactor system was installed on board the aircraft M-55 Geophysica, which was operated from Kathmandu, Nepal. The size and chemical composition of more than 5000 refractory particles/inclusions of 17 selected particle samples from seven different flights were analyzed by use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis. Based on chemical composition and morphology, the refractory particles were assigned to the following particle groups: extraterrestrial, silicates, Fe-rich, Al-rich, Hg-rich, other metals, C-rich, soot, Cl-rich, and Ca-rich. Most abundant particle groups within the refractory particles are silicates and C-rich (non-volatile organics). In samples taken above the tropopause, extraterrestrial particles are becoming increasingly important with rising altitude. The most frequent particle sources for the small (maximum in size distribution DP-max=120 nm) refractory particles carried into the ATAL are combustion processes at the ground (burning of fossil fuels/biomass burning) and the agitation of soil material. The refractory particles in the ATAL represent only a very small fraction (< 2 % by number for particles > 40 nm) of the total aerosol particles, which are dominated by species like ammonium, sulfate, nitrate, and volatile organics. During one flight, a large number of very small (DP-max=25 nm) cinnabar particles (HgS) were detected, which are supposed to originate from a ground source such as coal combustion or underground coal fires.","author":[{"family":"Ebert","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Weigel","given":"Ralf"},{"family":"Weinbruch","given":"Stephan"},{"family":"Schneider","given":"Lisa"},{"family":"Kandler","given":"Konrad"},{"family":"Lauterbach","given":"Stefan"},{"family":"Köllner","given":"Franziska"},{"family":"Plöger","given":"Felix"},{"family":"Günther","given":"G"},{"family":"Vogel","given":"Bärbel"},{"family":"Borrmann","given":"Stephan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.5194/acp-24-4771-2024","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-4771-2024","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403512493","type":"article-journal","title":"Contactless Manipulation and Raman Analysis of Cometary Analogs and Micrometeorites by Acoustic Levitation","abstract":"Abstract Extraterrestrial material collected during space missions is highly exposed to contamination issues during on-Earth analysis. Although high-protection-level protocols were developed, to minimize the contamination due to sample manipulation and the substrate contribution an optimal strategy is to perform in situ analysis with contactless techniques. Optical and acoustic trapping represent ideal candidates for contactless manipulation and analysis of nanometer-to-millimeter-sized particles. Here, we show results of the manipulation of cometary analogs and micrometeorite samples using a single-axis acoustic levitator. The investigation of the particle dynamics in the trap allows the calculation of the trap spring constants that are found in the mN/m range. In addition, we collect the Raman spectra of two levitated fragments of Saratov meteorite, demonstrating that acoustic levitation can be effectively used for the contactless and low-contamination characterization of samples of interest in astrophysics.","author":[{"family":"Ferretti","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Marrara","given":"Sonia"},{"family":"Ciriza","given":"David"},{"family":"Magazzù","given":"Alessandro"},{"family":"Foti","given":"Antonino"},{"family":"Gucciardi","given":"PG"},{"family":"Musolino","given":"A"},{"family":"Folco","given":"L"},{"family":"Corte","given":"Vincenzo"},{"family":"Rotundi","given":"A"},{"family":"Saija","given":"Rosalba"},{"family":"Mandanici","given":"A"},{"family":"Maragò","given":"Onofrio"},{"family":"Donato","given":"MG"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3847/1538-4357/ad7259","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ad7259","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389470658","type":"article-journal","title":"Simultaneous retrieval of aerosol and ocean properties from PACE HARP2 with uncertainty assessment using cascading neural network radiative transfer models","abstract":"Abstract. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter (HARP2) will be on board NASA's Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission, scheduled for launch in January 2024. In this study we systematically evaluate the retrievability and uncertainty of aerosol and ocean parameters from HARP2 multi-angle polarimeter (MAP) measurements. To reduce the computational demand of MAP-based retrievals and maximize data processing throughput, we developed improved neural network (NN) forward models for spaceborne HARP2 measurements over a coupled atmosphere and ocean system within the FastMAPOL retrieval algorithm. To this end, a cascading retrieval scheme is implemented in FastMAPOL, which leverages a series of NN models of varying size, speed, and accuracy to optimize performance. Two sets of NN models are used for reflectance and polarization, respectively. A full day of global synthetic HARP2 data was generated and used to test various retrieval parameters including aerosol microphysical and optical properties, aerosol layer height, ocean surface wind speed, and ocean chlorophyll a concentration. To assess retrieval quality, pixel-wise retrieval uncertainties were derived from error propagation and evaluated against the difference between the retrieval parameters and truth based on a Monte Carlo method. We found that the fine-mode aerosol properties can be retrieved well from the HARP2 data, though the coarse-mode aerosol properties are more uncertain. Larger uncertainties are associated with a reduced number of available viewing angles, which typically occur near the scan edge of the HARP2 instrument. Results of the performance assessment demonstrate that the algorithm is a viable approach for operational application to HARP2 data after the PACE launch.","author":[{"family":"Gao","given":"Meng"},{"family":"Franz","given":"Bryan"},{"family":"Zhai","given":"Peng‐wang"},{"family":"Knobelspiesse","given":"Kirk"},{"family":"Sayer","given":"AM"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Xiaoguang"},{"family":"Martins","given":"JV"},{"family":"Cairns","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Castellanos","given":"Patricia"},{"family":"Fu","given":"Guangliang"},{"family":"Hannadige","given":"Neranga"},{"family":"Hasekamp","given":"Otto"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Yongxiang"},{"family":"Ibrahim","given":"Amir"},{"family":"Patt","given":"Frederick"},{"family":"Puthukkudy","given":"Anin"},{"family":"Werdell","given":"PJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.5194/amt-16-5863-2023","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-16-5863-2023","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390952152","type":"article-journal","title":"Molecular distribution and 13C isotope composition of volatile organic compounds in the Murchison and Sutter's Mill carbonaceous chondrites","abstract":"Abstract Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon‐containing chemicals that may evaporate rapidly at room temperature and standard pressure. Such organic compounds can be preserved inside carbonaceous chondrite matrices. However, unlike meteoritic soluble organic matter (SOM) and insoluble organic matter (IOM), VOCs are typically lost (at least in part) during sample processing (meteorite crushing) and exposure to terrestrial atmosphere and/or solvents. Like SOM and IOM, VOCs can provide valuable insights into the chemical inventory of the meteorite parent body and even the presolar cloud from which our solar system formed, as well as the composition and processes that occurred during the early formation of our solar system and the asteroidal stage. Thus, in this work, we designed and built an instrument that allowed us to access the VOCs present in samples of the carbonaceous chondrites Murchison and Sutter's Mill after mineral disaggregation by means of freeze–thaw cycling. We simultaneously evaluated the abundances and compound‐specific 13C‐distributions of the volatiles evolving after meteorite powdering at ~20, 60, and 100°C. Carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4) were released from these meteorites as the most abundant VOCs. They were combusted together for analysis and showed positive δ13C values, indicative of their extraterrestrial origins. Carbon dioxide (CO2) was also an abundant VOC in both meteorites, and its isotopic values suggest that it was mainly formed from dissolved carbonates in the samples. We also detected aldehydes, ketones, and aromatic compounds in low amounts. Contrary to Murchison, which mostly yielded VOCs with positive δ13C values, Sutter's Mill yielded VOCs with negative δ13C values. The less enriched 13C isotope composition of the VOCs detected in Sutter's Mill suggest that they are either terrestrial contaminants, such as VOCs in compressed gas dusters and common laboratory solvents, or compounds disconnected from interstellar sources and/or formed through parent body processing. Understanding the relative abundances and determining the molecular distributions and isotopic compositions of free meteoritic VOCs are key in assessing their extraterrestrial origins and those of chondritic SOM and IOM. Our newly developed technique will be valuable in the study of the samples brought to the Earth from carbonaceous asteroid Bennu by NASA's OSIRIS‐REx mission.","author":[{"family":"Aponte","given":"José"},{"family":"Séguin","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Siguelnitzky","given":"Ariel"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Elsila","given":"Jamie"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"DP"},{"family":"Connolly","given":"HC"},{"family":"Lauretta","given":"DS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14118","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14118","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4394816293","type":"article-journal","title":"Brecciation at the grain scale within the lithologies of the Winchcombe Mighei‐like carbonaceous chondrite","abstract":"Abstract The Mighei‐like carbonaceous (CM) chondrites have been altered to various extents by water–rock reactions on their parent asteroid(s). This aqueous processing has destroyed much of the primary mineralogy of these meteorites, and the degree of alteration is highly heterogeneous at both the macroscale and nanoscale. Many CM meteorites are also heavily brecciated juxtaposing clasts with different alteration histories. Here we present results from the fine‐grained team consortium study of the Winchcombe meteorite, a recent CM chondrite fall that is a breccia and contains eight discrete lithologies that span a range of petrologic subtypes (CM2.0–2.6) that are suspended in a cataclastic matrix. Coordinated multitechnique, multiscale analyses of this breccia reveal substantial heterogeneity in the extent of alteration, even in highly aqueously processed lithologies. Some lithologies exhibit the full range and can comprise nearly unaltered coarse‐grained primary components that are found directly alongside other coarse‐grained components that have experienced complete pseudomorphic replacement by secondary minerals. The preservation of the complete alteration sequence and pseudomorph textures showing tochilinite–cronstedtite intergrowths are replacing carbonates suggest that CMs may be initially more carbonate rich than previously thought. This heterogeneity in aqueous alteration extent is likely due to a combination of microscale variability in permeability and water/rock ratio generating local microenvironments as has been established previously. Nevertheless, some of the disequilibrium mineral assemblages observed, such as hydrous minerals juxtaposed with surviving phases that are typically more fluid susceptible, can only be reconciled by multiple generations of alteration, disruption, and reaccretion of the CM parent body at the grain scale.","author":[{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Suttle","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Bridges","given":"John"},{"family":"Hicks","given":"LJ"},{"family":"Martin","given":"Pierre‐etienne"},{"family":"Floyd","given":"Cameron"},{"family":"Jenkins","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Salge","given":"T"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Almeida","given":"NV"},{"family":"Johnson","given":"D"},{"family":"Trimby","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Mansour","given":"Haithem"},{"family":"Wadsworth","given":"Fabian"},{"family":"Rollinson","given":"Gavyn"},{"family":"Genge","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Darling","given":"James"},{"family":"Bagot","given":"Paul"},{"family":"White","given":"LF"},{"family":"Stephen","given":"NR"},{"family":"Mitchell","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Griffin","given":"Sammy"},{"family":"Willcocks","given":"Francesca"},{"family":"Jones","given":"RH"},{"family":"Piazolo","given":"Sandra"},{"family":"Einsle","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Macente","given":"Alice"},{"family":"Hallis","given":"LJ"},{"family":"Obrien","given":"Áine"},{"family":"Schofield","given":"PF"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Bates","given":"HC"},{"family":"Smith","given":"CL"},{"family":"Franchi","given":"IA"},{"family":"Forman","given":"LV"},{"family":"Bland","given":"PA"},{"family":"Westmoreland","given":"David"},{"family":"Anderson","given":"Iain"},{"family":"Taylor","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Montgomery","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Parsons","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Vasseur","given":"Jérémie"},{"family":"Ginneken","given":"Matthias"},{"family":"Wozniakiewicz","given":"Penelope"},{"family":"Burchell","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Hallatt","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Alesbrook","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Spathis","given":"Vassilia"},{"family":"Worden","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Behnsen","given":"Julia"},{"family":"Black","given":"Kate"},{"family":"Alliance","given":"The"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14164","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14164","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390885564","type":"article-journal","title":"Detection of apatite in ferroan anorthosite indicative of a volatile-rich early lunar crust","abstract":"Abstract Determination of the systematics of volatile elements (for example, H, Cl, S) of the early Moon is one of the main objectives of lunar science. This has been hindered by the lack of the main volatile-bearing mineral, apatite, in ferroan anorthosites (FANs), which are thought to represent the primary products of the lunar magma ocean and the earliest lunar crust. Due to the absence of apatite, plagioclase and bulk samples of the FAN suite have been previously utilized for the studies of volatiles in samples representing the earliest-formed lunar crust. Here we provide evidence of apatite in a FAN clast in the lunar meteorite Arabian Peninsula 007. We report that Arabian Peninsula 007 has an ancient age, comparable to those of Apollo FAN samples, with lighter hydrogen (δD = −45‰) and heavier chlorine (δ37Cl = +44‰) isotopic compositions than FAN bulk and plagioclase data. These results suggest that the early lunar crust was significantly more volatile rich than previously thought.","author":[{"family":"Hayden","given":"Tara"},{"family":"Barrett","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Anand","given":"M"},{"family":"Whitehouse","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Jeon","given":"Heejin"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"X"},{"family":"Franchi","given":"IA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41550-023-02185-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-023-02185-5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401030077","type":"article-journal","title":"One Iron for Two Iron Sites in a Metal–Organic Framework Toward Simultaneous N2−H2 Activation under Mild Conditions","abstract":"Abstract Iron‐based catalysts play an important role in the ammonia industry. As one of the most abundant iron minerals, Fe3O4 containing FeII and FeIII sites is widely distributed in the earth's crust and even on exoplanets, theoretically giving it both economic and catalytic potentials in ammonia synthesis. However, in the absence of specific active co‐catalyst and harsh conditions, Fe3O4 is impossible to achieve ammonia synthesis alone. Here, we designed to activate the relatively inert FeII and FeIII sites in Fe3O4 with a third FeIII site inlayed in a coordination framework (MIL‐101(Fe)) to achieve the unpresented multi‐site collaborative catalysis. In‐depth mechanism study confirmed the roles of three different Fe sites in N2 activation, H2 activation, and product transfer, respectively. Efficient N2−H2 activation to NH3 on the Fe3O4‐based catalytic system has been achieved at extremely mild conditions. Our research provides a theoretical basis and a new strategy for designing efficient non‐noble metal‐based ammonia synthesis catalyst with minimized energy consumption.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Xize"},{"family":"He","given":"Xingyue"},{"family":"Li","given":"Bo"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Xiao"},{"family":"Luo","given":"Haiqiang"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Jian‐gong"},{"family":"Cheng","given":"Peng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/anie.202413227","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202413227","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400828872","type":"article-journal","title":"Impactor identification with spallogenic Cr isotopes: The Wabar impact craters (Saudi Arabia)","abstract":"Abstract Precise measurements of Cr isotopic composition of terrestrial impactites have successfully provided evidence for the presence of extraterrestrial material and have, in some cases, allowed the identification of the type of impactor responsible for the formation of the impact structure. The high Cr abundance in most meteorite groups aids in detecting extraterrestrial contamination while their distinct isotopic compositions can help with the identification of the nature of the projectile. However, this common approach of detection and identification of extraterrestrial contamination using mass‐independent 53Cr and 54Cr variations fails when the impactor type is an iron meteorite because of their low Cr abundances (which are in a similar range to terrestrial rocks). The present study demonstrates the viability of a spallogenic Cr contribution in iron meteorites (resulting from their long cosmic ray exposure times), which compensates for their low Cr abundances and facilitates the identification of iron‐meteoritic contamination in terrestrial impactites. Thus, it broadens the scope of impactors (and impactites) that can be investigated using mass‐independent Cr isotopes from solely chondrites and primitive achondrites to include iron meteorites. The Wabar impact craters are an optimal candidate for this study, characterized by low weathering, diverse impactites, partial meteorite survival, substantial impactor material contamination, and a felsic target lithology with low background Cr concentration. The Cr isotopic composition of the Wabar background sand, which represents the target lithology, is indistinguishable from the terrestrial Cr isotopic composition range, whereas the Wabar iron meteorites show coupled spallogenic excesses in ε53Cr and ε54Cr. The Cr isotopic compositions of Wabar impactites show resolved deviations from the terrestrial Cr isotopic composition, thereby indicating the presence of Wabar meteoritic contamination. Moreover, the study demonstrates that even an impactor with a non‐carbonaceous chondritic origin, such as a IIIAB iron meteorite, can have a carbonaceous chondrite‐like signature in ε54Cr anomalies due to spallogenic Cr contamination. The study advocates for a comprehensive investigation combining platinum group elements and Cr (and/or Ni, Ru) isotopes to accurately characterize impactor types.","author":[{"family":"Anand","given":"Aryavart"},{"family":"Mezger","given":"Klaus"},{"family":"Hofmann","given":"Beda"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14242","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14242","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389922219","type":"article-journal","title":"Estimation of Electrical Conductivity of Molten Multicomponent Slag by Neural Network Computation","abstract":"Information on the electrical conductivity of high-temperature molten oxides can be used as very useful information not only for conventional metallurgical processes on the Earth, but also for the development of extraterrestrial resources such as lunar soil. The models for estimating electrical conductivity of molten slag developed so far apply only to a limited number of slag systems. In this study, a neural network modeling was established to reliably estimate the electrical conductivity of multi-component slag containing TiO2. In neural network modeling, the electrical conductivity of multi-component slag was used as teaching data to conduct the learning process and Bayesian optimization was applied to determine the estimation precision. As a result, it was possible to construct a reliable neural network estimation model for electrical conductivity that was highly consistent with experimental values collected from the literature data, and the effect of oxide addition on electrical conductivity was investigated using the estimation model. This suggests that it is possible to build a reliable electrical conductivity estimation model by the neural network modeling of accumulated experimental data for multi-component slag, and it is expected that the model will be applied to the electrical conductivity estimation of unknown multi-component slag systems.","author":[{"family":"Lim","given":"Sunglock"},{"family":"Nobe","given":"Yuki"},{"family":"Nakamoto","given":"Masashi"},{"family":"Fujita","given":"Kiyoshi"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Toshihiro"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.2355/isijinternational.isijint-2023-336","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2355/isijinternational.isijint-2023-336","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392871130","type":"article-journal","title":"SolarET: A generalizable machine learning approach to estimate reference evapotranspiration from solar radiation","abstract":"Irrigation is the most significant consumer of freshwater worldwide. Deciding on the right amount of irrigation is crucial for sustainable water management and food production. The Penman-Monteith (P-M) reference crop evapotranspiration (ETO) is the gold standard in irrigation management and scheduling; however, its calculation requires measurements from multiple sensors over an extended reference grass surface. The cost of land, sensors, maintenance, and water to keep the grass surface green impedes having a dense network of ETO stations. To solve this challenge, this research aims to develop an input-limited ETO estimation approach based on historical weather data and machine learning (ML) algorithms to relax the need for a reference grass surface. This approach, called \"SolarET,\" takes solar radiation (RS) data as its sole input. RS is the only meteorological driving factor of ETO that does not rely on the measuring surface. To test the generalizability of SolarET, we test its performance over unseen arbitrary locations across California. California is chosen as the case study since it is one of the world's most hydrologically altered and agriculturally productive regions. In total, 19,088,736 hourly data samples from 131 automated weather stations have been used in this study. The ML models have been trained over 114 stations and tested over 17 unseen stations, each representing a California climatic zone. Our findings point to the superiority of decision tree-based algorithms versus neural networks. SolarET works best in irrigation-oriented regions of California (e.g., Central Valley) and is less accurate in coastal and desert zones. Our results demonstrate the higher accuracy of SolarET using hourly (RMSE = 0.93 mm/day) and daily (RMSE = 0.97 mm/day) RS data in comparison to well-known empirical alternatives like Priestley-Taylor (PT) (RMSE = 1.35 mm/day) and Hargreaves-Samani (HS) (RMSE = 2.69 mm/day).","author":[{"family":"Ahmadi","given":"Arman"},{"family":"Kazemi","given":"Mohammad"},{"family":"Daccache","given":"André"},{"family":"Snyder","given":"Richard"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.agwat.2024.108779","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2024.108779","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399665586","type":"article-journal","title":"The nucleosynthetic fingerprint of the outermost protoplanetary disk and early Solar System dynamics","abstract":"Knowledge of the nucleosynthetic isotope composition of the outermost protoplanetary disk is critical to understand the formation and early dynamical evolution of the Solar System. We report the discovery of outer disk material preserved in a pristine meteorite based on its chemical composition, organic-rich petrology, and 15 N-rich, deuterium-rich, and 16 O-poor isotope signatures. We infer that this outer disk material originated in the comet-forming region. The nucleosynthetic Fe, Mg, Si, and Cr compositions of this material reveal that, contrary to current belief, the isotope signature of the comet-forming region is ubiquitous among outer Solar System bodies, possibly reflecting an important planetary building block in the outer Solar System. This nucleosynthetic component represents fresh material added to the outer disk by late accretion streamers connected to the ambient molecular cloud. Our results show that most Solar System carbonaceous asteroids accreted material from the comet-forming region, a signature lacking in the terrestrial planet region.","author":[{"family":"Kooten","given":"Elishevah"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"X"},{"family":"Franchi","given":"IA"},{"family":"Tung","given":"Po‐yen"},{"family":"Fairclough","given":"Simon"},{"family":"Walmsley","given":"John"},{"family":"Onyett","given":"Isaac"},{"family":"Schiller","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Bizzarro","given":"Martin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adp1613","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adp1613","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4401456611","type":"article-journal","title":"The evolution and history of Vinca alkaloids: From the Big Bang to the treatment of pediatric acute leukemia","abstract":"An attractive flower from the island of Madagascar has in part saved the lives of thousands of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Random mutations and alterations to the genome led to the evolution of genes encoding enzymes, which would provide the periwinkle flower an arsenal of secondary metabolites to survive within the Madagascar ecosystem. Of the over 200 alkaloid compounds synthesized by the periwinkle, vincristine and vinblastine are the two most well-known being used for chemotherapy treatments, including for children with ALL. The complexities of the multi-step biosynthesis of vincristine and vinblastine, which has taken years to decode, highlight the importance of protecting the vast biodiversity on earth as other natural products that can save lives await to be discovered. This review addresses the discovery of vincristine and vinblastine, as well as the history of their existence, in nature.","author":[{"family":"Taub","given":"Jeffrey"},{"family":"Buck","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Xavier","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Edwards","given":"Holly"},{"family":"Matherly","given":"Larry"},{"family":"Ge","given":"Yubin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/pbc.31247","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pbc.31247","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404020350","type":"article-journal","title":"A multiple biomolecules-based rapid life detection protocol embedded in a rover scientific subsystem for soil sample analysis","abstract":"The study of whether life exists, is extinct, or not depends on various sophisticated experimental studies, as many different signatures of life can be used. The experimental procedures that can be performed to identify life can be further restricted by time, resources, and mobility constraints. Therefore, any research analyzing the presence of extraterrestrial life must be precise and unambiguous. This research focuses on the objective of the extraterrestrial life detection domain and seeks to provide an efficient protocol that can produce life detection decisions based on empirical data obtained through chemical analysis under time and resource-constrained conditions. While the majority of existing frameworks in this field are designed to identify biomolecules, our goal is to accomplish the same with minimal operational expense and mission complexity. We argue that the thoughtful integration of multiple biomolecular detections with lesser complexity and a robust framework can improve overall mission performance by satisfying the necessary time and resource constraints. In this study, a rapid multiple biomolecules-based life detection protocol (MBLDP-R) from soil samples is developed from scratch and embedded in an operational scientific rover subsystem targeted for planetary analysis missions. The study uses artificial biomolecule samples and simulated extraterrestrial environments to illustrate the suggested protocol's end-to-end process. First, we list a few significant biomolecules, including lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, ammonia, and pigments. Then, a weighted qualitative test scoring is applied to sort out the best test method for the finally selected biomolecules which are used as operational analogue to showcase the protocol's in-situ analysis and decision-making capabilities. Based on the suitable biomolecules, a scientific exploration subsystem is developed, and the implemented protocol is built to perform onboard sample analysis. Evaluation results show that: (1) the proposed MBLDP-R protocol could effectively predict the classes with an average f1-score of 98.65% (macro) and 90.00% (micro), (2) the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (AUC-ROC) curve shows the sample categories to be correctly predicted 92% of the time (97% for Extant, 88% for Extinct, and 92% in the case of NPL), and (3) the protocol is time-efficient with an average completion time of 17.60 min, demonstrating the protocol's rapid nature in detecting biosignatures in soil samples. The research outcome yields useful additional data for related future studies, particularly in the design of scientific frameworks for mission-specific requirements with limited resources while also serving as a reference point for constraint evaluation methods for similar systems.","author":[{"family":"Zaman","given":"Akib"},{"family":"Ashraf","given":"Fardeen"},{"family":"Khan","given":"Haseena"},{"family":"Ahona","given":"Faria"},{"family":"Samir","given":"Oliullah"},{"family":"Rayhan","given":"Asif"},{"family":"Nazifa","given":"Sadia"},{"family":"Chowdhury","given":"Hafsah"},{"family":"Rahman","given":"Md"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-77808-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-77808-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405209450","type":"article-journal","title":"Applications of microbial bioplastic polyhydroxyalkanoates as biosignatures for astrobiological detection","abstract":"Abstract Determining a reliable method to detect life on another planet is an essential first step in the pursuit of discovering extraterrestrial life. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), bioplastic polymers created by microorganisms, are strong candidates for defining the presence of extraterrestrial life due to their water insolubility, strong ultraviolet resistance, high melting points and high crystallinity, amongst other qualities. PHAs are abundant on Earth, and their chemical properties can easily be distinguished from non-biological matter. Their widespread distribution and conferred resistance to astrobiologically relevant extreme environments render PHAs highly favourable candidates for astrobiological detection. Integrating detection of PHA biosignatures into current and future life-detection instruments would be useful for the planetary search for life. PHAs are analysed and characterized in laboratories by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and immunoassay analysis in addition to other methods. We outline a path forward to integrate PHA detection in astrobiology missions to aid the search for extraterrestrial life.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Justin"},{"family":"Schubert","given":"S"},{"family":"Dragone","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Ciechanowicz","given":"Sydney"},{"family":"Hynek","given":"BM"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1017/s1473550424000193","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1473550424000193","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390638413","type":"article-journal","title":"Four‐dimensional‐STEM analysis of the phyllosilicate‐rich matrix of Ryugu samples","abstract":"Abstract Ryugu asteroid grains brought back to the Earth by the Hayabusa2 space mission are pristine samples containing hydrated minerals and organic compounds. Here, we investigate the mineralogy of their phyllosilicate‐rich matrix with four‐dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D‐STEM). We have identified and mapped the mineral phases at the nanometer scale (serpentine, smectite, pyrrhotite), observed the presence of Ni‐bearing pyrrhotite, and identified the serpentine polymorph as lizardite, in agreement with the reported aqueous alteration history of Ryugu. Furthermore, we have mapped the d‐spacings of smectite and observed a broad distribution of values, ranging from 1 to 2 nm, with an average d‐spacing of 1.24 nm, indicating significant heterogeneity within the sample. Such d‐spacing variability could be the result of either the presence of organic matter trapped in the interlayers or the influence of various geochemical conditions at the submicrometer scale, suggestive of a range of organic compounds and/or changes in smectite crystal chemistry.","author":[{"family":"Mouloud","given":"Bahae‐eddine"},{"family":"Jacob","given":"Damien"},{"family":"Peña","given":"Francisco"},{"family":"Marinova","given":"Maya"},{"family":"Guillou","given":"Corentin"},{"family":"Viennet","given":"Jean‐christophe"},{"family":"Laforet","given":"Sylvain"},{"family":"Leroux","given":"Hugues"},{"family":"Teurtrie","given":"Adrien"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Miyake","given":"Akira"},{"family":"Igami","given":"Yohei"},{"family":"Haruta","given":"Mitsutaka"},{"family":"Saito","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Hata","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Seto","given":"Yusuke"},{"family":"Miyahara","given":"Masaaki"},{"family":"Tomioka","given":"Naotaka"},{"family":"Ishii","given":"HA"},{"family":"Bradley","given":"JP"},{"family":"Ohtaki","given":"Kenta"},{"family":"Dobrică","given":"E"},{"family":"Langenhorst","given":"F"},{"family":"Harries","given":"Dennis"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Phan","given":"Van"},{"family":"Rebois","given":"Rolando"},{"family":"Abreu","given":"NM"},{"family":"Gray","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Zega","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Zanetta","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Thompson","given":"MS"},{"family":"Stroud","given":"RM"},{"family":"Burgess","given":"Kate"},{"family":"Cymes","given":"Brittany"},{"family":"Bridges","given":"JC"},{"family":"Hicks","given":"LJ"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Bland","given":"PA"},{"family":"Zolensky","given":"ME"},{"family":"Frank","given":"D"},{"family":"Martinez","given":"James"},{"family":"Tsuchiyama","given":"A"},{"family":"Yasutake","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Matsuno","given":"Junya"},{"family":"Okumura","given":"Shota"},{"family":"Mitsukawa","given":"Itaru"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Masayuki"},{"family":"Takeuchi","given":"Akihisa"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Mingqi"},{"family":"Enju","given":"Satomi"},{"family":"Takigawa","given":"Aki"},{"family":"Michikami","given":"Tatsuhiro"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Megumi"},{"family":"Nakauchi","given":"Yusuke"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Nakazawa","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Saiki","given":"Takanao"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Terui","given":"Fuyuto"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Makoto"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Hisayoshi"},{"family":"Nagashima","given":"K"},{"family":"Kawasaki","given":"Noriyuki"},{"family":"Sakamotoa","given":"Naoya"},{"family":"Okazaki","given":"Ryuji"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"Kanako"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Watanabe","given":"Sei‐ichiro"},{"family":"Tsuda","given":"Yuichi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14124","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14124","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392119406","type":"article-journal","title":"AFM-IR nanospectroscopy of nanoglobule-like particles in Ryugu samples returned by the Hayabusa2 mission","abstract":"Context. The JAXA Hayabusa2 mission returned well-preserved samples collected from the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu, providing unique non-terrestrially weathered samples from a known parent body. Aims. This work aims to provide a better understanding of the formation and evolution of primitive asteroidal matter by studying the fine scale association of organic matter and minerals in Ryugu samples. We characterized the samples by IR nanospectroscopy using infrared photothermal nanospectroscopy (AFM-IR) technique. This technique overcomes the diffraction limit (of several microns) of conventional infrared microspectroscopy (µ-FTIR). The samples were mapped in the mid-IR range at a lateral spatial resolution about a hundred times better than with µ-FTIR. This provided us with unique in situ access to the distribution of the different infrared signatures of organic components at the sub-micron scale present in the Ryugu whole-rock samples as well as to the characterization of the compositional variability of Ryugu in the insoluble organic matter (IOM) chemically extracted from the Ryugu samples. Methods. The AFM-IR maps of whole-rock particles and IOM residues from Ryugu samples were recorded with a lateral resolution of tens of nanometers. Spectra were recorded in the 1900–900 cm−1 spectral range by AFM-IR (Icon-IR) for all samples, and additional spectra were recorded from 2700 to 4000 cm−1 for one IOM sample by an optical photothermal IR (O-PTIR) technique using a mIRage® IR microscope. Results. Organic matter is present in two forms in the whole-rock samples: as a diffuse phase intermixed with the phyllosilicate matrix and as individual organic nanoparticles. We identify the Ryugu organic nanoparticles as nanoglobule-like inclusions texturally resembling nanoglobules present in primitive meteorites. Using AFM-IR, we record for the first time the infrared spectra of Ryugu organic nanoparticles that clearly show enhanced carbonyl (C=O) and CH contributions with respect to the diffuse organic matter in Ryugu whole-rock and IOM residue.","author":[{"family":"Mathurin","given":"Jérémie"},{"family":"Bejach","given":"Laure"},{"family":"Dartois","given":"E"},{"family":"Engrand","given":"C"},{"family":"Dazzi","given":"Alexandre"},{"family":"Denisetbesseau","given":"Ariane"},{"family":"Duprat","given":"J"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Bonal","given":"L"},{"family":"Quirico","given":"É"},{"family":"Sandt","given":"Christophe"},{"family":"Borondics","given":"Ferenc"},{"family":"Barosch","given":"Jens"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Cody","given":"George"},{"family":"Gregorio","given":"Brad"},{"family":"Hashiguchi","given":"Minako"},{"family":"Kilcoyne","given":"ALD"},{"family":"Komatsu","given":"M"},{"family":"Martins","given":"Zita"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Megumi"},{"family":"Montagnac","given":"Gilles"},{"family":"Mostefaoui","given":"S"},{"family":"Nittler","given":"LR"},{"family":"Ohigashi","given":"Takuji"},{"family":"Okumura","given":"Taiga"},{"family":"Phan","given":"Van"},{"family":"Rémusat","given":"Laurent"},{"family":"Sandford","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Shigenaka","given":"Miho"},{"family":"Stroud","given":"RM"},{"family":"Suga","given":"Hiroki"},{"family":"Takahashi","given":"Yoshio"},{"family":"Takeichi","given":"Yasuo"},{"family":"Tamenori","given":"Yusuke"},{"family":"Verdierpaoletti","given":"Maximilien"},{"family":"Yamashita","given":"Shohei"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Morita","given":"Tomoyo"},{"family":"Kikuiri","given":"Mizuha"},{"family":"Amano","given":"Kana"},{"family":"Kagawa","given":"Eiichi"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Okazaki","given":"Ryuji"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"Kanako"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Hisayoshi"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Kamide","given":"Kanami"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Nakazawa","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Saiki","given":"Takanao"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Terui","given":"Fuyuto"},{"family":"Tsuda","given":"Yuichi"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Watanabe","given":"Sei‐ichiro"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Makoto"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1051/0004-6361/202347435","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202347435","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4387892136","type":"manuscript","title":"AI Supported Degradation of the Self Concept: A Theoretical Framework Grounded in Established Cognitive and Computational Mechanisms","abstract":"Human feedback is commonly utilized to finetune AI assistants. But human feedback may also encourage model responses that match user beliefs over truthful ones, a behaviour known as sycophancy. We investigate the prevalence of sycophancy in models whose finetuning procedure made use of human feedback, and the potential role of human preference judgments in such behavior. We first demonstrate that five state-of-the-art AI assistants consistently exhibit sycophancy across four varied free-form text-generation tasks. To understand if human preferences drive this broadly observed behavior, we analyze existing human preference data. We find that when a response matches a user's views, it is more likely to be preferred. Moreover, both humans and preference models (PMs) prefer convincingly-written sycophantic responses over correct ones a non-negligible fraction of the time. Optimizing model outputs against PMs also sometimes sacrifices truthfulness in favor of sycophancy. Overall, our results indicate that sycophancy is a general behavior of state-of-the-art AI assistants, likely driven in part by human preference judgments favoring sycophantic responses.","author":[{"family":"Sharma","given":"Mrinank"},{"family":"Tong","given":"Meg"},{"family":"Korbak","given":"Tomasz"},{"family":"Duvenaud","given":"David"},{"family":"Askell","given":"Amanda"},{"family":"Bowman","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Cheng","given":"Newton"},{"family":"Durmus","given":"Esin"},{"family":"Hatfield-Dodds","given":"Zac"},{"family":"Johnston","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Kravec","given":"Shauna"},{"family":"Maxwell","given":"T"},{"family":"Mccandlish","given":"Sam"},{"family":"Ndousse","given":"Kamal"},{"family":"Rausch","given":"Oliver"},{"family":"Schiefer","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Yan","given":"Da"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Miranda"},{"family":"Perez","given":"Ethan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2310.13548","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2310.13548","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393092471","type":"article-journal","title":"The late-Quaternary megafauna extinctions: Patterns, causes, ecological consequences and implications for ecosystem management in the Anthropocene","abstract":"Abstract Across the last ~50,000 years (the late Quaternary) terrestrial vertebrate faunas have experienced severe losses of large species (megafauna), with most extinctions occurring in the Late Pleistocene and Early to Middle Holocene. Debate on the causes has been ongoing for over 200 years, intensifying from the 1960s onward. Here, we outline criteria that any causal hypothesis needs to account for. Importantly, this extinction event is unique relative to other Cenozoic (the last 66 million years) extinctions in its strong size bias. For example, only 11 out of 57 species of megaherbivores (body mass ≥1,000 kg) survived to the present. In addition to mammalian megafauna, certain other groups also experienced substantial extinctions, mainly large non-mammalian vertebrates and smaller but megafauna-associated taxa. Further, extinction severity and dates varied among continents, but severely affected all biomes, from the Arctic to the tropics. We synthesise the evidence for and against climatic or modern human ( Homo sapiens ) causation, the only existing tenable hypotheses. Our review shows that there is little support for any major influence of climate, neither in global extinction patterns nor in fine-scale spatiotemporal and mechanistic evidence. Conversely, there is strong and increasing support for human pressures as the key driver of these extinctions, with emerging evidence for an initial onset linked to pre- sapiens hominins prior to the Late Pleistocene. Subsequently, we synthesize the evidence for ecosystem consequences of megafauna extinctions and discuss the implications for conservation and restoration. A broad range of evidence indicates that the megafauna extinctions have elicited profound changes to ecosystem structure and functioning. The late-Quaternary megafauna extinctions thereby represent an early, large-scale human-driven environmental transformation, constituting a progenitor of the Anthropocene, where humans are now a major player in planetary functioning. Finally, we conclude that megafauna restoration via trophic rewilding can be expected to have positive effects on biodiversity across varied Anthropocene settings.","author":[{"family":"Svenning","given":"Jens‐christian"},{"family":"Lemoine","given":"Rhys"},{"family":"Bergman","given":"Juraj"},{"family":"Buitenwerf","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Roux","given":"Elizabeth"},{"family":"Lundgren","given":"Erick"},{"family":"Mungi","given":"Ninad"},{"family":"Pedersen","given":"Rasmus"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1017/ext.2024.4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/ext.2024.4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393427125","type":"article-journal","title":"MASPEX-Europa: The Europa Clipper Neutral Gas Mass Spectrometer Investigation","abstract":"Abstract The MAss Spectrometer for Planetary EXploration (MASPEX) is a high-mass-resolution, high-sensitivity, multi-bounce time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MBTOF) capable of measuring minor species with abundances of sub-parts-per-million in Europa’s sputter-produced and radiolytically modified exosphere and in its oceanic plumes. The goal of the MASPEX-Europa investigation is to determine, through in-situ measurement of the exosphere and plume composition, whether the conditions for habitability exist or have existed on Europa. As conventionally defined, based on our knowledge of Earth life, the three fundamental conditions for habitability are: (1) the presence of liquid water; (2) the presence of organic compounds and the biogenic elements CHNOPS; and (3) a source of energy available for metabolic processes, which for Europa will most probably be chemosynthetic rather than photosynthetic. Condition (1) is already established by previous indirect (magnetic field) measurements, while MASPEX will contribute directly to the evaluation of condition (2) through highly specific compositional measurements in the Europan exosphere and plumes. The composition measurements will also contribute to the test of condition (3) through disequilibrium states of chemical reactions. Thus, the primary goal of MASPEX for Europa Clipper is to assess the habitability of Europa and specifically of its interior ocean. MASPEX has been developed successfully, and its calibration has demonstrated that it meets its specified requirements for sensitivity, dynamic range, and mass resolution. This paper reports the development of the MASPEX scientific investigation, the instrument, its performance, and calibration.","author":[{"family":"Waite","given":"JH"},{"family":"Burch","given":"JL"},{"family":"Brockwell","given":"T"},{"family":"Young","given":"DT"},{"family":"Miller","given":"G"},{"family":"Persyn","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Stone","given":"James"},{"family":"Wilson","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Miller","given":"Kelly"},{"family":"Glein","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Perryman","given":"R"},{"family":"Mcgrath","given":"MA"},{"family":"Bolton","given":"SJ"},{"family":"Mckinnon","given":"WB"},{"family":"Mousis","given":"O"},{"family":"Sephton","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Shock","given":"Everett"},{"family":"Choukroun","given":"Mathieu"},{"family":"Teolis","given":"BD"},{"family":"Wyrick","given":"DY"},{"family":"Zolotov","given":"MY"},{"family":"Ray","given":"Christine"},{"family":"Magoncelli","given":"AL"},{"family":"Raffanti","given":"Rick"},{"family":"Thorpe","given":"Rob"},{"family":"Bouquet","given":"Alexis"},{"family":"Salter","given":"Tara"},{"family":"Robinson","given":"Kirtland"},{"family":"Urdiales","given":"C"},{"family":"Tyler","given":"Y"},{"family":"Dirks","given":"G"},{"family":"Beebe","given":"C"},{"family":"Fugett","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Alexander","given":"James"},{"family":"Hanley","given":"J"},{"family":"Moorhead-Rosenberg","given":"ZA"},{"family":"Franke","given":"K"},{"family":"Pickens","given":"Keith"},{"family":"Focia","given":"RJ"},{"family":"Magee","given":"B"},{"family":"Hoeper","given":"PJ"},{"family":"Aaron","given":"David"},{"family":"Thompson","given":"Samantha"},{"family":"Persson","given":"Kristian"},{"family":"Blase","given":"Ryan"},{"family":"Dunn","given":"G"},{"family":"Killough","given":"Ronnie"},{"family":"Santos","given":"ADL"},{"family":"Rickerson","given":"RJ"},{"family":"Siegmund","given":"OHW"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-024-01061-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-024-01061-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392286325","type":"article-journal","title":"The Role of Sulfuric Acid, Abiotic–Organic Acids, and Biotic Acids on Serpentinite Dissolution and Trace Metal Release","abstract":"Organic acids produced by biota have been shown to accelerate the dissolution of minerals, possibly creating biosignatures in either reacting solutions or the solid materials. We tested aqueous alteration of serpentinite in three groups of solutions: inorganic acids, organic acids created through abiotic processes (termed “abiotic–organics”), and organic acids created through biotic processes (termed “biotic acids”) over a range of temperatures relevant to conditions on Mars and Europa. A total of 48 batch reactor experiments were carried out at 0 °C, 22 °C, and 62 °C in 16 different acids at pH 2.6 over 28 days. Additional experiments were conducted in sulfuric acid solutions to assess aqueous alteration in sulfate-rich environments. These results show that biotic acids accelerate serpentinite dissolution compared to the control inorganic acid, whereas abiotic–organic acids have little or no effect. Sulfuric acid enhances serpentinite dissolution over nitric acid. Secondary precipitates found in the presence of biotic acids were consistently enhanced in Mn, Ti, and W. We propose that these preferentially released elements and secondary minerals may be potential biosignatures. We also show that the release of the rock-forming elements Mg and Si is correlated with stability constants for the metal–acid aqueous complex, providing a possible mechanistic interpretation of the observed results.","author":[{"family":"Taylor","given":"Agnes"},{"family":"Olsen","given":"Amanda"},{"family":"Hausrath","given":"Elisabeth"},{"family":"Olsen","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Cardace","given":"Dawn"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min14030256","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min14030256","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403983006","type":"article-journal","title":"Survivability and life support in sealed mini-ecosystems with simulated planetary soils","abstract":"Establishing a sustainable life-support system for space exploration is a formidable challenge due to the vast distances, high costs, and environmental differences from Earth. Building upon the lessons from the Biosphere 2 experiment, we introduce the novel \"Ecosphere\" and \"Biosealed\" systems, self-sustaining ecosystems within customizable, enclosed containers. These systems incorporate terrestrial ecosystems and groundwater layers, offering a potential model for transplanting Earth-like biomes to extraterrestrial environments. Over 4 years, we conducted rigorous experiments and analyses to understand the dynamics of these enclosed ecosystems. We successfully mitigated moisture deficiency, a major obstacle to plant growth, by incorporating groundwater layers. Additionally, we quantified microbial communities proliferating in specific soils, including simulated lunar and Ryugu asteroid regolith, enhance plant cultivation in space environments. Metagenomic analysis of these simulated space soils revealed diverse microbial populations and their crucial role in plant growth and ecosystem stability. Notably, we identified symbiotic relationships between plants and Cyanobacteria, enhancing oxygen production, and demonstrated the potential of LED lighting as an alternative light source for plant cultivation in sun-limited space missions. We also confirmed the survival of fruit flies within these systems, relying on plant-produced oxygen and photosynthetic bacteria. Our research provides a comprehensive framework for developing future space life-support systems. The novelty of our work lies in the unique design of our enclosed ecosystems, incorporating groundwater layers and simulated extraterrestrial soils, and the detailed analysis of microbial communities within these systems. These findings offer valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions for establishing sustainable human habitats in space, including the importance of microbial management and potential health concerns related to microbial exposure.","author":[{"family":"Sato","given":"Tsubasa"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Ko"},{"family":"Koseki","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Seto","given":"Mayumi"},{"family":"Yokoyama","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Akashi","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Terada","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Kadowaki","given":"Kohmei"},{"family":"Yoshida","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Yamashiki","given":"Yosuke"},{"family":"Shimamura","given":"Teppei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-75328-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-75328-x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399357708","type":"article-journal","title":"A Fusion–Growth Protocell Model Based on Vesicle Interactions with Pyrite Particles","abstract":"Protocell models play a pivotal role in the exploration of the origin of life. Vesicles are one type of protocell model that have attracted much attention. Simple single-chain amphiphiles (SACs) and organic small molecules (OSMs) possess primitive relevance and were most likely the building blocks of protocells on the early Earth. OSM@SAC vesicles have been considered to be plausible protocell models. Pyrite (FeS2), a mineral with primitive relevance, is ubiquitous in nature and plays a crucial role in the exploration of the origin of life in the mineral–water interface scenario. “How do protocell models based on OSM@SAC vesicles interact with a mineral–water interface scenario that simulates a primitive Earth environment” remains an unresolved question. Hence, we select primitive relevant sodium monododecyl phosphate (SDP), isopentenol (IPN) and pyrite (FeS2) mineral particles to build a protocell model. The model investigates the basic physical and chemical properties of FeS2 particles and reveals the effects of the size, content and duration of interaction of FeS2 particles on IPN@SDP vesicles. This deepens the understanding of protocell growth mechanisms in scenarios of mineral–water interfaces in primitive Earth environments and provides new information for the exploration of the origin of life.","author":[{"family":"Guo","given":"Dong"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"ZY"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Jichao"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Hui"},{"family":"Hou","given":"Wanguo"},{"family":"Du","given":"Na"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/molecules29112664","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112664","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390176270","type":"article-journal","title":"Effects of Mars Global Simulant (MGS-1) on Growth and Physiology of Sweet Potato: A Space Model Plant","abstract":"Growing food autonomously on Mars is challenging due to the Martian soil’s low nutrient content and high salinity. Understanding how plants adapt and evaluating their nutritional attributes are pivotal for sustained Mars missions. This research delves into the regeneration, stress tolerance, and dietary metrics of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) across different Mars Global Simulant (MGS-1) concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 75%). In our greenhouse experiment, 75% MGS-1 concentration significantly inhibited sweet potato growth, storage root biomass, and chlorophyll content. This concentration also elevated the plant tissues’ H2O2, proline, and ascorbic acid levels. Higher MGS-1 exposures (50 and 75%) notably boosted the vital amino acids and sugar groups in the plant’s storage roots. However, increased MGS-1 concentrations notably diminished the total C:N ratio and elemental composition in both the vines and storage roots. In summary, sweet potato exhibited optimal growth, antioxidant properties, yield, and nutrient profiles at 25% MGS-1 exposure as compared to higher concentrations. This study underscores the need for future interventions, like nutrient enhancements and controlled metal accessibility, to render sweet potato a suitable plant for space-based studies.","author":[{"family":"Karthik","given":"Chinnannan"},{"family":"Somagattu","given":"Prapooja"},{"family":"Yammanuru","given":"Hyndavi"},{"family":"Nimmakayala","given":"Padma"},{"family":"Chakrabarti","given":"Manohar"},{"family":"Reddy","given":"Umesh"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/plants13010055","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010055","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400802882","type":"article-journal","title":"Solving the Puzzle of the Carbonic Acid Vibrational Spectrum – an Anharmonic Story","abstract":"Abstract Against the general belief that carbonic acid is too unstable for synthesis, it was possible to synthesize the solid[1,2] as well as gas‐phase carbonic acid.[3] It was suggested that solid carbonic acid might exist in Earth's upper troposphere and in the harsh environments of other solar bodies,[4] where it undergoes a cycle of synthesis, decomposition, and dimerization.[5] To provide spectroscopic data for probing the existence of extraterrestrial carbonic acid,[2,6] matrix‐isolation infrared (MI–IR) spectroscopy has shown to be essential.[3,4,6–8] However, early assignments within the harmonic approximation using scaling factors impeded a full interpretation of the rather complex MI–IR spectrum of H2CO3. Recently, carbonic acid was detected in the Galactic center molecular cloud,[9] triggering new interest in the anharmonic spectrum.[10] In this regard, we substantially reassign our argon MI–IR spectra based on accurate anharmonic calculations. We calculate a four‐mode potential energy surface (PES) at the explicitly correlated coupled‐cluster theory using up to triple‐zeta basis sets, i. e., CCSD(T)‐F12/cc‐pVTZ−F12. On this PES, we perform vibrational self‐consistent field and configuration interaction (VSCF/VCI) calculations to obtain accurate vibrational transition frequencies and resonance analysis of the fundamentals, first overtones, and combination bands. In total, 12 new bands can be assigned, extending the spectral data for carbonic acid and thus simplifying detection in more complex environments. Furthermore, we clarify disputed assignments between the cc‐ and ct‐conformer.","author":[{"family":"Schlagin","given":"Jonas"},{"family":"Dinu","given":"Dennis"},{"family":"Bernard","given":"Jürgen"},{"family":"Loerting","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Grothe","given":"Hinrich"},{"family":"Liedl","given":"Klaus"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/cphc.202400274","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cphc.202400274","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4396802874","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogical approach on laboratory weathering of uncontaminated Ryugu particles: Comparison with Orgueil and perspective for storage and analysis","abstract":"Abstract Although CI chondrites are susceptible to terrestrial weathering on Earth, the specific processes are unknown. To elucidate the weathering mechanism, we conduct a laboratory experiment using pristine particles from asteroid Ryugu. Air‐exposed particles predominantly develop small‐sized euhedral Ca‐S‐rich grains (0.5–1 μm) on the particle surface and along open cracks. Both transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron‐based computed tomography combined with XRD reveal that the grains are hydrous Ca‐sulfate. Notably, this phase does not form in vacuum‐ or nitrogen‐stored particles, suggesting this result is due to laboratory weathering. We also compare the Orgueil CI chondrite with the altered Ryugu particles. Due to the weathering of pyrrhotite and dolomite, Orgueil contains a significant amount of gypsum and ferrihydrite. We suggest that mineralogical changes due to terrestrial weathering of particles returned directly from asteroid occur even after a short‐time air exposure. Consequently, conducting prompt analyses and ensuring proper storage conditions are crucial, especially to preserve the primordial features of organics and volatiles.","author":[{"family":"Imae","given":"Naoya"},{"family":"Tomioka","given":"Naotaka"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Masayuki"},{"family":"Kimura","given":"Makoto"},{"family":"Yamaguchi","given":"Akira"},{"family":"Ito","given":"Motoo"},{"family":"Greenwood","given":"RC"},{"family":"Kawai","given":"Tatsuya"},{"family":"Shirai","given":"Naoki"},{"family":"Ohigashi","given":"Takuji"},{"family":"Pilorget","given":"C"},{"family":"Bibring","given":"Jean‐pierre"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Ming‐chang"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"},{"family":"Yuzawa","given":"Hayato"},{"family":"Kodama","given":"Yu"},{"family":"Yasutake","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Hirahara","given":"Kaori"},{"family":"Takeuchi","given":"Akihisa"},{"family":"Sakurai","given":"Ikuya"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Ikuo"},{"family":"Karouji","given":"Yuzuru"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14178","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14178","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399534266","type":"article-journal","title":"Understanding how space travel affects the female reproductive system to the Moon and beyond","abstract":"Abstract As the space industry grows exponentially and aspirations for space travel expand, we are entering a new era where we will very likely become an interplanetary species. Although reproduction is an essential human function and necessary for species survival, we have remarkably little knowledge regarding the impact of space travel on the female reproductive system. The effects of spaceflight on human reproductive potential, fertility, implantation and subsequent pregnancy resulting in a healthy live birth must be considered before planning prolonged spaceflight missions and the colonization of planets. In this review, we explore what is known and what remains to be learned about the effects of space travel on female reproductive endocrinology. We also delve deeper into reproductive endocrinology and discuss normal physiologic mechanisms at the molecular level to have a better understanding of how it may change during spaceflight. The rigors of spaceflight including radiation, gravitational stressors, and circadian rhythm changes could potentially affect ovulation, fertilization, endometrial receptivity, preimplantation embryo development, embryo implantation, placentation, and pregnancy. Thus, we will examine what is known about spaceflight effects on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, ovarian folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, early embryogenesis, endometrial receptivity, and pregnancy. We further discuss the recent advances in reproductive endocrinology and future research platforms. Establishing a better understanding of the effect of space travel on female reproductive health, as well as developing countermeasures to mitigate adverse effects, are decisive components of our species’ successful transition to an interplanetary one.","author":[{"family":"Mathyk","given":"Begüm"},{"family":"Imudia","given":"Anthony"},{"family":"Quaas","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Halıcıgil","given":"Cihan"},{"family":"Karouia","given":"Fathi"},{"family":"Avci","given":"Pinar"},{"family":"Nelson","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Guzeloglukayisli","given":"Ozlem"},{"family":"Denbo","given":"Miriah"},{"family":"Sanders","given":"Lauren"},{"family":"Scott","given":"Ryan"},{"family":"Başar","given":"Murat"},{"family":"Guevara-Cerdán","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Strug","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Monseur","given":"Brent"},{"family":"Kayisli","given":"Umit"},{"family":"Szewczyk","given":"Nathaniel"},{"family":"Mason","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Young","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Taşoğlu","given":"Savaş"},{"family":"Costes","given":"Sylvain"},{"family":"Beheshti","given":"Afshin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s44294-024-00009-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s44294-024-00009-z","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4313427299","type":"article-journal","title":"The fusion crust of the Winchcombe meteorite: A preserved record of atmospheric entry processes","abstract":"Abstract Fusion crusts form during the atmospheric entry heating of meteorites and preserve a record of the conditions that occurred during deceleration in the atmosphere. The fusion crust of the Winchcombe meteorite closely resembles that of other stony meteorites, and in particular CM2 chondrites, since it is dominated by olivine phenocrysts set in a glassy mesostasis with magnetite, and is highly vesicular. Dehydration cracks are unusually abundant in Winchcombe. Failure of this weak layer is an additional ablation mechanism to produce large numbers of particles during deceleration, consistent with the observation of pulses of plasma in videos of the Winchcombe fireball. Calving events might provide an observable phenomenon related to meteorites that are particularly susceptible to dehydration. Oscillatory zoning is observed within olivine phenocrysts in the fusion crust, in contrast to other meteorites, perhaps owing to temperature fluctuations resulting from calving events. Magnetite monolayers are found in the crust, and have also not been previously reported, and form discontinuous strata. These features grade into magnetite rims formed on the external surface of the crust and suggest the trapping of surface magnetite by collapse of melt. Magnetite monolayers may be a feature of meteorites that undergo significant degassing. Silicate warts with dendritic textures were observed and are suggested to be droplets ablated from another stone in the shower. They, therefore, represent the first evidence for intershower transfer of ablation materials and are consistent with the other evidence in the Winchcombe meteorite for unusually intense gas loss and ablation, despite its low entry velocity.","author":[{"family":"Genge","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Alesbrook","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Almeida","given":"NV"},{"family":"Bates","given":"HC"},{"family":"Bland","given":"PA"},{"family":"Boyd","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Burchell","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Collins","given":"GS"},{"family":"Cornwell","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Devillepoix","given":"Hadrien"},{"family":"Ginneken","given":"Matthias"},{"family":"Greshake","given":"A"},{"family":"Hallatt","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Hamann","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Hecht","given":"Lutz"},{"family":"Jenkins","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Johnson","given":"D"},{"family":"Jones","given":"Rosie"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Mansour","given":"Haithem"},{"family":"Mcmullan","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Mitchell","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Rollinson","given":"Gavyn"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Schröder","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Stephen","given":"NR"},{"family":"Suttle","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Tandy","given":"Jon"},{"family":"Trimby","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Sansom","given":"Eleanor"},{"family":"Spathis","given":"Vassilia"},{"family":"Willcocks","given":"Francesca"},{"family":"Wozniakiewicz","given":"Penelope"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13937","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13937","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4395089230","type":"article-journal","title":"Drilling rock image segmentation and analysis using segment anything model","abstract":"Image processing and analysis techniques are commonly utilized in various fields such as geology, underwater engineering, environmental conservation, marine resource exploration, and soil and geological assessments, particularly for examining drilling rock samples. However, processing images of rocks drilled underwater is challenging due to the intricate nature of aquatic settings, where factors such as light reflection and refraction, irregular sizes of rocks, and overlapping particles introduce noise, obscure textures, and distort colors in the images. Although improved versions of the mask region-based convolutional neural network have shown promise for quick and accurate analysis of large sets of underwater rock images, these methods can still be affected by inconsistencies in rock appearance, texture, and lighting. To address these issues, a comprehensive approach is introduced using the segment anything model. Our methodology begins with the application of Gaussian filters to reduce noise and smooth images, followed by the deployment of underwater image enhancement. Further, histogram equalization is applied to better the contrast and employ the segment anything model approach for the detailed understanding of rock features by extracting information on rock size and shape. EeEquivalent area circle diameter and axial ratio are used to generate particle size alignment maps and to ascertain shape details. Our approach has achieved an average precision rate of 80.6%, outperforming other strategies and yielding more precise rock information analysis. Document Type: Original article Cited as: Shan, L., Liu, Y., Du, K., Paul, S., Zhang, X., Hei, X. Drilling rock image segmentation and analysis using segment anything model. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2024, 12(2): 89-101. https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2024.05.02","author":[{"family":"Shan","given":"Liqun"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yanchang"},{"family":"Du","given":"Ke"},{"family":"Paul","given":"Shovon"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Xingli"},{"family":"Hei","given":"Xiali"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.46690/ager.2024.05.02","URL":"https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2024.05.02","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392550051","type":"article-journal","title":"Pore-scale physics of ice melting within unconsolidated porous media revealed by non-destructive magnetic resonance characterization","abstract":"Abstract Melting of ice in porous media widely exists in energy and environment applications as well as extraterrestrial water resource utilization. In order to characterize the ice-water phase transition within complicated opaque porous media, we employ the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and imaging (MRI) approaches. Transient distributions of transverse relaxation timeT2from NMR enable us to reveal the substantial role of inherent throat and pore confinements in ice melting among porous media. More importantly, the increase in minimumT2provides new findings on how the confinement between ice crystal and particle surface evolves inside the pore. For porous media with negligible gravity effect, both the changes in NMR-determined melting rate and our theoretical analysis of melting front confirm that conduction is the dominant heat transfer mode. The evolution of mushy melting front and 3D spatial distribution of water content are directly visualized by a stack of temporal cross-section images from MRI, in consistency with the corresponding NMR results. For heterogeneous porous media like lunar regolith simulant, theT2distribution shows two distinct pore size distributions with different pore-scale melting dynamics, and its maximumT2keeps increasing till the end of melting process instead of reaching steady in homogeneous porous media.","author":[{"family":"Haile","given":"Natnael"},{"family":"Sajjad","given":"Muhammad"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yadong"},{"family":"Alamoodi","given":"Nahla"},{"family":"Almarzooqi","given":"Faisal"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Tiejun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-56294-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56294-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403388151","type":"article-journal","title":"Reliable paleomagnetic records from single-vortex iron particles","abstract":"Paleointensity observations from meteorites provide insights into planetary formation and evolution. Meteoritic samples are usually dominated by Fe-rich kamacite, which is capable of faithfully recording the ancient dynamo activity of meteorites’ parent body. To retrieve paleointensity estimates, experimental protocols assume that samples are dominated by uniformly magnetized particles. However, most magnetic carriers observed in extraterrestrial samples are non-uniformly magnetized. This inconsistency represents a major impediment in reliably reconstructing paleointensities from meteorites. Here we present the State Group Algorithm (SGA); a micromagnetic based model capable of efficiently simulating thermoremance acquisition of magnetic particles with a single-vortex domain state. The results show that iron particles can acquire thermoremance that is linear with the external field up to ∼100 µT. Single-vortex cooling rate effects are generally weaker than those of single-domain particles, providing more accurate paleointensity estimates. A small number of particles exhibit inverse cooling rate effects, leading to underestimates in paleointensity.","author":[{"family":"Chen","given":"Shichu"},{"family":"Berndt","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Wyn"},{"family":"Devienne","given":"José"},{"family":"Nagy","given":"Lesleis"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Peihong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.22541/essoar.172893845.57303914/v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.22541/essoar.172893845.57303914/v1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400207869","type":"article-journal","title":"Recurrent planetesimal formation in an outer part of the early solar system","abstract":"Abstract The formation of planets in our solar system encompassed various stages of accretion of planetesimals that formed in the protoplanetary disk within the first few million years at different distances to the sun. Their chemical diversity is reflected by compositionally variable meteorite groups from different parent bodies. There is general consensus that their formation location is roughly constrained by a dichotomy of nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies, relating carbonaceous (C) meteorite parent bodies to the outer protoplanetary disk and the non-carbonaceous (NC) parent bodies to an origin closer to the sun. It is a common idea, that in these inner parts of the protoplanetary disks, planetesimal accretion processes were faster. Testing such scenarios requires constraining formation ages of meteorite parent bodies. Although isotopic age dating can yield precise formation ages of individual mineral constituents of meteorites, such ages frequently represent mineral cooling ages that can postdate planetesimal formation by millions or tens of millions of years, depending on the cooling history of individual planetesimals at different depths. Nevertheless, such cooling ages provide a detailed thermal history which can be fitted by thermal evolution models that constrain the formation age of individual parent bodies. Here we apply state-of-the-art thermal evolution models to constrain planetesimal formation times particular in the outer solar system formation region of C meteorites. We infer a temporally distributed accretion of various parent bodies from $$<0.6$$ < 0.6 Ma to $$\\approx 4$$ ≈ 4 Ma after solar system formation, with 3.7 Ma and $$2.5-2.75$$ 2.5 - 2.75 Ma for the parent bodies of CR1-3 chondrites and the Flensburg carbonaceous chondrite, and $$<0.6$$ < 0.6 and $$<0.7$$ < 0.7 Ma for the parent bodies of differentiated achondrites NWA 6704 and NWA 011, respectively. This implies that accretion processes in the C reservoir started as early as in the NC reservoir and were operating throughout typical protoplanetary disk lifetimes, thereby producing differentiated parent bodies with carbonaceous compositions in addition to undifferentiated C chondrite parent bodies. The accretion times correlate inversely with the degree of the meteorites’ alteration, metamorphism, or differentiation. The accretion times for the CM, CI, Ryugu, and Tafassite parent bodies of 3.8 Ma, 3.8 Ma, $$1-3$$ 1 - 3 Ma, and 1.1 Ma, respectively, fit well into this correlation in agreement with the thermal and alteration conditions suggested by these meteorites. Our results indicate that individual planetesimals formed rapidly (i.e., within $$<1$$ < 1 Ma), however, distinct planetesimals formed recurrently throughout the total lifetime of the protoplanetary disk. Rapid individual formation is consistent with streaming instabilities assisted by gravitational collapse. However, obviously not the total dust inventory was consumed at early disk evolution stages, so there must have been some delay mechanisms, e.g. collisional destruction of precursor aggregates due to high impact velocities induced by radial drift phenomena. This counterbalance enabled late ( $$>2-3$$ > 2 - 3 Ma) accretion of C planetesimals beyond the snow line which escaped severe planetesimal heating and volatile loss, hence, preserving their volatiles, especially water. Only this delayed formation of water-rich planetesimals allowed Earth to accrete sufficient water to become a habitable planet, preventing it from being a bone dry planet.","author":[{"family":"Neumann","given":"W"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Ning"},{"family":"Bouvier","given":"Audrey"},{"family":"Trieloff","given":"M"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-63768-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-63768-4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403635651","type":"article-journal","title":"On-The-Flight trapping, LIBS analysis and discrimination of single meteorite particles generated by laser ablation","abstract":"Thousands of micrometeorites fall to the Earth on a daily basis. Most of these meteorites have a rocky composition, but others are mainly composed of iron and nickel. Due to their small size, often ca. 100 μm in diameter, the process of searching for, collecting, and identifying these samples is remarkably tedious. In this work, we introduce a minimally invasive methodology for evaluating the full elemental composition of micrometeorites using optical emission spectroscopy of single particles produced by laser ablation of bulk targets. Bulk meteorite samples were directly ablated within an ablation cell. From few micrograms of ablated matrix, we originated dry aerosols consisting of multielemental particles which were representative of the sample chemistry. SEM images confirmed that the generated particles exhibited spherical geometry. Particles were first optically trapped in air and, then, analyzed by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). LIBS spectra evidenced compositional differences among samples. For example, Campo de Cielo meteorite featured a high iron content due to its metallic nature whereas LIBS results for Jbilet Winselwan and NWA 869 suggested that pyroxene components dominated the composition of the samples. In contrast, NWA 13739 and Vaca Muerta contained high aluminum intensity, thus indicating that the feldspathic component was dominant, as then verified by XRD. The intra-sample compositional variability were quite satisfactory, as revealed by the RSD data, below 45 %. For quantitative analysis, the percentages of FeO, SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Na 2 O, MgO, TiO 2 , CaO, K 2 O, MnO, SrO, Cr 2 O 3 , and Li 2 O were calculated using CF-LIBS. This work demonstrates the applicability of laser excitation of individual particles in an optical trap for the multielemental analysis of meteorites. The methodology provides a complete overview of the samples, is capable of classificating them according to their main phases and yield preliminary quantitative information about those phases. Therefore, we present a minimally destructive pathway to be used as the first step in the inspection of these delicate samples. If the particles represent nanostructures inherent to the meteorites, it would constitute a major step in the analysis of extraterrestrial material that may provide fundamental insights into the structure and composition of the original materials at the microscale, a topic that remains an active area of research worldwide. • OC-OT-LIBS allows the selective sampling of the meteorite, thus ensuring the representativeness of the bulk material. • Micrometeorite-simulating particles were produced by laser ablation of bulk meteorites. • Particles from five different types of meteorites were optically trapped and then analyzed by LIBS. • A ternary diagram based on LIBS intensity allows to differentiate the meteorites based on their chemical composition. • The multi-elemental composition of particles were determined using a calibration-free (CF-LIBS) procedure.","author":[{"family":"Burgos-Palop","given":"C"},{"family":"Fortes","given":"Francisco"},{"family":"Purohit","given":"Pablo"},{"family":"Delgado","given":"T"},{"family":"Laserna","given":"JJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.aca.2024.343361","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2024.343361","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390741703","type":"article-journal","title":"Curation protocol of Phobos sample returned by Martian Moons eXploration","abstract":"Abstract Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission will launch a spacecraft in 2024 to return samples from Phobos in 2029. Curatorial work for the returned Phobos samples is critical for the sample allocation without degrading the sample integrity and subsequent sample analysis that will provide new constraints on the origin of Phobos and the evolution of the circum‐Mars environment. The Sample Analysis Working Team of the MMX is designing the sample curation protocol. The curation protocol consists of three phases: (1) quick analysis (extraction and mass spectrometry for gases), (2) pre‐basic characterization (bulk‐scale observation), and (3) basic characterization (grain‐by‐grain observation and allocation of the sample aliquots). Nondestructive analyses within the clean chamber (e.g., visible and near‐infrared spectral imaging) and outside the chamber (e.g., gas mass spectrometry) are incorporated into the curation flow in coordination with the MMX mission instrument teams for ground‐truthing the remote‐sensing data sets. The MMX curation/sample analysis flow enables the seamless integration between the sample and remote‐sensing data sets to maximize the scientific value of the collected Phobos samples.","author":[{"family":"Fukai","given":"Ryota"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Fujiya","given":"Wataru"},{"family":"Takano","given":"Yoshinori"},{"family":"Bajo","given":"Ken‐ichi"},{"family":"Beck","given":"AW"},{"family":"Bonato","given":"Enrica"},{"family":"Chabot","given":"NL"},{"family":"Furukawa","given":"Yoshihiro"},{"family":"Genda","given":"Hidenori"},{"family":"Hibiya","given":"Yuki"},{"family":"Jourdan","given":"Fred"},{"family":"Kleine","given":"T"},{"family":"Koike","given":"Mizuho"},{"family":"Matsuoka","given":"M"},{"family":"Miura","given":"Yayoi"},{"family":"Moynier","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Okazaki","given":"Ryuji"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Sumino","given":"Hirochika"},{"family":"Zolensky","given":"ME"},{"family":"Sugahara","given":"Haruna"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"Kanako"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Cho","given":"Yuichiro"},{"family":"Kuramoto","given":"Kiyoshi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14121","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393178876","type":"article-journal","title":"LIME: Lunar Irradiance Model of ESA, a new tool for absolute radiometric calibration using the Moon","abstract":"Abstract. Absolute calibration of Earth observation (EO) sensors is key to ensuring long-term stability and interoperability, and it is essential for long-term global climate records and forecasts. The Moon provides a photometrically stable calibration source within the range of the Earth's radiometric levels and is free from atmospheric interference. However, to use this ideal calibration source, one must model the variation in its disc-integrated irradiance resulting from changes in Sun–Earth–Moon geometries. The Lunar Irradiance Model of the European Space Agency (LIME) is a new lunar irradiance model developed from ground-based observations acquired using a lunar radiometer operating from the Izaña Atmospheric Observatory near Mount Teide, located in Tenerife, Spain. Nightly top-of-atmosphere (TOA) irradiance is determined using the Langley plot method, and each observation is traceable to the international system of units (SI) through the radiometer calibration performed at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Approximately 590 lunar observations acquired between March 2018 and December 2022 currently contribute to the model parameter derivation, which builds on the widely used ROLO (Robotic Lunar Observatory) model analytical formulation. This paper presents the strategy used to derive LIME parameters: the characterisation of the lunar radiometer, the derivation of nightly top-of-atmosphere lunar irradiance and a description of the model parameter derivation, along with the associated metrologically rigorous uncertainty. The model output has been compared to PROBA-V, Pléiades and Sentinel-3B, as well as to the VITO implementation of the ROLO model. Initial results indicate that LIME predicts 3 %–5 % higher lunar-disc-integrated irradiance than the ROLO model for the visible and near-infrared channels. The model output has an expanded (k=2) radiometric uncertainty of ∼ 2 % at the lunar radiometer wavelengths, and it is expected that planned observations until at least 2024 further constrain the model parameters in subsequent updates.","author":[{"family":"Toledano","given":"Carlos"},{"family":"Taylor","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Barreto","given":"África"},{"family":"Adriaensen","given":"Stefan"},{"family":"Berjón","given":"A"},{"family":"Białek","given":"Agnieszka"},{"family":"González","given":"Ramiro"},{"family":"Woolliams","given":"Emma"},{"family":"Bouvet","given":"Marc"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.5194/acp-24-3649-2024","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3649-2024","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4387783794","type":"article-journal","title":"Moving to Mars: The Feasibility and Desirability of Mars Settlements","abstract":"The on-going space settlement debate has raised questions whether it is possible to settle other planets, and if it was, is it something humans should do. The problem with this space ethical discussion is that it can easily become too vague. To avoid this problem, we suggest a framework for identifying relevant variables that affect the feasibility constraints and desirability factors of establishing space settlements. The variables we focus on include the settlement stage, scale and time frame. Based on the relevant literature, we take mission cost, survival, habitation, water, in situ resources for food, oxygen and fuel energy and dependence on Earth as feasibility constraints that are relevant for the framework. None of them are hard constraints, but rather soft feasibility constraints that make it difficult to establish a permanent human settlement on Mars in the near- to medium-term future. However, in the past, humanity has achieved goals that first seemed infeasible. To justify the costs and effort, the goal must be highly morally desirable. We discuss five different desirability factors that could help justify the effort but as each framework has unique feasibility constraints, not all of these factors are sufficient or necessary to justify this effort. We argue that some of the desirability factors prominent in space ethical literature are not sufficient or necessary in our framework, and thus, we conclude that the normative grounds for establishing a permanent Mars settlement in the foreseeable future are weak.","author":[{"family":"Puumala","given":"Mikko"},{"family":"Sivula","given":"Oskari"},{"family":"Lehto","given":"Kirsi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.spacepol.2023.101590","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2023.101590","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4381125304","type":"article-journal","title":"Magnetotelluric Imaging of the Lithospheric Structure of the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen: Evidence for Long‐Term Weakening Caused by Rifting","abstract":"Abstract Magnetotelluric data were used to study the lithosphere structure of the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen (SOA). Inversion of the data revealed two low resistivity anomalies beneath the SOA. The first is located in the depth range 0–90 km in the crust and upper lithospheric mantle. The second extends from a depth 100 km to the base of the lithospheric mantle and extends away from the SOA to the ends of the profile. The cause of low resistivity anomalies is discussed in relation to the tectonic evolution of the region and recent laboratory experiments on rock conductivity. The first anomaly is attributed to the combination of (a) water present in mantle minerals and (b) the formation of hydrous mineral phases by interactions between a plume and the lithosphere during rifting. Grain size reduction and fabric alignment from deformation during the Ancestral Rocky Mountain (ARM) orogeny may have also contributed to the low resistivity. This enrichment phase may have mechanically weakened the lithosphere and allowed deformation to occur during the ARM orogeny. The low resistivity of the deeper anomaly is attributed to a fluorine‐enriched phlogopite layer that is also coincident with an observed seismic mid‐lithosphere discontinuity (MLD). A lithosphere keel of mantle minerals enriched in water underlies this layer and may have formed by accretion of the plume head to the lower lithosphere after rifting, which also rethickened the lithosphere to its present‐day depths. The MLD may then reflect a melt layer along a paleo lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary entombed during the accretion.","author":[{"family":"Chase","given":"Brandon"},{"family":"Unsworth","given":"Martyn"},{"family":"Atekwana","given":"Eliot"},{"family":"Evans","given":"RL"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Jian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023jb026555","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023jb026555","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4367319727","type":"article-journal","title":"Formation of Amino Acids and Carboxylic Acids in Weakly Reducing Planetary Atmospheres by Solar Energetic Particles from the Young Sun","abstract":"Life most likely started during the Hadean Eon; however, the environmental conditions which contributed to the complexity of its chemistry are poorly known. A better understanding of various environmental conditions, including global (heliospheric) and local (atmospheric, surface, and oceanic), along with the internal dynamic conditions of the early Earth, are required to understand the onset of abiogenesis. Herein, we examine the contributions of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and solar energetic particles (SEPs) associated with superflares from the young Sun to the formation of amino acids and carboxylic acids in weakly reduced gas mixtures representing the early Earth’s atmosphere. We also compare the products with those introduced by lightning events and solar ultraviolet light (UV). In a series of laboratory experiments, we detected and characterized the formation of amino acids and carboxylic acids via proton irradiation of a mixture of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen, and water in various mixing ratios. These experiments show the detection of amino acids after acid hydrolysis when 0.5% (v/v) of initial methane was introduced to the gas mixture. In the set of experiments with spark discharges (simulation of lightning flashes) performed for the same gas mixture, we found that at least 15% methane was required to detect the formation of amino acids, and no amino acids were detected in experiments via UV irradiation, even when 50% methane was used. Carboxylic acids were formed in non-reducing gas mixtures (0% methane) by proton irradiation and spark discharges. Hence, we suggest that GCRs and SEP events from the young Sun represent the most effective energy sources for the prebiotic formation of biologically important organic compounds from weakly reducing atmospheres. Since the energy flux of space weather, which generated frequent SEPs from the young Sun in the first 600 million years after the birth of the solar system, was expected to be much greater than that of GCRs, we conclude that SEP-driven energetic protons are the most promising energy sources for the prebiotic production of bioorganic compounds in the atmosphere of the Hadean Earth.","author":[{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Kensei"},{"family":"Ise","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Aoki","given":"Ryohei"},{"family":"Kinoshita","given":"Miei"},{"family":"Naito","given":"Koki"},{"family":"Udo","given":"Takumi"},{"family":"Kunwar","given":"Bhagawati"},{"family":"Takahashi","given":"Junichi"},{"family":"Shibata","given":"Hiromi"},{"family":"Mita","given":"Hajime"},{"family":"Fukuda","given":"Hitoshi"},{"family":"Oguri","given":"Yoshiyuki"},{"family":"Kawamura","given":"Kimitaka"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Airapetian","given":"Vladimir"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life13051103","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life13051103","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4383818093","type":"article-journal","title":"Design of Man-Machine Synergic Lunar Coring Device and Its Coring Dynamic Analysis","abstract":"The Moon is the closest extraterrestrial celestial body to the Earth. Sampling and analysis of lunar regolith or rocks can pave the way for the development and utilization of lunar resources. The acquisition of lunar regolith samples with original stratigraphic information by astronauts on the lunar surface is one of the essential missions in the manned lunar landing project. Therefore, to maintain the original stratigraphic information of the lunar samples during the sampling process while further improving the coring rate and sampling depth, a handheld dual-mode lunar regolith coring device is proposed in this paper. The device innovatively combines impact penetration and rotary drilling sampling, which allows the selection of a suitable sampling method according to the environment. In addition, this study designs a synergic coring device that can be operated by the astronaut and carried on the lander or rover based on the handheld coring device, which can ensure safe and stable coring mission. The mechanical analysis is carried out for the key properties in the coring device, the corresponding mechanical model is established, the structural parameters are optimally designed, and the performance analysis is carried out accordingly. Finally, the impact and drilling process of the coring device is simulated in explicit dynamics, and the results show that the optimized impact module can effectively penetrate the lunar rocks. The research work will provide technical reference and theoretical support for the design of human–machine synergic coring devices in manned lunar exploration missions.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Xu"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Guoqing"},{"family":"Gao","given":"Mingzhong"},{"family":"Wen","given":"Yufeng"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Yaohui"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/app13137961","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137961","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4362722567","type":"article-journal","title":"Curation planning and facilities for asteroid Bennu samples returned by the OSIRIS‐RE x mission","abstract":"Abstract NASA's OSIRIS‐REx spacecraft collected samples from carbonaceous near‐Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu on October 20, 2020, and will deliver them to the Earth on September 24, 2023. The samples will be processed at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), where most of the sample collection will be subsequently curated in a new cleanroom suite. The spacecraft collected loose regolith two ways: in a bulk sample chamber capable of holding up to 2 kg, and on industrial Velcro “contact pads” intended to collect small particles at the surface. Included in the JSC collection will be the bulk sample, the contact pads, contamination‐monitoring witness plates, and supporting hardware. Planning for the curation of the samples and hardware started at the earliest phase of proposal development and continued in parallel with project development and execution. Because a major mission goal is characterization of organic compounds in the Bennu samples, extra effort was spent in the design stage to ensure a clean curation environment. Here, we describe the preparations to receive the sample, including the design, construction, outfitting, and monitoring of the cleanrooms at JSC; the planned recovery of the sample‐containing capsule when it lands on Earth; and the approach to characterizing and cataloging the samples. These curation efforts will result in the distribution of pristine Bennu samples from JSC to the OSIRIS‐REx science team, international partners, and the global scientific community for years to come.","author":[{"family":"Righter","given":"K"},{"family":"Lunning","given":"NG"},{"family":"Nakamuramessenger","given":"K"},{"family":"Snead","given":"CJ"},{"family":"Mcquillan","given":"Jeffrey"},{"family":"Calaway","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Allums","given":"KK"},{"family":"Rodriguez","given":"Mitchell"},{"family":"Funk","given":"RC"},{"family":"Harrington","given":"R"},{"family":"Connelly","given":"W"},{"family":"Cowden","given":"T"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13973","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13973","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392761544","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbial supplements for extraterrestrial environments","abstract":"In 2025, the Artemis II marks the first crewed mission orbiting the Moon, with plans for subsequent missions landing astronauts near the lunar South Pole and NASA aims to reach Mars by the 2030s. The growing interest in space underscores the increasing importance of long-term human presence in space missions. Challenges such as human health and sustainable food preservation persist in establishing settlements on other planetary bodies. Space agencies are developing regenerative life support systems utilizing hydroponic cultivation of plants and microalgae, fueled by crew waste as fertilizers. While biological systems could sustain astronauts, the predominantly vegan diets lack essential micronutrients. To address this, integrating microbial-based food supplements into current bioregenerative systems is crucial for ensuring a balanced diet and maintaining the health of space explorers. The aim of this project is to develop an alternative food system by growing microorganisms in space-related conditions and using their biomass, or products thereof, as food supplements for space travelers on long-duration space missions, e.g. to Mars. We select and study the impact of space conditions on microorganisms that can provide useful micronutrients for future space travelers, which cannot be fully provided by vegan diets. This will be done by selecting a range of candidate beneficial microorganisms. Various options are available, including Bacillus subtilis spp., which can produce riboflavin (vitamin B2) and whose spores have already been tested on Mars analog surfaces (Cortesão et al., 2019). Limosilactobacillus reuteri could be used as supplement of riboflavin (Spacova et al., 2022) and has previously been shown to increase its production of reuterin under simulated microgravity conditions (Senatore et al., 2020). In addition, the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is a well-known producer of essential amino acids, PUFA, MUFA, and vitamin B complexes (Jach & Malm, 2022). Final strain selection will be based on (i) their ability and efficiency to produce micronutrients, (ii) their safety and health promoting (incl. Radiation protective) properties, (iii) their ability to survive and maintain production efficiency under extreme environments, including ionizing radiation and microgravity, and (iv) their compatibility with bio-based in situ resource utilization techniques (e.g., gas or mineral sources from Martian atmosphere or regolith through biomining) to increase loop-closure. The selected strains will be stored, revived and grown in simulated Martian conditions, to test their long-term stability and preservation as food supplement source. Through international collaborations, we will test these conditions using reduced-gravity simulators, space radiation analogs, and substrates based on lysed cells of bacteria previously grown on regolith simulants, such as Chroococcidopsis sp. (Billi et al., 2021), and Anabaena sp., which has already been used to grow Bacillus subtilis from its inactivated biomass (Verseux, 2018). At the end of this 4-year PhD research project, the expected outcome is to improve the nutritional well-being of future space travelers settling on other planets, and also to generate innovative insights applicable to Earth-based fields such as biotechnology, radioprotection, and environmental science. References Billi, D., Gallego Fernandez, B., Fagliarone, C., Chiavarini, S., & Rothschild, L. J. (2021). Exploiting a perchlorate-tolerant desert cyanobacterium to support bacterial growth for in situ resource utilization on Mars. International Journal of Astrobiology, 20(1), 29–35. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1473550420000300 Cortesão, M., Fuchs, F. M., Commichau, F. M., Eichenberger, P., Schuerger, A. C., Nicholson, W. L., Setlow, P., & Moeller, R. (2019). Bacillus subtilis spore resistance to simulated mars surface conditions. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10(FEB). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2019.00333 Jach, M. E., & Malm, A. (2022). ","author":[{"family":"Ellena","given":"Gabriele"},{"family":"Santomartino","given":"Rosa"},{"family":"Mazzoli","given":"Arianna"},{"family":"Spacova","given":"Irina"},{"family":"Leys","given":"Natalie"},{"family":"Lebeer","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Mastroleo","given":"Felice"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.14293/p2199-8442.1.sop-.pfdufp.v2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.14293/p2199-8442.1.sop-.pfdufp.v2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390577631","type":"article-journal","title":"The Role of Fish in Global Food and Nutrition Security: Current Aspects and Future Prospect","abstract":"This article describes the current aspects and future prospect of fish usage in consumer’s meals to cover the deficiency of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, globally. Currently, most of the human population is facing health problems such as cancer, depression, early aging, heart, brain, and autoimmune diseases, etc. due to the lack of essential elements in the routine diet. Fish is blessed as an enriched source of Omega-3, Calcium, Iodine, IL-1, Lysine, Vitamin A, D3, and many more to combat above mentioned problems. Fish is not only a reliable source of income generation from the beginning of the World Era but also provides essential nutrients to the poor community. Traditionally, it is the source of earnings for more than 100 million people and supplies livelihood to 660-820 million people worldwide. It is estimated that fish production and consumption are going to increase from 178.5 to 204.4 million tons and 18.7 kg per capita to 22.5 kg, respectively, during 2018-2030. This review highlights the role of fish in global food and nutrition security by providing protein and essential nutrients to the community to attain the Sustainable Developmental Goals of the United Nations.","author":[{"family":"Bakhsh","given":"Muhammad"},{"family":"Ghazali","given":"Muhammad"},{"family":"Yar","given":"Muhammad"},{"family":"Channo","given":"Abdullah"},{"family":"Kashif","given":"Muhammad"},{"family":"Ijaz","given":"Muawuz"},{"family":"Subhan","given":"Abdul"},{"family":"Randhawa","given":"Noman"},{"family":"Waqar","given":"Zeeshan"},{"family":"Shehzad","given":"Asif"},{"family":"Kaka","given":"Shafqatullah"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.57038/usjas.v7i04.6643","URL":"https://doi.org/10.57038/usjas.v7i04.6643","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4386823721","type":"article-journal","title":"Assessment of Stoichiometric Autocatalysis across Element Groups","abstract":"Autocatalysis has been proposed to play critical roles during abiogenesis. These proposals are at odds with a limited number of known examples of abiotic (and, in particular, inorganic) autocatalytic systems that might reasonably function in a prebiotic environment. In this study, we broadly assess the occurrence of stoichiometries that can support autocatalytic chemical systems through comproportionation. If the product of a comproportionation reaction can be coupled with an auxiliary oxidation or reduction pathway that furnishes a reactant, then a Comproportionation-based Autocatalytic Cycle (CompAC) can exist. Using this strategy, we surveyed the literature published in the past two centuries for reactions that can be organized into CompACs that consume some chemical species as food to synthesize more autocatalysts. 226 CompACs and 44 Broad-sense CompACs were documented, and we found that each of the 18 groups, lanthanoid series, and actinoid series in the periodic table has at least two CompACs. Our findings demonstrate that stoichiometric relationships underpinning abiotic autocatalysis could broadly exist across a range of geochemical and cosmochemical conditions, some of which are substantially different from the modern Earth. Meanwhile, the observation of some autocatalytic systems requires effective spatial or temporal separation between the food chemicals while allowing comproportionation and auxiliary reactions to proceed, which may explain why naturally occurring autocatalytic systems are not frequently observed. The collated CompACs and the conditions in which they might plausibly support complex, “life-like” chemical dynamics can directly aid an expansive assessment of life’s origins and provide a compendium of alternative hypotheses concerning false-positive biosignatures.","author":[{"family":"Peng","given":"Zhen"},{"family":"Adam","given":"Zachary"},{"family":"Fahrenbach","given":"Albert"},{"family":"Kaçar","given":"Betül"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1021/jacs.3c07041","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.3c07041","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402065005","type":"article-journal","title":"Kinetic analysis of dehydration/dehydroxylation from carbonaceous chondrites by in situ heating experiments under an infrared microscope","abstract":"Abstract CI, CM, and CR carbonaceous chondrites contain hydrous minerals, indicating that their parent bodies underwent aqueous alteration at low temperatures. Some of these chondrites, such as heated CM, CI, and CY chondrites, experienced thermal dehydration by impacts or solar radiation after aqueous alteration. This study conducted heating experiments on carbonaceous chondrites and evaluated their dehydration/dehydroxylation kinetics in an effort to explain the thermal history of the parent asteroids of heated carbonaceous chondrites using their degrees of dehydration/dehydroxylation of hydrous minerals. Murchison (CM2.5) and Ivuna (CI1), relatively primitive (having not undergone thermal alteration) carbonaceous chondrites, were used as starting materials. Weakening in the OH band at ~3680 cm−1 (2.72 μm) with isothermal heating at 350–500°C (Murchison) and 450–525°C (Ivuna) were observed under in situ infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) equipped with a heating stage. To determine the rate constants, the decrease in the OH band was fitted using kinetic models such as first‐order reactions, two‐dimensional diffusion, and three‐dimensional diffusion. The apparent activation energies and frequency factors were determined using the Arrhenius equation. Time–temperature transformation diagrams were drawn to represent the decrease in the OH‐band intensity as a function of temperature and heating duration. Such kinetic approaches can provide constraints on the temperature and time of the dehydration/dehydroxylation processes and enable us to estimate long‐term effects from experiments in the laboratory within a short time.","author":[{"family":"Zheng","given":"Mengyan"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Hayashi","given":"Yuka"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Kensei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14259","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14259","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4379380191","type":"article-journal","title":"Pilot‐scale photocatalytic detoxification and disinfection of hazardous medical wastewater","abstract":"Abstract BACKGROUND Treatment of liquid hazardous medical wastewater produced by healthcare laboratories is a global matter that has been inadequately addressed. In this study, the potential of heterogeneous and homogeneous photocatalytic oxidation to detoxify and disinfect such effluents was investigated. Experiments were performed using two toxic effluents and one of simultaneous toxic and infectious composition in pilot scale, in a novel photocatalytic inactivation system. RESULTS Photocatalytic experimental runs performed with both toxic effluents showed that photo‐Fenton‐assisted TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation under optimal conditions was the most efficient process among the tested ones, when the initial dissolved organic carbon values (DOC0) ranged from 100 to 1000 mg L−1. Furthermore, the potential of catalyst reuse was examined and verified for five sequential runs. Moreover, phytotoxicity was either eliminated or significantly reduced after photocatalytic processing under optimal conditions in the case of the second wastewater of toxic composition, while ecotoxicity showed a similar trend, highlighting the importance of extended mineralization for the removal of toxicity. The performance of the pilot photocatalytic inactivation system concerning the inactivation of bio‐pollutants was tested on five different types of microbes. Four of them were completely inactivated in relatively short periods, while survival of the more resistant bacterial endospores was found to be decreased to >99% after 5 h of treatment. CONCLUSION Toxic and infectious hazardous medical effluents are highly recalcitrant targets in terms of mineralization, detoxification and inactivation. However, photocatalytic oxidation may serve as an efficient processing tool, providing alternative or complementary solutions to this highly challenging issue. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).","author":[{"family":"Berberidou","given":"Chrysanthi"},{"family":"Tsoumachidou","given":"Sophia"},{"family":"Paspaltsis","given":"Ioannis"},{"family":"Kitsiou","given":"Vasiliki"},{"family":"Kanata","given":"Ειrini"},{"family":"Xanthopoulos","given":"Konstantinos"},{"family":"Sklaviadis","given":"Theodoros"},{"family":"Arsenakis","given":"Athansios"},{"family":"Poulios","given":"Ioannis"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1002/jctb.7448","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.7448","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4365509409","type":"article-journal","title":"Temporal nanofluid environments induce prebiotic condensation in water","abstract":"Water is a problem in understanding chemical evolution towards life's origins on Earth. Although all known life is being based on water key prebiotic reactions are inhibited by it. The prebiotic plausibility of current strategies to circumvent this paradox is questionable regarding the principle that evolution builds on existing pathways. Here, we report a straightforward way to overcome the water paradox in line with evolutionary conservatism. By utilising a molecular deposition method as a physicochemical probe, we uncovered a synergy between biomolecule assembly and temporal nanofluid conditions that emerge within transient nanoconfinements of water between suspended particles. Results from fluorometry, quantitative PCR, melting curve analysis, gel electrophoresis and computational modelling reveal that such conditions induce nonenzymatic polymerisation of nucleotides and promote basic cooperation between nucleotides and amino acids for RNA formation. Aqueous particle suspensions are a geochemical ubiquitous and thus prebiotic highly plausible setting. Harnessing nanofluid conditions in this setting for prebiotic syntheses is consistent with evolutionary conservatism, as living cells also work with temporal nanoconfined water for biosynthesis. Our findings add key insights required to understand the transition from geochemistry to biochemistry and open up systematic pathways to water-based green chemistry approaches in materials science and nanotechnology.","author":[{"family":"Herrera","given":"AGD"},{"family":"Markert","given":"TH"},{"family":"Trixler","given":"Frank"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42004-023-00872-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-023-00872-y","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4394850088","type":"article-journal","title":"Soluble Organic Compounds and Cyanide in Apollo 17 Lunar Samples: Origins and Curation Effects","abstract":"Abstract We analyzed 12 Apollo 17 samples through the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) program to determine the abundances of a variety of compound classes, including amino acids, aldehydes, ketones, amines, carboxylic acids, and cyanide‐releasing species. Analyzed samples included portions of double drive tube 73001/73002, the bottom half of which (73001) was hermetically sealed under lunar vacuum, as well as lunar regolith samples from three different illumination environments that had been curated frozen for ∼50 years. Consistent with previous results, we detected low levels of amino acids in the hot‐water extracts of most samples (0.55–12.03 nmol/g in unhydrolyzed samples; 0.53–72.38 nmol/g after acid hydrolysis of the extracts). We also detected one‐carbon and two‐carbon species of amines, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids (i.e., methylamine, ethylamine, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, formic acid, acetic acid) not previously reported in lunar samples, as well as insoluble cyanide‐forming species. Although these compounds are potential precursor molecules for amino acids, no specific precursor relationships could be determined. Nylon contamination was the likely source of some amino acids. Abundances of some species (e.g., cyanide) decreased with increasing depth in the drive tube, suggesting that exogenous delivery and concentration mechanisms near the surface outweighed surface degradation processes. In addition, we observed the potential cold trapping of volatile amines in the persistently shadowed samples analyzed. Finally, we noted the effects of different curation conditions; hermetic sealing appeared to preserve higher amounts of volatile compounds, while frozen curation did not have a noticeable preservation effect on the organic volatiles analyzed here.","author":[{"family":"Elsila","given":"Jamie"},{"family":"Aponte","given":"José"},{"family":"Mclain","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Simkus","given":"Danielle"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"DP"},{"family":"Zeigler","given":"RA"},{"family":"Mccubbin","given":"FM"},{"family":"Team","given":"The"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je008133","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je008133","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392978051","type":"article-journal","title":"Planetary Protection Knowledge Gap Closure Enabling Crewed Missions to Mars","abstract":"As focus for exploration of Mars transitions from current robotic explorers to development of crewed missions, it remains important to protect the integrity of scientific investigations at Mars, as well as protect the Earth's biosphere from any potential harmful effects from returned martian material. This is the discipline of planetary protection, and the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) maintains the consensus international policy and guidelines on how this is implemented. Based on National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA) studies that began in 2001, COSPAR adopted principles and guidelines for human missions to Mars in 2008. At that point, it was clear that to move from those qualitative provisions, a great deal of work and interaction with spacecraft designers would be necessary to generate meaningful quantitative recommendations that could embody the intent of the Outer Space Treaty (Article IX) in the design of such missions. Beginning in 2016, COSPAR then sponsored a multiyear interdisciplinary meeting series to address planetary protection \"knowledge gaps\" (KGs) with the intent of adapting and extending the current robotic mission-focused Planetary Protection Policy to support the design and implementation of crewed and hybrid exploration missions. This article describes the outcome of the interdisciplinary COSPAR meeting series, to describe and address these KGs, as well as identify potential paths to gap closure. It includes the background scientific basis for each topic area and knowledge updates since the meeting series ended. In particular, credible solutions for KG closure are described for the three topic areas of (1) microbial monitoring of spacecraft and crew health; (2) natural transport (and survival) of terrestrial microbial contamination at Mars, and (3) the technology and operation of spacecraft systems for contamination control. The article includes a KG data table on these topic areas, which is intended to be a point of departure for making future progress in developing an end-to-end planetary protection requirements implementation solution for a crewed mission to Mars. Overall, the workshop series has provided evidence of the feasibility of planetary protection implementation for a crewed Mars mission, given (1) the establishment of needed zoning, emission, transport, and survival parameters for terrestrial biological contamination and (2) the creation of an accepted risk-based compliance approach for adoption by spacefaring actors including national space agencies and commercial/nongovernment organizations.","author":[{"family":"Spry","given":"JA"},{"family":"Siegel","given":"Bette"},{"family":"Bakermans","given":"Corien"},{"family":"Beaty","given":"DW"},{"family":"Bell","given":"Mary"},{"family":"Benardini","given":"James"},{"family":"Bonaccorsi","given":"R"},{"family":"Castro-Wallace","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Coil","given":"David"},{"family":"Coustenis","given":"A"},{"family":"Doran","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Fenton","given":"LK"},{"family":"Fidler","given":"David"},{"family":"Glass","given":"B"},{"family":"Hoffman","given":"Stephen"},{"family":"Karouia","given":"Fathi"},{"family":"Levine","given":"Joel"},{"family":"Lupisella","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Martíntorres","given":"Javier"},{"family":"Mogul","given":"Rakesh"},{"family":"Olssonfrancis","given":"Karen"},{"family":"Ortega-Ugalde","given":"Sandra"},{"family":"Patel","given":"Manish"},{"family":"Pearce","given":"David"},{"family":"Race","given":"Margaret"},{"family":"Regberg","given":"AB"},{"family":"Rettberg","given":"Petra"},{"family":"Rummel","given":"John"},{"family":"Sato","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Schuerger","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Seftonnash","given":"E"},{"family":"Sharkey","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Singh","given":"Nitin"},{"family":"Sinibaldi","given":"Silvio"},{"family":"Stabekis","given":"Perry"},{"family":"Stoker","given":"C"},{"family":"Venkateswaran","given":"Kasthuri"},{"family":"Zimmerman","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Zorzano-Mier","given":"M"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2023.0092","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2023.0092","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402694383","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbial Biosignatures Associated with Iddingsite in Hadal Basalts from the Southern Mariana Trench","abstract":"Abstract Iddingsitization is an aqueous alteration that is known to take place in meteorites and continental basalts providing a potential habitat for microbial life. However, little is known about the exact mode by which this reaction occurs in the hadal seafloor and its implication for the deep subsurface biosphere. A comprehensive investigation of hadal basalts from the southern Mariana Trench (SMT) conducted with microscopic examinations shows that iddingsite occurs as augite‐hosted veins, rims, and mineral grains formed completely in place of augite within the SMT basalts. Carbon geochemistry indicates that organic matter with homogenous δ 13 C values between –27.8‰ and –27.2‰ might be biogenically accumulated in the SMT basalts. Furthermore, the close spatial relationships between carbonaceous matter (CM) and goethite in iddingsite point to microbial attachment to iddingsite minerals. Thus, iddingsitization might have fueled H 2 ‐utilizing microorganisms inhabiting the hadal oceanic crust, thereby leading to the formation of CM, as implied by oxygen isotopic compositions revealing low alteration temperatures (32–83°C) favorable for microbial growth. In all, microbial biosignatures associated with iddingsite in the SMT basalts are highlighted, and these results could pave the way for deciphering the deep subsurface biosphere at hadal zones.","author":[{"family":"Guo","given":"Zixiao"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Yazhen"},{"family":"Du","given":"Qingying"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yadong"},{"family":"Qin","given":"Guohong"},{"family":"Peng","given":"Xiaotong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/1755-6724.15187","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-6724.15187","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405230250","type":"article-journal","title":"Reliable paleomagnetic records from single-vortex iron particles","abstract":"Paleointensity observations from meteorites provide insights into planetary formation and evolution. Meteoritic samples are usually dominated by Fe-rich kamacite, that is capable of faithfully recording the ancient dynamo behavior of meteorites’ parent body. To retrieve paleointensity estimates, most experimental protocols assume that samples are dominated by uniformly magnetized particles. However, most magnetic carriers observed in extraterrestrial samples are non-uniformly magnetized. This inconsistency represents a major impediment in reliably reconstructing paleointensities from meteorites. Here we present the State Group Algorithm (SGA); a micromagnetic based model capable of efficiently simulating thermoremance acquisition of magnetic particles with a single-vortex domain state. The results show that iron particles can acquire thermoremance that is linear with the external field up to ∼100 μT. Single-vortex cooling rate effects are generally weaker than those of single-domain particles, providing more accurate paleointensity estimates. A small number of particles exhibit inverse cooling rate effects, leading to underestimates in paleointensity.","author":[{"family":"Chen","given":"Shichu"},{"family":"Berndt","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Wyn"},{"family":"Devienne","given":"José"},{"family":"Nagy","given":"Lesleis"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Peihong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.22541/essoar.173385924.43877241/v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.22541/essoar.173385924.43877241/v1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405559308","type":"article-journal","title":"The Luna Analog Facility testbeds (ESA, EAC): contemporary characterization work of highland (lunar) and mare (EAC-1) lunar regolith simulants","abstract":"The Luna Analog Facility, a joint ESA-DLR endeavour, consists of three components and spans an area of 1,000 m2, providing testbeds of simulated lunar environments. The main sections within the facility are a large area filled with lunar mare regolith simulant resembling mare regions and a smaller, individual “Dust Chamber”. The latter replicates highland conditions and contains approximately 20 tons of material, specifically simulating the fine-particle lunar regolith portion up to 250 µm. The Dust Chamber serves as a platform for testing various technologies, such as mechanical tools, robotic operations, in-situ resource utilization activities, and astronaut attire, as well as different procedures including rover and astronaut tasks. This work represents the geotechnical, geochemical and mineralogical characterization of the Lumina Sustainable Materials Ltd. 2023 batch highland simulants, from which Lunar250 is intended for use in the Luna Dust Chamber. Additionally, this work provides new results for ESA’s mare simulant, EAC-1. We provide data on particle size distribution, particle shape, abrasivity, density, water content, major and trace element geochemistry and modal mineralogy. As the simulants in the Luna Facility will be constantly overseen, this work organized by the Vulcan Facility (ESA) intends to support the monitoring of the geotechnical property variations of the simulants over time. Ultimately, we analysed several properties with different tools to emphasize how different methods and instruments affect the variability and reliability of the results.","author":[{"family":"Zemeny","given":"Aliz"},{"family":"Sardisco","given":"Lorenza"},{"family":"Quinteros","given":"Santiago"},{"family":"Mikesell","given":"TD"},{"family":"Pirrie","given":"Duncan"},{"family":"Rose","given":"Liz"},{"family":"Cowley","given":"Aidan"},{"family":"Manick","given":"K"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3389/frspt.2024.1510635","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frspt.2024.1510635","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391311596","type":"article-journal","title":"Domains of life sciences in spacefaring: what, where, and how to get involved","abstract":"The imagery from NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover has provided an opportunity for our imagination to sojourn to new worlds beyond Earth. As we embark on a journey to push the boundaries of the unforgiving and vastly uncharacterized frontier of space, we must understand how life, including our own species, could survive and thrive in the myriad space environments we will encounter. We will face unprecedented challenges in building a rich biological ecology to provide resources—from clean food and water to pharmaceuticals and materials—to derisk our extended stays off Earth with an emphasis on efficiency and minimizing environmental impact 1 , 2 . We compare and contrast the major fields for integrating biology and spacefaring—Astrobiology (AB), Bioastronautics (BA), and Space Bioprocess Engineering (SBE)—first by providing a description of what each field entails and highlighting the ways in which they may evolve and then outlining where interested biologists may begin their voyage toward these exciting avenues for study.","author":[{"family":"Berliner","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Zezulka","given":"Spencer"},{"family":"Hutchinson","given":"Gwyneth"},{"family":"Bertoldo","given":"Sophia"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Arkin","given":"Adam"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-024-00354-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-024-00354-y","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403608464","type":"article-journal","title":"Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in terrestrial extreme environments: implications for life detection beyond Earth","abstract":"Covering: 1961 to 2024Discovering and identifying unique natural products/biosignatures (signatures that can be used as evidence for past or present life) that are abundant, and complex enough that they indicate robust evidence of life is a multifaceted process. One distinct category of biosignatures being explored is organic compounds. A subdivision of these compounds not yet readily investigated are volatile organic compound (VOCs). When assessing these VOCs as a group (volatilome) a fingerprint of all VOCs within an environment allows the complex patterns in metabolic data to be unravelled. As a technique already successfully applied to many biological and ecological fields, this paper explores how analysis of volatilomes in terrestrial extreme environments could be used to enhance processes (such as metabolomics and metagenomics) already utilised in life detection beyond Earth. By overcoming some of the complexities of collecting VOCs in remote field sites, a variety of lab based analytical equipment and techniques can then be utilised. Researching volatilomics in astrobiology requires time to characterise the patterns of VOCs. They must then be differentiated from abiotic (non-living) signals within extreme environments similar to those found on other planetary bodies (analogue sites) or in lab-based simulated environments or microcosms. Such an effort is critical for understanding data returned from past or upcoming missions, but it requires a step change in approach which explores the volatilome as a vital additional tool to current 'Omics techniques.","author":[{"family":"Batty","given":"Claire"},{"family":"Pearson","given":"VK"},{"family":"Olssonfrancis","given":"Karen"},{"family":"Morgan","given":"Geraint"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1039/d4np00037d","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d4np00037d","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390099204","type":"article-journal","title":"Single-cell analysis in hypersaline brines predicts a water-activity limit of microbial anabolic activity","abstract":"Hypersaline brines provide excellent opportunities to study extreme microbial life. Here, we investigated anabolic activity in nearly 6000 individual cells from solar saltern sites with water activities ( a w ) ranging from 0.982 to 0.409 (seawater to extreme brine). Average anabolic activity decreased exponentially with a w , with nuanced trends evident at the single-cell level: The proportion of active cells remained high (>50%) even after NaCl saturation, and subsets of cells spiked in activity as a w decreased. Intracommunity heterogeneity in activity increased as seawater transitioned to brine, suggesting increased phenotypic heterogeneity with increased physiological stress. No microbial activity was detected in the 0.409- a w brine (an MgCl 2 -dominated site) despite the presence of cell-like structures. Extrapolating our data, we predict an a w limit for detectable anabolic activity of 0.540, which is beyond the currently accepted limit of life based on cell division. This work demonstrates the utility of single-cell, metabolism-based techniques for detecting active life and expands the potential habitable space on Earth and beyond.","author":[{"family":"Paris","given":"Emily"},{"family":"Arandiagorostidi","given":"Néstor"},{"family":"Klempay","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Bowman","given":"Jeff"},{"family":"Pontefract","given":"A"},{"family":"Elbon","given":"Claire"},{"family":"Glass","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Ingall","given":"Ellery"},{"family":"Doran","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Som","given":"Sanjoy"},{"family":"Schmidt","given":"BE"},{"family":"Dekas","given":"Anne"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adj3594","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adj3594","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4366827950","type":"article-journal","title":"Effect of Plasma Temperature on Major Element Prediction Accuracy From Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy","abstract":"Abstract Laser‐induced breakdown spectra (LIBS) were collected on a diverse suite of ∼2,600 geological standards using four laser energies (2.4–7.2 mJ) to assess how variations in irradiance from stand‐off distance affect prediction accuracy. Mismatches in laser energies and plasma temperatures between training and prediction datasets introduce substantial uncertainty in major element predictions. For example, using 2.4 mJ spectra to predict 7.2 mJ data results in errors of ±8.9, ±1.4, ±3.8, ±3.2, ±1.6, ±1.0, ±0.6, and ±1.0 wt% for SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, CaO, Na2O, and K2O, respectively. When plasma temperatures of unknowns are represented in a multiple‐plasma‐temperature training set, prediction accuracies improve for the same oxides: ±3.0, ±0.3, ±1.3, ±1.4, ±1.0, ±0.7, ±0.5, and ±0.5 wt%. These results suggest that accuracies reported for Mars LIBS predictions based on single‐distance, single laser‐power calibration data may be overly optimistic except where Mars plasmas serendipitously match those acquired in the laboratory.","author":[{"family":"Lepore","given":"Kate"},{"family":"Dyar","given":"MD"},{"family":"Ytsma","given":"CR"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023gl102919","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023gl102919","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389096510","type":"article-journal","title":"The nature of insoluble organic matter in Sutter's Mill and Murchison carbonaceous chondrites: Testing the effect of x‐ray computed tomography and exploring parent body organic molecular evolution","abstract":"Abstract This study analyzed samples of the Murchison and Sutter's Mill carbonaceous chondrite meteorites in support of the future analysis of samples returned from the asteroid (10155) Bennu by the OSIRIS‐REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer) mission. Focusing specifically on the insoluble organic matter (IOM), this study establishes that a total of 1.3 g of bulk sample from a single chondritic meteorite are sufficient to obtain a wide range of cosmochemical information, including light element analysis (H, C, and N), isotopic analysis (D/H, 13C/12C, and 15N/14N), and x‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy for major elemental abundances. IOM isolated from the bulk meteorite samples was analyzed by light element and isotopic analysis as described above, 1H and 13C solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and complete noble gas analyses (abundances and isotopes). The samples studied included a pair from Murchison (CM2), one of which had been irradiated with high‐energy x‐rays in the course of computed tomographic imaging. No differences between the irradiated and non‐irradiated Murchison samples were observed in the many different chemical and spectroscopic analyses, indicating that any x‐ray–derived sample damage is below levels of detection. Elemental, isotopic, and molecular spectroscopic data derived from IOM isolated from the Sutter's Mill sample reveals evidence that this meteorite falls into the class of heated CM chondrites.","author":[{"family":"Cody","given":"George"},{"family":"Alexander","given":"CMO"},{"family":"Foustoukos","given":"Dionysis"},{"family":"Busemann","given":"H"},{"family":"Eckley","given":"SA"},{"family":"Burton","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Berger","given":"EL"},{"family":"Nuevo","given":"Michel"},{"family":"Sandford","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"DP"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Connolly","given":"HC"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14096","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14096","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391004099","type":"article-journal","title":"Observation of Iron with Eight Coordination in Iron Trifluoride under High Pressure","abstract":"Abstract The chemistry of hypercoordination has been a subject of fundamental interest, especially for understanding structures that challenge conventional wisdom. The small ionic radii of Fe ions typically result in coordination numbers of 4 or 6 in stable Fe‐bearing ionic compounds. While 8‐coordinated Fe has been observed in highly compressed oxides, the pursuit of hypercoordinated Fe still faces significant challenges due to the complexity of synthesizing the anticipated compound with another suitable anion. Through first‐principles simulation and advanced crystal structure prediction methods, we predict that an orthorhombic phase of FeF 3 with exclusively 8‐coordinated Fe is energetically stable above 18 GPa—a pressure more feasibly achieved compared to oxides. Inspired by this theoretical result, we conducted extensive experiments using a laser‐heated diamond anvil cell technique to investigate the crystal structures of FeF 3 at high‐pressure conditions. We successfully synthesized the predicted orthorhombic phase of FeF 3 at 46 GPa, as confirmed by in situ experimental X‐ray diffraction data. This work establishes a new ionic compound featuring rare 8‐coordinated Fe in a simple binary Fe‐bearing system and paves the way for discovering Fe hypercoordination in similar systems.","author":[{"family":"Lu","given":"Wencheng"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Siyu"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Mi"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Hongbo"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Guangtao"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Hanyu"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Yanming"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/anie.202319320","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202319320","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403964875","type":"article-journal","title":"Ancient environmental microbiomes and the cryosphere","abstract":"In this review, we delineate the unique set of characteristics associated with cryosphere environments (namely, ice and permafrost) which present both challenges and opportunities for studying ancient environmental microbiomes (AEMs). In a field currently reliant on several assumptions, we discuss the theoretical and empirical feasibility of recovering microbial nucleic acids (NAs) from ice and permafrost with varying degrees of antiquity. We also summarize contamination control best practices and highlight considerations for the latest approaches, including shotgun metagenomics, and downstream bioinformatic authentication approaches. We review the adoption of existing software and provide an overview of more recently published programs, with reference to their suitability for AEM studies. Finally, we summarize outstanding challenges and likely future directions for AEM research.","author":[{"family":"Williams","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Leung","given":"Vivian"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Julian"},{"family":"Hidekazu","given":"Nishimura"},{"family":"Suzuki","given":"Nobuhiro"},{"family":"Clarke","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Pearce","given":"David"},{"family":"Lam","given":"Tommy"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.tim.2024.09.010","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2024.09.010","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4327741477","type":"article-journal","title":"Assessment of Meteorological Drought under the Climate Change in the Kabul River Basin, Afghanistan","abstract":"Kabul River Basin is one of the most significant river basins in Afghanistan from a socio-economic perspective. Since the country is located in an arid climate zone with drastically varying climatic behavior, an effective assessment of meteorological drought is very essential to managing the limited availability of water resources. For this endeavor, the outputs of three general circulation models under two representative concentration pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) were used against the baseline period of 1961–1980. Different bias correction methods were applied, and the results show that the delta change method, quantile mapping method, and empirical quantile mapping all performed better for the precipitation, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature datasets, respectively. The ERA5-Land datasets and WorldClim Version 2 are used to validate the bias-corrected precipitation and temperature datasets, respectively, to determine their dependability, and the results were found to be promising. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI), Deciles Index (DI), and New Drought Index (NDI) were used to assess the drought condition in the past and forecast for the future periods of the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s. The spatial distribution of assessed drought indices was mapped using the inverse distance weighting (IDW) method. Our results revealed that moderate to extreme droughts are consistent across the entire basin. This might be because the projected annual precipitation in the river basin shows a decline of 53–65% up to the end of this century (2100), and the average annual temperature is projected to increase by 1.8 °C, 3.5 °C, and 4.8 °C, respectively, for the three future periods of the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s. Furthermore, the results show that the drought estimated by SPI and RDI for future climate scenarios is almost the same, whereas NDI estimates frequent drought events after the 2050s. However, for moderate drought, RDI, which includes the effects of evapotranspiration, was found to be far greater than SPI under both scenarios, and NDI considering temperature and precipitation also estimates a larger number of drought years, strengthening the possibility of its occurrence in the basin. A regional comparison of drought also indicates a decrease in precipitation in future periods, predominantly in high altitudes.","author":[{"family":"Sidiqi","given":"Massouda"},{"family":"Kasiviswanathan","given":"KS"},{"family":"Scheytt","given":"Traugott"},{"family":"Devaraj","given":"Suresh"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/atmos14030570","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14030570","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4388097460","type":"article-journal","title":"Prebiotic Syntheses of Organophosphorus Compounds from Reduced Source of Phosphorus in Non-Aqueous Solvents","abstract":"Reduced-oxidation-state phosphorus (reduced P, hereafter) compounds were likely available on the early Earth via meteorites or through various geologic processes. Due to their reactivity and high solubility, these compounds could have played a significant role in the origin of various organophosphorus compounds of biochemical significance. In the present work, we study the reactions between reduced P compounds and their oxidation products, with the three nucleosides (uridine, adenosine, and cytidine), with organic alcohols (glycerol and ethanolamine), and with the tertiary ammonium organic compound, choline chloride. These reactions were studied in the non-aqueous solvent formamide and in a semi-aqueous solvent comprised of urea: ammonium formate: water (UAFW, hereafter) at temperatures of 55-68 °C. The inorganic P compounds generated through Fenton chemistry readily dissolve in the non-aqueous and semi-aqueous solvents and react with organics to form organophosphites and organophosphates, including those which are identified as phosphate diesters. This dual approach (1) use of non-aqueous and semi-aqueous solvents and (2) use of a reactive inorganic P source to promote phosphorylation and phosphonylation reactions of organics readily promoted anhydrous chemistry and condensation reactions, without requiring any additive, catalyst, or other promoting agent under mild heating conditions. We also present a comparative study of the release of P from various prebiotically relevant phosphate minerals and phosphite salts (e.g., vivianite, apatite, and phosphites of iron and calcium) into formamide and UAFW. These results have direct implications for the origin of biological P compounds from non-aqueous solvents of prebiotic provenance.","author":[{"family":"Gull","given":"Maheen"},{"family":"Feng","given":"Tian"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Calcul","given":"Laurent"},{"family":"Pasek","given":"Matthew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life13112134","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life13112134","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392286341","type":"article-journal","title":"Polymeric composites in extrusion‐based additive manufacturing: a systematic review","abstract":"Abstract Solid composites used in material extrusion additive manufacturing have experienced considerable expansion over the past 5 years, incorporating functional properties into 3D‐printed objects. This paper presents a systematic review that aims to: (I) analyze the current state of development in the field; (II) quantify and categorize the adopted polymeric matrices, reinforcing materials, feedstock shapes, characterization strategies, and extrusion mechanisms; and (III) identify the applications, limitations, and trends for future research. The PRISMA statement was followed and the databases Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were consulted. Among the 116 included studies, the use of customized filaments surpassed the commercially available ones, with particulate matter being the most common form of filler when melt‐mixed with the polymer. Polyamide is the most widely adopted matrix (30.3%), followed by PLA (22.0%) and ABS (17.4%). In terms of reinforcements, carbon fiber (32.4%), glass fiber (12.5%), and ceramics (12.5%) compose the podium as the most frequently used, with nanofillers receiving increasing attention. In the conducted analysis, no standardized protocols were identified that clearly encompassed the entire process from feedstock formulation to technical prototype fabrication. At last, recycling, exploration of biodegradable materials, and 4D printing were identified as the main opportunities for future research. Highlights Reinforced polymers enable the enhancement of properties for 3D‐printed parts. Composite feedstock is usually formulated and mixed before printing. 3D printers with filament‐ or screw‐based extrusion mechanisms have been used. Mechanical and morphological analyses are common in material characterization. No identified applications were employed in real‐world scenarios.","author":[{"family":"Rodrigues","given":"Alina"},{"family":"Pires","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Barbosa","given":"Patrícia"},{"family":"Silveira","given":"Zilda"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/pc.28269","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28269","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405794040","type":"article-journal","title":"Research on the Earth Reflected Solar Spectral Radiation Observation System Based on the Lagrange L1 Point of the Earth–Moon System","abstract":"We propose an observation system based on the Lagrange L1 point of the Earth–Moon system to observe solar spectral radiation reflected from the Earth, enabling continuous hyperspectral observation of the Earth’s hemisphere. The system can observe the solar spectral radiation reflected by the Moon, with its data applicable to on-orbit spectral radiation calibration. In this paper, the spectral irradiance at the entrance pupil of the Earth spectral radiation observation system (ESROS) is analyzed, and the optical design of the ESROS is introduced. An off-axis two-mirror telescope system, a coupling system of a microlens array and a fiber bundle, and an optical splitting system based on concave grating are used to achieve the full field of view hyperspectral splitting and miniaturization of the instrument. Finally, the stray radiation suppression of the instrument is introduced. The results show that the spectral resolution of the system is better than 5 nm in the 380–1000 nm band, and the spectral resolution is better than 10 nm in the 1000–1700 nm band. When observing the Earth, the signal-to-noise ratio is greater than 200. The external stray radiation suppression reaches the order of 10−9. The ESROS will provide crucial data support for researching global energy balance, climate change, and the spectral characteristics of exoplanets, facilitating planetary science and the exploration of extraterrestrial life.","author":[{"family":"Zhao","given":"Cong"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Kai"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shuqi"},{"family":"Ye","given":"Xin"},{"family":"Yi","given":"Xiaolong"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Ye"},{"family":"Fang","given":"Wei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/rs17010028","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17010028","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4388671209","type":"article-journal","title":"Compositional heterogeneity of insoluble organic matter extracted from asteroid Ryugu samples","abstract":"Abstract We report a Fourier transform infrared analysis of functional groups in insoluble organic matter (IOM) extracted from a series of 100–500 μm Ryugu grains collected during the two touchdowns of February 22 and July 11, 2019. IOM extracted from most of the samples is very similar to IOM in primitive CI, CM, and CR chondrites, and shows that the extent of thermal metamorphism in Ryugu regolith was, at best, very limited. One sample displays chemical signatures consistent with a very mild heating, likely due to asteroidal collision impacts. We also report a lower carbonyl abundance in Ryugu IOM samples compared to primitive chondrites, which could reflect the accretion of a less oxygenated precursor by Ryugu. The possible effects of hydrothermal alteration and terrestrial weathering are also discussed. Last, no firm conclusions could be drawn on the origin of the soluble outlier phases, observed along with IOM in this study and in the preliminary analysis of Ryugu samples. However, it is clear that the HF/HCl residues presented in this publication are a mix between IOM and the nitrogen‐rich outlier phase.","author":[{"family":"Quirico","given":"É"},{"family":"Bonal","given":"L"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Amano","given":"Kana"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Phan","given":"Van"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Rémusat","given":"Laurent"},{"family":"Dartois","given":"E"},{"family":"Engrand","given":"C"},{"family":"Martins","given":"Zita"},{"family":"Bejach","given":"Laure"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14097","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14097","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399655229","type":"article-journal","title":"Proterozoic mafic dyke swarms of Bundelkhand Craton, North India: A connection to Columbia supercontinent","abstract":"The present paper addresses petrography, geochemistry and Ar‐Ar geochronology of a significant number of mafic dykes from the Paleo‐ to Neoarchean Bundelkhand Craton in central India. The majority of the dykes are NW‐SE oriented (with a few NE‐SW and ENE‐WSW) with tholeiitic, sub‐alkaline and basalt to basaltic andesite composition. The trace element geochemistry of these dykes indicates an island arc setting during emplacement. The Ar‐Ar mineral dating (plagioclase) of three representative dykes reveals an emplacement age between 1.53 and 1.46 Ga. This finding and earlier reports (2.1–1.73 Ga) point to sustained mafic magmatism throughout the Bundelkhand Craton in a preferred structural orientation between 2.1 and 1.46 Ga. Mafic magmatism was episodic and can be linked to the perpetual subduction accretion processes between the central Indian Archean continents during the development of the Columbia supercontinent. The mafic dykes were emplaced at 45° to the maximum compression direction (E‐W), that is, along the line of no finite longitudinal strain. This time equivalent widespread NW‐SE and NE‐SW trending mafic dyke system is also relatable along the adjacent continents (Singhbhum, Bastar) and thus opened up a new paradigm for the dyke's emplacement across the Indian cratons.","author":[{"family":"Raju","given":"S"},{"family":"Bodas","given":"Makarand"},{"family":"Anshu","given":"R"},{"family":"Neogi","given":"Susobhan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/gj.4985","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gj.4985","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403796152","type":"article-journal","title":"Radial transport and nebular thermal processing of millimeter‐sized solids in the Solar protoplanetary disk inferred from Cr‐Ti‐O isotope systematics of chondrules","abstract":"Abstract Understanding the material transport and mixing processes in the Solar protoplanetary disk provides important constraints on the origin of chemical and isotopic diversities of our planets. The limited extent of radial transport and mixing between the inner and outer Solar System has been suggested based on a fundamental isotopic dichotomy between non‐carbonaceous (NC) and carbonaceous (CC) meteorite groups. The limited transport and mixing could be further tested by tracing the formation regions of individual meteoritic components, such as Ca‐Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs) and chondrules. Here, we show further evidence for the outward transport of CAIs and chondrules from the inner and subsequent thermal processing in the outer region of the protoplanetary disk based on the petrography and combined Cr‐Ti‐O isotope systematics of chondrules from the Vigarano‐like (CV) carbonaceous chondrite Allende. One chondrule studied consists of an olivine core that exhibits NC‐like Ti and O, but CC‐like Cr isotopic signatures, which is enclosed by a pyroxene igneous rim with CC‐like O isotope ratios. These observations indicate that the olivine core formed in the inner Solar System. The olivine core then migrated into the outer Solar System and experienced nebular thermal processing that generated the pyroxene igneous rim. The nebular thermal processing would result in Cr isotope exchange between the olivine core and CC‐like materials, but secondary alteration effects on the parent body are also responsible for the CC‐like Cr isotope signature. By combining previously reported Cr‐Ti‐O isotope systematics of CV chondrules, we show that some CV chondrules larger than ~1 mm would have formed in the inner Solar System. The accretion of the millimeter‐sized, inner Solar System solids onto the CV carbonaceous chondrite parent body would require their very early migration into the outer Solar System within the first 1 million years after the Solar System formation.","author":[{"family":"Fukuda","given":"Kohei"},{"family":"Hibiya","given":"Yuki"},{"family":"Kastelle","given":"Craig"},{"family":"Suzuki","given":"Katsuhiko"},{"family":"Iizuka","given":"Tsuyoshi"},{"family":"Yamashita","given":"Katsuyuki"},{"family":"Helser","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Kita","given":"NT"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14276","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14276","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4362502580","type":"article-journal","title":"Urban endoliths: incidental microbial communities occurring inside concrete","abstract":"Concrete is now a prevalent type of synthetic rock, and its production and usage have major environmental implications. Yet, assessments of ordinary concrete have rarely considered that concrete itself is potential habitat for a globally important microbial guild, the endolithic microbes, which live inside rocks and other mineralized substrates. We sought evidence that many common concrete structures harbor endolithic microbial communities and that these communities vary widely depending on the conditions imposed by the concrete. In Summer 2022, we obtained samples from various concrete structures found throughout Lubbock, Texas, USA and subjected the internal (non-surface) portions of each sample to controlled microbial life detection tests including culture tests, DNA quantifications, DNA amplification tests, and ATP assays. The great preponderance of positive life detection results from our concrete samples suggests that most modern concrete hosts cryptic endolith communities composed of bacteria, sometimes co-occurring with fungi and/or archaea. Moreover, many of these microbes are viable, culturable, and identifiable via genetic analysis. Endolith signatures varied widely across concrete samples; some samples only yielded trace evidence of possibly dormant microbes while other samples contained much more microbial biomass and diversity, on par with some low-biomass soils. Pre-cast masonry units and fragments of poured concrete found underwater generally had the most endolith signatures, suggesting that concrete forms and environmental positioning affect endolithy. Endolith biosignatures were generally greater in less dense and less alkaline concrete samples. So, concrete endolith communities may be as ubiquitous and diverse as the concrete structures they inhabit. We propose further research of concrete endoliths to help clarify the role of modern concrete in our rapidly urbanizing biosphere.","author":[{"family":"Brown","given":"Jordan"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Corona"},{"family":"Fernández","given":"Melania"},{"family":"Carr","given":"Deborah"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3934/microbiol.2023016","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3934/microbiol.2023016","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402952592","type":"article-journal","title":"Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning for Management of Ground Water Banks in Drought-prone Areas: A Case Study from Imjai Organic Garden, Thailand","abstract":"This study presents an innovative approach integrating Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning for optimized water management in precision agriculture, focusing on jasmin, date and pomelo farming in a drought-prone area where Imjai Organic Garden is located (Chachoengsao, Thailand).The research addresses a critical need for efficient water use in agriculture, particularly in regions facing spells of both drought and flooding.Using a multi-depth and multi-sensor IoT setup, the real-time data from soil moisture, temperature and water levels at the site were collected and transmitted via NB-IoT technology.The data facilitated the development of virtual soil moisture sensors through machine learning models, specifically Linear Regression, Random Forest, Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks.Such models demonstrated a high accuracy in predicting soil moisture levels, thus reducing the need for frequent physical sensor maintenance.The study's novelty lies in its comprehensive approach combining IoT and advanced machine learning to provide actionable insights for water management, thus enhancing both agricultural productivity and sustainability.Quantitatively, the integration of machine learning models improved water usage efficiency by 37% for jasmine flowers, 28% for date palms, and 19% for pomelo trees.This research contributes to the body of knowledge in precision agriculture, and it also offers practical solutions for sustainable water resource management in Thailand's agricultural sector.","author":[{"family":"Wattanapanich","given":"Chirawat"},{"family":"Imjai","given":"Thanongsak"},{"family":"Kefyalew","given":"Fetih"},{"family":"Aosai","given":"Pakjira"},{"family":"Garcia","given":"Reyes"},{"family":"Vapppangi","given":"Suseela"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.30919/es1248","URL":"https://doi.org/10.30919/es1248","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400841426","type":"article-journal","title":"Osmium Transport and Enrichment From the Lithosphere to the Hydrosphere: New Perspectives From Hydrothermal Experiments and Geochemical Modeling","abstract":"Abstract Metal complexation and speciation is the primary process responsible for metal transport and circulation in hydrothermal systems, during which stable and soluble metal complexes play a pivotal role. Here, we investigate the speciation of Os and the thermodynamic stability of Os(IV)‐Cl complexes in chloride‐bearing solutions at temperatures ranging from 150 to 600°C and pressure of 100 MPa through hydrolysis experiments. The results show that the dominant species of Os is OsCl62− at temperatures between 150 and 450°C and 100 MPa, gradually converting into Os(IV)‐OH‐Cl and Os(II)‐Cl complexes over 450°C. The equilibrium constant (ln K) (K = [HCl]4 ⨯ [Cl−]2/[OsCl62−]) between OsCl62− and water molecule is determined as ln K = (50.43 ± 4.633) − (54223 ± 2525.6)/T, and ΔrHmΘ and ΔrSmΘ are inferred to be (450.8 ± 21.00) kJ · mol−1 and (419.3 ± 38.52) J · mol−1 · K−1. Furthermore, the formation constant (ln β) of OsCl62− exhibits a change from −0.097 to −0.104 as temperatures increase from 150 to 400°C, while the change values in standard Gibbs free energy (ΔrGmΘ) for the hydrolysis reactions decrease with rising temperature, suggesting a temperature‐dependent thermodynamic stability of OsCl62−. Geochemical modeling further demonstrates that high solubility of OsCl62− could exist in low‐temperature and acidic fluids (≤300°C and pH < 5), or relatively high‐temperature and acidic‐neutral fluids (>300°C and pH < 7), primarily influenced by the Cl concentration. Acidic and near‐neutral fluids with high Cl concentration venting in the mid‐ocean ridge, back‐arc, and sediment‐hosted systems contribute more to dissolving and transporting Os from the lithosphere to the hydrosphere, thereby impacting the global ocean dissolved Os budget.","author":[{"family":"Yan","given":"Haibo"},{"family":"Ding","given":"Xing"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Junfeng"},{"family":"Tu","given":"Xianglin"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Weidong"},{"family":"Chou","given":"I‐ming"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023jb028261","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023jb028261","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404108855","type":"article-journal","title":"Evidence for Magnetically‐Driven Accretion in the Distal Solar System","abstract":"Abstract Paleomagnetic measurements of meteorites indicate that magnetic fields existed in the inner solar nebula capable of driving accretion at rates similar to those observed for young stellar objects with protoplanetary disks. However, the field strength in the solar system beyond ∼7 astronomical units (AU) and its role in accretion remain poorly constrained. Returned samples from asteroid (162173) Ryugu offer the possibility of determining the nebular field intensity in this distal region. Here, we report paleomagnetic studies of three Ryugu particles which reveal that alteration occurred in the presence of a null or relatively weak (<15.8 μT) field within 3 million years (Ma) after solar system formation. This resolves previously contrasting reports that Ryugu's parent body experienced alteration in the presence of a strong (>80 μT) magnetic field and weak or null field (<3 μT). In addition, we re‐examine previous paleomagnetic and Mn‐Cr chronometry studies of three other distally‐sourced meteorites, Tagish Lake, Tarda, and Wisconsin Range 91600, which measured paleointensities of <0.9, <1.7 and 5.1 ± 4.5 μT respectively. While it was previously unclear whether these records were acquired while the nebula was present, our re‐analysis suggests that their records are sufficiently old (i.e., <3.5 Ma after solar system formation) to be nebular in origin. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the distal solar system nebular field, while faint, was likely still strong enough to drive accretion at rates like those observed in the inner solar system.","author":[{"family":"Mansbach","given":"Elias"},{"family":"Weiss","given":"BP"},{"family":"Lima","given":"Eduardo"},{"family":"Sowell","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Kirschvink","given":"Joseph"},{"family":"Fu","given":"Roger"},{"family":"Cambioni","given":"Saverio"},{"family":"Bai","given":"Xue‐ning"},{"family":"Ream","given":"JB"},{"family":"Anai","given":"Chisato"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"A"},{"family":"Hidaka","given":"Hironori"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024av001396","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024av001396","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4384944125","type":"article-journal","title":"A Novel Alkali Precipitation Method for Tungsten Separation and High‐Precision Isotopic Measurement in Geological Samples","abstract":"Tungsten (W) isotopes are useful tools in geological and cosmochemical research, but the chemical separation of W is cumbersome for high‐precision measurement. Here, a novel alkali (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) precipitation method for separation and purification of W in geological samples is described, which simplifies the chemical procedure. The amphoteric character of W is exploited to separate it from most matrix elements in alkaline conditions. Subsequently, TEVA resin was applied to further purify W for measurements using a multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometer. Importantly, the introduction of a certain amount of Na in the W analyte can increase the signal intensity by approximately 1.6 times, which may be caused by Coulomb fission. Such Na‐triggered signal enhancement reduces the test portion mass required for analysis. Our results show that the Alfa Aesar W standard solution and geological reference materials JB‐3, BCR‐2 and BHVO‐2 yield 182W/184W ratios consistent with previously reported values within uncertainty. Repeated measurement of the Alfa Aesar W standard solution shows that the intermediate precision of 182W/184W was better than 5 ppm (2s), which is sufficient to identify subtle 182W isotope variations in terrestrial and extra‐terrestrial samples. Above all, the alkali precipitation method in this study optimises the experimental process and mass spectrometric analysis.","author":[{"family":"Qin","given":"Zheng"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Cuiping"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Wenjun"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Huanxin"},{"family":"Gao","given":"Ruohan"},{"family":"Li","given":"Jie"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jingao"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/ggr.12521","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ggr.12521","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392543904","type":"article-journal","title":"Astrobiological Potential of Venus Atmosphere Chemical Anomalies and Other Unexplained Cloud Properties","abstract":"Long-standing unexplained Venus atmosphere observations and chemical anomalies point to unknown chemistry but also leave room for the possibility of life. The unexplained observations include several gases out of thermodynamic equilibrium ( e.g., tens of ppm O 2 , the possible presence of PH 3 and NH 3 , SO 2 and H 2 O vertical abundance profiles), an unknown composition of large, lower cloud particles, and the “unknown absorber(s).” Here we first review relevant properties of the venusian atmosphere and then describe the atmospheric chemical anomalies and how they motivate future astrobiology missions to Venus.","author":[{"family":"Petkowski","given":"Janusz"},{"family":"Seager","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Grinspoon","given":"David"},{"family":"Bains","given":"William"},{"family":"Ranjan","given":"Sukrit"},{"family":"Rimmer","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Buchanan","given":"Weston"},{"family":"Agrawal","given":"Rachana"},{"family":"Mogul","given":"Rakesh"},{"family":"Carr","given":"Christopher"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2022.0060","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2022.0060","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405883795","type":"article-journal","title":"Empowering Rural Farming: Agrovoltaic Applications for Sustainable Agriculture","abstract":"ABSTRACT Agrovoltaics, also known as Agri‐PV or AV, is an innovative approach that entails the shared utilization of land for both the production of agricultural commodities and energy generation. This concept has gained immense popularity in recent times owing to its ability to boost income per unit of land area significantly. The scope of AV systems is quite extensive, as it encompasses solar energy converters and other renewable energy sources like bioenergy. Current strategies for agrovoltaic (AV) in agriculture are the outcome of the gradual development of agroecology and the integration of photovoltaic (PV) power supply into the grid. These approaches could lead to a nearly doubled income per unit area. Without on‐site power supply, reduced chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and on‐site yield processing, AV has the potential to revolutionize large‐scale unmanned precision agriculture and smart farming. These approaches might lead to significant changes in the logistics and value‐added production chain, thereby reducing agriculture's carbon footprint. In the future, it is possible to reduce the cost of AV technology by half by utilizing decommissioned solar panels in the technology and to delay the need for bulk PV recycling by several years. This review presents a different perspective to the common discourse on the topic, by giving special emphasis to the potential to further integrate AV into agriculture, which has the potential to facilitate the resolution of relevant legal disputes over the use of AV.","author":[{"family":"Singla","given":"Manish"},{"family":"Gupta","given":"Jyoti"},{"family":"Gupta","given":"Anupma"},{"family":"Safaraliev","given":"Murodbek"},{"family":"Zeinoddinimeymand","given":"Hamed"},{"family":"Kumar","given":"Ramesh"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/ese3.2017","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ese3.2017","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405647038","type":"article-journal","title":"Raman, MIR, VNIR, and LIBS Spectra of Szomolnokite, Rozenite, and Melanterite: Martian Implications","abstract":"Different sulfates (Ca-, Mg, and Fe- sulfates) have been extensively detected on the Martian surface. As one of the Martian sulfates, the presence of ferrous sulfates will provide valuable clues about the redox environment, hydrological processes, and climatic history of ancient Mars. In this study, three hydrated ferrous sulfates were prepared in the laboratory by heating dehydration reactions. These samples were analyzed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to confirm their phase and homogeneity. Subsequently, Raman, mid-infrared (MIR) spectra, visible near-infrared (VNIR) spectra, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) were measured and analyzed. The results demonstrate that the spectra of three hydrated ferrous sulfates exhibit distinctive features (e.g., the v1 and v3 features of SO42− tetrahedra in their Raman and MIR spectra) that can offer new insights for identifying different ferrous sulfates on Mars and aid in the interpretation of in-situ data collected by instruments such as the Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals (SHERLOC), SuperCam, and ChemCam, etc.","author":[{"family":"Zhuo","given":"Xiai"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Ruize"},{"family":"Shi","given":"Erbin"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jiahui"},{"family":"Ling","given":"Zongcheng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/universe10120462","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/universe10120462","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401410796","type":"article-journal","title":"Kinetics and coexistence of autocatalytic reaction cycles","abstract":"Biological reproduction rests ultimately on chemical autocatalysis. Autocatalytic chemical cycles are thought to have played an important role in the chemical complexification en route to life. There are two, related issues: what chemical transformations allow such cycles to form, and at what speed they are operating. Here we investigate the latter question for solitary as well as competitive autocatalytic cycles in resource-unlimited batch and resource-limited chemostat systems. The speed of growth tends to decrease with the length of a cycle. Reversibility of the reproductive step results in parabolic growth that is conducive to competitive coexistence. Reversibility of resource uptake also slows down growth. Unilateral help by a cycle of its competitor tends to favour the competitor (in effect a parasite on the helper), rendering coexistence unlikely. We also show that deep learning is able to predict the outcome of competition just from the topology and the kinetic rate constants, provided the training set is large enough. These investigations pave the way for studying autocatalytic cycles with more complicated coupling, such as mutual catalysis.","author":[{"family":"Könnyű","given":"Balázs"},{"family":"Szathmáry","given":"Eörs"},{"family":"Czárán","given":"Tamás"},{"family":"Szilágyi","given":"András"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-69267-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-69267-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4324354736","type":"article-journal","title":"Physicochemical Conditions of the Devonian-Jurassic Continental Deep Biosphere Tracked by Carbonate Clumped Isotope Temperatures of Granite-Hosted Carbonate Veins","abstract":"Previous studies have shown that microorganisms thrive in oligotrophic fracture systems, and metabolisms include consumption and production of methane. In the Laxemar, Götemar, and Forsmark areas of Sweden, ancient microbial activity has previously been demonstrated by large δ13CVPDB variability of carbonate vein infillings within granitic host rocks. Here, we apply carbonate clumped isotope thermometry to reconstruct the temperature of precipitation of the carbonate within these veins. The carbonate clumped isotope temperatures indicate that mineralization took place between 46°C and 108°C, in line with previously published fluid inclusion data (<50°C to 113°C). The new carbonate clumped isotope data more accurately narrows temperatures at the lower end of this range as fluid inclusions are not easily applicable below 80°C, a temperature regime of high importance for paleobiological reconstructions. Our results demonstrate that large volumes of biogenic carbonate cement were formed from low-temperature microbial processes in low-salinity water, succeeding calcite of deep brine origin. The known burial and thermal history of the region combined with our carbonate clumped isotope data place the microbial activity at the end of the Variscan orogeny and later events (e.g., Jurassic). Thus, carbonate clumped isotope thermometry reduces uncertainties in deep biosphere studies by providing more accurate temperature constraints in the low-temperature regime, the biogenic processes, and the origin of the diagenetic fluids.","author":[{"family":"Herlambang","given":"Adhipa"},{"family":"John","given":"Cédric"},{"family":"Drake","given":"Henrik"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1155/2023/8445328","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/8445328","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403848649","type":"article-journal","title":"Biofilms in modern CaCO3-supersaturated freshwater environments reveal viral proxies","abstract":"Biofilms are mucilaginous-organic layers produced by microbial activity including viruses. Growing biofilms form microbial mats which enhance sediment stability by binding particles with extracellular polymeric substances and promoting growth through nutrient cycling and organic matter accumulation. They preferentially develop at the sediment-water interface of both marine and non-marine environments, and upon the growing surfaces of modern tufa and travertine. In this context, however, little is known about the factors, environmental or anthropogenic, which affect viral communities in freshwater spring settings. To explore this issue, geochemical and metagenomic data were subjected to multidimensional analyses (Principal Component Analysis, Classical Multidimensional Scaling, Partial Least Squares analysis and cluster analysis based on beta-diversity), and these show that viral composition is specific and dependent on environment. Indeed, waters precipitating tufa and travertine do vary in their geochemistry with their viruses showing distinct variability between sites. These differences between virus groups allow the formulation of a viral proxy, based on the Caudoviricetes/Megaviricetes ratio established on the most abundant groups of viruses. This ratio may be potentially used in analysing ancient DNA preserved in carbonate formations as an additional source of information on the microbiological community during sedimentation.","author":[{"family":"Słowakiewicz","given":"Mirosław"},{"family":"Borkowski","given":"Andrzej"},{"family":"Perri","given":"Edoardo"},{"family":"Działak","given":"Paweł"},{"family":"Taglıasacchı","given":"Ezher"},{"family":"Gradziński","given":"Michał"},{"family":"Kele","given":"Sándor"},{"family":"Reuning","given":"Lars"},{"family":"Kibblewhite","given":"Tom"},{"family":"Whitaker","given":"Fiona"},{"family":"Reid","given":"RP"},{"family":"Tucker","given":"Maurice"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-75998-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-75998-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405634905","type":"article-journal","title":"The clumped isotope signatures of multiple methanogenesis metabolisms","abstract":"Abstract Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, an important energy source, and a potential biosignature on extraterrestrial planetary bodies. The relative abundances of doubly substituted (“clumped”) methane isotopologues ( 13 CH 3 D and 12 CH 2 D 2 ) offer important information on the sources and sinks of methane. However, the clumped isotope signatures of microbially produced methane from different methanogenic pathways lack a systematic investigation. In this study, we provide a dataset encompassing the relative isotopologue abundances produced by hydrogenotrophic, methylotrophic, acetoclastic, and methoxydotrophic methanogenesis. We find that a statistical “combinatorial effect” generates significant differences in 12 CH 2 D 2 compositions between hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and other pathways. The thermodynamic drive of methanogenic reactions and phylogenetic affiliation may also influence the isotope compositions of methane. Our study provides new experimental constraints on the isotope signatures of different microbial methanogenic pathways, and evidence of the mechanisms responsible for the observed differences. Teaser A novel stable isotope tool to track and differentiate sources of biological methane.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Jiawen"},{"family":"Ash","given":"Jeanine"},{"family":"Cobban","given":"Alec"},{"family":"Kubik","given":"Briana"},{"family":"Rizzo","given":"Gabriella"},{"family":"Thompson","given":"Mia"},{"family":"Guibourdenche","given":"Laetitia"},{"family":"Berger","given":"Stefanie"},{"family":"Morra","given":"Kaycee"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Ying"},{"family":"Mueller","given":"Elliott"},{"family":"Masterson","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Stein","given":"Rebekah"},{"family":"Fogel","given":"Marilyn"},{"family":"Torres","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Feng","given":"Xiahong"},{"family":"Holden","given":"James"},{"family":"Martini","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Welte","given":"Cornelia"},{"family":"Jetten","given":"Mike"},{"family":"Young","given":"Edward"},{"family":"Leavitt","given":"William"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1101/2024.12.18.629299","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.12.18.629299","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390841861","type":"article-journal","title":"A New Mechanism for Stishovite Formation During Rapid Compression of Quartz and Implications for Asteroid Impacts","abstract":"Abstract Shock‐induced transformations of quartz to high‐pressure polymorphs and diaplectic glass are decisive in identifying impact cratering events. Under shock compression, quartz can melt in local hot spots and crystallization of these silica melts under pressure can yield the high‐pressure mineral stishovite. A solid‐state transition to stishovite in relation to the formation of amorphous lamellae was already suggested in the late 1960s, but this idea was never comprehensively proven. Therefore, the mechanism responsible for such an intracrystalline stishovite formation is unknown to date. Herein, crystallographically oriented single crystals of quartz were compressed and decompressed in a membrane‐driven diamond anvil cell. These experiments aim at simulating the pressure paths of natural impacts on the timescale of seconds using compression rates between 0.2 and 0.6 GPa/s and peak pressures between 20 and 37 GPa. During the compression of quartz, the time‐resolved synchrotron X‐ray diffraction patterns reveal the almost simultaneous formation of two high‐pressure polymorphs, the recently identified rosiaite‐structured silica and stishovite. Transmission electron microscopic observations of recovered samples show that stishovite occurs as arrays of uniformly oriented nanometer‐sized crystals in amorphous intracrystalline lamellae. These observations indicate that the numerous stishovite crystals likely nucleated from the structurally similar rosiaite phase and thus inherited their uniform orientation during compression. During decompression, the metastable and non‐quenchable rosiaite‐structured phase collapsed to the amorphous stishovite‐containing lamellae. These findings attest to a novel mechanism of the formation of stishovite in the solid state and provide an explanation for similar microstructural occurrences of stishovite in impact‐metamorphic rocks and shocked meteorites.","author":[{"family":"Otzen","given":"Christoph"},{"family":"Liermann","given":"Hanns‐peter"},{"family":"Langenhorst","given":"F"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je008126","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je008126","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4394689115","type":"article-journal","title":"Planetary Soil Simulant Characterisation: NU-LHT-2M Study Case to Support Oxygen Extraction Lab Tests with a Low-Temperature Carbothermal Process","abstract":"Since the landing on the lunar surface, the lunar regolith has begun to interact in different ways with landed elements, such as the wheels of a rover, astronaut suits, drills, and plants for extracting oxygen or manufacturing objects. Therefore, a strong effort has been required on Earth to fully characterise these kinds of interactions and regolith utilisation methods. This operation can only be performed by using regolith simulants, soils that are reproduced with the Earth’s rocks and minerals to match the real features. This article presents the main guidelines and tests for obtaining the properties of a generic simulant in terms of composition, physical and mechanical properties, solid–fluid interaction, and thermal properties. These parameters are needed for the designing and testing of payloads under development for planned lunar surface missions. The same tests can be performed on lunar, martian, or asteroid simulants/soils, both in laboratory and in situ. A case study is presented on the lunar simulant NU-LHT-2M, representative of the lunar highlands. The tests are performed in the context of an in situ resource utilisation (ISRU) process that aims to extract oxygen from the lunar regolith using a low-temperature carbothermal reduction process, highlighting the main regolith-related criticalities for an in situ demonstrator plant.","author":[{"family":"Zanotti","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Troisi","given":"Ivan"},{"family":"Dottori","given":"Alice"},{"family":"Lavagna","given":"Michèle"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/aerospace11040295","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11040295","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399860818","type":"article-journal","title":"Thermodynamic Predictions of Hydrogen Generation during the Serpentinization of Harzburgite with Seawater-derived Brines","abstract":"Abstract Salty aqueous solutions (brines) occur on Earth and may be prevalent elsewhere. Serpentinization represents a family of geochemical reactions where the hydration of olivine-rich rocks can release aqueous hydrogen, H2(aq), as a byproduct, and hydrogen is a known basal electron donor for terrestrial biology. While the effects of lithological differences on serpentinization products have been thoroughly investigated, effects focusing on compositional differences of the reacting fluid have received less attention. In this contribution, we investigate how the chemistry of seawater-derived brines affects the generation of biologically available hydrogen resulting from the serpentinization of harzburgite. We numerically investigate the serpentinization of ultramafic rocks at equilibrium with an array of brines at different water activities (a proxy for salt concentration in aqueous fluids and a determinant for habitability) derived from seawater evaporation. Because the existing supersaturation of aqueous calcium carbonate, a contributor to dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in natural seawater, cannot be captured in equilibrium calculations, we bookend our calculations by enabling and suppressing carbonate minerals when simulating serpentinization. We find that the extent of DIC supersaturation can provide an important control of hydrogen availability. Increased DIC becomes a major sink for hydrogen by producing formate and associated complexes when the reacting fluids are acidic enough to allow for CO2. Indeed, H2(aq) reduces CO2(aq) to formate, leading to a hydrogen deficit. These conclusions provide additional insights into the habitability of brine systems, given their potential for serpentinization across diverse planetary bodies such as on Mars and ocean worlds.","author":[{"family":"Som","given":"Sanjoy"},{"family":"Sevgen","given":"Serhat"},{"family":"Suttle","given":"Adam"},{"family":"Bowman","given":"Jeff"},{"family":"Schmidt","given":"BE"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3847/psj/ad42a1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/psj/ad42a1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4396530309","type":"article-journal","title":"Impact‐Generated Fragmentation, Porosity, and Permeability Within the Chicxulub Impact Structure","abstract":"Abstract Large asteroid impacts have long been attributed to imparting long‐lived heat in the upper crust, as well as widespread fracturing and porosity. When an impact occurs on or near an ocean environment, displaced water rushes back filling the crater and percolating down into the fractured crust. The significant heat and fracturing from impact allow for extensive hydrothermal activity. Hydrothermal alteration has been observed at the 180 km Chicxulub impact structure in Yucatán, Mexico. Previous studies estimate widespread hydrothermal transport and activity within the Chicxulub structure, but these processes are largely dependent on the assumed post‐impact permeability distribution. In this work, we present an impact simulation that tracks fragmentation as well as the generation of porosity and permeability during the Chicxulub impact event. The generation of porosity during tensile failure results in final porosities (up to 40%) that are up to a factor of 4 higher than previous models and in better agreement with drill core data. We find that both fragmentation and porosity contribute to overall permeability of the Chicxulub structure. Estimated permeabilities (up to 10−14 m2) are greater than measured values from drill cores because of the contribution from large‐scale fragmentation, which cannot be resolved in cm‐diameter drill cores. The larger porosities and permeabilities computed in this work suggest that the volume of hydrothermal activity generated by Chicxulub were 10 times more than previously estimated for Chicxulub and 100 times more than the Yellowstone caldera.","author":[{"family":"Alexander","given":"Amanda"},{"family":"Marchi","given":"S"},{"family":"Johnson","given":"Brandon"},{"family":"Wiggins","given":"Sean"},{"family":"Kring","given":"DA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023ea003383","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023ea003383","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400894317","type":"article-journal","title":"Reconstructing Younger Dryas ground temperature and snow thickness from cave deposits","abstract":"Abstract. The Younger Dryas stadial was characterised by a rapid shift towards cold-climate conditions in the North Atlantic realm during the last deglaciation. While some climate parameters including atmospheric temperature and glacier extent are widely studied, empirical constraints on permafrost temperature and snow thickness are limited. To address this, we present a regional dataset of cryogenic cave carbonates (CCCs) from three caves in Great Britain that formed at temperatures between −2 and 0 °C. Our CCC record indicates that these permafrost temperatures persisted for most of the Younger Dryas. By combining ground temperatures with surface temperatures from high-resolution ground-truthed model simulations, we demonstrate that ground temperatures were approximately 6.6 ± 2.3 °C warmer than the mean annual air temperature. Our results suggest that the observed temperature offset between permafrost and the atmosphere can be explained by an average snow thickness between 0.2 and 0.9 m, which persisted for 233 ± 54 d per year. By identifying modern analogues from climate reanalysis data, we demonstrate that the inferred temperature and snow cover characteristics for the British Isles during the Younger Dryas are best explained by extreme temperature seasonality, comparable to continental parts of today's Arctic Archipelago. Such a climate for the British Isles necessitates a winter sea ice margin at approximately 45° N in the North Atlantic Ocean.","author":[{"family":"Töchterle","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Baldo","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Murton","given":"Julian"},{"family":"Schenk","given":"Frederik"},{"family":"Edwards","given":"RL"},{"family":"Koltai","given":"Gabriella"},{"family":"Moseley","given":"Gina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.5194/cp-20-1521-2024","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-20-1521-2024","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4321494845","type":"article-journal","title":"The Habitability of Venus","abstract":"Abstract Venus today is inhospitable at the surface, its average temperature of 750 K being incompatible to the existence of life as we know it. However, the potential for past surface habitability and upper atmosphere (cloud) habitability at the present day is hotly debated, as the ongoing discussion regarding a possible phosphine signature coming from the clouds shows. We review current understanding about the evolution of Venus with special attention to scenarios where the planet may have been capable of hosting microbial life. We compare the possibility of past habitability on Venus to the case of Earth by reviewing the various hypotheses put forth concerning the origin of habitable conditions and the emergence and evolution of plate tectonics on both planets. Life emerged on Earth during the Hadean when the planet was dominated by higher mantle temperatures (by about $200~^{\\circ}\\text{C}$ 200 ∘ C ), an uncertain tectonic regime that likely included squishy lid/plume-lid and plate tectonics, and proto continents. Despite the lack of well-preserved crust dating from the Hadean and Paleoarchean, we attempt to review current understanding of the environmental conditions during this critical period based on zircon crystals and geochemical signatures from this period, as well as studies of younger, relatively well-preserved rocks from the Paleoarchean. For these early, primitive life forms, the tectonic regime was not critical but it became an important means of nutrient recycling, with possible consequences on the global environment in the long-term, that was essential to the continuation of habitability and the evolution of life. For early Venus, the question of stable surface water is closely related to tectonics. We discuss potential transitions between stagnant lid and (episodic) tectonics with crustal recycling, as well as consequences for volatile cycling between Venus’ interior and atmosphere. In particular, we review insights into Venus’ early climate and examine critical questions about early rotation speed, reflective clouds, and silicate weathering, and summarize implications for Venus’ long-term habitability. Finally, the state of knowledge of the Venusian clouds and the proposed detection of phosphine is covered.","author":[{"family":"Westall","given":"Francès"},{"family":"Höning","given":"Dennis"},{"family":"Avice","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Gentry","given":"Diana"},{"family":"Gerya","given":"Taras"},{"family":"Gillmann","given":"Cédric"},{"family":"Izenberg","given":"NR"},{"family":"Way","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Wilson","given":"Colin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-023-00960-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-023-00960-4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399472647","type":"article-journal","title":"Seed Priming with Ulva lactuca L . in Cultivars Grown in Martian and Lunar Regolith Analogues","abstract":"Abstract As human settlements expand to lunar and Martian bases, optimizing food production in these environments becomes crucial. This study investigates the use of macroalgae, specifically Ulva lactuca L., as an affordable, sustainable approach for seed priming to enhance germination in extraterrestrial soils. The focus was on the germination and growth of Capsicum annuum L. (pepper), Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce), Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea), and Pisum sativum L. (pea) in simulated Martian and lunar regolith. Two concentrations of U. lactuca powder (0.2 and 0.4 g · L −1 ) were tested under controlled conditions. The study also conducted a qualitative chemical analysis of U. lactuca to identify bioactive components essential for phytohormone formation. The germination and emergence rates of the seeds in the lunar regolith were higher than those in the Martian regolith. Martian regolith's optimal treatment for pea and chickpea seed germination was 0.2 g · L −1 , which also favored seedling emergence. In the lunar regolith, optimal germination rates for pea seeds were observed with both treatments and chickpea seeds. The germination percentage of lettuce seeds in the lunar regolith was higher than the control, with 0.2 g · L −1 , while there was no significant difference for the other seeds. The study recommends the application of U. lactuca powder as an effective biostimulant for the examined cultivars due to the presence of plant growth regulators (PGRs) that enhance germination and seedling emergence under challenging conditions.","author":[{"family":"Oliveira","given":"Jéssica"},{"family":"Pereira","given":"Renato"},{"family":"Johnson","given":"T"},{"family":"Loureiro","given":"Rafael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.2478/gsr-2024-0006","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2478/gsr-2024-0006","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4396805282","type":"article-journal","title":"The Winding Road from Origin to Emergence (of Life)","abstract":"Humanity's strive to understand why and how life appeared on planet Earth dates back to prehistoric times. At the beginning of the 19th century, empirical biology started to tackle this question yielding both Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution and the paradigm that the crucial trigger putting life on its tracks was the appearance of organic molecules. In parallel to these developments in the biological sciences, physics and physical chemistry saw the fundamental laws of thermodynamics being unraveled. Towards the end of the 19th century and during the first half of the 20th century, the tensions between thermodynamics and the \"organic-molecules-paradigm\" became increasingly difficult to ignore, culminating in Erwin Schrödinger's 1944 formulation of a thermodynamics-compliant vision of life and, consequently, the prerequisites for its appearance. We will first review the major milestones over the last 200 years in the biological and the physical sciences, relevant to making sense of life and its origins and then discuss the more recent reappraisal of the relative importance of metal ions vs. organic molecules in performing the essential processes of a living cell. Based on this reassessment and the modern understanding of biological free energy conversion (aka bioenergetics), we consider that scenarios wherein life emerges from an abiotic chemiosmotic process are both thermodynamics-compliant and the most parsimonious proposed so far.","author":[{"family":"Nitschke","given":"Wolfgang"},{"family":"Farr","given":"Orion"},{"family":"Gaudu","given":"Nil"},{"family":"Truong","given":"Chloé"},{"family":"Guyot","given":"François"},{"family":"Russell","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Duval","given":"Simon"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life14050607","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050607","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405458893","type":"article-journal","title":"Technical note: An analytical approach for (U–Th) ∕ He dating of goethite by sample encapsulation in quartz ampoules under vacuum, with an example from the Amerasian Basin, Arctic Ocean","abstract":"Abstract. We propose an analytical approach for (U–Th) / He dating of Fe-(oxyhydr)oxides that includes sealing samples in quartz ampoules and demonstrates its suitability as a reliable tool for the investigation of geological processes. The (U–Th) / He ages of goethite clasts and veins from Fe- and Mn-oxide cemented rocks recovered from the slope of the Chukchi Borderland in the Amerasia Basin demonstrate reproducibility, yielding a weighted mean age of 8.6 ± 0.3 Ma (n=4) and 4.8 ± 0.4 Ma (n=2), respectively, providing insights into the Neogene mineralization history of the region. This study also focuses on the sample preparation technique, which might influence the (U–Th) / He ages. Our data indicate that some of U can be leached from the goethite during sonication by distilled water, which might result in erroneous (U–Th) / He ages of multi-mineral grains. However, the analyzed goethite samples were formed in a specific underwater environment; so far it is not clear whether the same behavior of U would be observed in a terrestrial supergene goethite.","author":[{"family":"Yakubovich","given":"OV"},{"family":"Konstantínova","given":"Natalia"},{"family":"Anosova","given":"MO"},{"family":"Podolskaya","given":"MM"},{"family":"Adamskaya","given":"EV"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.5194/gchron-6-653-2024","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-653-2024","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404905065","type":"article-journal","title":"A dry Venusian interior constrained by atmospheric chemistry","abstract":"Abstract Venus’s climatic history provides powerful constraints on the location of the inner edge of the liquid-water habitable zone. However, two very different histories of water on Venus have been proposed: one where Venus had a temperate climate for billions of years with surface liquid water and the other where a hot early Venus was never able to condense surface liquid water. Here we offer a constraint on Venus’s climate history by inferring the water content of its interior. By calculating the present rate of atmospheric destruction of H2O, CO2 and OCS, which must be restored by volcanism to maintain atmospheric stability, we show that Venus’s interior is dry. Venusian volcanic gases have at most a 6% water mole fraction, which is substantially drier than terrestrial magmas degassed at similar conditions. The dry interior is consistent with Venus ending its magma ocean epoch desiccated and thereafter having had a long-lived dry surface. Volcanic resupply to Venus’s atmosphere, therefore, indicates that the planet has never been liquid-water habitable.","author":[{"family":"Constantinou","given":"Tereza"},{"family":"Shorttle","given":"Oliver"},{"family":"Rimmer","given":"Paul"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41550-024-02414-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02414-5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390443510","type":"article-journal","title":"On the Response of Chondrites to Diurnal Temperature Change—Experimental Simulation of Asteroidal Surface Conditions","abstract":"Abstract Thermal fatigue is a process that degrades rocks and pebbles exposed to space by diurnal cycling. We simulate the diurnal temperature variation at 1 AU of 5 mm‐sized sample cubes using an evacuated cryostat, allowing conditions that are closer to those expected in space. Sample cubes of ordinary, CV, CM2, and C2 chondrites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and microcomputed tomography scans. In contrast to previous work, the ordinary and CV chondrite samples did not show any cracking. The CM2 chondrites respond with the formation and extension of cracks. Pre‐existing cracks present in the C2 chondrite Tagish Lake closed in the course of cycling to different degrees, which has not been reported before in the context of thermal fatigue driven rock breakdown. Most changes in crack length occur in the initial ∼20 cycles indicating a rapid buildup of strain followed by a rapid release by the formation and extension of cracks when exposed to diurnal temperature variation. The overall cracking rate is comparable to that of previous work on CM2 chondrites and in 15%–20% of the observed cracking occasions they are associated with fine‐grained rims around chondrules implying that the comminution of CM‐like rocks and pebbles is controlled by the abundance of chondrules (and other coarse‐grained components) and their rims. We propose that thermal fatigue‐driven comminution of rocks and especially pebbles on asteroids under the here studied conditions is controlled by the abundance of hydrated minerals. This, in turn, can result in different abundances and natures of finer‐grained material on asteroid surfaces.","author":[{"family":"Patzek","given":"Markus"},{"family":"Ruesch","given":"O"},{"family":"Molaro","given":"JL"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je007944","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je007944","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393352604","type":"article-journal","title":"Bioinspired and Multifunctional Tribological Materials for Sliding, Erosive, Machining, and Energy-Absorbing Conditions: A Review","abstract":"Friction, wear, and the consequent energy dissipation pose significant challenges in systems with moving components, spanning various domains, including nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS/MEMS) and bio-MEMS (microrobots), hip prostheses (biomaterials), offshore wind and hydro turbines, space vehicles, solar mirrors for photovoltaics, triboelectric generators, etc. Nature-inspired bionic surfaces offer valuable examples of effective texturing strategies, encompassing various geometric and topological approaches tailored to mitigate frictional effects and related functionalities in various scenarios. By employing biomimetic surface modifications, for example, roughness tailoring, multifunctionality of the system can be generated to efficiently reduce friction and wear, enhance load-bearing capacity, improve self-adaptiveness in different environments, improve chemical interactions, facilitate biological interactions, etc. However, the full potential of bioinspired texturing remains untapped due to the limited mechanistic understanding of functional aspects in tribological/biotribological settings. The current review extends to surface engineering and provides a comprehensive and critical assessment of bioinspired texturing that exhibits sustainable synergy between tribology and biology. The successful evolving examples from nature for surface/tribological solutions that can efficiently solve complex tribological problems in both dry and lubricated contact situations are comprehensively discussed. The review encompasses four major wear conditions: sliding, solid-particle erosion, machining or cutting, and impact (energy absorbing). Furthermore, it explores how topographies and their design parameters can provide tailored responses (multifunctionality) under specified tribological conditions. Additionally, an interdisciplinary perspective on the future potential of bioinspired materials and structures with enhanced wear resistance is presented.","author":[{"family":"Kumar","given":"Rahul"},{"family":"Rezapourian","given":"Mansoureh"},{"family":"Rahmani","given":"Ramin"},{"family":"Maurya","given":"HS"},{"family":"Kamboj","given":"Nikhil"},{"family":"Hussainova","given":"Irina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/biomimetics9040209","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9040209","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4396849376","type":"article-journal","title":"Fluid–Melt–Rock Interaction during the Transition from Magmatism to HT-UHT-Granulite- and Amphibolite-Facies Metamorphism in the Ediacaran Adrar–Suttuf Metamafic Complex, NW Margin of the West African Craton (Southern Morocco)","abstract":"Abstract Underplated mafic intrusions ponded at the base of the lower continental crust in extensional settings can experience ultra-high-temperature (UHT) granulite-facies metamorphism during tens of My due to slow cooling rates. These intrusions are also the source of heat and carbonic fluids for regional high-temperature (HT) granulite-facies metamorphism in the continental crust. This work analyses the fluid–melt–rock interaction processes that occurred during the magmatic to HT-UHT-granulite- and amphibolite-facies metamorphic evolution of high-grade mafic rocks from the Eastern Ediacaran Adrar–Suttuf Metamafic Complex (EASMC) of the Oulad Dlim Massif (West African Craton Margin, Southern Morocco). P–T conditions were determined using Ti-in-amphibole thermometry, two-pyroxene and amphibole–plagioclase thermobarometry, and phase diagram calculations. The thermobarometric study reveals the presence of tectonically juxtaposed lower- and mid-crustal blocks in EASMC that experienced decompression-cooling paths from, respectively, UHT and HT granulite-facies conditions at ca. 1.2 ± 0.28 GPa and 975 ± 50°C, and ca. 0.82 ± 0.15 GPa and 894 ± 50°C, to amphibole-facies conditions at ca. 0.28 ± 0.28 GPa and 787 ± 45°C (precision reported for the calibrations at 1 s level). An age for the magmatic to UHT granulite-facies metamorphic transition of 604 Ma was constrained from published SHRIMP Th–U–Pb zircon ages of the igneous protoliths. An amphibole 40Ar–39Ar cooling age of 499 ± 8 Ma (precision at 2 s level) was obtained for the lower-crustal blocks. Amphibole 40Ar–39Ar closure temperatures of 520–555°C were obtained for an age range of 604–499 Ma and an average constant cooling rate of 4.2°C/My, suggesting that the lower-crustal blocks cooled down to the greenschist–amphibolite facies transition in ca. 100 My. During the high-temperature stage, interstitial hydrous melts assisted textural maturation of the rock matrix and caused incongruent dissolution melting of olivine and pyroxenes, and, probably, development of An-rich spikes at the grain rims of plagioclase, and local segregation of pargasite into veins. Subsequent infiltration of reactive hydrous metamorphic fluids along mineral grain boundaries during cooling down to amphibolite-facies conditions promoted mineral replacements by coupled dissolution-precipitation mechanisms and metasomatism. Ubiquitous dolomite grains, with, in some cases, evidence for significant textural maturation, appear in the granoblastic aggregates of the high-grade mafic rocks. However, calculated phase relationships reveal that dolomite could not coexist with H2O–CO2 fluids at HT-UHT granulite- and low-medium P amphibolite-facies conditions. Therefore, it is proposed that it may have been generated from another CO2-bearing phase, such as an immiscible carbonatitic melt exsolved from the parental mafic magma, and preserved during cooling due to the prevalence of fluid-absent conditions in the granoblastic matrix containing dolomite. The lower-crustal mafic intrusions from EASMC can represent an example of a source of heat for granulitisation of the mid crust, but a sink for carbon due to the apparent stability of dolomite under fluid-absent conditions.","author":[{"family":"Molina","given":"JF"},{"family":"Беа","given":"Ф"},{"family":"Montero","given":"P"},{"family":"Haissen","given":"Faouziya"},{"family":"Barcos","given":"Leticia"},{"family":"Cambeses","given":"Aitor"},{"family":"Morales","given":"Irene"},{"family":"Repczynska","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Sadki","given":"Othman"},{"family":"Garcíacasco","given":"Antonio"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1093/petrology/egae049","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egae049","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4395050236","type":"article-journal","title":"Year-Long Stability of Nucleic Acid Bases in Concentrated Sulfuric Acid: Implications for the Persistence of Organic Chemistry in Venus’ Clouds","abstract":"We show that the nucleic acid bases adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine, and uracil, as well as 2,6-diaminopurine, and the “core” nucleic acid bases purine and pyrimidine, are stable for more than one year in concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature and at acid concentrations relevant for Venus clouds (81% w/w to 98% w/w acid, the rest water). This work builds on our initial stability studies and is the first ever to test the reactivity and structural integrity of organic molecules subjected to extended incubation in concentrated sulfuric acid. The one-year-long stability of nucleic acid bases supports the notion that the Venus cloud environment—composed of concentrated sulfuric acid—may be able to support complex organic chemicals for extended periods of time.","author":[{"family":"Seager","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Petkowski","given":"Janusz"},{"family":"Seager","given":"Maxwell"},{"family":"Grimes","given":"John"},{"family":"Zinsli","given":"Zachary"},{"family":"Vollmer-Snarr","given":"Heidi"},{"family":"El-Rahman","given":"Mohamed"},{"family":"Wishart","given":"David"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Gautam","given":"Vasuk"},{"family":"Herrington","given":"Lauren"},{"family":"Bains","given":"William"},{"family":"Darrow","given":"Charles"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life14050538","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050538","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401354504","type":"article-journal","title":"Exploring Biodiversity and Food Webs in Sulfur Cave in the Vromoner Canyon on the Greek–Albanian Border","abstract":"Sulfidic caves support diverse and abundant subterranean communities, including numerous endemic species and complex food webs, though the full extent of species diversity and resource utilization in these ecosystems remains largely unexplored. This paper presents the results of biological surveys conducted from 2023 to 2024 in Sulfur Cave, located in the Vromoner Canyon on the Greek–Albanian border, focusing on microbial, vertebrate, and invertebrate communities and investigating the structure of the subterranean food web. The microbial communities from the different biofilms are dominated by chemosynthetic sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms, specifically filamentous bacteria such as Thiotrix and Beggiatoa. Two species of fish, an eel (Anguilla sp.) and a Cyprinid (Alburnoides sp.), and six bat species from three families (Rhinolophidae, Miniopteridae, and Vespertilionidae) were documented. The invertebrate fauna includes five aquatic species, 25 terrestrial species, and four amphibiotic species. Among these, eight species are endemic, and seven species exhibit troglomorphic traits. Stable isotope analysis showed light carbon and nitrogen values for the terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, suggesting that subterranean communities rely on food produced in situ by chemoautotrophic microorganisms. Our results identified cave areas of significant biological relevance and provided reference data to inform conservation actions aimed at preserving the biodiversity of this sulfidic cave.","author":[{"family":"Sarbu","given":"Serban"},{"family":"Brad","given":"Traian"},{"family":"Băncilă","given":"Raluca"},{"family":"Ștefan","given":"Andrei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/d16080477","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/d16080477","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391649185","type":"article-journal","title":"Inorganic Fe-O and Fe-S oxidoreductases: paradigms for prebiotic chemistry and the evolution of enzymatic activity in biology","abstract":"Oxidoreductases play crucial roles in electron transfer during biological redox reactions. These reactions are not exclusive to protein-based biocatalysts; nano-size (<100 nm), fine-grained inorganic colloids, such as iron oxides and sulfides, also participate. These nanocolloids exhibit intrinsic redox activity and possess direct electron transfer capacities comparable to their biological counterparts. The unique metal ion architecture of these nanocolloids, including electron configurations, coordination environment, electron conductivity, and the ability to promote spontaneous electron hopping, contributes to their transfer capabilities. Nano-size inorganic colloids are believed to be among the earliest 'oxidoreductases' to have 'evolved' on early Earth, playing critical roles in biological systems. Representing a distinct type of biocatalysts alongside metalloproteins, these nanoparticles offer an early alternative to protein-based oxidoreductase activity. While the roles of inorganic nano-sized catalysts in current Earth ecosystems are intuitively significant, they remain poorly understood and underestimated. Their contribution to chemical reactions and biogeochemical cycles likely helped shape and maintain the balance of our planet's ecosystems. However, their potential applications in biomedical, agricultural, and environmental protection sectors have not been fully explored or exploited. This review examines the structure, properties, and mechanisms of such catalysts from a material's evolutionary standpoint, aiming to raise awareness of their potential to provide innovative solutions to some of Earth's sustainability challenges.","author":[{"family":"Huang","given":"Xiaolan"},{"family":"Harmer","given":"Jeffrey"},{"family":"Schenk","given":"Gerhard"},{"family":"Southam","given":"Gordon"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fchem.2024.1349020","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2024.1349020","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4400680106","type":"article-journal","title":"Interplay of Fogponics and Artificial Intelligence for Potential Application in Controlled Space Farming","abstract":"Most studies in astrobotany employ soil as the primary crop-growing medium, which is being researched and innovated. However, utilizing soil for planting in microgravity conditions may be impractical due to its weight, the issue of particles suspended in microgravity, and its propensity to harbor pathogenic microorganisms that pose health risks. Hence, soilless irrigation and fertigation systems such as fogponics possess a high potential for space farming. Fogponics is a promising variation of aeroponics, which involves the delivery of nutrient-rich water as a fine fog to plant roots. However, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of fogponics compared to other soilless cultivation methods is essential. Additionally, optimizing fogponics systems for effective crop cultivation in microgravity environments is crucial. This study investigated the interaction of fogponics and artificial intelligence for crop cultivation in microgravity environments, aiming to replace soil-based methods, filling a significant research gap as the first comprehensive examination of this interplay in the literature. A comparative assessment of soilless fertigation and irrigation techniques to identify strengths and weaknesses was conducted, providing an overview through a literature review. This highlights key concepts, methodologies, and findings, emphasizing fogponics’ relevance in space exploration and identifying gaps in current understanding. Insights suggest that developing adaptive fogponics systems for microgravity faces challenges due to uncharacterized fog behavior and optimization complexities without gravity. Fogponics shows promise for sustainable space agriculture, yet it lags in technological integration compared with hydroponics and aeroponics. Future research should focus on microgravity fog behavior analysis, the development of an effective and optimized space mission-compatible fogponics system, and system improvements such as an electronic nose for an adaptive system fog chemical composition. This study recommends integrating advanced technologies like AI-driven closed-loop systems to advance fogponics applications in space farming.","author":[{"family":"Suganob","given":"Newton"},{"family":"Arroyo","given":"Carey"},{"family":"Concepcion","given":"Ronnie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/agriengineering6030126","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6030126","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403680594","type":"article-journal","title":"Bioleaching of Industrial Metallic Steel Waste by Mixed Cultures of Thermoacidophilic Archaea","abstract":"Different mixed cultures of extremely thermoacidophilic microorganisms were used for bioleaching of metalliferous industrial dust waste derived from the basic oxygen furnace (BOF) steelmaking process. Such mixed cultures can extract various metals from multi-metallic BOF-dust waste, improving the metal dissolution and bioleaching performance in frames of metal recycling processes to assist circular economies and waste management. The results of the investigation showed that mixed cultures of thermoacidophilic archaea of the order Sulfolobales (Acidianus spp., Sulfolobus spp., and Metallosphaera sedula) during their growth in laboratory glass bioreactors provided a superior bioleaching system to Acidianus manzaensis alone. Depending on the composition of mixed thermoacidophilic cultures, extraction of various metals from BOF-dust could be achieved. Among the three different types of mixed cultures tested, the mixed culture system of A. manzaensis, A. brierleyi, and S. acidocaldarius was most effective for extraction of major elements (Fe, Ca, Zn, Mn, and Al). The mixed culture of A. manzaensis, A. brierleyi, and M. sedula showed high performance for bioleaching of most of the minor elements (Cu, Ni, Pb, Co, Mo, and Sr). The efficient ability of mixed cultures to colonise the mineral matrix of the metal waste product was observed via scanning electron microscopy, while their metal extraction capacities were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. These investigations will promote the further design of microbial consortia in order to break down the solid matrix and efficiently extract metals from metalliferous waste materials.","author":[{"family":"Memic","given":"Alma"},{"family":"Мащенко","given":"АГ"},{"family":"Kölbl","given":"Denise"},{"family":"Schnideritsch","given":"Holger"},{"family":"Wohlmuth","given":"Dominik"},{"family":"Kloesch","given":"Gerald"},{"family":"Milojević","given":"Tetyana"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/pr12112327","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112327","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400105583","type":"article-journal","title":"Production of Martian fiber by in-situ resource utilization strategy","abstract":"resource utilization (ISRU) provides a cost-effective way to achieve this ambitious goal. In this article, we proposed to use Martian soil simulant to produce a fiber to satisfy material requirement for the construction of Martian base. The composition, melting behavior, and fiber forming process of the soil simulant was studied, and continuous fiber with maximum strength of 1320 MPa and elastic modulus of 99 GPa was obtained on a spinning facility. The findings of this study demonstrate the feasibility of ISRU to prepare Martian fiber from the soil on the Mars, offering a new way to obtain key materials for the construction of a Martian base.","author":[{"family":"Guo","given":"Ze‐shi"},{"family":"Xing","given":"Dan"},{"family":"Xi","given":"Xiong"},{"family":"Liang","given":"Cun‐guang"},{"family":"Hao","given":"Bin"},{"family":"Zeng","given":"Xiaojia"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Hong"},{"family":"Chen","given":"HM"},{"family":"Yin","given":"Wen"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Peng"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Kefa"},{"family":"Zheng","given":"Qingbin"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Peng‐cheng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.isci.2024.110408","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.110408","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390297533","type":"article-journal","title":"Deep subsurface microbial life in impact‐altered Late Paleozoic granitoid rocks from the Chicxulub impact crater","abstract":"In 2016, IODP-ICDP Expedition 364 recovered an 829-meter-long core within the peak ring of the Chicxulub impact crater (Yucatán, Mexico), allowing us to investigate the post-impact recovery of the heat-sterilized deep continental microbial biosphere at the impact site. We recently reported increased cell biomass in the impact suevite, which was deposited within the first few hours of the Cenozoic, and that the overall microbial communities differed significantly between the suevite and the other main core lithologies (i.e., the granitic basement and the overlying Early Eocene marine sediments; Cockell et al., 2021). However, only seven rock intervals were previously analyzed from the geologically heterogenic and impact-deformed 587-m-long granitic core section below the suevite interval. Here, we used 16S rRNA gene profiling to study the microbial community composition in 45 intervals including (a) 31 impact-shocked granites, (b) 7 non-granitic rocks (i.e., consisting of suevite and impact melt rocks intercalated into the granites during crater formation and strongly serpentinized pre-impact sub-volcanic, ultramafic basanite/dolerite), and (c) 7 cross-cut mineral veins of anhydride and silica. Most recovered microbial taxa resemble those found in hydrothermal systems. Spearman correlation analysis confirmed that the borehole temperature, which gradually increased from 47 to 69°C with core depth, significantly shaped a subset of the vertically stratified modern microbial community composition in the granitic basement rocks. However, bacterial communities differed significantly between the impoverished shattered granites and nutrient-enriched non-granite rocks, even though both lithologies were at similar depths and temperatures. Furthermore, Spearman analysis revealed a strong correlation between the microbial communities and bioavailable chemical compounds and suggests the presence of chemolithoautotrophs, which most likely still play an active role in metal and sulfur cycling. These results indicate that post-impact microbial niche separation has also occurred in the granitic basement lithologies, as previously shown for the newly formed lithologies. Moreover, our data suggest that the impact-induced geochemical boundaries continue to shape the modern-day deep biosphere in the granitic basement underlying the Chicxulub crater.","author":[{"family":"Quraish","given":"Sohaib"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Wuchter","given":"Cornelia"},{"family":"Kring","given":"DA"},{"family":"Grice","given":"Kliti"},{"family":"Coolen","given":"Marco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/gbi.12583","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gbi.12583","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4394766008","type":"article-journal","title":"Ries magnetic mineralogy: Exploring impact and post‐impact evolution of crater magnetism","abstract":"Abstract Large‐scale impact events are some of the most catastrophic and instantaneous geological processes in nature, and leave in their wake conspicuous geological structures with characteristic magnetic anomalies. Despite magnetic anomalies in craters being well‐documented, their relationship with the magnetic mineral composition of the target and impactites is not always straightforward. Furthermore, the influence of impact shock and post‐impact events in the magnetism of natural craters remains elusive. In the Ries crater, Germany, the negative magnetic anomalies are attributed to a reverse polarity remanent magnetization in the impact‐melt bearing lithologies. We report new chemical, rock‐, and mineral‐magnetic data from the shocked basement and impactites, from surface samples, NR73 and SUBO‐18 boreholes, and explore how temperature and hydrothermalism may influence the magnetic mineralogy in the crater. We identified shocked, pure magnetite in the basement, and low‐cation substituted magnetite in the impactites as the main magnetic carriers. The shocked basement is demagnetized but remains largely unaltered by post‐impact hydrothermalism, while the impactites show weak magnetization and are extensively altered by neutral‐to‐reducing post‐impact hydrothermalism. We suggest that the magnetic mineralogy of the demagnetized uplifted basement may contribute significantly to the magnetic anomaly variation, in line with recent findings from the Chicxulub peak‐ring.","author":[{"family":"Mendes","given":"Bruno"},{"family":"Kontny","given":"Agnes"},{"family":"Dudzisz","given":"Katarzyna"},{"family":"Wilke","given":"Franziska"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14170","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14170","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391610632","type":"article-journal","title":"Oxygen isotopic compositions of fresh rooftop micrometeorites from the Budel collection—Insights into the contemporary cosmic dust flux","abstract":"Abstract Cosmic dust particles originate from a wide variety of solar system and interstellar objects, including sources not identified among meteorite collections. Particles that survive atmospheric entry are retrieved on the Earth's surface as micrometeorites. The recovery of these micrometeorites has recently advanced to rooftop sites. Here, we present the results of an extensive isotopic study on this type of rooftop micrometeorite from the Budel collection, the Netherlands, accreted to the Earth between October 31, 2018 and June 16, 2021. The triple oxygen isotopic compositions of 80 silica‐dominated cosmic spherules (CSs) with diameters ranging between 105 and 515 μm are obtained relying on 213 in situ spot analyses determined using ion microprobe. Our analyzed population spans a large range of isotopic compositions and is dominated by carbonaceous chondritic sources. In situ measurements on several CSs support a possible continuum between 16 O‐rich and 16 O‐poor compositions following the CM mixing line, showing that 16 O‐poor CSs may be genetically related to aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrites. We demonstrate that weathering in the terrestrial environment has negligible effects on the isotopic compositions of the studied CSs and attempt to quantify the effects of kinetic mass‐dependent fractionation and admixture of terrestrial oxygen during atmospheric entry. The results further corroborate previously suggested relations between CS texture and the duration and intensity of the heating pulse experienced during atmospheric deceleration. Finally, the young and well‐constrained terrestrial age of the collection provides insights into the most recent flux of cosmic dust. Our results indicate no major recent changes in the global flux compared with collections sampled over thousand‐ to million‐year time scales and demonstrate that 16 O‐poor material is still represented in the modern‐day cosmic dust flux at a relative abundance of ~13%–15%. As such, rooftop micrometeorites represent a valuable reservoir to study the characteristics of the contemporary cosmic dust flux.","author":[{"family":"Jonker","given":"Guido"},{"family":"Maldeghem","given":"Flore"},{"family":"Ginneken","given":"Matthias"},{"family":"Ruggiu","given":"Lisa"},{"family":"Goderis","given":"Steven"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14145","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14145","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401639811","type":"article-journal","title":"Essential questions in earth and geosciences according to large language models","abstract":"Abstract Can large language models (LLMs) capture a trustworthy global snapshot of the current issues and top-priority questions facing Earth and Geoscience? This article discusses the 100 most important questions facing Earth and Geosciences in the twenty-first century according to the largest of the LLMs. The study uncovered a discrepancy in responses using the synonymous terms earth sciences and geosciences; as such, users of publicly accessible LLMs must account for this bias and exercise caution in interpretation. Eight fundamental topics irrespective of the query terms earth sciences/geosciences were found: while two of them originate from fundamental research in extraterrestrial geoscience and Earth’s interior, the remaining six address geoscientific questions, important due to the associated societal challenges and environmental issues. The outlined eight fundamental topics strongly resonate with eight Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, in certain cases with not just one.","author":[{"family":"Hatvani","given":"István"},{"family":"Mudelsee","given":"Manfred"},{"family":"Kern","given":"Zoltán"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1515/geo-2022-0677","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1515/geo-2022-0677","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4322100458","type":"article-journal","title":"Recovery and curation of the Winchcombe ( CM2 ) meteorite","abstract":"Abstract The Winchcombe meteorite fell on February 28, 2021 and was the first recovered meteorite fall in the UK for 30 years, and the first UK carbonaceous chondrite. The meteorite was widely observed by meteor camera networks, doorbell cameras, and eyewitnesses, and 213.5 g (around 35% of the final recovered mass) was collected quickly—within 12 h—of its fall. It, therefore, represents an opportunity to study very pristine extra‐terrestrial material and requires appropriate careful curation. The meteorite fell in a narrow (600 m across) strewn field ~8.5 km long and oriented approximately east–west, with the largest single fragment at the farthest (east) end in the town of Winchcombe, Gloucestershire. Of the total known mass of 602 g, around 525 g is curated at the Natural History Museum, London. A sample analysis plan was devised within a month of the fall to enable scientists in the UK and beyond to quickly access and analyze fresh material. The sample is stored long term in a nitrogen atmosphere glove box. Preliminary macroscopic and electron microscopic examinations show it to be a CM2 chondrite, and despite an early search, no fragile minerals, such as halite, sulfur, etc., were observed.","author":[{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Bates","given":"HC"},{"family":"Almeida","given":"NV"},{"family":"Greenwood","given":"RC"},{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Joy","given":"KH"},{"family":"Rowe","given":"Jim"},{"family":"Salge","given":"T"},{"family":"Smith","given":"CL"},{"family":"Grindrod","given":"PM"},{"family":"Boazman","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Bond","given":"Lachlan"},{"family":"Bond","given":"Victoria"},{"family":"Casey","given":"C"},{"family":"Dickeson","given":"Zachary"},{"family":"Ensor","given":"G"},{"family":"Farrelly","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Godfrey","given":"Pamela"},{"family":"Hallis","given":"LJ"},{"family":"Ihász","given":"Míra"},{"family":"Kirk","given":"Dan"},{"family":"Jackson","given":"L"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Mayne","given":"Ben"},{"family":"Mcmullan","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Mounsey","given":"Ann"},{"family":"Mounsey","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Mounsey","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Motaghian","given":"S"},{"family":"Naqvi","given":"Sheeraz"},{"family":"Obrien","given":"Áine"},{"family":"Pickersgill","given":"AE"},{"family":"Skilton","given":"Dan"},{"family":"Spencer","given":"Ieun"},{"family":"Stephen","given":"NR"},{"family":"Suttle","given":"Fiona"},{"family":"Suttle","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Tartèse","given":"Romain"},{"family":"Weir","given":"Colin"},{"family":"Wilcock","given":"Cathryn"},{"family":"Wilcock","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Wilcock","given":"Rob"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13956","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13956","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4398768583","type":"article-journal","title":"Markwelchite, TlPbSbS3, a new Tl–Pb sulfosalt from the hydrothermal deposit of Jas Roux, Hautes-Alpes, France","abstract":"Abstract Markwelchite, ideally TlPbSbS3, is a new mineral from the hydrothermal deposit of Jas Roux, Hautes-Alpes, France. It occurs as a black anhedral crystal associated closely with protochabournéite. Microhardness measurements (VHN15) gave a mean value of 197 kg/mm2 corresponding to a Mohs hardness of ~3–4. In plane-polarised incident light, markwelchite is grey in colour. Under crossed polars, it is distinctly anisotropic with greyish white to bluish rotation tints, with bright red internal reflections. Reflectance percentages (Rmin and Rmax) are: 28.5, 31.5 (471.1 nm); 28.3, 30.7 (548.3 nm); 27.9, 30.3 (586.6 nm); and 27.6, 29.8 (652.3 nm). The mean of 5 electron microprobe spot analyses gave Tl 34.67(45), Pb 31.86(25), Sb 15.06(15), As 2.37(5), S 15.35(20), total 99.31 wt.%, corresponding, on the basis of a total of 6 atoms per formula unit and structural results, to Tl1.063Pb0.964(Sb0.775As0.198)Σ0.973S3.000. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that markwelchite is isotypic with richardsollyite, TlPbAsS3. It is monoclinic, space group P21/c, with the following unit-cell parameters: a = 8.9144(3), b = 8.4513(3), c = 8.6511(3) Å, β = 108.723(4)°, V = 617.27(4) Å3 and Z = 4. The five strongest observed powder-diffraction lines [d in Å (Irel)(hkl)] are: 3.88 (100)( $\\bar{2}$ 11); 3.78 (90)(210); 3.29 (90)(102); 2.73 (85)( $\\bar{1}$ 13); and 2.93 (75)(022). The crystal structure can be described as formed by (100) [Me2(SbS3)]– layers sandwiching the Me1+ cations. The Me1 site has a seven-fold coordination, whereas the Me2 site has an 6+2 coordination corresponding to a distorted, bicapped trigonal prismatic coordination, and the Sb site displays a trigonal pyramidal coordination with three S atoms and Sb at the apex. The name markwelchite honours Dr Mark D. Welch of the Natural History Museum, London, UK. The new mineral has been approved by the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA2024–001). A discussion on the relationships between markwelchite and synthetic TlPbSbS3 is also provided.","author":[{"family":"Bindi","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Biagioni","given":"Cristian"},{"family":"Förster","given":"Hans‐jürgen"},{"family":"Adelmann","given":"Holger"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1180/mgm.2024.43","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2024.43","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400402517","type":"article-journal","title":"An inorganic silicate simulant to represent the interior of enceladus","abstract":"Enceladus, an icy moon of Saturn, consists of an ice shell, global subsurface ocean and a silicate interior. By sampling plume material, the Cassini spacecraft found evidence of ongoing water-rock reactions between the silicate interior and the subsurface ocean. These data showed that these reactions provide a source of bioessential elements to the ocean, making Enceladus one of the leading astrobiological targets in our Solar System. Understanding these water-rock reactions is critical in understanding the potential habitability of Enceladus. To study these reactions experimentally, a chemical simulant to represent the contemporary silicate interior of Enceladus has been designed. Based on the available interpretations of Cassini data about the density, chemical composition, and aqueous alteration of the interior, the chosen starting point for the simulant is a CI chondrite. However, Enceladus is still undergoing active aqueous alteration, thus its silicate mineral assemblage cannot have reached the fully altered assemblage seen in a CI chondrite. To account for this, adaptations have been made to a CI chondrite mineral assemblage, extrapolating back to an assemblage of less aqueously altered minerals whilst maintaining the same chemical composition in terms of major oxide phases. Thus, the chemical and mineralogical composition of this simulant represents a best estimate of the silicate components in the ongoing water rock interactions on Enceladus today.","author":[{"family":"Hamp","given":"Rachael"},{"family":"Olssonfrancis","given":"Karen"},{"family":"Schwenzer","given":"SP"},{"family":"Pearson","given":"VK"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.pss.2024.105934","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2024.105934","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391814636","type":"article-journal","title":"Cultivation of Chroococcidiopsis thermalis Using Available In Situ Resources to Sustain Life on Mars","abstract":"The cultivation of cyanobacteria by exploiting available in situ resources represents a possible way to supply food and oxygen to astronauts during long-term crewed missions on Mars. Here, we evaluated the possibility of cultivating the extremophile cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis thermalis CCALA 050 under operating conditions that should occur within a dome hosting a recently patented process to produce nutrients and oxygen on Mars. The medium adopted to cultivate this cyanobacterium, named Martian medium, was obtained using a mixture of regolith leachate and astronauts’ urine simulants that would be available in situ resources whose exploitation could reduce the mission payload. The results demonstrated that C. thermalis can grow in such a medium. For producing high biomass, the best medium consisted of specific percentages (40%vol) of Martian medium and a standard medium (60%vol). Biomass produced in such a medium exhibits excellent antioxidant properties and contains significant amounts of pigments. Lipidomic analysis demonstrated that biomass contains strategic lipid classes able to help the astronauts facing the oxidative stress and inflammatory phenomena taking place on Mars. These characteristics suggest that this strain could serve as a valuable nutritional resource for astronauts.","author":[{"family":"Fais","given":"Giacomo"},{"family":"Casula","given":"Mattia"},{"family":"Sidorowicz","given":"Agnieszka"},{"family":"Manca","given":"Alessia"},{"family":"Margarita","given":"Valentina"},{"family":"Fiori","given":"Pier"},{"family":"Pantaleo","given":"Antonella"},{"family":"Caboni","given":"Pierluigi"},{"family":"Cao","given":"Giacomo"},{"family":"Concas","given":"Alessandro"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life14020251","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14020251","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401246635","type":"article-journal","title":"Lunar soil record of atmosphere loss over eons","abstract":"The Moon has a tenuous atmosphere produced by space weathering. The short-lived nature of the atoms surrounding the Moon necessitates continuous replenishment from lunar regolith through mechanisms such as micrometeorite impacts, ion sputtering, and photon-stimulated desorption. Despite advances, previous remote sensing and space mission data have not conclusively disentangled the contributions of these processes. Using high-precision potassium (K) and rubidium (Rb) isotopic analyses of lunar soils from the Apollo missions, our study sheds light on the lunar surface-atmosphere evolution over billions of years. The observed correlation between K and Rb isotopic ratios (δ 87 Rb = 0.17 δ 41 K) indicates that, over long timescales, micrometeorite impact vaporization is the primary source of atoms in the lunar atmosphere.","author":[{"family":"Nie","given":"Nicole"},{"family":"Dauphas","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Zhe"},{"family":"Hopp","given":"Timo"},{"family":"Sarantos","given":"M"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adm7074","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adm7074","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4398146222","type":"article-journal","title":"Planetary Paleomagnetic Intensity Recording Fidelity Test Using a Synthetic Lava","abstract":"Abstract Meteorite paleomagnetism is fundamental to understanding planetary dynamo processes and the evolution of the early Solar System. However, due to the extraterrestrial and ancient origins of meteorites, their paleomagnetic recording fidelity remains uncertain, which can be tested from a planetary sample formed in a known field. On Earth, historic lavas are used to examine paleomagnetic recording fidelity through the Thellier‐series experiment and other paleointensity methods, which can produce paleointensity estimates to test against the known field strength. But natural terrestrial rocks have different magnetic mineralogy from planetary samples, so they cannot faithfully infer the recording fidelity of meteorites. Here, we used an iron‐particle‐bearing sample from the Syracuse University Lava Project (SULP), which is analogous to the lunar basalts and howardite‐eucrite‐diogenite meteorites and forms in the present‐day Earth's field, to investigate the recording fidelity of these meteorites. No remanence has been identified in the high coercivity range with alternating field (AF) demagnetization due to the sample's low coercivity and AF noise, which produces underestimated paleointensities. Two accurate thermal paleointensities indicate that we may acquire accurate paleointensities from non‐ideal multidomain (MD) iron grains with the Thellier‐Coe and RESET methods, but the success rate is low due to the MD effect and thermal alteration in the experiments. Our results imply that MD iron‐bearing meteorites have the potential to provide accurate paleointensities that can be used to constrain planetary processes.","author":[{"family":"Wen","given":"Chen"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Huapei"},{"family":"Chou","given":"Yu‐min"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Chun‐chieh"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Xiaowei"},{"family":"Han","given":"Fei"},{"family":"Miao","given":"Junxiang"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Yiming"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jiabo"},{"family":"Karson","given":"Jeffrey"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je008055","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je008055","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402195041","type":"article-journal","title":"The eukaryome of modern microbialites reveals distinct colonization across aquatic ecosystems","abstract":"Protists are less studied for their role and diversity in ecosystems. Notably, protists have played and still play an important role in microbialites. Microbialites, or lithified microbial mats, represent the oldest evidence of fossil biofilms (~3.5 Gyr). Modern microbialites may offer a unique proxy to study the potential role of protists within a geological context. We examined protist diversity in freshwater (Kelly and Pavilion Lake in British Columbia, Canada) and marine (Highborne Cay, Bahamas) to hypersaline (Shark Bay, Australia) microbialites to decipher their geomicrobiological role. The freshwater microbialite communities were clearly distinct from their marine and hypersaline counterparts. Chlorophytes had higher numerical abundance in freshwater microbialites; whereas pennate diatoms dominated numerically in marine microbialites. Despite the differences, protists across ecosystems may have adopted similar roles and functions. We suggest a consistent biogeochemical role of protists across microbialites globally; but that salinity may shape protist composition and evolution in these ecosystems.","author":[{"family":"Bonacolta","given":"Anthony"},{"family":"Visscher","given":"Pieter"},{"family":"Campo","given":"Javier"},{"family":"White","given":"Richard"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41522-024-00547-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-024-00547-z","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4395664792","type":"article-journal","title":"The Impact of the Composition on the Properties of Simulated Lunar Mare Basalt Fibers","abstract":"Lunar mare basalt is recognized as an important in situ resource on the lunar surface. However, the significant compositional variability of lunar mare basalts introduces uncertainties concerning the potential for their use in fabricating fibers and composite materials. This study investigates the impact of different components on the fiber-forming capabilities of mare basalts by simulating the compositions of basalts collected from several well-known lunar missions and then preparing simulated lunar mare basalt fibers. Raman spectroscopy is primarily employed for analysis and characterization, using “peak area normalization” to explore the impact of compositional fluctuations in the simulated lunar mare basalts on the glass network structure. The findings indicate that an increase in the Fe content raises the likelihood of basalt fibers crystallizing. Additionally, Fe3+ is shown to substitute for Si and Al in constructing bridging oxygen bonds in the network structure, albeit reducing the overall polymerization of the network. Meanwhile, Fe2+ acts as a network modifier to enhance the mechanical properties of the fibers.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Jin"},{"family":"Luo","given":"Lida"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Jiali"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Xiaoxu"},{"family":"Shi","given":"Guoying"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Qingwei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ma17092043","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092043","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4388693205","type":"article-journal","title":"Phyllosilicates with embedded Fe‐based nanophases in Ryugu and Orgueil","abstract":"Abstract Samples were recently collected from the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu, by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Hayabusa2 mission. They resemble CI chondrites material, thus showing clear evidence of extensive aqueous alteration attested by the widespread presence of a mixture of serpentine and saponite. We present here a scanning transmission electron microscopy study of the Ryugu dominant lithology of the phyllosilicate matrix at the nanometer scale, which we compare with that of the Orgueil CI chondrite. In both objects, the phyllosilicates are of comparable nature and texture, consisting of a mixture of small‐sized crystallites of serpentine and saponite. At the micrometer scale or less, the texture is an alternation of fine and coarse domains. The fine‐grained regions are dominated by saponite. In Ryugu, they enclose numerous Fe,Ni nanosulfides, whereas in Orgueil, S‐ and Ni‐rich ferrihydrite is abundant. The coarse‐grained regions contain more serpentine and no or little Fe,Ni sulfides or ferrihydrite. Scanning transmission x‐ray microscopy at the Fe‐L3 edge also reveals that iron valency of phyllosilicates is higher and more homogeneous in Orgueil (~70% Fe3+) than in Ryugu (<50% Fe3+). We interpret the observed textures as being mostly a consequence of aqueous alteration, likely resulting from the replacement by phyllosilicates of submicrometric components, initially agglomerated by a primary accretion. The fine‐grained domains may result from the replacement of GEMS (GEMS—glass with embedded metal and sulfides) objects or from other types of nanometric assemblages of silicate and Fe‐based nanophases. On the other hand, the coarse‐grained regions may correspond to the replacement of anhydrous crystalline silicates of the olivine and pyroxene type. The major difference is the presence of Fe,Ni sulfides in Ryugu and of ferrihydrite and higher iron valency of phyllosilicates in Orgueil. This might be due to long‐term terrestrial weathering that would have destabilized the nanosulfides. We also explore an alternative scenario involving more oxidizing hydrothermal conditions on the Orgueil parent body.","author":[{"family":"Leroux","given":"Hugues"},{"family":"Guillou","given":"Corentin"},{"family":"Marinova","given":"Maya"},{"family":"Laforet","given":"Sylvain"},{"family":"Viennet","given":"Jean‐christophe"},{"family":"Mouloud","given":"Bahae‐eddine"},{"family":"Teurtrie","given":"Adrien"},{"family":"Peña","given":"Francisco"},{"family":"Jacob","given":"Damien"},{"family":"Hallatt","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Peláez-Fernández","given":"Mario"},{"family":"Troadec","given":"David"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14101","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14101","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4394844778","type":"article-journal","title":"Uncovering Hidden Microbial Diversity in Nitrate/Iodide Deposits (NIDs) in the Domeyko District, Atacama Desert, Chile","abstract":"Unique worldwide, nitrate/iodine deposits (NIDs) are located along a 700 km geological belt in the Atacama Desert, Chile. They serve as the primary source of mineral ores for the extraction of iodine, sodium, and potassium nitrates. NIDs have been relatively underexplored from a biological perspective. To address this, we collected sixteen soil samples from abandoned mines in Oficinas Pissis and Savona for chemical, mineralogical, and metagenomic analyses. The soils primarily consisted of halite and darapskite, with only one sample being predominantly composed of thenardite. Deliquescence and water activity measurements yielded values ranging from 0.02% to 0.40% and 0.47 to 0.62, respectively. To investigate the presence, identification, relative abundance, and diversity of microbial life in NID soils, we employed MiSeq high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic tools. The dominant phyla observed were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, with Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria being predominant in two soil samples. Furthermore, we detected nitrate/perchlorate-reducing bacterial activity in enriched cultures from the soil samples. This study sheds light on the resilience of microbial life in the Atacama Desert NIDs, providing compelling evidence for its existence and offering insight into factors that could facilitate it within this unique environment.","author":[{"family":"Cortes","given":"MA"},{"family":"Avendaño","given":"Priscilla"},{"family":"Encalada","given":"Olga"},{"family":"Salazarardiles","given":"Camila"},{"family":"Andrade","given":"David"},{"family":"Gómezsilva","given":"Benito"},{"family":"Contreras","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Toro","given":"Norman"},{"family":"Arias","given":"Dayana"},{"family":"Escudero"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/soilsystems8020046","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8020046","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392849251","type":"article-journal","title":"Halogen-bearing metasomatizing melt preserved in high-pressure (HP) eclogites of Pfaffenberg, Bohemian Massif","abstract":"Abstract. Primary granitic melt inclusions are trapped in garnets of eclogites in the garnet peridotite body of Pfaffenberg, Granulitgebirge (Bohemian Massif, Germany). These polycrystalline inclusions, based on their nature and composition, can be called nanogranitoids and contain mainly phlogopite/biotite, kumdykolite, quartz/rare cristobalite, a phase with the main Raman peak at 412 cm−1, a phase with the main Raman peak at 430 cm−1, osumilite and plagioclase. The melt is hydrous, peraluminous and granitic and significantly enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILE), Th, U, Li, B and Pb. The melt major element composition resembles that of melts produced by the partial melting of metasediments, as also supported by its trace element signature characterized by elements (LILE, Pb, Li and B) typical of the continental crust. These microstructural and geochemical features suggest that the investigated melt originated in the subducted continental crust and interacted with the mantle to produce the Pfaffenberg eclogite. Moreover, in situ analyses and calculations based on partition coefficients between apatite and melt show that the melt was also enriched in Cl and F, pointing toward the presence of a brine during melting. The melt preserved in inclusions can thus be regarded as an example of a metasomatizing agent present at depth and responsible for the interaction between the crust and the mantle. Chemical similarities between this melt and other metasomatizing melts measured in other eclogites from the Granulitgebirge and Erzgebirge, in addition to the overall similar enrichment in trace elements observed in other metasomatized mantle rocks from central Europe, suggest an extended crustal contamination of the mantle beneath the Bohemian Massif during the Variscan orogeny.","author":[{"family":"Borghini","given":"Alessia"},{"family":"Ferrero","given":"Silvio"},{"family":"Obrien","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Wunder","given":"Bernd"},{"family":"Tollan","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Majka","given":"Jarosław"},{"family":"Fuchs","given":"Rico"},{"family":"Gresky","given":"Kerstin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.5194/ejm-36-279-2024","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/ejm-36-279-2024","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392717076","type":"article-journal","title":"Cathodoluminescence differentiates sedimentary organic matter types","abstract":"High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) visualization of sedimentary organic matter is widely utilized in the geosciences for evaluating microscale rock properties relevant to depositional environment, diagenesis, and the processes of fluid generation, transport, and storage. However, despite thousands of studies which have incorporated SEM methods, the inability of SEM to differentiate sedimentary organic matter types has hampered the pace of scientific advancement. In this study, we show that SEM-cathodoluminescence (CL) properties can be used to identify and characterize sedimentary organic matter at low thermal maturity conditions. Eleven varied mudstone samples with a broad array of sedimentary organic matter types, ranging from the Paleoproterozoic to Eocene in age, were investigated. Sedimentary organic matter fluorescence intensity and CL intensity showed an almost one-to-one correspondence, with certain exceptions in three samples potentially related to radiolytic alteration. Therefore, because CL emission can be used as a proxy for fluorescence emission from sedimentary organic matter, CL emission during SEM visualization can be used to differentiate fluorescent from non-fluorescent sedimentary organic matter. This result will allow CL to be used as a visual means to quickly differentiate sedimentary organic matter types without employing correlative optical microscopy and could be widely and rapidly adapted for SEM-based studies in the geosciences.","author":[{"family":"Hackley","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Mcaleer","given":"Ryan"},{"family":"Jubb","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Valentine","given":"Brett"},{"family":"Birdwell","given":"Justin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-53168-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53168-z","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402471158","type":"article-journal","title":"The effect of carbonate assimilation and nanoheterogeneities on the viscosity of phonotephritic melt from Vesuvius","abstract":"Interaction between magma and carbonate plays a pivotal role in volcanic systems, yet its impact on magma transport properties remains inadequately explored. This study presents novel viscosity data on a leucite-bearing phonotephritic melt from the 472 CE Pollena eruption (Vesuvius, Italy), doped with varying amounts of CaO and CaO + MgO. The compositions match the chemistry of melt inclusions and interstitial glasses from skarns at Vesuvius, which have been interpreted as related to mixing of magma with different amounts of CaO and MgO derived from the host carbonates (limestone and dolostone). Viscosity measurements were conducted at both high (1150–1400 °C) and low temperatures (640–760 °C) by concentric cylinder viscometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and micropenetration methods. Through an integrated approach which combines Brillouin and Raman spectroscopy with the aforementioned techniques, we accurately predict the viscosity changes induced by magma‑carbonate interaction and identify the formation of nanoheterogeneities during low-temperature viscosity measurements. Notably, viscosity models from the literature fail to accurately reproduce our experimental data set at both high and low temperature. In the high-temperature regime, the addition of CaO induces a remarkable viscosity decrease, surpassing that produced by CaO + MgO addition. Furthermore, our findings reveal a significant viscosity/temperature crossover resulting from the addition of CaO and CaO + MgO to the melt phase. Undoped melt exhibits a higher viscosity compared to doped melts above 750 °C, with an inverse trend observed below this temperature threshold. Such rheological constraints may affect the mobility and mixing capability of melts exposed to different levels of carbonate assimilation. • Viscosity measurements on CaO and CaO + MgO-doped phonotephritic melts are presented. • Experiments simulate viscosity changes due to magma-carbonate interaction in nature. • Nanoheterogeneities in low-temperature viscosity measurements are observed. • Viscosity models fail to predict viscosity changes caused by carbonate assimilation. • At high-temperature, the addition of CaO induces a marked viscosity decrease.","author":[{"family":"Giuliani","given":"Gabriele"},{"family":"Genova","given":"Danilo"},{"family":"Fiore","given":"Fabrizio"},{"family":"Valdivia","given":"Pedro"},{"family":"Mollo","given":"Silvio"},{"family":"Romano","given":"Cláudia"},{"family":"Ballaran","given":"Tiziana"},{"family":"Kurnosov","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Vona","given":"Alessandro"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.chemgeo.2024.122408","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2024.122408","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400614487","type":"article-journal","title":"Spectro-photometry of Phobos simulants","abstract":"Previous Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Mars Express observations of Phobos and Deimos, the moons of Mars, have improved our understanding of these small bodies. However, their formation and composition remain poorly constrained. Physical and spectral properties suggest that Phobos may be a weakly thermal-altered captured asteroid but the dynamical properties of the martian system suggest a formation by giant collision similar to the Earth moon. In 2027, the JAXA’s MMX mission aims to address these outstanding questions. We undertook measurements with a new simulant called OPPS (Observatory of Paris Phobos Simulant) which closely matches Phobos reflectance spectra from the visible to the mid-infrared wavelength range. The simulant was synthesized using a mixture of olivine, saponite, anthracite, and coal. Since observation geometry strongly influences the photometry and spectra of the light reflected from planetary surfaces, we evaluated the parameters obtained by modeling the phase curves – obtained through laboratory measurements – of two different Phobos simulants (UTPS-TB and OPPS) using Hapke IMSA model. Our results show that the photometric properties of Phobos simulants are not fully consistent with those of carbonaceous chondrites and martian meteorites. We also investigated the detection of volatiles/organic compounds and hydrated minerals, as the presence of such components is expected on Phobos in the hypothesis of a captured primitive asteroid. To investigate their detectability, we examined the variability of the 3.28μm and 3.42μm absorption bands related to aliphatic/aromatic carbon (as a proxy of organic material), as well as the 2.7μm O–H feature in a Phobos laboratory spectroscopic simulant. The results indicate that a significant amount of organic compounds is required for the detection of C–H bands at 3.4μm. The bands at 3.28 and 3.42μm are faint (less than 2%) when ∼3 wt% of organic compounds are present in the simulant and are likely undetectable by the MIRS spectrometer onboard the MMX mission. When the concentration of aliphatic and aromatic compounds is increased to 6 wt%, a positive detection starts to become more plausible using remote sensing infrared spectroscopy. In contrast, the 2.7μm absorption band, due to hydrated minerals, is much deeper and easier to detect than C–H organic features at the same concentration levels. The feature is still clearly detectable even when the simulant contains only 3 vol.% of phyllosilicates, corresponding to 0.7 wt% OH groups. Posing limits on detectability of some possible key components of Phobos surface will be pivotal to prepare and interpret future observations of the MIRS spectrometer as well as TENGOO and OROCHI cameras onboard MMX mission.","author":[{"family":"Wargnier","given":"Antonin"},{"family":"Gautier","given":"TN"},{"family":"Doressoundiram","given":"A"},{"family":"Poggiali","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Poch","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Quirico","given":"É"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Miyamoto","given":"Hideaki"},{"family":"Kameda","given":"Shingo"},{"family":"Hasselmann","given":"PH"},{"family":"Ruscassier","given":"Nathalie"},{"family":"Buch","given":"A"},{"family":"Fornasier","given":"S"},{"family":"Barucci","given":"MA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.icarus.2024.116216","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2024.116216","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4394785782","type":"article-journal","title":"Thermochemical interactions between yttria‐stabilized zirconia and molten lunar regolith simulants","abstract":"Abstract Oxygen produced through in‐situ resource utilization (ISRU) is critical to maintaining a permanent human presence on the lunar surface. Molten regolith electrolysis and carbothermal reduction are two promising ISRU techniques for generating oxygen directly from lunar regolith, which is primarily a mixture of oxide minerals; however, both processes require operating temperatures of 1600°C to melt lunar regolith and dissociate the molten oxides. These conditions limit the use of many oxide refractory materials, such as Al 2 O 3 and MgO, due to rapid degradation resulting from reactions between the refractory materials and molten lunar regolith. Yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is shown here to be a promising refractory oxide to provide containment of molten regolith while demonstrating limited reactivity. This work focuses on corrosion studies of YSZ powders and dense YSZ crucibles in contact with molten lunar maria and highlands regolith simulants at 1600°C. The interactions between YSZ and molten regolith were characterized using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and electron backscatter diffraction. A FactSage thermochemical model was created for comparison with the experimental results. These combined analyses suggest that lunar maria regolith will degrade the YSZ faster than the lunar highlands regolith due to the lower viscosity of the maria regolith. The feasibility of long‐term molten regolith containment with YSZ is discussed based on the YSZ powder and crucible results.","author":[{"family":"Yu","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Stokes","given":"Jamesa"},{"family":"Harder","given":"Bryan"},{"family":"Reidy","given":"Lorlyn"},{"family":"Faber","given":"KT"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/jace.19821","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.19821","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389958223","type":"article-journal","title":"Effect of (in)organic additives on microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation","abstract":"AIM: This study aimed to understand the morphological effects of (in)organic additives on microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). METHODS AND RESULTS: MICP was monitored in real time in the presence of (in)organic additives: bovine serum albumin (BSA), biofilm surface layer protein A (BslA), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and poly-l-lysine. This monitoring was carried out using confocal microscopy to observe the formation of CaCO3 from the point of nucleation, in comparison to conditions without additives. Complementary methodologies, namely scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, were employed to assess the visual morphology, elemental composition, and crystalline structures of CaCO3, respectively, following the crystals' formation. The results demonstrated that in the presence of additives, more CaCO3 crystals were produced at 100 min compared to the reaction without additives. The inclusion of BslA resulted in larger crystals than reactions containing other additives, including MgCl2. BSA induced a significant number of crystals from the early stages of the reaction (20 min) but did not have a substantial impact on crystal size compared to conditions without additives. All additives led to a higher content of calcite compared to vaterite after a 24-h reaction, with the exception of MgCl2, which produced a substantial quantity of magnesium calcite. CONCLUSIONS: The work demonstrates the effect of several (in)organic additives on MICP and sets the stage for further research to understand additive effects on MICP to achieve controlled CaCO3 precipitation.","author":[{"family":"Haystead","given":"Jamie"},{"family":"Gilmour","given":"Katie"},{"family":"Sherry","given":"Angela"},{"family":"Daderobertson","given":"Martyn"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Meng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1093/jambio/lxad309","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jambio/lxad309","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403432696","type":"article-journal","title":"Extensive iron–water exchange at Earth’s core–mantle boundary can explain seismic anomalies","abstract":"Seismological observations indicate the presence of chemical heterogeneities at the lowermost mantle, just above the core-mantle boundary (CMB), sparking debate over their origins. A plausible explanation for the enigmatic seismic wave velocities observed in ultra-low-velocity zones (ULVZs) is the process of iron enrichment from the core to the silicate mantle. However, traditional models based on diffusion of atoms and penetration of molten iron fail to account for the significant iron enrichment observed in ULVZs. Here, we show that the chemical reaction between silicate bridgmanite and iron under hydrous conditions leads to profound iron enrichment within silicate, a process not seen in anhydrous conditions. Our findings suggest that the interaction between the core and mantle facilitates deep iron enrichment over a few kilometres at the bottom of the mantle when water is present. We propose that the seismic signatures observed in ULVZs indicate whole mantle convection, accompanied by deep water cycles from the crust to the core through Earth's history.","author":[{"family":"Kawano","given":"Katsutoshi"},{"family":"Nishi","given":"Masayuki"},{"family":"Kuwahara","given":"H"},{"family":"Kakizawa","given":"Sho"},{"family":"Inoue","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Kondo","given":"Tadashi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-52677-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-52677-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391681061","type":"article-journal","title":"Atmospheric formaldehyde production on early Mars leading to a potential formation of bio-important molecules","abstract":"Abstract Formaldehyde (H2CO) is a critical precursor for the abiotic formation of biomolecules, including amino acids and sugars, which are the building blocks of proteins and RNA. Geomorphological and geochemical evidence on Mars indicates a temperate environment compatible with the existence of surface liquid water during its early history at 3.8–3.6 billion years ago (Ga), which was maintained by the warming effect of reducing gases, such as H2. However, it remains uncertain whether such a temperate and weakly reducing surface environment on early Mars was suitable for producing H2CO. In this study, we investigated the atmospheric production of H2CO on early Mars using a 1-D photochemical model assuming a thick CO2-dominated atmosphere with H2 and CO. Our results show that a continuous supply of atmospheric H2CO can be used to form various organic compounds, including amino acids and sugars. This could be a possible origin for the organic matter observed on the Martian surface. Given the previously reported conversion rate from H2CO into ribose, the calculated H2CO deposition flux suggests a continuous supply of bio-important sugars on early Mars, particularly during the Noachian and early Hesperian periods.","author":[{"family":"Koyama","given":"Shungo"},{"family":"Kamada","given":"Arihiro"},{"family":"Furukawa","given":"Yoshihiro"},{"family":"Terada","given":"Naoki"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Yuki"},{"family":"Yoshida","given":"Tatsuya"},{"family":"Kuroda","given":"Takeshi"},{"family":"Vandaele","given":"Ann"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-52718-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52718-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404639395","type":"article-journal","title":"Prebiotic formation of enantiomeric excess D-amino acids on natural pyrite","abstract":"D-amino acids, found in excess in a minority of organisms and crucial for marine invertebrates, contrast with the more common L-amino acids in most life forms. The local prebiotic origin of D-amino acid enantiomeric excess in natural systems remains an unsolved conundrum. Herein, we demonstrate the formation of enantiomeric excess (ee) D-amino acids through photocatalytic reductive amination of α-keto acids on natural pyrite. Various amino acids with ee values in the range of 14.5-42.4%, are formed. The wavy arrangement of atoms on the surface of pyrite is speculated to lead to the preferential formation of D-amino acids. This work reveals the intrinsic asymmetric photocatalytic activity of pyrite, which could expand understandings on mechanism of asymmetric catalysis and chirality of inorganic crystals. Furthermore, it provides a plausible pathway for the prebiotic formation of D-amino acids, adding further evidence to the origin of D-amino acids enantiomeric excess in natural systems.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Ruiqi"},{"family":"Deng","given":"Quanzheng"},{"family":"Han","given":"Lu"},{"family":"Ouyang","given":"Tianwei"},{"family":"Che","given":"Shunai"},{"family":"Fang","given":"Yuxi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-54481-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54481-x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4398191693","type":"article-journal","title":"Artificial Greenhouse Gases as Exoplanet Technosignatures","abstract":"Abstract Atmospheric pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons and NO2 have been proposed as potential remotely detectable atmospheric technosignature gases. Here we investigate the potential for artificial greenhouse gases including CF4, C2F6, C3F8, SF6, and NF3 to generate detectable atmospheric signatures. In contrast to passive incidental by-products of industrial processes, artificial greenhouse gases would represent an intentional effort to change the climate of a planet with long-lived, low-toxicity gases and would possess low false positive potential. An extraterrestrial civilization may be motivated to undertake such an effort to arrest a predicted snowball state on their home world or to terraform an otherwise uninhabitable terrestrial planet within their system. Because artificial greenhouse gases strongly absorb in the thermal mid-infrared window of temperate atmospheres, a terraformed planet will logically possess strong absorption features from these gases at mid-infrared wavelengths (∼8–12 μm), possibly accompanied by diagnostic features in the near-infrared. As a proof of concept, we calculate the needed observation time to detect 1 [10](100) ppm of C2F6/C3F8/SF6 on TRAPPIST-1 f with JWST MIRI’s Low Resolution Spectrometer (LRS) and NIRSpec. We find that a combination of 1[10](100) ppm each of C2F6, C3F8, and SF6 can be detected with a signal-to-noise ratio ≧ 5 in as few as 25[10](5) transits with MIRI/LRS. We further explore mid-infrared direct-imaging scenarios with the Large Interferometer for Exoplanets mission concept and find these gases are more detectable than standard biosignatures at these concentrations. Consequently, artificial greenhouse gases can be readily detected (or excluded) during normal planetary characterization observations with no additional overhead.","author":[{"family":"Schwieterman","given":"Edward"},{"family":"Fauchez","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Haqqmisra","given":"Jacob"},{"family":"Kopparapu","given":"Ravi"},{"family":"Angerhausen","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Pidhorodetska","given":"Daria"},{"family":"Leung","given":"Michaela"},{"family":"Sneed","given":"Evan"},{"family":"Ducrot","given":"Elsa"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3847/1538-4357/ad4ce8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ad4ce8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401713939","type":"article-journal","title":"Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA): an Apollo Participating Scientist Program to Prepare the Lunar Sample Community for Artemis","abstract":"As a first step in preparing for the return of samples from the Moon by the Artemis Program, NASA initiated the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis Program (ANGSA). ANGSA was designed to function as a low-cost sample return mission and involved the curation and analysis of samples previously returned by the Apollo 17 mission that remained unopened or stored under unique conditions for 50 years. These samples include the lower portion of a double drive tube previously sealed on the lunar surface, the upper portion of that drive tube that had remained unopened, and a variety of Apollo 17 samples that had remained stored at −27 °C for approximately 50 years. ANGSA constitutes the first preliminary examination phase of a lunar “sample return mission” in over 50 years. It also mimics that same phase of an Artemis surface exploration mission, its design included placing samples within the context of local and regional geology through new orbital observations collected since Apollo and additional new “boots-on-the-ground” observations, data synthesis, and interpretations provided by Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt. ANGSA used new curation techniques to prepare, document, and allocate these new lunar samples, developed new tools to open and extract gases from their containers, and applied new analytical instrumentation previously unavailable during the Apollo Program to reveal new information about these samples. Most of the 90 scientists, engineers, and curators involved in this mission were not alive during the Apollo Program, and it had been 30 years since the last Apollo core sample was processed in the Apollo curation facility at NASA JSC. There are many firsts associated with ANGSA that have direct relevance to Artemis. ANGSA is the first to open a core sample previously sealed on the surface of the Moon, the first to extract and analyze lunar gases collected in situ , the first to examine a core that penetrated a lunar landslide deposit, and the first to process pristine Apollo samples in a glovebox at −20 °C. All the ANGSA activities have helped to prepare the Artemis generation for what is to come. The timing of this program, the composition of the team, and the preservation of unopened Apollo samples facilitated this generational handoff from Apollo to Artemis that sets up Artemis and the lunar sample science community for additional successes.","author":[{"family":"Shearer","given":"CK"},{"family":"Mccubbin","given":"FM"},{"family":"Eckley","given":"SA"},{"family":"Simon","given":"SB"},{"family":"Meshik","given":"AP"},{"family":"Mcdonald","given":"Francesca"},{"family":"Schmitt","given":"HH"},{"family":"Zeigler","given":"RA"},{"family":"Gross","given":"Jill"},{"family":"Mitchell","given":"John"},{"family":"Krysher","given":"CH"},{"family":"Morris","given":"RV"},{"family":"Parai","given":"Rita"},{"family":"Jolliff","given":"BL"},{"family":"Gillisdavis","given":"JJ"},{"family":"Joy","given":"KH"},{"family":"Bell","given":"SK"},{"family":"Lucey","given":"PG"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Lingzhi"},{"family":"Sharp","given":"ZD"},{"family":"Dukes","given":"CA"},{"family":"Sehlke","given":"A"},{"family":"Mosie","given":"A"},{"family":"Allton","given":"J"},{"family":"Amick","given":"C"},{"family":"Simon","given":"Justin"},{"family":"Erickson","given":"Timmons"},{"family":"Barnes","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Dyar","given":"MD"},{"family":"Burgess","given":"Katherine"},{"family":"Petro","given":"NE"},{"family":"Moriarty","given":"DP"},{"family":"Curran","given":"Noirin"},{"family":"Elsila","given":"Jamie"},{"family":"Colinaruiz","given":"Roberto"},{"family":"Kröll","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Sokaras","given":"D"},{"family":"Ishii","given":"HA"},{"family":"Bradley","given":"JP"},{"family":"Sears","given":"DF"},{"family":"Cohen","given":"BA"},{"family":"Pravdivseva","given":"OV"},{"family":"Thompson","given":"Mary"},{"family":"Neal","given":"CR"},{"family":"Hana","given":"R"},{"family":"Ketcham","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Welten","given":"KC"},{"family":"Team","given":"The"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-024-01094-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-024-01094-x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4317513349","type":"article-journal","title":"Human challenges to adaptation to extreme professional environments: A systematic review","abstract":"NASA is planning human exploration of the Moon, while preparations are underway for human missions to Mars, and deeper into the solar system. These missions will expose space travelers to unusual conditions, which they will have to adapt to. Similar conditions are found in several analogous environments on Earth, and studies can provide an initial understanding of the challenges for human adaptation. Such environments can be marked by an extreme climate, danger, limited facilities and supplies, isolation from loved ones, or mandatory interaction with others. They are rarely encountered by most human beings, and mainly concern certain professions in limited missions. This systematic review focuses on professional extreme environments and captures data from papers published since 2005. Our findings provide an insight into their physiological, biological, cognitive, and behavioral impacts for better understand how humans adapt or not to them. This study provides a framework for studying adaptation, which is particularly important in light of upcoming longer space expeditions to more distant destinations.","author":[{"family":"Roy","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Martinkrumm","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Piñoldomenech","given":"Nathalie"},{"family":"Dutheil","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Trousselard","given":"Marion"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105054","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105054","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402483329","type":"article-journal","title":"Overview and recommendations for research on plants and microbes in regolith-based agriculture","abstract":"Abstract The domestication of agriculture is widely recognized as one of the most crucial technological adaptations for the transition of humanity from hunter-and-gatherer groups into early city-states and ultimately, complex civilizations. As humankind sets forth to permanently establish itself on the Moon and use it as a testing ground to colonize other worlds, like Mars, agriculture will again play a pivotal role. In this case, the development of sustainable crop production systems capable of succeeding in these harsh environments becomes vital to the success of our star-faring journey. Over decades, studies varying in species and approaches have been conducted in microgravity, testing the limits of plants and various growth systems, to better understand how Earth-based agriculture could be translated into environmental conditions and therefore evolutionary pressures beyond what life on our planet has known. While we have passed several significant milestones, we are still far from the goal of a sustainable agricultural system beyond our planet Regolith-based agriculture (RBA) should be a component of sustainable agriculture solutions beyond Earth, one which can also provide insight into plant growth in poor soils across our own world. However, RBA studies are in their infancy and, like any other new field, need an established set of parameters to be followed by the RBA community so the generated data can be standardized and validated. Here, we provide an extensive multi-disciplinary review of the state of RBA, outline important knowledge gaps, and propose a set of standardized methods and benchmarks for regolith simulant development and selection as well as plant, microbe, and plant-microbe interaction studies conducted in lunar and Martian regolith. Our goal is to spur dialog within the RBA community on proper regolith simulant selection, experimental design, and reporting. Our methods are divided into complexity tiers, providing a clear path for even the simplest experiments to contribute to the bulk of the knowledge that will shape the future of RBA science and see it mature as an integrated part of sustainable off-world agriculture.","author":[{"family":"Fackrell","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Humphrey","given":"S"},{"family":"Loureiro","given":"Rafael"},{"family":"Palmer","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Long-Fox","given":"Jared"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s44264-024-00013-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s44264-024-00013-5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391610513","type":"article-journal","title":"Chemical compositions of Fe‐rich relict olivines from cosmic spherules, understanding their links with ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites","abstract":"Abstract Fe‐rich relict olivine grains are found in a small percentage of cosmic spherules, which are studied here to determine the nature of their precursors. We examined 128 Fe‐rich relict olivine grains with Fa >10 mol% from 53 cosmic spherules of different types collected from Antarctica (Antarctica micrometeorites [AMM]) and deep‐sea sediments (DSS) of the Indian Ocean. Fe‐rich olivines identified in cosmic spherules are close analogs of type II chondrule olivines formed in the early solar system. The olivine analysis shows well‐defined trends in molar Fe/Mn versus Fe/Mg with an affinity for ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites. The minor oxides in olivine are in ranges such as MnO ~0.1–0.8 wt%, Cr 2 O 3 ~0–0.7 wt%, CaO ~0–0.6 wt%, and Al 2 O 3 ~0–0.2 wt%, respectively. The chemical composition suggests that the precursors for these Fe‐rich olivine‐bearing cosmic spherules consist of ordinary chondrites (~21%–23%, AMM‐DSS), carbonaceous chondrites (~17%–36%, AMM‐DSS), and a large fraction overlapping both carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites (~41%–62% AMM‐DSS). The elemental ratios Fe/Si/CI and Mg/Si/CI for the Fe‐rich relict olivines ranging between the values 0.5–1.0 and 1.1–1.7 are compatible with IDPs, Comet 81P/Wild 2 as well as the Asteroid Itokawa and Ryugu, which are indistinguishable from carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites. In addition, pyroxene and olivine assemblages in their Fa versus Fs mol% show strong similarities to EOC chondrites. Our results on Fe‐rich relict olivines show that these grains in cosmic spherules are less common than Mg‐rich olivines, which show a narrow range of chemical compositions identical to those from ordinary chondrites and carbonaceous chondrites, indicating a supplementary contribution of an ordinary chondritic component to the micrometeorite source of dust.","author":[{"family":"Fernandes","given":"D"},{"family":"Rudraswami","given":"NG"},{"family":"Pandey","given":"Mayank"},{"family":"Singh","given":"VP"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14143","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14143","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399751479","type":"article-journal","title":"Strategic Study for the Development of Space Life","abstract":"Space life science is a discipline dedicated to investigating the origin, evolution, and distribution of life under space environmental conditions, along with the phenomena and principles governing life. This field delves into the mechanisms of life’s origin and early evolution from both theoretical and experimental perspectives, while also exploring fundamental scientific inquiries such as the habitability and forms of extraterrestrial life. With the implementation of major scientific projects such as the Chinese space station, the Chang’E lunar exploration program, and the Tianwen series, research on space life in China has witnessed rapid development. This paper provides an overview of the domestic and international trends in space life, identifies key areas for future development of space life science in China, optimizes disciplinary layouts, and aims to promote high-quality advancement in space life research.","author":[{"family":"Zhao","given":"Yufen"},{"family":"Hua","given":"Yuejin"},{"family":"Li","given":"YZ"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Yeqing"},{"family":"Yao","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Zheng","given":"Huiqiong"},{"family":"Hao","given":"Jihua"},{"family":"Ying","given":"Jianxi"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Yuzong"},{"family":"Tian","given":"Bing"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.11728/cjss2024.03.2024-yg07","URL":"https://doi.org/10.11728/cjss2024.03.2024-yg07","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392864814","type":"article-journal","title":"Ammonium-rich bright areas on Ceres demonstrate complex chemical activity","abstract":"Abstract The dwarf planet Ceres has been proven to be a world with an extraordinary diversity of chemical species formed in aqueous environments. Dantu crater, being one of the largest and deepest impact craters on Ceres, offers valuable insights into the geological history and composition of this enigmatic world. Its particular position, within a topographic low, can be considered a window into the composition of Ceres’s subsurface. One of the intriguing aspects of Dantu is the presence of several bright areas called “faculae”. These bright materials, distributed unevenly on the Cerean surface, are believed to be residua from salty fluids, likely still circulating in the subsurface and capable to extrude onto the surface, as demonstrated by the identification of fresh hydrohalite (NaCl· 2 (H 2 O)) on the bright faculae in another exceptional crate, Occator. The detailed investigation of the Dantu’s faculae reveals the presence of at least two different “populations” of bright materials, compositionally distinct even if in close geographical proximity. These faculae appear different, white and yellow, in the color images (RGB: R = 0.917 μm, G = 0.653 μm, B = 0.438 μm) taken by the Dawn camera. The spectra show that the first population -white- is mainly composed of sodium carbonate, similar to other identified bright areas on Ceres; the second one -yellow- is likely dominated by ammonium-rich components. The spectra of the yellow faculae show specific and clear bands, associated to ammonium bearing phases, but the exact species producing such spectral features are not unambiguously identified. A potential candidate is ammonium bicarbonates, but we cannot exclude other compounds and combinations of different species. Other occurrences of these yellow faculae have been identified in a few other areas, even if less numerous and with a much smaller extent with respect to the Dantu crater. The discovery of a very bright component different from the carbonates and salts previously identified increases the variety and complexity of the salty aqueous solutions on Ceres, offering tantalizing clues about the potential for habitable environments and subsurface fluid reservoirs on this dwarf planet.","author":[{"family":"Sanctis","given":"MCD"},{"family":"Ammannito","given":"E"},{"family":"Carrozzo","given":"FG"},{"family":"Ciarniello","given":"M"},{"family":"Angelis","given":"Simone"},{"family":"Ferrari","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Frigeri","given":"A"},{"family":"Raponi","given":"A"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-024-01281-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01281-2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4395665899","type":"article-journal","title":"High Reactivity of Dimethyl Ether Activated by Zeolite Ferrierite within a Fer Cage: A Prediction Study","abstract":"The zeolite-catalyzed conversion of DME into chemicals is considered environmentally friendly in industry. The periodic density functional theory, statistical thermodynamics, and the transition state theory are used to study some possible parallel reactions about the hydrogen-bonded DME over zeolite ferrierite. The following are the key findings: (1) the charge separation probably leads to the conversion of a hydrogen-bonded DME into a dimethyl oxonium ion (i.e., DMO+ or (CH3)2OH+) with a positive charge of about 0.804 e; (2) the methylation of DME, CH3OH, H2O, and CO by DMO+ at the T2O6 site of zeolite ferrierite shows the different activated internal energy (∆E≠) ranging from 18.47 to 30.06 kcal/mol, implying the strong methylation ability of DMO+; (3) H-abstraction by DMO+ is about 3.94–15.53 or 6.57–18.16 kcal/mol higher than DMO+ methylation in the activation internal energy; (4) six DMO+-mediated reactions are more likely to occur due to the lower barriers, compared to the experimental barrier (i.e., 39.87 kcal/mol) for methyl acetate synthesis; (5) active intermediates, such as (CH3)3O+, (CH3)2OH+, CH3CO+, CH3OH2+, and CH2=OH+, are expected to appear; (6) DMO+ is slightly weaker than the well-known surface methoxy species (ZO-CH3) in methylation; and (7) the methylated activity declines in the order of DME, CH3OH, H2O, and CO, with corresponding rate constants at 463.15 K of about 3.4 × 104, 1.1 × 102, 0.18, and 8.2 × 10−2 s−1, respectively.","author":[{"family":"Chen","given":"Xiaofang"},{"family":"Feng","given":"Pei"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xiujie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/molecules29092000","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092000","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391429836","type":"article-journal","title":"Resolution and quantification of carbohydrates by enantioselective comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography","abstract":"Carbohydrates, in particular the d-enantiomers of ribose, 2-deoxyribose, and glucose, are essential to life's informational biopolymers (RNA/DNA) and for supplying energy to living cells through glycolysis. Considered to be potential biosignatures in the search of past or present life, our capacity to detect and quantify these essential sugars is crucial for future space missions to the Moon, Mars or Titan as well as for sample-return missions. However, the enantioselective analysis of carbohydrates is challenging and both research and routine applications, are lacking efficient methods that combine highly sensitive and reproducible detection with baseline enantioselective resolution and reliable enantiomeric excess (ee) measurements. Here, we present four different derivatization strategies in combination with multidimensional gas chromatography coupled to a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC × GC–TOF-MS) for the enantioselective resolution of C3 to C6 carbohydrates potentially suitable for sample-return analyses. Full mass spectral interpretation and calibration curves for one single-step (cyclic boronate derivatives) and three two-step derivatization protocols (aldononitrile−acetate, hemiacetalization−trifluoroacetylation, and hemiacetalization−permethylation) are presented for concentrations ranging from 1 to 50 pmol μL⁻1 with correlation coefficients R2 > 0.94. We compared several analytical parameters including reproducibility, sensitivity (LOD and LOQ), overall separation, chiral resolution (RS), mass spectrum selectivity, stability during long term storage, and reliability of ee measurements to guide the application-dependent selection of optimal separation and quantification performance.","author":[{"family":"Garcia","given":"Adrien"},{"family":"Leyva","given":"Vanessa"},{"family":"Bocková","given":"Jana"},{"family":"Pepino","given":"Raphaël"},{"family":"Meinert","given":"Cornelia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125728","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125728","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405173903","type":"article-journal","title":"Eta-Earth Revisited I: A Formula for Estimating the Maximum Number of Earth-like Habitats","abstract":"In this hypothesis article, we discuss the basic requirements of planetary environments where aerobe organisms can grow and survive, including atmospheric limitations of millimeter-to-meter-sized biological animal life based on physical limits, and O$_2$, N$_2$, and CO$_2$ toxicity levels. By assuming that animal-like extraterrestrial organisms adhere to similar limits, we define Earth-like Habitats ($\\eta_{\\rm EH}$) as rocky exoplanets in the Habitable Zone of Complex Life that host N$_2$-O$_2$-dominated atmospheres with minor amounts of CO$_2$, at which advanced animal-like life can in principle evolve and exist. We then derive a new formula that can be used to estimate the maximum occurrence rate of such Earth-like Habitats in the Galaxy. This contains realistic probabilistic arguments that can be fine-tuned and constrained by atmospheric characterization with future space and ground-based telescopes. As an example, we briefly discuss two specific requirements feeding into our new formula that, although not quantifiable at present, will become scientifically quantifiable in the upcoming decades due to future observations of exoplanets and their atmospheres.","author":[{"family":"Lämmer","given":"H"},{"family":"Scherf","given":"Manuel"},{"family":"Sproß","given":"Laurenz"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2023.007","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2023.007","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403115189","type":"article-journal","title":"Coupling nanoscopic tomography and micromagnetic modelling to assess the stability of geomagnetic recorders","abstract":"Abstract The recording of planetary magnetic fields is often attributed to uniformly-magnetised nanoscopic iron oxides, called single-domain. Yet, the main magnetic constituents of rocks are more complex, non-uniformly magnetised grains in single or multi-vortex states. We know little about their behaviour due to limitations in defining their precise shape and internal magnetic structure. Here we combine non-destructive Ptychographic X-ray Computed Nano-tomography with micromagnetic modelling to explore the magnetic stability of remanence-bearing minerals. Applied to a microscopic rock sample, we identified hundreds of nanoscopic grains of magnetite/maghemite with diverse morphologies. Energy barrier calculations were performed for these irregularly shaped grains. For some grains, these morphological irregularities near the transition from single-domain to the single-vortex state allow for multiple domain states, some unstable and unable to record the field for significant periods. Additionally, some other grains exhibit temperature-dependent occupancy probabilities, potentially hampering experiments to recover the intensity of past magnetic fields.","author":[{"family":"Bellon","given":"Ualisson"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Wyn"},{"family":"Trindade","given":"Ricardo"},{"family":"Díaz","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Galante","given":"Douglas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-024-01715-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01715-x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400290812","type":"article-journal","title":"Characterizing clay minerals in the Makgadikgadi Pans (Botswana): terrestrial analogue for Mars playa deposits","abstract":"Terrestrial field analogues are crucial for preparing upcoming space missions and advancing our knowledge on extraterrestrial environments. They are extreme environments on Earth that share common characteristics with past or extant environments on other planetary bodies. The Makgadikgadi Pans in central Botswana, are a desiccated relic of a former giant lake system, Paleo-Lake Makgadikgadi. They are an evaporitic environment rich in hydrated minerals, characterized by ephemeral water bodies whose chemistry fluctuates over the wet and dry seasons leading to distinctive clay mineral and evaporite deposits on the pan floor harboring communities of extremophiles (Filippidou et al., 2024). Environments such as the Makgadikgadi pans are extremely relevant for the study of Mars habitability. In fact, clay minerals such as Fe/Mg smectites and chlorites have been detected on terrains across the Martian surface by remote sensing orbiters like the OMEGA instrument. These minerals, for their link with aqueous processes and for the potential of preserving microbial signature have strong implications for the study of the evolution of hydrology and paleo-environment on Mars.The goal of this study is to characterize clay minerals in the Makgadikgadi Pans using integrated analytical techniques, with the purpose of developing a criterion to help identify clay bearing strata formed authigenically within evaporitic environments of Mars and to distinguish them from those clay minerals formed under different physiochemical conditions (i.e. weathering profiles of basic volcanic rocks, impact-induced hydrothermal sites).In this study we will examine the vertical and spatial distribution of clay minerals from 15cm cores of shallow subsurface playa sediments along salinity profiles within the Kudiakam Pan, in the northern Makgadikgadi Basin. The analytical techniques used to characterize the clay minerals within the Makgadikgadi pans include X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Near Infrared Spectroscopy to identify clay mineral types in oriented samples, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) to examine clay morphology and for geochemical and elemental analysis of the clays and Raman Spectroscopy to investigate for adsorbed organic matter trapped within the clay layers.Preliminary data revealed that the superficial deposits from all cores of the Makgadikgadi pans contain interstratified illite-smectite (I/S) clay minerals showing a sharp peak at 12 Å. This may point to the evolution of pore water chemistry as expected in a playa environment. Further analysis using IR will constrain the clay mineral types and analysis by SEM-EDS will elucidate the differences in chemistry between samples. By analogy with the interstratified clay minerals found herein, we provide valuable ground truthing for astrobiological investigations and help assess the habitability of Mars. REFERENCES:Filippidou, S., Price, A., Spencer-jones, C., Scales, A., Macey, M. C., Franchi, F., Lebogang, L., Cavalazzi, B., Schwenzer, S. P., & Olsson-Francis, K. (2024). Diversity of Microbial Mats in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana. Microorganisms, 12, 147.","author":[{"family":"Oromeng","given":"Katlo"},{"family":"Kashay","given":"Trhas"},{"family":"Franchi","given":"Fulvio"},{"family":"Cavalazzi","given":"Barbara"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc2024-590","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc2024-590","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4388273925","type":"article-journal","title":"Zircon Microstructures in Large, Deeply Eroded Impact Structures and Terrestrial Seismites","abstract":"Abstract Extraterrestrial cratering was a critical component in the evolution of the early Earth, but discovery of very ancient and deeply exhumed impact structures remains elusive, as identification tools are in short supply. The recognition of such structures is hindered by post-cratering geological processes, whereby impact-induced features common in younger, upper-crustal craters may be lost. In this study, we make a detailed analysis of planar microstructures in zircons from four large, confirmed impact structures (Manicouagan, Rochechouart, Sudbury, Vredefort) preserved at different crustal levels, from two previously described non-impact seismites in SW Norway and northern Italy, and from the 3.0 Ga Maniitsoq structure in West Greenland. A total of ~3400 zircon grains were studied using exterior and interior scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We show for the first time that shocked zircons contain two successive, principally different types of planar microstructures, only one of which is diagnostic of impact. Closely spaced, contiguous microplanes (CP) are formed first, presumably by the shock wave. In Manicouagan and Rochechouart zircons the exterior CPs have ultrathin interior counterparts of straight dislocation arrays, as identified in Manicouagan zircon using transmission electron microscopy. They have the same close spacing and orientations as the exterior CPs and are abundantly decorated with tiny pores down to less than 50 nm across. These interior CPs are identical to shock-induced decorated, partly annealed amorphous planar microstructures in quartz (planar deformation features, PDFs) and are interpreted as such. The second type is open planar fractures (PF). They are widely and irregularly spaced and texturally younger than the CPs. They re-use and displace the CP orientations, which they cut in stepwise fashion. We interpret these PFs as formed by impact-induced seismic shaking in the wake of the shock wave. We confirm two previous reports of isolated planar fractures in zircons from non-impact seismites, showing that PFs per se are not impact-diagnostic. There are no CPs in any of these zircons. Zircons from different parts of the Maniitsoq structure contain CPs in various states of preservation besides PFs, corroborating that this very large and very deeply exhumed structure resulted from an extraterrestrial impact.","author":[{"family":"Garde","given":"Adam"},{"family":"Johansson","given":"L"},{"family":"Keulen","given":"Nynke"},{"family":"Schreiber","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Wirth","given":"R"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1093/petrology/egad079","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egad079","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4396219683","type":"article-journal","title":"Extremophiles in a changing world","abstract":"Extremophiles and their products have been a major focus of research interest for over 40 years. Through this period, studies of these organisms have contributed hugely to many aspects of the fundamental and applied sciences, and to wider and more philosophical issues such as the origins of life and astrobiology. Our understanding of the cellular adaptations to extreme conditions (such as acid, temperature, pressure and more), of the mechanisms underpinning the stability of macromolecules, and of the subtleties, complexities and limits of fundamental biochemical processes has been informed by research on extremophiles. Extremophiles have also contributed numerous products and processes to the many fields of biotechnology, from diagnostics to bioremediation. Yet, after 40 years of dedicated research, there remains much to be discovered in this field. Fortunately, extremophiles remain an active and vibrant area of research. In the third decade of the twenty-first century, with decreasing global resources and a steadily increasing human population, the world's attention has turned with increasing urgency to issues of sustainability. These global concerns were encapsulated and formalized by the United Nations with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the presentation of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. In the run-up to 2030, we consider the contributions that extremophiles have made, and will in the future make, to the SDGs.","author":[{"family":"Cowan","given":"Don"},{"family":"Albers","given":"Sonja‐verena"},{"family":"Antranikian","given":"Garabed"},{"family":"Atomi","given":"Haruyuki"},{"family":"Averhoff","given":"Beate"},{"family":"Basen","given":"Mirko"},{"family":"Driessen","given":"Arnold"},{"family":"Jebbar","given":"Mohamed"},{"family":"Kelman","given":"Zvi"},{"family":"Kerou","given":"Melina"},{"family":"Littlechild","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Müller","given":"Volker"},{"family":"Schönheit","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Siebers","given":"Bettina"},{"family":"Vorgias","given":"K"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00792-024-01341-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00792-024-01341-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402135331","type":"article-journal","title":"Early fluid migration and alteration fronts in the CM chondrite Reckling Peak 17085","abstract":"Abstract Reckling Peak (RKP) 17085 is a newly classified Antarctic CM chondrite that preserves a complex alteration history characterized by mild aqueous alteration (CM2.7), overprinted by a short‐lived thermal metamorphic event (heating stage III [<750°C]), and affected by low‐grade terrestrial weathering. This meteorite contains abundant Fe‐rich bands within the fine‐grained matrix, composed of micron‐scale Fe‐oxyhydroxide minerals. They are interpreted as “alteration fronts” arising due to the dissolution and transport of Fe (typically <500 μm) before being abruptly deposited. This alteration texture is relatively rare among hydrated carbonaceous chondrites, with only five reported instances to date (Murchison, Murray, Allan Hills 81002, Miller Range 07687, and Northwest Africa 5958). Evidence from RKP 17085 suggests that early aqueous alteration operated as multiple geochemically isolated microenvironments, which moved outwards from local point sources within the matrix. Low permeability fine‐grained rims on chondrules appear to have acted as barriers to fluid flow, controlling the migration of fluid across the parent body. Furthermore, the higher porosity regions within the altered fine‐grained matrix represent either void space generated by the dehydration of hydrated minerals during post‐hydration metamorphism and/or sites of ice accretion (water‐ice or C‐bearing ices) preserved within a mildly altered primitive matrix.","author":[{"family":"Musolino","given":"A"},{"family":"Suttle","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Folco","given":"L"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Poggiali","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Bates","given":"HC"},{"family":"Brucato","given":"JR"},{"family":"Brearley","given":"AJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14261","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14261","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404006934","type":"article-journal","title":"Shock petrographic and numerical modeling constraints on the morphology and size of the Morokweng impact structure, South Africa","abstract":"Abstract The 369 m deep M4 drill hole, located ~18 km NNW of the center of the 146 Ma Morokweng impact structure (MIS), intersects shocked Archean granitoid gneisses and subsidiary dolerite intrusions that are cut by faults, cataclasites and mm‐ to m‐wide suevitic and pseudotachylitic breccia dikes. The shock features in quartz in the gneisses and breccia dikes include decorated planar deformation features (PDFs), planar fractures, feather features, and toasting. Other minerals show features that may be shock‐related, such as multiple sets of planar features and alternate twin ladder structures in feldspars, kink bands in biotite, and planar features in titanite, apatite, and zircon; however, these are variably annealed and/or overprinted by hydrothermal alteration effects, and confirmation of their origin awaits further study. Universal Stage measurements of PDF sets in quartz from 12 gneissic target rocks and from lithic and mineral clasts in three suevitic and three pseudotachylitic breccia dikes reveal four dominant sets: (0001), {}, {} and {}. Based on these observations, the average peak shock pressure in these rocks is estimated at ≤16 GPa, which supports the original proximity (within one transient cavity radius) of these rocks to the point of impact. No discernible depth‐dependent shock attenuation was noted in the core. These shock levels and the elevated structural position of the rocks in the M4 core relative to the impact melt sheet intersected in drill holes closer to the center of the MIS suggest that the M4 lithologies represent part of the parautochthonous peak ring volume that subsequently experienced 1.5–2 km of post‐impact erosion before it was buried beneath younger sediments. Numerical modeling using the iSALE‐2D code suggests that the original Morokweng crater had a rim‐to‐rim diameter of between 70 and 80 km, and that the rocks in the M4 core were originally located at a depth of 7–8 km and a radial distance of 8–9 km from the point of impact.","author":[{"family":"Gibson","given":"Roger"},{"family":"Wela","given":"S"},{"family":"Rae","given":"Auriol"},{"family":"Andreoli","given":"MAG"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14275","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14275","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391388245","type":"article-journal","title":"Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Petrogenic Organic Carbon Mobilization During the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum","abstract":"Abstract The Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was a transient global warming event and is recognized in the geologic record by a prolonged negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE). The onset of the CIE was due to a rapid influx of 13 C‐depleted carbon into the ocean‐atmosphere system. However, the mechanisms required to sustain the negative CIE remains unclear. Enhanced mobilization and oxidation of petrogenic organic carbon (OC petro ) has been invoked to explain elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations after the onset of the CIE. However, existing evidence is limited to the mid‐latitudes and subtropics. Here, we determine whether: (a) enhanced mobilization and subsequent burial of OC petro in marine sediments was a global phenomenon; and (b) whether it occurred throughout the PETM. To achieve this, we utilize a lipid biomarker approach to trace and quantify OC petro burial in a global compilation of PETM‐aged shallow marine sites ( n = 7, including five new sites). Our results confirm that OC petro mass accumulation rates (MARs) increased within the subtropics and mid‐latitudes during the PETM, consistent with evidence of higher physical erosion rates and intense episodic rainfall events. High‐latitude sites do not exhibit drastic changes in the source of organic carbon during the PETM and OC petro MARs increase slightly or remain stable, perhaps due a more stable hydrological regime. Crucially, we also demonstrate that OC petro MARs remained elevated during the recovery phase of the PETM. Although OC petro oxidation was likely an important positive feedback mechanism throughout the PETM, we show that this feedback was both spatially and temporally variable.","author":[{"family":"Hollingsworth","given":"Emily"},{"family":"Elling","given":"Felix"},{"family":"Badger","given":"Marcus"},{"family":"Pancost","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Dickson","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Rees-Owen","given":"Rhian"},{"family":"Papadomanolaki","given":"Nina"},{"family":"Pearson","given":"Ann"},{"family":"Sluijs","given":"Appy"},{"family":"Freeman","given":"Katherine"},{"family":"Baczynski","given":"Allison"},{"family":"Foster","given":"Gavin"},{"family":"Whiteside","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Inglis","given":"Gordon"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023pa004773","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023pa004773","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392095473","type":"article-journal","title":"Multi-Technique Characterization of 3.45 Ga Microfossils on Earth: A Key Approach to Detect Possible Traces of Life in Returned Samples from Mars","abstract":"The NASA Mars 2020 Perseverance rover is actively exploring Jezero crater to conduct analyses on igneous and sedimentary rock targets from outcrops located on the crater floor (Máaz and Séítah formations) and from the delta deposits, respectively. The rock samples collected during this mission will be recovered during the Mars Sample Return mission, which plans to bring samples back to Earth in the 2030s to conduct in-depth studies using sophisticated laboratory instrumentation. Some of these samples may contain traces of ancient martian life that may be particularly difficult to detect and characterize because of their morphological simplicity and subtle biogeochemical expressions. Using the volcanic sediments of the 3.45 Ga Kitty's Gap Chert (Pilbara, Australia), containing putative early life forms (chemolithotrophs) and considered as astrobiological analogues for potential early Mars organisms, we document the steps required to demonstrate the syngenicity and biogenicity of such biosignatures using multiple complementary analytical techniques to provide information at different scales of observation. These include sedimentological, petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses to demonstrate macro- to microscale habitability. New approaches, some unavailable at the time of the original description of these features, are used to verify the syngenicity and biogenicity of the purported fossil chemolithotrophs. The combination of elemental (proton-induced X-ray emission spectrometry) and molecular (deep-ultraviolet and Fourier transform infrared) analyses of rock slabs, thin sections, and focused ion beam sections reveals that the carbonaceous matter present in the samples is enriched in trace metals ( e.g. , V, Cr, Fe, Co) and is associated with aromatic and aliphatic molecules, which strongly support its biological origin. Transmission electron microscopy observations of the carbonaceous matter documented an amorphous nanostructure interpreted to correspond to the degraded remains of microorganisms and their by-products (extracellular polymeric substances, filaments…). Nevertheless, a small fraction of carbonaceous particles has signatures that are more metamorphosed. They probably represent either reworked detrital biological or abiotic fragments of mantle origin. This study serves as an example of the analytical protocol that would be needed to optimize the detection of fossil traces of life in martian rocks.","author":[{"family":"Clodoré","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Foucher","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Hickmanlewis","given":"Keyron"},{"family":"Sorieul","given":"S"},{"family":"Jouve","given":"J"},{"family":"Réfrégiers","given":"Matthieu"},{"family":"Collet","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Pètoud","given":"Stéphane"},{"family":"Gratuze","given":"Bernard"},{"family":"Westall","given":"Francès"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2023.0089","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2023.0089","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4394673284","type":"manuscript","title":"ALMA Spectroscopy of Europa: A Search for Active Plumes","abstract":"The subsurface ocean of Europa is a high priority target in the search for extraterrestrial life, but direct investigations are hindered by the presence of a thick, exterior ice shell. Here we present spectral line and continuum maps of Europa obtained over four epochs in May-June 2021 using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), to search for molecular emission from atmospheric plumes, with the aim of investigating subsurface processes. Using a 3D physical model, we obtained upper limits for the plume abundances of HCN, H$_2$CO, SO$_2$ and CH$_3$OH. If active plume(s) were present, they contained very low abundances of these molecules. Assuming a total gas production rate of $10^{29}$ s$^{-1}$, our H$_2$CO abundance upper limit of $<0.016$\\% is more than an order of magnitude less than measured in the Enceladus plume by the Cassini spacecraft, implying a possible chemical difference between the plume source materials for these two icy moons.","author":[{"family":"Cordiner","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Thelen","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Lai","given":"Ian"},{"family":"Tseng","given":"WL"},{"family":"Nixon","given":"CA"},{"family":"Kuan","given":"Yi‐jehng"},{"family":"Villanueva","given":"GL"},{"family":"Paganini","given":"L"},{"family":"Charnley","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Retherford","given":"KD"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2404.05525","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2404.05525","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4317039882","type":"article-journal","title":"Nanoscale Mineralogical Characterization of Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Samples by Transmission Electron Microscopy: A Review","abstract":"Nanoscale minerals (i.e., nanominerals and mineral nanoparticles) in terrestrial and extraterrestrial materials are difficult to characterize because of their small particle sizes, high surface energy, and/or poor crystallization. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful analytical platform for the characterization of minerals at the nano and even atomic scales, and it can determine their morphology through imaging, derive structural information using multiple electron-diffraction techniques, and investigate chemical compositions. Since the 1990s, the application of TEM to the characterization of nanoscale minerals has developed rapidly into a core technique in nanoscale Earth and planetary science (NEPS). This review introduces a brief history and the general principles of TEM, considers detailed methods of preparing specimens for nanoscale mineralogical characterization by TEM, and emphasizes the contributions of TEM to multiple NEPS research fields in recent decades. These contributions are considered from the perspective of nanoscale mineralogical studies of morphology, structure, and chemistry in complex geological materials. Finally, the work provides an outlook on current opportunities to apply TEM methods to nanoscale mineralogical study. This review aims to provide common and practical TEM methods to NEPS researchers and to support the use of TEM for a wide range of applications in nanoscale mineralogy to promote NEPS development.","author":[{"family":"Xing","given":"Jieqi"},{"family":"Xian","given":"Haiyang"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Yiping"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Qingze"},{"family":"Xi","given":"Jiaxin"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shan"},{"family":"He","given":"Hongping"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Jianxi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.2c00278","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.2c00278","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393316109","type":"article-journal","title":"A brief review of single silicate crystal paleointensity: rock-magnetic characteristics, mineralogical backgrounds, methods and applications","abstract":"Abstract Single silicate crystals hosting tiny magnetic inclusions are remarkable targets to study the paleointensities of the Earth and extraterrestrial samples. Since the pioneering work done in late 1990s, paleointensity studies using various silicate minerals such as feldspar, quartz, zircon, pyroxene, and olivine with magnetic inclusions trapped during grain growth or exsolved from the host phase have been reported. It has been shown that some single crystals have the ability to record paleomagnetic information as reliable or more reliable than the whole rock, by direct comparison of the obtained paleointensity estimate from single crystal and the whole-rock sample or the magnetic observatory data. Various rock-magnetic studies also support the fidelity of these crystals. Here, we provide a brief review of the rock-magnetic characteristics of the single crystals, the mineralogical background of the hosting silicates, and experimental procedures developed to obtain reliable data from magnetically weak samples with distinctive rock-magnetic features. We also overview the studies on paleointensity and related topics on various terrestrial and extraterrestrial samples published mainly after the comprehensive reviews in late 2000s. The present review covers the advantages as well as the limitations and caveats of paleointensity studies using single crystal samples and will help readers who wish to utilize this technique in their research. Graphical Abstract","author":[{"family":"Kato","given":"Chie"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Yoichi"},{"family":"Sato","given":"Masahiko"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40623-024-01994-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-024-01994-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1126/sciadv.adh7845","type":"article-journal","title":"Aqueous breakdown of aspartate and glutamate to n-ω-amino acids on the parent bodies of carbonaceous chondrites and asteroid Ryugu.","abstract":"Amino acids in carbonaceous chondrites may have seeded the origin of life on Earth and possibly elsewhere. Recently, the return samples from a C-type asteroid Ryugu were found to contain amino acids with a similar distribution to Ivuna-type CI chondrites, suggesting the potential of amino acid abundances as molecular descriptors of parent body geochemistry. However, the chemical mechanisms responsible for the amino acid distributions remain to be elucidated particularly at low temperatures (<50°C). Here, we report that two representative proteinogenic amino acids, aspartic acid and glutamic acid, decompose to β-alanine and γ-aminobutyric acid, respectively, under simulated geoelectrochemical conditions at 25°C. This low-temperature conversion provides a plausible explanation for the enrichment of these two n-ω-amino acids compared to their precursors in heavily aqueously altered CI chondrites and Ryugu's return samples. The results suggest that these heavily aqueously altered samples originated from the water-rich mantle of their water/rock differentiated parent planetesimals where protein α-amino acids were decomposed.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Yamei"},{"family":"Kurokawa","given":"Hiroyuki"},{"family":"Sekine","given":"Yasuhito"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Nakano","given":"Yuko"},{"family":"Kitadai","given":"Norio"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Naizhong"},{"family":"Zang","given":"Xiaofeng"},{"family":"Ueno","given":"Yuichiro"},{"family":"Fujimori","given":"Gen"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Ryuhei"},{"family":"Fujishima","given":"Kosuke"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adh7845","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adh7845","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1126/sciadv.adi7048","type":"article-journal","title":"Water circulation in Ryugu asteroid affected the distribution of nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies in returned sample.","abstract":"Studies of material returned from Cb asteroid Ryugu have revealed considerable mineralogical and chemical heterogeneity, stemming primarily from brecciation and aqueous alteration. Isotopic anomalies could have also been affected by delivery of exogenous clasts and aqueous mobilization of soluble elements. Here, we show that isotopic anomalies for mildly soluble Cr are highly variable in Ryugu and CI chondrites, whereas those of Ti are relatively uniform. This variation in Cr isotope ratios is most likely due to physicochemical fractionation between 54 Cr-rich presolar nanoparticles and Cr-bearing secondary minerals at the millimeter-scale in the bulk samples, likely due to extensive aqueous alteration in their parent bodies that occurred 5.2 − 1.4 + 1.8 Ma after Solar System birth. In contrast, Ti isotopes were marginally affected by this process. Our results show that isotopic heterogeneities in asteroids are not all nebular or accretionary in nature but can also reflect element redistribution by water.","author":[{"family":"Yokoyama","given":"Tetsuya"},{"family":"Wadhwa","given":"M"},{"family":"Iizuka","given":"Tsuyoshi"},{"family":"Rai","given":"Vinai"},{"family":"Gautam","given":"Ikshu"},{"family":"Hibiya","given":"Yuki"},{"family":"Masuda","given":"Yuki"},{"family":"Haba","given":"Makiko"},{"family":"Fukai","given":"Ryota"},{"family":"Hines","given":"R"},{"family":"Phelan","given":"Nicole"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Yoshinari"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adi7048","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi7048","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/ijms241813824","type":"article-journal","title":"Adaptation of the Endolithic Biome in Antarctic Volcanic Rocks.","abstract":"Endolithic microorganisms, ranging from microeukaryotes to bacteria and archaea, live within the cracks and crevices of rocks. Deception Island in Antarctica constitutes an extreme environment in which endoliths face environmental threats such as intense cold, lack of light in winter, high solar radiation in summer, and heat emitted as the result of volcanic eruptions. In addition, the endolithic biome is considered the harshest one on Earth, since it suffers added threats such as dryness or lack of nutrients. Even so, samples from this hostile environment, collected at various points throughout the island, hosted diverse and numerous microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, diatoms, ciliates, flagellates and unicellular algae. These endoliths were first identified by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). To understand the molecular mechanisms of adaptation of these endoliths to their environment, genomics techniques were used, and prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms were identified by metabarcoding, sequencing the V3-V4 and V4-V5 regions of the 16S and 18S rRNA genes, respectively. Subsequently, the sequences were analyzed by bioinformatic methods that allow their metabolism to be deduced from the taxonomy. The results obtained concluded that some of these microorganisms have activated the biosynthesis routes of pigments such as prodigiosin or flavonoids. These adaptation studies also revealed that microorganisms defend themselves against environmental toxins by activating metabolic pathways for the degradation of compounds such as ethylbenzene, xylene and dioxins and for the biosynthesis of antioxidant molecules such as glutathione. Finally, these Antarctic endolithic microorganisms are of great interest in astrobiology since endolithic settings are environmentally analogous to the primitive Earth or the surfaces of extraterrestrial bodies.","author":[{"family":"Hidalgo-Arias","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Muñoz-Hisado","given":"Víctor"},{"family":"Vallés","given":"P"},{"family":"Geyer","given":"Adelina"},{"family":"Garcíalópez","given":"Eva"},{"family":"Cid","given":"Cristina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ijms241813824","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241813824","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-023-36904-3","type":"article-journal","title":"Uracil in the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu.","abstract":"Abstract The pristine sample from the near-Earth carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu collected by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft enabled us to analyze the pristine extraterrestrial material without uncontrolled exposure to the Earth’s atmosphere and biosphere. The initial analysis team for the soluble organic matter reported the detection of wide variety of organic molecules including racemic amino acids in the Ryugu samples. Here we report the detection of uracil, one of the four nucleobases in ribonucleic acid, in aqueous extracts from Ryugu samples. In addition, nicotinic acid (niacin, a B3vitamer), its derivatives, and imidazoles were detected in search for nitrogen heterocyclic molecules. The observed difference in the concentration of uracil between A0106 and C0107 may be related to the possible differences in the degree of alteration induced by energetic particles such as ultraviolet photons and cosmic rays. The present study strongly suggests that such molecules of prebiotic interest commonly formed in carbonaceous asteroids including Ryugu and were delivered to the early Earth.","author":[{"family":"Oba","given":"Yasuhiro"},{"family":"Koga","given":"Toshiki"},{"family":"Takano","given":"Yoshinori"},{"family":"Ogawa","given":"Nanako"},{"family":"Ohkouchi","given":"Naohiko"},{"family":"Sasaki","given":"Kazunori"},{"family":"Sato","given":"Hajime"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"DP"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Hisayoshi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-023-36904-3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-36904-3","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3929/ethz-b-000625369","type":"article-journal","title":"An arrowhead made of meteoritic iron from the late Bronze Age settlement of Mörigen, Switzerland and its possible source","abstract":"A search for artefacts made of meteoritic iron has been performed in archaeological collections in the greater area of the Lake of Biel, Switzerland. A single object made of meteoritic iron has been identified, an arrowhead with a mass of 2.9 g found in the 19th Century in the late Bronze Age (900–800 BCE) lake dwelling of Mörigen, Switzerland. The meteoritic origin is definitely proven by combining methods extended and newly applied to an archaeological artefact. Elemental composition (7.10–8.28 wt% Ni, 0.58–0.86 wt% Co, ∼300 ppm Ge), primary mineralogy consisting of the associated Ni-poor and Ni-rich iron phases kamacite (6.7 wt% Ni) and taenite (33.3 wt% Ni), and the presence of cosmogenic 26Al (1.7−0.4+0.5 dpm/kg). The Ni-rich composition below the oxidized crust and the marked difference to meteorites from the nearby (4–8 km) Twannberg iron meteorite strewn field is confirmed by muon induced X-ray emission spectrometry (8.28 wt% Ni). The Ni-Ge-concentrations are consistent with IAB iron meteorites, but not with the Twannberg meteorite (4.5 wt% Ni, 49 ppm Ge). The measured activity of 26Al indicates derivation from an iron meteorite with a large (2 t minimum) pre-atmospheric mass. The flat arrowhead shows a laminated texture most likely representing a deformed Widmanstätten pattern, grinding marks on the surface and remnants of wood-tar. Among just three large European IAB iron meteorites with fitting chemical composition, the Kaalijarv meteorite (Estonia) is the most likely source because this large crater-forming fall event happened at ∼1500 years BC during the Bronze Age and produced many small fragments. The discovery and subsequent transport/trade of such small iron fragments appears much more likely than in case of buried large meteorite masses. Additional artefacts of the same origin may be present in archaeological collections.","author":[{"family":"Hofmann","given":"Beda"},{"family":"Bolliger Schreyer","given":"Sabine"},{"family":"Biswas","given":"Sayani"},{"family":"Gerchow","given":"Lars"},{"family":"Wiebe","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Schumann","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Lindemann","given":"Sebastian"},{"family":"Ramírez García","given":"Diego"},{"family":"Lanari","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Gfeller","given":"Frank"},{"family":"Vigo Hernandez","given":"Carlos"},{"family":"Das","given":"Debarchan"},{"family":"Hotz","given":"Fabian"},{"family":"Von Schoeler","given":"Katharina"},{"family":"Ninomiya","given":"Kazuhiko"},{"family":"Niikura","given":"Megumi"},{"family":"Ritjoho","given":"Narongrit"},{"family":"Amato","given":"Alex"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3929/ethz-b-000625369","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000625369","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W4315631471","type":"article-journal","title":"Complex carbonaceous matter in Tissint martian meteorites give insights into the diversity of organic geochemistry on Mars","abstract":"We report a huge organic diversity in the Tissint Mars meteorite and the sampling of several mineralogical lithologies, which revealed that the organic molecules were nonuniformly distributed in functionality and abundance. The range of organics in Tissint meteorite were abundant C 3-7 aliphatic branched carboxylic acids and aldehydes, olefins, and polyaromatics with and without heteroatoms in a homologous oxidation structural continuum. Organomagnesium compounds were extremely abundant in olivine macrocrystals and in the melt veins, reflecting specific organo-synsthesis processes in close interaction with the magnesium silicates and temperature stresses, as previously observed. The diverse chemistry and abundance in complex molecules reveal heterogeneity in organic speciation within the minerals grown in the martian mantle and crust that may have evolved over geological time.","author":[{"family":"Schmittkopplin","given":"Philippe"},{"family":"Matzka","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Ruf","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Ménèz","given":"Bénédicte"},{"family":"Aoudjehane","given":"HC"},{"family":"Harir","given":"Mourad"},{"family":"Lucio","given":"Marianna"},{"family":"Hertzog","given":"Jasmine"},{"family":"Hertkorn","given":"Norbert"},{"family":"Gougeon","given":"Régis"},{"family":"Hoffmann","given":"Victor"},{"family":"Hinman","given":"Nancy"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.add6439","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.add6439","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4376507906","type":"article-journal","title":"Constant 4He Concentration and 190Pt‐4He age of Detrital Pt‐Alloy Grains from the Santiago River, Ecuador: Potential as a 4He Mineral Reference Material","abstract":"Over the last few decades geo‐ and thermochronological techniques based on the accumulation of radiogenic 4He in minerals have gained popularity. Currently there is no mineral‐based 4He reference material that allows routine screening of gas extraction and measurement procedures. The commonly‐used mineral reference material for (U‐Th)/He thermochronology have variable U and Th contents which result in variable 4He concentrations. Here we demonstrate that native platinum grains (RS‐Pt) from placer deposits in the Santiago River, Ecuador, yield constant 4He contents and may be used as a reference material. Helium concentrations measured at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (n = 8) and Institute of Precambrian Geology and Geochronology RAS (n = 9) noble gas laboratories yield mean 4He concentrations that overlap at the 95% confidence level. The weighted mean 4He concentration is 215 ± 4 × 1011 at g‐1 (2s) and mean 190Pt‐4He age is 39.6 ± 0.7 Ma (2s). Samples of the Santiago River Pt concentrate are available on request from the SUERC laboratory.","author":[{"family":"Yakubovich","given":"OV"},{"family":"Stuart","given":"Finlay"},{"family":"Ivanova","given":"Ekaterina"},{"family":"Gervilla","given":"Fernando"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/ggr.12502","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ggr.12502","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4376959312","type":"article-journal","title":"Quantitative Mineralogy of Planetary Silicate Ternary Mixtures Using Raman Spectroscopy","abstract":"Abstract A 532‐nm‐excited lunar Raman spectrometer (LRS) has been selected as a scientific payload of the Chang'e‐7 mission, exploring mineralogy assemblages in the lunar south polar region. However, the quantification of dark‐colored silicate minerals via Raman spectroscopy is an urgent requirement for upcoming Raman applications in future lunar and planetary explorations. Therefore, we conducted detailed laboratory studies on the Raman quantification of lunar silicate minerals using ternary mixtures of feldspar, olivine, and augite. Quantitative models were established employing the observed linear relationship between Raman integrated intensities and mineral proportions. The significant correlation coefficients (>0.94) and small RMSE (≤4.20 wt.%) confirmed the performance of these models. A series of methods (multipoint sampling, multispectral averaging, peak area extraction, and spectral parameter ratios) were jointly used to ensure that the models were not significantly affected by crystal orientation, chemical inhomogeneity, and instruments. Factors (σ2/σ1) describing the relative Raman scattering cross sections were introduced to calibrate the Raman counts. Our results indicated that the relative Raman scattering efficiency of feldspar, olivine, and augite is 1.4:2.4:1, which can be used to improve the quantitative accuracy of the point‐counting method if polymineralic mixing spectra are dominant. The models were validated across different samples using laboratory mixtures and lunar soil (CE5C0600). The lithology of the Chang'e‐5 soils is basaltic/gabbroic according to the quantitative mineralogy returned from our models that is consistent with the results from traditional methods. This research will be of particular significance for accurately determining the mineral abundances for Chang'e‐7 and other planetary missions. As such, crucial information can be inferred to understand the geological evolution of the exploration regions.","author":[{"family":"Qi","given":"Xiaobin"},{"family":"Ling","given":"Zongcheng"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Ping"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Jian"},{"family":"Cao","given":"Haijun"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Changqing"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Xiaoyu"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yiheng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023ea002825","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023ea002825","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4385247328","type":"article-journal","title":"Biocontrol of fungal phytopathogens by Bacillus pumilus","abstract":"Plant growth-promoting bacteria are one of the most interesting methods of controlling fungal phytopathogens. These bacteria can participate in biocontrol via a variety of mechanisms including lipopeptide production, hydrolytic enzymes (e.g., chitinase, cellulases, glucanase) production, microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) production, and induced systemic resistance (ISR) triggering. Among the bacterial genera most frequently studied in this aspect are Bacillus spp. including Bacillus pumilus . Due to the range of biocontrol traits, B. pumilus is one of the most interesting members of Bacillus spp. that can be used in the biocontrol of fungal phytopathogens. So far, a number of B. pumilus strains that exhibit biocontrol properties against fungal phytopathogens have been described, e.g., B. pumilus HR10, PTB180, B. pumilus SS-10.7, B. pumilus MCB-7, B. pumilus INR7, B. pumilus SE52, SE34, SE49, B. pumilus RST25, B. pumilus JK-SX001, and B. pumilus KUDC1732. B. pumilus strains are capable of suppressing phytopathogens such as Arthrobotrys conoides , Fusarium solani , Fusarium oxysporum , Sclerotinia sclerotiorum , Rhizoctonia solani , and Fagopyrum esculentum . Importantly, B. pumilus can promote plant growth regardless of whether it alters the native microbiota or not. However, in order to increase its efficacy, research is still needed to clarify the relationship between the native microbiota and B. pumilus . Despite that, it can already be concluded that B. pumilus strains are good candidates to be environmentally friendly and commercially effective biocontrol agents.","author":[{"family":"Dobrzyński","given":"Jakub"},{"family":"Jakubowska","given":"Zuzanna"},{"family":"Kulkova","given":"Iryna"},{"family":"Kowalczyk","given":"Paweł"},{"family":"Kramkowski","given":"Karol"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2023.1194606","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1194606","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/s23041803","type":"article-journal","title":"A Review of Subsurface Electrical Conductivity Anomalies in Magnetotelluric Imaging.","abstract":"After 70 years of development, magnetotelluric (MT), a remote sensing technique for subsurface electrical resistivity imaging, has been widely applied in resource exploration and the deep tectonic evolution of the Earth. The electrical resistivity anomalies and their quantitative interpretation are closely related to or even controlled by the interconnected high-conductivity phases, which are frequently associated with tectonic activity. Based on representative electrical resistivity studies mainly of the deep crust and mantle, we reviewed principal electrical conduction mechanisms, generally used conductivity mixing models, and potential causes of high-conductivity including the saline fluid, partial melting, graphite, sulfide, and hydrogen in nominally anhydrous minerals, and the general methods to infer the water content of the upper mantle through electrical anomaly revealed by MT.","author":[{"family":"Lin","given":"Wule"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Bo"},{"family":"Han","given":"Bo"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Xiangyun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/s23041803","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/s23041803","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14708","type":"article-journal","title":"Recent developments in the production and utilization of photosynthetic microorganisms for food applications.","abstract":"The growing use of photosynthetic microorganisms for food and food-related applications is driving related biotechnology research forward. Increasing consumer acceptance, high sustainability, demand of eco-friendly sources for food, and considerable global economic concern are among the main factors to enhance the focus on the novel foods. In the cases of not toxic strains, photosynthetic microorganisms not only provide a source of sustainable nutrients but are also potentially healthy. Several published studies showed that microalgae are sources of accessible protein and fatty acids. More than 400 manuscripts were published per year in the last 4 years. Furthermore, industrial approaches utilizing these microorganisms are resulting in new jobs and services. This is in line with the global strategy for bioeconomy that aims to support sustainable development of bio-based sectors. Despite the recognized potential of the microalgal biomass value chain, significant knowledge gaps still exist especially regarding their optimized production and utilization. This review highlights the potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria for food and food-related applications as well as their market size. The chosen topics also include advanced production as mixed microbial communities, production of high-value biomolecules, photoproduction of terpenoid flavoring compounds, their utilization for sustainable agriculture, application as source of nutrients in space, and a comparison with heterotrophic microorganisms like yeast to better evaluate their advantages over existing nutrient sources. This comprehensive assessment should stimulate further interest in this highly relevant research topic.","author":[{"family":"Barone","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Cernava","given":"Tomislav"},{"family":"Ullmann","given":"Jörg"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jing"},{"family":"Lio","given":"Elia"},{"family":"Germann","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Nakielski","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Russo","given":"David"},{"family":"Chavkin","given":"Ted"},{"family":"Knufmann","given":"Kirstin"},{"family":"Tripodi","given":"Farida"},{"family":"Coccetti","given":"Paola"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14708","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14708","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/ma17020528","type":"article-journal","title":"Secondary Ion Mass Spectral Imaging of Metals and Alloys.","abstract":"Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) is an outstanding technique for Mass Spectral Imaging (MSI) due to its notable advantages, including high sensitivity, selectivity, and high dynamic range. As a result, SIMS has been employed across many domains of science. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of the fundamental principles underlying SIMS, followed by an account of the recent development of SIMS instruments. The review encompasses various applications of specific SIMS instruments, notably static SIMS with time-of-flight SIMS (ToF-SIMS) as a widely used platform and dynamic SIMS with Nano SIMS and large geometry SIMS as successful instruments. We particularly focus on SIMS utility in microanalysis and imaging of metals and alloys as materials of interest. Additionally, we discuss the challenges in big SIMS data analysis and give examples of machine leaning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for effective MSI data analysis. Finally, we recommend the outlook of SIMS development. It is anticipated that in situ and operando SIMS has the potential to significantly enhance the investigation of metals and alloys by enabling real-time examinations of material surfaces and interfaces during dynamic transformations.","author":[{"family":"Shen","given":"Yanjie"},{"family":"Howard","given":"Logan"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Xiao‐ying"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ma17020528","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17020528","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.10518847","type":"article-journal","title":"Data repository for \"The provenance of Mg-suite rocks in South Pole-Aitken basin: Evidence from the first lunar norite meteorite Arguin 002\"","abstract":"This is the data repository for paper entitled \"The provenance of Mg-suite rocks in South Pole-Aitken basin: Evidence from the first lunar norite meteorite Arguin 002\". This data repository includes an EXCEL (.xlsx) file, which incorporates the mineral EPMA compositions (Table S1), mineral trace-element compositions (Table S2), bulk chemistry with robustness test (Table S3), SIMS U-Pb results (Table S4), mineral modal abundances and the launch-region identification results (Table S5), and parameter used to estimate the size of launch crater (Table S6) in the comprehensive study of the lunar norite meteorite, Arguin 002. It also includes a MATLAB code (.m) file, which demonstrates the detailed procedure to generate the launch-region identification results in Table S5.","author":[{"family":"Zilong","given":"Wang"},{"family":"Wei","given":"Tian"},{"family":"Wei-Rz","given":"Wang"},{"family":"Yuqi","given":"Qian"},{"family":"Ping-Ping","given":"Liu"},{"family":"Wenzhe","given":"Fa"},{"family":"Ao","given":"Su"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.10518847","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10518847","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.60692/d3s3j-m5197","type":"article-journal","title":"Cordierite-based ceramics from stevensite clay and coal fly ash","abstract":"Cordierite-based ceramic is one of the most interesting engineering materials that has attractive and multidisciplinary assets, such as low thermal expansion coefficient, excellent thermal shock resistance, high refractoriness, good mechanical properties, and so on. In this work, cordierite-based ceramics were prepared mainly from stevensite-rich clay or coal fly ash (CFA) and stevensite-rich clay using a solid-state interaction process. The influence of heating temperature, in the range of 800–1250°C, and starting materials on the microstructure-temperature evolutions and mechanical strength were evaluated using TGA-DTA, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and dilatometric analysis. The results revealed, for both formulations heating in the temperature range 800–1100°C, the transformation of stevensite-rich clay into enstatite and its polymorphisms. Further heating induced the formation of the cordierite phase at 1200°C, for the formulation consisted mainly of stevensite-rich clay and CFA, and at 1250°C for that contained mainly stevensite-rich clay. The addition of CFA to stevensite-rich clay enhanced its reactivity and involved the increase in mechanical strength from 5 MPa to 15 MPa at 1200°C.","author":[{"family":"Hajjou","given":"Hanaa"},{"family":"Tabit","given":"Kamal"},{"family":"Saâdi","given":"Latifa"},{"family":"Waqif","given":"Mohamed"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.60692/d3s3j-m5197","URL":"https://doi.org/10.60692/d3s3j-m5197","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.60692/nyrwb-nga71","type":"article-journal","title":"Cordierite-based ceramics from stevensite clay and coal fly ash","abstract":"Cordierite-based ceramic is one of the most interesting engineering materials that has attractive and multidisciplinary assets, such as low thermal expansion coefficient, excellent thermal shock resistance, high refractoriness, good mechanical properties, and so on. In this work, cordierite-based ceramics were prepared mainly from stevensite-rich clay or coal fly ash (CFA) and stevensite-rich clay using a solid-state interaction process. The influence of heating temperature, in the range of 800–1250°C, and starting materials on the microstructure-temperature evolutions and mechanical strength were evaluated using TGA-DTA, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and dilatometric analysis. The results revealed, for both formulations heating in the temperature range 800–1100°C, the transformation of stevensite-rich clay into enstatite and its polymorphisms. Further heating induced the formation of the cordierite phase at 1200°C, for the formulation consisted mainly of stevensite-rich clay and CFA, and at 1250°C for that contained mainly stevensite-rich clay. The addition of CFA to stevensite-rich clay enhanced its reactivity and involved the increase in mechanical strength from 5 MPa to 15 MPa at 1200°C.","author":[{"family":"Hajjou","given":"Hanaa"},{"family":"Tabit","given":"Kamal"},{"family":"Saâdi","given":"Latifa"},{"family":"Waqif","given":"Mohamed"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.60692/nyrwb-nga71","URL":"https://doi.org/10.60692/nyrwb-nga71","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.7775798","type":"article-journal","title":"PEOPLE EXPERIENCED THE PREHISTORIC CHIEMGAU METEORITE IMPACT – GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FROM SOUTHEASTERN GERMANY: A REVIEW","abstract":"Archaeological sites undoubtedly destroyed by a meteorite impact had not been identified so far. For such a proof, both a meteorite impact and its definite effects on an archaeological site would have to be evidenced. This review article reports on geoarchaeological investigations, involving mineralogy, petrography, and geophysics, which established evidence that two prehistoric human settlements have been affected by the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age (ca. 900-600 BC) Chiemgau meteorite impact in southeastern Germany. One site, the Mühlbach area, was affected by the ejecta from the 600 m Ø-Tüttensee crater, one of the largest craters in a crater strewn field measuring about 60 x 30 km. At the other site, Stöttham close to Lake Chiemsee, the catastrophic layer of the impact was found embedded in the archaeological stratigraphy of a settlement, which had been repeatedly occupated from the Neolithic to the Roman era. At both sites, artifacts have become components of impact rocks, establishing a hitherto unknown form of an impact rock, an artifact-in-impactite. The immediate coexistence of rocks, which exhibit impact-diagnostic shock metamorphism, with relicts of metallic artifacts, as encountered in finds from Stöttham, are unprecedented evidence of human experience of a meteorite impact.","author":[{"family":"Rappenglück","given":"B"},{"family":"Hiltl","given":"M"},{"family":"Poßekel","given":"J"},{"family":"Rappenglück","given":"MA"},{"family":"Ernstson","given":"K"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.7775798","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7775798","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.7775799","type":"article-journal","title":"PEOPLE EXPERIENCED THE PREHISTORIC CHIEMGAU METEORITE IMPACT – GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FROM SOUTHEASTERN GERMANY: A REVIEW","abstract":"Archaeological sites undoubtedly destroyed by a meteorite impact had not been identified so far. For such a proof, both a meteorite impact and its definite effects on an archaeological site would have to be evidenced. This review article reports on geoarchaeological investigations, involving mineralogy, petrography, and geophysics, which established evidence that two prehistoric human settlements have been affected by the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age (ca. 900-600 BC) Chiemgau meteorite impact in southeastern Germany. One site, the Mühlbach area, was affected by the ejecta from the 600 m Ø-Tüttensee crater, one of the largest craters in a crater strewn field measuring about 60 x 30 km. At the other site, Stöttham close to Lake Chiemsee, the catastrophic layer of the impact was found embedded in the archaeological stratigraphy of a settlement, which had been repeatedly occupated from the Neolithic to the Roman era. At both sites, artifacts have become components of impact rocks, establishing a hitherto unknown form of an impact rock, an artifact-in-impactite. The immediate coexistence of rocks, which exhibit impact-diagnostic shock metamorphism, with relicts of metallic artifacts, as encountered in finds from Stöttham, are unprecedented evidence of human experience of a meteorite impact.","author":[{"family":"Rappenglück","given":"B"},{"family":"Hiltl","given":"M"},{"family":"Poßekel","given":"J"},{"family":"Rappenglück","given":"MA"},{"family":"Ernstson","given":"K"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.7775799","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7775799","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W4392353606","type":"article-journal","title":"LIBS for prospecting and Raman spectroscopy for monitoring: two feasibility studies for supporting in-situ resource utilization","abstract":"Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy are still rather new techniques for in-situ exploration of extraterrestrial planetary surfaces but have shown their suitability and great potential in several successful robotic missions already. Next to serving primary scientific applications, both methods can also be used in the context of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) such as scouting for wanted substances and the surveillance of extraction processes. Here, we present two laboratory studies conducted in the context of ISRU with a focus on the chain from prospecting to extracting oxygen from lunar regolith. For LIBS, with optimized data processing and combined with state-of-the-art multivariate data analysis approaches, we show the potential of the technique for identifying samples with increased ilmenite content and for elemental quantification. The measurements were done using lunar regolith simulant and low pressures simulating vacuum on atmosphereless bodies such as the Moon. With Raman spectroscopy, we analyzed lunar regolith simulant samples that underwent electrochemical alteration for oxygen extraction and production of metal alloys demonstrating the potential of Raman spectroscopy for ISRU process monitoring. We also discuss the results in a broader context, evaluating the potential of both methods for other aspects of ISRU support.","author":[{"family":"Rammelkamp","given":"Kristin"},{"family":"Schröder","given":"Susanne"},{"family":"Lomax","given":"Bethany"},{"family":"Clavé","given":"Elise"},{"family":"Hübers","given":"Heinz‐wilhelm"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3389/frspt.2024.1336548","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frspt.2024.1336548","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4387353074","type":"article-journal","title":"Recurring volcanic winters during the latest Cretaceous: Sulfur and fluorine budgets of Deccan Traps lavas","abstract":"Two events share the stage as main drivers of the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction-Deccan Traps volcanism, and an asteroid impact recorded by the Chicxulub crater. We contribute to refining knowledge of the volcanic stressor by providing sulfur and fluorine budgets of Deccan lavas from the Western Ghats (India), which straddle the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. Volcanic fluorine budgets were variable (400 to 3000 parts per million) and probably sufficient to affect the environment, albeit only regionally. The highest sulfur budgets (up to 1800 parts per million) are recorded in Deccan lavas emplaced just prior (within 0.1 million years) to the extinction interval, whereas later basalts are generally sulfur-poor (up to 750 parts per million). Independent evidence suggests the Deccan flood basalts erupted in high-flux pulses. Our data suggest that volcanic sulfur degassing from such activity could have caused repeated short-lived global drops in temperature, stressing the ecosystems long before the bolide impact delivered its final blow at the end of the Cretaceous.","author":[{"family":"Callegaro","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Baker","given":"Don"},{"family":"Renne","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Melluso","given":"Leone"},{"family":"Geraki","given":"Kalotina"},{"family":"Whitehouse","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Min","given":"Ângelo"},{"family":"Marzoli","given":"Andrea"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adg8284","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adg8284","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4383105875","type":"article-journal","title":"Single Spot Rb‐Sr Isochron Dating of Biotite by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS / MS","abstract":"Laser ablation tandem mass spectrometry is a burgeoning field for in situ Rb‐Sr geochronology. Here, we determined simultaneous isotope ratios of 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and 87 Rb/ 86 Sr in metamorphic biotite from western Maine, using an ESL™ imageGEO™193 excimer laser ablation system coupled to a Thermo Scientific™ Neoma™ MC‐ICP‐MS/MS. Measurements were made on Faraday cups with Rb + at mass 87; Sr isotopes were reacted with SF 6 gas and measured as SrF + at masses 103–107. Twenty‐two laser spots in biotite from a single sample yield a \"traditional\" Rb‐Sr isochron date of 289 ± 6 Ma. Time‐resolved signals reveal significant zoning in 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and 87 Rb/ 86 Sr within single spot analyses, which were used to construct single spot isochrons. Individual laser spots contain multiple isochronous subpopulations; some spots contain up to three distinct Rb‐Sr isochrons that are decoupled from variations in Rb/Sr. Thirty‐five isochron dates were determined using this \"sub‐spot\" approach, with 87 Sr/ 86 Sr intercepts that systematically vary with Rb‐Sr date; two‐point isochrons were calculated for individual integrations ( n = 780) based on these variable intercepts. Both methods yield age peaks at 303, 270 and 240 Ma. These data suggest that the Rb‐Sr system has the potential to record multiple heating, cooling or fluid‐alteration events spanning ~ 100 My within small domains in single biotite crystals.","author":[{"family":"Cruzuribe","given":"Alicia"},{"family":"Craig","given":"Grant"},{"family":"Garber","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Paul","given":"Bence"},{"family":"Arkula","given":"Cemil"},{"family":"Bouman","given":"Claudia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/ggr.12518","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ggr.12518","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4395689054","type":"article-journal","title":"Presence of non-solar derived krypton and xenon unveiled by Chang'e-5 lunar soils","abstract":"• Chang'e-5 lunar soil reveals a non-binary mixture. • Cometary and meteoritic component identified, adding to compositional diversity. • 134,136 Xe depletion link to cometary isotopes rather than early atmospheric escape. • Previous models insufficient in explaining Kr and Xe fractionation in lunar soils. • Chang'e-5 contributes to billions of years of solar system history. The extent of volatile elements on the surface and interior of the Moon remains a highly debated topic. Previous studies conducted on bulk lunar soil samples and solar wind samples collected by the Genesis mission indicate a discernible isotope mass- or non-mass-dependent fractionation of krypton and xenon. However, a detailed investigation of these processes is missing, particularly in determining the possible incorporation of cometary volatiles in the lunar regolith. New lunar soil samples returned by the Chang'e-5 mission provide a chance to answer these key questions. In this study, noble gas isotopes of nine subsamples from a Chang'e-5 scooped sample were analysed through stepwise-heating and total fusion laser extraction. The results reveal that a simple binary mixture of solar wind and cosmogenic components did not explain alone the isotopic composition of these samples. The Xe data shows insignificant amounts of atmospheric Xe and presents clear evidence of cometary contributions to the lunar regolith, with a significant depletion of 134,136 Xe compared to that in the solar wind. Additionally, a meteoritic component is identified. Compared to the Apollo results, our findings further validate the theory of Earth's atmospheric escape, substantiate the plausibility of these exogenous admixtures to elucidate the isotopic fractionation mechanisms of Kr and Xe within the lunar regolith, and provide novel insights into long-term constancy in the solar wind composition.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Xuhang"},{"family":"Su","given":"Fei"},{"family":"Avice","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Stuart","given":"Finlay"},{"family":"Zheng","given":"Yuanyuan"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Ziheng"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Runchuan"},{"family":"Lü","given":"Chao"},{"family":"He","given":"Ye"},{"family":"Li","given":"Jiannan"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Ranran"},{"family":"He","given":"Huaiyu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.epsl.2024.118725","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2024.118725","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390985176","type":"article-journal","title":"Selective trace elements significantly enhanced methane production in coal bed methane systems by stimulating microbial activity","abstract":"ABSTRACT Trace elements are associated with the microbial degradation of organic matter and methanogenesis, as enzymes in metabolic pathways often employ trace elements as essential cofactors. However, only a few studies investigated the effects of trace elements on the metabolic activity of microbial communities associated with biogenic coalbed methane production. We aimed to determine the effects of strategically selected trace elements on structure and function of active bacterial and methanogenic communities to stimulate methane production in subsurface coalbeds. Microcosms were established with produced water and coal from coalbed methane wells located in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming, USA. In initial pilot experiments with eight different trace elements, individual amendments of Co, Cu, and Mo lead to significantly higher methane production. Transcript levels of mcrA , the key marker gene for methanogenesis, positively correlated with increased methane production. Phylogenetic analysis of the mcrA cDNA library demonstrated compositional shifts of the active methanogenic community and increase of their diversity, particularly of hydrogenotrophic methanogens. High-throughput sequencing of cDNA obtained from 16S rRNA demonstrated active and abundant bacterial groups in response to trace element amendments. Active Acetobacterium members increased in response to Co, Cu, and Mo additions. The findings of this study yield new insights into the importance of essential trace elements on the metabolic activity of microbial communities involved in subsurface coalbed methane and provide a better understanding of how microbial community composition is shaped by trace elements. IMPORTANCE Microbial life in the deep subsurface of coal beds is limited by nutrient replenishment. While coal bed microbial communities are surrounded by carbon sources, we hypothesized that other nutrients such as trace elements needed as cofactors for enzymes are missing. Amendment of selected trace elements resulted in compositional shifts of the active methanogenic and bacterial communities and correlated with higher transcript levels of mcrA . The findings of this study yield new insights to not only identify possible limitations of microbes by replenishment of trace elements within their specific hydrological placement but also into the importance of essential trace elements for the metabolic activity of microbial communities involved in subsurface coalbed methane production and provides a better understanding of how microbial community composition is shaped by trace elements. Furthermore, this finding might help to revive already spent coal bed methane well systems with the ultimate goal to stimulate methane production.","author":[{"family":"Chin","given":"Kuk‐jeong"},{"family":"Ünal","given":"Burcu"},{"family":"Sanderson","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Aboderin","given":"Feranmi"},{"family":"Nüsslein","given":"Klaus"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1128/spectrum.03508-23","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.03508-23","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405517006","type":"article-journal","title":"Terrestrial evidence for volcanogenic sulfate-driven cooling event ~30 kyr before the Cretaceous–Paleogene mass extinction","abstract":"Alongside the Chicxulub meteorite impact, Deccan volcanism is considered a primary trigger for the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) mass extinction. Models suggest that volcanic outgassing of carbon and sulfur—potent environmental stressors—drove global temperature change, but the relative timing, duration, and magnitude of such change remains uncertain. Here, we use the organic paleothermometer MBT′ 5me and the carbon-isotope composition of two K–Pg-spanning lignites from the western Unites States, to test models of volcanogenic air temperature change in the ~100 kyr before the mass extinction. Our records show long-term warming of ~3°C, probably driven by Deccan CO 2 emissions, and reveal a transient (<10 kyr) ~5°C cooling event, coinciding with the peak of the Poladpur “pulse” of Deccan eruption ~30 kyr before the K–Pg boundary. This cooling was likely caused by the aerosolization of volcanogenic sulfur. Temperatures returned to pre-event values before the mass extinction, suggesting that, from the terrestrial perspective, volcanogenic climate change was not the primary cause of K–Pg extinction.","author":[{"family":"Oconnor","given":"Lauren"},{"family":"Jerrett","given":"Rhodri"},{"family":"Price","given":"Gregory"},{"family":"Lyson","given":"Tyler"},{"family":"Lengger","given":"Sabine"},{"family":"Peterse","given":"Francien"},{"family":"Dongen","given":"Bart"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.ado5478","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ado5478","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4365143948","type":"article-journal","title":"Volatiles and Intraplate Magmatism: a Variable Role for Carbonated and Altered Oceanic Lithosphere in Ocean Island Basalt Formation","abstract":"Abstract Recycling of material at subduction zones has fundamental implications for melt composition and mantle rheology. Ocean island basalts (OIBs) sample parts of the mantle from variable depths that have been diversely affected by subduction zone processes and materials, including the subducted slab, metasomatising melts and fluids. Resultant geochemical differences are preserved at a variety of scales from melt inclusions to whole rocks, from individual islands to chains of islands. Here we examine a global dataset of ocean island basalt compositions with a view to understanding the connection between silica-saturation, olivine compositions, and halogens in glass and olivine-hosted melt inclusions to reveal information regarding the mantle sources of intraplate magmatism. We find that minor elements incorporated into olivine, although informative, cannot unambiguously discriminate between different source contributions, but indicate that none of the OIB analysed here are derived solely from dry peridotite melting. Nor can differences in lithospheric thickness explain trace element variability in olivine between different ocean islands. We present new halogen (F, Cl, Br/Cl, I/Cl) data along with incompatible trace element data for the global array and encourage measurement of fluorine along with heavier halogens to obtain better insight into halogen cycling. We suggest that Ti-rich silica-undersaturated melts require a contribution from carbonated lithosphere, either peridotite or eclogite and are an important component sampled by ocean island basalts, together with altered oceanic crust. These results provide new insights into our understanding of mantle-scale geochemical cycles, and also lead to the potential for the mantle transition zone as an underestimated source for observed volatile and trace-element enrichment in ocean island basalts.","author":[{"family":"Kirstein","given":"Linda"},{"family":"Walowski","given":"Kristina"},{"family":"Jones","given":"Rosemary"},{"family":"Burgess","given":"R"},{"family":"Fitton","given":"JG"},{"family":"Hoog","given":"Jan"},{"family":"Savov","given":"Ivan"},{"family":"Kalnins","given":"LM"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1093/petrology/egad022","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egad022","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4318050462","type":"article-journal","title":"The hidden microbial ecosystem in the perennial ice from a Pyrenean ice cave","abstract":"Over the last years, perennial ice deposits located within caves have awakened interest as places to study microbial communities since they represent unique cryospheric archives of climate change. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the temperature has gradually increased, and it is estimated that by the end of this century the increase in average temperature could be around 4.0°C. In this context of global warming the ice deposits of the Pyrenean caves are undergoing a significant regression. Among this type of caves, that on the Cotiella Massif in the Southern Pyrenees is one of the southernmost studied in Europe. These types of caves house microbial communities which have so far been barely explored, and therefore their study is necessary. In this work, the microbial communities of the Pyrenean ice cave A294 were identified using metabarcoding techniques. In addition, research work was carried out to analyze how the age and composition of the ice affect the composition of the bacterial and microeukaryotic populations. Finally, the in vivo effect of climate change on the cellular machinery that allow microorganisms to live with increasing temperatures has been studied using proteomic techniques.","author":[{"family":"Ruiz-Blas","given":"Fátima"},{"family":"Muñoz-Hisado","given":"Víctor"},{"family":"Garcíalópez","given":"Eva"},{"family":"Moreno","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Bartolomé","given":"Miguel"},{"family":"Leunda","given":"María"},{"family":"Martínezalonso","given":"Emma"},{"family":"Alcázar","given":"Alberto"},{"family":"Cid","given":"Cristina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2023.1110091","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1110091","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4378903020","type":"article-journal","title":"Processing of methane and acetylene ices by galactic cosmic rays and implications to the color diversity of Kuiper Belt objects","abstract":"Kuiper Belt objects exhibit a wider color range than any other solar system population. The origin of this color diversity is unknown, but likely the result of the prolonged irradiation of organic materials by galactic cosmic rays (GCRs). Here, we combine ultrahigh-vacuum irradiation experiments with comprehensive spectroscopic analyses to examine the color evolution during GCR processing methane and acetylene under Kuiper Belt conditions. This study replicates the colors of a population of Kuiper Belt objects such as Makemake, Orcus, and Salacia. Aromatic structural units carrying up to three rings as in phenanthrene (C 14 H 10 ), phenalene (C 9 H 10 ), and acenaphthylene (C 12 H 8 ), of which some carry structural motives of DNA and RNA connected via unsaturated linkers, were found to play a key role in producing the reddish colors. These studies demonstrate the level of molecular complexity synthesized of GCR processing hydrocarbon and hint at the role played by irradiated ice in the early production of biological precursor molecules.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Chaojiang"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Cheng"},{"family":"Turner","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Antonov","given":"Ivan"},{"family":"Garcia","given":"Adrien"},{"family":"Meinert","given":"Cornelia"},{"family":"Young","given":"LA"},{"family":"Jewitt","given":"David"},{"family":"Kaiser","given":"Ralf"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adg6936","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adg6936","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4388553333","type":"article-journal","title":"The cost of (Un)regulation: Shrinking Earth's orbits and the need for sustainable space governance","abstract":"Outer space is infinite, useable planetary orbits are not. This makes the Earth's orbit a unique case of an Area Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) complex to address, difficult to use in a sustainable and equitable way and almost intractable to regulate at an international level. As of 2023, we remain far from attaining a sustainable orbital environment, and future uses of the Earth's orbits for new satellites constellations appear now increasingly at risk. Adopting a probability-based empirical model to project the growth trajectory of objects in space, this article argues that the sector will cross a 'critical density' threshold within the upcoming years unless strong remedial actions to clear up the orbits are implemented and estimates the potential costs of active debris removal measures. Our findings suggest that orbital sustainability is unlikely to come from technology alone, no matter how advanced or ground-breaking. A long-term solution will necessarily require a radical rewriting of the outdated, often conflicting international regulatory framework, which contributed to creating this debris crisis in the first place, shrinking the Earth's orbit to (almost) the point of no return.","author":[{"family":"Martin-Lawson","given":"Darrell"},{"family":"Paladini","given":"Stefanía"},{"family":"Saha","given":"Krishnendu"},{"family":"Yerushalmi","given":"Erez"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119382","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119382","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4317564967","type":"article-journal","title":"What Would Battery Manufacturing Look Like on the Moon and Mars?","abstract":"ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVEnergy FocusNEXTWhat Would Battery Manufacturing Look Like on the Moon and Mars?Alexis Maurel*Alexis MaurelDepartment of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United StatesDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States*[email protected]More by Alexis Maurelhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-8245-9621, Ana C. Martinez*Ana C. MartinezDepartment of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United StatesDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States*[email protected]More by Ana C. Martinez, Donald A. DornbuschDonald A. DornbuschNASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44135, United StatesMore by Donald A. Dornbusch, William H. HuddlestonWilliam H. HuddlestonNASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44135, United StatesMore by William H. Huddlestonhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-7537-3029, Myeong-Lok SeolMyeong-Lok SeolNASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 94043, United StatesMore by Myeong-Lok Seolhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-5724-2244, Christopher R. HenryChristopher R. HenryNASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama 35812, United StatesMore by Christopher R. Henry, Jennifer M. JonesJennifer M. JonesNASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama 35812, United StatesMore by Jennifer M. Jones, Bharat YelamanchiBharat YelamanchiDepartment of Civil, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio 44555, United StatesMore by Bharat Yelamanchi, Sina Bakhtar ChavariSina Bakhtar ChavariDepartment of Civil, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio 44555, United StatesMore by Sina Bakhtar Chavari, Jennifer E. EdmunsonJennifer E. EdmunsonNASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama 35812, United StatesMore by Jennifer E. Edmunson, Sreeprasad T. SreenivasanSreeprasad T. SreenivasanDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United StatesMore by Sreeprasad T. Sreenivasanhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5728-0512, Pedro CortesPedro CortesDepartment of Civil, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio 44555, United StatesMore by Pedro Cortes, Eric MacDonaldEric MacDonaldDepartment of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United StatesMore by Eric MacDonald, and Cameroun G. Sherrard*Cameroun G. SherrardNASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama 35812, United States*[email protected]More by Cameroun G. SherrardCite this: ACS Energy Lett. 2023, 8, 2, 1042–1049Publication Date (Web):January 20, 2023Publication History Received2 December 2022Accepted4 January 2023Published online20 January 2023Published inissue 10 February 2023https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsenergylett.2c02743https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.2c02743newsACS PublicationsCopyright © Published 2023 by American Chemical Society. This publication is available under these Terms of Use. Request reuse permissions This publication is free to access through this site. Learn MoreArticle Views5678Altmetric-Citations1LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional detail","author":[{"family":"Maurel","given":"Alexis"},{"family":"Martínez","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Dornbusch","given":"Donald"},{"family":"Huddleston","given":"William"},{"family":"Seol","given":"Myeong‐lok"},{"family":"Henry","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Jones","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Yelamanchi","given":"Bharat"},{"family":"Chavari","given":"Sina"},{"family":"Edmunson","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Sreenivasan","given":"Sreeprasad"},{"family":"Cortes","given":"Pedro"},{"family":"Macdonald","given":"Eric"},{"family":"Sherrard","given":"Cameroun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsenergylett.2c02743","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.2c02743","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4322627778","type":"article-journal","title":"Experimental Characterization of the Pyridine:Acetylene Co-crystal and Implications for Titan’s Surface","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, has a plethora of organic compounds in the atmosphere and on the surface that interact with each other. Cryominerals such as co-crystals may influence the geologic processes and chemical composition of Titan’s surface, which in turn informs our understanding of how Titan may have evolved, how the surface is continuing to change, and the extent of Titan’s habitability. Previous works have shown that a pyridine:acetylene (1:1) co-crystal forms under specific temperatures and experimental conditions; however, this has not yet been demonstrated under Titan-relevant conditions. Our work here demonstrates that the pyridine:acetylene co-crystal is stable from 90 K, Titan’s average surface temperature, up to 180 K under an atmosphere of N 2 . In particular, the co-crystal forms via liquid–solid interactions within minutes upon mixing of the constituents at 150 K, as evidenced by distinct, new Raman bands and band shifts. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate moderate anisotropic thermal expansion (about 0.5–1.1%) along the three principal axes between 90–150 K. Additionally, the co-crystal is detectable after being exposed to liquid ethane, implying stability in a residual ethane “wetting” scenario on Titan. These results suggest that the pyridine:acetylene co-crystal could form in specific geologic contexts on Titan that allow for warm environments in which liquid pyridine could persist, and as such, this cryomineral may preserve the evidence of impact, cryovolcanism, or subsurface transport in surface materials.","author":[{"family":"Czaplinski","given":"Ellen"},{"family":"Vu","given":"Tuan"},{"family":"Cable","given":"Morgan"},{"family":"Choukroun","given":"Mathieu"},{"family":"Malaska","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Hodyss","given":"Robert"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.2c00377","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.2c00377","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402066988","type":"article-journal","title":"Shock melt in the Cold Bokkeveld CM2 carbonaceous chondrite and the response of C‐complex asteroids to hypervelocity impacts","abstract":"Abstract Many of the CM carbonaceous chondrites are regolith breccias and so should have abundant evidence for collisional processing. The constituent clasts of these fragmental rocks frequently display compactional petrofabrics; yet, olivine microstructures show that most CMs are unshocked. To better understand the reasons for this contradiction, we have sought other evidence for hypervelocity impact processing of CM chondrites using the Cold Bokkeveld meteorite. We find that this regolith breccia contains rare particles of vesicular shock melt that are close in chemical composition to bulk CM chondrite. Transmission electron microscopy of a melt bead shows that it is composed of silicate glass with inclusions of pentlandite, pyrrhotite, and wüstite. Characterization of shards of another bead by atom probe tomography reveals nanoscale clusters of sulfur that represent sulfide inclusions arrested at an early stage of growth. These glass particles are mineralogically comparable to micrometeoroid impact melt described from the Cb‐type asteroid Ryugu and melt that has been experimentally produced by pulsed laser irradiation of CM targets. The glass could have formed by in situ shock‐melting, but petrographic evidence is more consistent with an origin as ballistic ejecta from a distal impact. The scarcity of melt in this meteorite, and CM chondrites more broadly, is consistent with the explosive fragmentation of hydrous asteroids following energetic collisions. Cold Bokkeveld's parent body is likely to be a second‐generation asteroid that was constructed from the debris of one or more earlier bodies, and only a small proportion of the reaccreted material had been highly shocked and melted.","author":[{"family":"Lee","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Greer","given":"Jennika"},{"family":"Griffin","given":"Sammy"},{"family":"Floyd","given":"Cameron"},{"family":"Tegg","given":"Levi"},{"family":"Cairney","given":"Julie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14253","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14253","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4383213002","type":"article-journal","title":"I/Pu reveals Earth mainly accreted from volatile-poor differentiated planetesimals","abstract":"The observation that mid-ocean ridge basalts had ~3× higher iodine/plutonium ratios (inferred from xenon isotopes) compared to ocean island basalts holds critical insights into Earth's accretion. Understanding whether this difference stems from core formation alone or heterogeneous accretion is, however, hindered by the unknown geochemical behavior of plutonium during core formation. Here, we use first-principles molecular dynamics to quantify the metal-silicate partition coefficients of iodine and plutonium during core formation and find that both iodine and plutonium partly partition into metal liquid. Using multistage core formation modeling, we show that core formation alone is unlikely to explain the iodine/plutonium difference between mantle reservoirs. Instead, our results reveal a heterogeneous accretion history, whereby predominant accretion of volatile-poor differentiated planetesimals was followed by a secondary phase of accretion of volatile-rich undifferentiated meteorites. This implies that Earth inherited part of its volatiles, including its water, from late accretion of chondrites, with a notable carbonaceous chondrite contribution.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Weiyi"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yigang"},{"family":"Tissot","given":"François"},{"family":"Avice","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Ye","given":"Zhilin"},{"family":"Yin","given":"Qing‐zhu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adg9213","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adg9213","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4383620072","type":"article-journal","title":"On the Emplacement of the Impact Melt at the Dhala Impact Structure, India","abstract":"Abstract We investigate the magnetic fabrics and magnetic mineralogy of the impact melt rock at the Dhala impact structure to understand its emplacement mechanism. Pseudo‐single domains of Ti‐poor magnetite and Ti‐hematite are the prime magnetic carriers in the impact melt rock. The magnetic foliations show a range of dip amounts. The overall trend of the magnetic foliation of the impact melt rock draws a resemblance with the flood basalts or lava flows. A well‐developed magnetic lineation ( K 1 ) indicates the strong alignment of Ti‐poor magnetite grains. Therefore, the magnetic carriers may have crystallized and aligned themselves along the flow direction before the emplacement. It may be possible that after the crystallization of the magnetic carriers, the impact melt moved in a semi‐molten state similar to lava flows with temperatures below c. 1,500°C, which is the melting point of Ti‐magnetite and was emplaced as crater‐fill deposits. Among the three principal magnetic susceptibility axes, K 1 aligns best with the mesoscopic flow indicators. K 1 of individual specimens' trends between NW and SW, while the mean K 1 at all the sites trends westward. Thus, at the studied sites, the impact melt flow was dominantly eastward. In the sites located to the NW and W, the eastward flow could be due to gravity‐driven crater inward flow toward the center. At site IM2, which is located to E, the eastward flow of the impact melt is possibly due to crater outward excavation flow.","author":[{"family":"Joshi","given":"Gaurav"},{"family":"Phukon","given":"Pradyut"},{"family":"Agarwal","given":"Amar"},{"family":"Ojha","given":"Arun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je007840","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je007840","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392967066","type":"article-journal","title":"Advanced microstructural and compositional analysis of a lunar agglutinate from the Apollo 11 mission","abstract":"Abstract The microstructural characterization of lunar agglutinate samples serves many essential purposes in lunar science and cosmochemistry, from understanding the formation process of lunar regolith to preparing for human activity on the Moon. In this study, an advanced correlative characterization methodology was employed to examine the microstructure of a lunar agglutinate particle retrieved from the Apollo 11 mission. The multimodal characterization efforts were centered around 3‐D x‐ray computed tomography (XCT) and were complemented by 2‐D techniques, including scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy. The nondestructive nature of the XCT allowed us to preserve the lunar dust particles, while its 3‐D nature allowed us to extract meaningful microstructural information inaccessible via traditional 2‐D characterization techniques. The multimodal correlative analysis further allowed us to identify the compositional and microstructural features of the agglutinate. These observations were linked to the formation process of the agglutinate to inform a hypothesis on the dynamic formation sequence of lunar regolith.","author":[{"family":"Huang","given":"Tai‐jan"},{"family":"Ganju","given":"Eshan"},{"family":"Torbatisarraf","given":"Hamid"},{"family":"Thompson","given":"MS"},{"family":"Chawla","given":"Nikhilesh"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14157","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14157","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402647355","type":"article-journal","title":"Martian Impact Fracturing Pervasively Influences Habitability","abstract":"Abstract On Mars, the lack of either plate tectonics or a prominent erosional hydrological cycle since the Noachian means geological changes caused by asteroid and comet impact events have been preserved. On Earth, surviving impact‐induced fractures are localized to the relatively few preserved craters on the planet. We estimate that the shell of impact‐fractured rock on Mars (the “impact‐sphere”) could provide between 9,200 times the surface area of a Mars radius sphere and up to 100 times this value, depending on the assumptions made, as potential microbially accessible space. Although >93% of craters we consider are smaller than 10 km in diameter, they contribute only about 5% of the total fracture surface area generated by all craters, making complex craters the dominant process for potential habitat formation. Microbiological data from terrestrial impact craters suggest that these fractures could have significantly enhanced local habitability by providing pathways for fluid flow, and thus nutrients and energy. However, unlike on Earth, the geological history of Mars means that pervasive impact fractures may also have provided pathways for Hesperian and Amazonian brines to infiltrate the subsurface and locally reduce habitability. Combining the fracture data with previous microbiological observations provides testable hypotheses for Martian drilling missions.","author":[{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Collins","given":"GS"},{"family":"Basu","given":"S"},{"family":"Grant","given":"Edward"},{"family":"Mcmahon","given":"Sean"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je008116","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je008116","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402319090","type":"article-journal","title":"Carbon‐ and Nitrogen‐Based Complexes as Photocatalysts for Prebiotic and Oxygen Chemistry during Earth Evolution","abstract":"Sunlight has long served as primary energy source on our planet, shaping the behavior of living organisms. Extensive research has been dedicated to unraveling the evolutionary pathways involved. When the formation of Earth atmosphere, it primarily consisted of small gas molecules, which are considered crucial for the emergence of life. Recent demonstrations have shown that these molecules can also be transformed into semiconductors, with the potential to harness solar energy and catalyze chemical reactions as photocatalysts. Building upon this research, this minireview focuses on the potential revolutionary impact of photocatalysis on Earth. Initially, it examines key reactions, such as the formation of prebiotic molecules and the oxygen evolution reaction via water oxidation. Additionally, various C-N complexes in photocatalysts are explored, showcasing their roles in catalyzing chemical reactions. The conclusion and outlook provide a potential pathway for the evolution of Earth, shedding light on the significance of metal-free photocatalysts in development of Earth.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Huan"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Sibo"},{"family":"Fang","given":"Yuanxing"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/anie.202413768","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202413768","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4315928128","type":"article-journal","title":"Polypeptide Chain Growth Mechanisms and Secondary Structure Formation in Glycine Gas-Phase Deposition on Silica Surfaces","abstract":"Peptide formation by amino acids condensation represents a crucial reaction in the quest of the origins of life as well as in synthetic chemistry. However, it is still poorly understood in terms of efficiency and reaction mechanism. In the present work, peptide formation has been investigated through thermal condensation of gas-phase glycine in fluctuating silica environments as a model of prebiotic environments. In-situ IR spectroscopy measurements under a controlled atmosphere reveal that a humidity fluctuating system subjected to both temperature and water activity variations results in the formation of more abundant peptides compared to a dehydrated system subjected only to temperature fluctuations cycles. A model is proposed in which hydration steps result in the hydrolysis and redistribution of the oligomers formed during previous deposition in dry conditions. This results in the formation of self-assembled aggregates with well-defined secondary structures (especially β-sheets). Upon further monomers feeding, structural elements are conserved in newly growing chains, with indications of templated polymerization. The structural dynamics of peptides were also evaluated. Rigid self-assembled structures with a high resistance to further wetting/drying cycles and inaccessibility to isotopic exchange were present in the humidity fluctuating system compared to more flexible structures in the dehydrated system. The resistance and growth of self-assembled structures were also investigated for an extended duration of Gly deposition using isotope labeling.","author":[{"family":"Samrout","given":"Ola"},{"family":"Berlier","given":"Gloria"},{"family":"Lambert","given":"Jean‐françois"},{"family":"Martra","given":"Gianmario"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c07382","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c07382","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401134660","type":"article-journal","title":"Characterization of bulk interior and fusion crust of Calama 009 L6 ordinary chondrite","abstract":"Abstract Fragment of Calama 009 L6 ordinary chondrite recovered in the Atacama Desert was chosen for a complex study of the bulk interior and the fusion crust by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), magnetization measurements, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. SEM demonstrated the presence of Fe‐Ni‐Co grains, troilite and chromite inclusions in both the bulk interior and the fusion crust as well as many veins with ferric compound. EDS showed variations in the Ni concentration within the metal grains and within one metal phase in the grain. XRD revealed some differences in the contents of various phases in the bulk interior and in the fusion crust. XRD indicated the presence of magnesioferrite in the fusion crust as well as the formation of goethite nanoparticles with the mean size of 9 nm in both the bulk interior and the fusion crust. Magnetization measurements demonstrated the ferrimagnetic–paramagnetic phase transition in chromite at 44 K and low values of the saturation magnetization moments (6.46 and 3.26 emu g−1 at 100 K) for the bulk interior and the fusion crust, respectively, due to the lack of Fe‐Ni‐Co alloy as a result of weathering. The Mössbauer spectra of the bulk interior and the fusion crust showed some differences in the number and relative areas of spectral components. The revealing of the Mössbauer spectral components related to 57Fe in the M1 and M2 sites in olivine and orthopyroxene as well as determining the Fe2+ occupations of these sites from XRD permitted us to estimate the temperature of equilibrium cation distribution for these silicates which are (i) 662 K (XRD) and 706 K (Mössbauer spectroscopy) for olivine and (ii) 893 K (XRD) and 910 K (Mössbauer spectroscopy) for orthopyroxene.","author":[{"family":"Petrova","given":"EV"},{"family":"Чукин","given":"АВ"},{"family":"Varga","given":"G"},{"family":"Dankházi","given":"Zoltán"},{"family":"Leitus","given":"Gregory"},{"family":"Felner","given":"I"},{"family":"Кузманн","given":"Э"},{"family":"Homonnay","given":"Z"},{"family":"Grokhovsky","given":"VI"},{"family":"Оштрах","given":"МИ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14249","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14249","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390976616","type":"article-journal","title":"Cretaceous large igneous provinces: from volcanic formation to environmental catastrophes and biological crises","abstract":"Abstract The Cretaceous Period was marked by the formation of numerous large igneous provinces (LIPs), several of which were associated with geologically rapid climate, environmental and biosphere perturbations, including the early Aptian and latest Cenomanian oceanic anoxic events (OAEs 1a and 2, respectively). In most cases, magmatic CO 2 emissions are thought to have been the major driver of climate and biosphere degradation. This work summarizes the relationships between Cretaceous LIPs and environmental perturbations, focusing on how volcanism caused climate warming during OAE 1a using osmium-isotope and mercury concentration data. The new results support magmatic CO 2 output from submarine LIP activity as the primary trigger of climate warming and biosphere stress before/during OAE 1a. This submarine volcanic trigger of OAE 1a (and OAE 2), two of the most climatically/biotically severe Cretaceous events, highlights the capacity of oceanic LIPs to impact Earth's environment as profoundly as many continental provinces. Cretaceous magmatism (and likely output of CO 2 and trace-metal micronutrients) was apparently most intense during those OAEs; further studies are needed to better constrain the eruption histories of those oceanic plateaus. Another open question is why the Cretaceous Period overall featured a higher rate of magmatic activity and LIP formation compared with before and afterwards.","author":[{"family":"Percival","given":"Lawrence"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Hironao"},{"family":"Callegaro","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Erba","given":"Elisabetta"},{"family":"Kerr","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Mutterlose","given":"Jörg"},{"family":"Suzuki","given":"Katsuhiko"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1144/sp544-2023-88","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1144/sp544-2023-88","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403050217","type":"article-journal","title":"From Remote Sensing to Artificial Intelligence in Coral Reef Monitoring","abstract":"This review comprehensively covers the development of viable unmanned underwater vehicles based on their technical capabilities, in particular those designed to conduct research exploration in underwater ecosystems and address environmental issues through analysis of coral reef vulnerability. The most important elements to be obtained are in situ data samples for analysis and characterization, supported by molecular biomarkers and marine ecology indicators. The following aspects are considered in this study: first, the geographic distribution of coral reefs for the study of marine ecology and molecular biological approaches for the detection of biomarkers to evaluate the vulnerability of coral reefs are detailed; then, the technologies currently available for the study of coral reefs are briefly described, ranging from large-scale capture to local-scale capture directly in the study region, taking advantage of remote sensing systems assisted by aerial technologies, marine vehicles, and artificial intelligence for the mapping, monitoring, and management of coral reefs as well as the characterization of their vulnerability; following this, existing marine vehicle technologies are generally explained, including a categorical description and an updated and highlighted list of innovative and robust marine vehicles that have been used in coral reef applications; the technical capabilities of such vehicle throughout the missions they have been subjected to are presented based on bibliographic references; finally, this review promotes multidisciplinary work to integrate the developments in the associated knowledge areas in order to obtain synergies in the face of challenges related to the massive scale of coral reef degradation worldwide.","author":[{"family":"Piñeros","given":"Victor"},{"family":"Reveles-Espinoza","given":"Alicia"},{"family":"Monroy","given":"Jesús"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/machines12100693","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12100693","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393302753","type":"article-journal","title":"Fundamental Theory of Electromagnetic Spectrum, Dielectric and Magnetic Properties, Molecular Rotation, and the Green Chemistry of Microwave Heating Equipment","abstract":"This review chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of microwave irradiation, focusing on its fundamental principles and physical underpinnings within the electromagnetic spectrum. It discusses the interplay of dielectric and magnetic properties, molecular rotation, and the physical aspects of microwave heating. The integration of microwave and ultrasonication irradiation in the context of green chemistry is highlighted as an effective strategy for sustainable chemical processes. Emphasizing adherence to green chemistry principles, this approach minimizes hazardous material usage and waste generation while maximizing efficiency. By harnessing molecular rotation induced by microwave irradiation, and understanding dielectric and magnetic properties, researchers can optimize interactions, leading to diverse applications in fields such as materials science and medical chemistry. As this dynamic field evolves, there is potential to revolutionize chemical processes while aligning with sustainability principles becomes increasingly evident. This review chapter aims to elucidate the intricate interconnections between microwave irradiation and its foundational principles, paving the way for enhanced understanding and innovative applications in green chemistry and beyond.","author":[{"family":"Mishra","given":"Raghvendra"},{"family":"Yadav","given":"Akshita"},{"family":"Mishra","given":"Vinayak"},{"family":"Mishra","given":"SN"},{"family":"Singh","given":"Deepa"},{"family":"Verma","given":"Dakeshwar"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/9783527844494.ch2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527844494.ch2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400325237","type":"article-journal","title":"Raman spectroscopy of Ryugu particles and their extracted residues: Fluorescence background characteristics and similarities to CI chondrites","abstract":"Abstract We present here an investigation of Ryugu particles recovered by the Hayabusa2 space mission and their extracted carbonaceous acid residues using Raman spectroscopy. Raman parameters of Ryugu intact grains and their acid residues are characterized by broad D (defect induced) and G (graphite) band widths, indicating the presence of polyaromatic carbonaceous matter with low thermal maturity. Raman spectra of Ryugu particles and CI (type 1) chondrites exhibit stronger laser‐induced fluorescence backgrounds compared to Type 2 and Type 3 carbonaceous chondrites. The high fluorescence signatures and wide bandwidths of the D and G bands of Ryugu intact grains are similar to the Raman spectra observed in CI chondrites, reflecting the low structural order of their aromatic carbonaceous matter, and strengthening the link between Ryugu particles and CI chondrites. The high fluorescence background intensity of the Ryugu particles is due to multiple causes, but it is likely that the relative abundance of geometry‐bearing macromolecular organic matter in total organic carbon contents makes a large contribution to the fluorescence intensities. Locally observed high fluorescence in the acid‐extracted residues of Ryugu is due to nitrogen‐bearing outlier phase. The high fluorescence signature is one consequence of the low degree of thermal maturity of the organic matter and supports evidence that the Ryugu particles have escaped significant parent body thermal metamorphism.","author":[{"family":"Komatsu","given":"M"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Bonal","given":"L"},{"family":"Quirico","given":"É"},{"family":"Fagan","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Cody","given":"George"},{"family":"Barosch","given":"Jens"},{"family":"Bejach","given":"Laure"},{"family":"Dartois","given":"E"},{"family":"Dazzi","given":"Alexandre"},{"family":"Gregorio","given":"BTD"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14234","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14234","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4381550065","type":"article-journal","title":"Interfacial interactions controlling adsorption of metal cations on montmorillonite","abstract":"Abstract Montmorillonite (Mt) is a ubiquitous swelling clay mineral and major component of soft rocks, sediments, and soils with an inherent capability to sorb metal cations. This unique feature renders Mt important for the enrichment and mobilization of environmentally important metal cations, retardation of heavy metals and radionuclide ions, the evolution of clay mineral itself, soils and sediments, and other geological processes. Understanding the interfacial interactions of Mt with metal cations at the molecular level is of fundamental importance in all these processes, but still remains elusive, due to the chemical and structural complexity of Mt surfaces and the diverse chemistries of metal cations. In this Review, we aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the adsorption modes of metal cations on basal and edge surfaces of Mt, local chemical environments of the cation binding sites, the driving forces for metal sorption, and factors influencing the dynamics of cation uptake onto Mt surfaces. Various surface complexation models [i.e., nonelectrostatic model (NEM), constant capacitance model (CCM), diffuse layer model (DLM), and triple-layer model (TLM)], advanced spectroscopic techniques (i.e., NEM, CCM, DLM, and TLM), and atomistic simulation methods (i.e., MD, DFT, and FPMD) have been used in conjunction with macroscopic adsorption experiments to gain detailed insights into the interfacial interactions of metal cations on Mt. Mt adsorbs metal cations via three independent pathways: (1) cation exchange; (2) surface complexation; and (3) nucleation and surface precipitation. The principal driving force for cation exchange is electrostatic interaction, while chemical bonding governs the two other mechanisms that depend on the basal and edge surface properties of Mt. The siloxane cavities on the tetrahedral basal plane exhibit the strongest adsorption sites for cation exchange and are greatly affected by the the degree of Al3+/Si4+ tetrahedral substitutions. At the amphoteric edge surfaces bearing hydroxyl groups, metal cations could form mono/multiden-tate surface complexes on Mt [010] and [110] edges. Ionic strength, pH, the presence of competing cations, temperature, and layer charge have been shown to affect the adsorption mechanisms and quantity of adsorbed cations. The updated information on the interfacial interactions of metal cations with Mt basal and edge surfaces presented in this review provides an improved understanding of the enrichment of metals, formation of metal ores, and natural biogeochemical cycles, as well as may promote technological and engineering applications of this important clay mineral in environmental remediation, geological repository, petroleum exploration and extraction, and extraterrestrial research.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Ke"},{"family":"Kurniawan","given":"Alfin"},{"family":"Christidis","given":"George"},{"family":"He","given":"Jia"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Chun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.2138/am-2022-8834","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2022-8834","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389429289","type":"article-journal","title":"Supraglacial Soils and Soil-Like Bodies: Diversity, Genesis, Functioning (Review)","abstract":"Abstract— In the 21st century, glaciers are perceived as a distinct biome that has taken on special significance in today’s world of retreating ice. In this paper, we review the results of recent studies of organomineral formations on glaciers, their diversity, genesis, functioning, and the role in the biosphere. The question is raised about the possibility of involving supraglacial organomineral formations in the range of objects of soil science. We review the supraglacial zone as an area of soils and soil-like bodies, the biogeochemical processes in which affect the glacial biome and the surrounding landscapes. Interpretation of supraglacial organomineral formations from a pedological point of view allows us to identify several typical soil processes: accumulation and stabilization of organic matter (OM), its heterotrophic transformation, formation of dark-colored humified OM, accumulation of residual solid-phase products of functioning in situ, fine earth aggregation, and biochemical weathering. Among supraglacial formations, we distinguish pre-soils and soil-like bodies in ice and snow, metastable soil-like bodies on cryoconite, and soils with microprofiles under moss communities on ice, as well as relatively stable soils with macroprofiles on silicate gravelly to fine-earth deposits underlain by moving glacier and dead glacier ice. Labile dissolved OM accumulated and transformed in supraglacial soils and soil-like bodies has a significant impact on the periglacial zone, leading to the reservoir and priming effects. The studies of supraglacial organomineral systems are of fundamental importance for understanding the evolution of ecosystems on Earth, as well as for modeling supraglacial formations of extraterrestrial bodies with a vast cryosphere. Supraglacial soil formation is also a model object for studying common soils under conditions of a continuous external input of organic and mineral components, the contribution of which beyond the glaciers is no less significant, but is masked by the polymineral substrate of soils and parent rocks themselves.","author":[{"family":"Mergelov","given":"NS"},{"family":"Goryachkin","given":"SV"},{"family":"Zazovskaya","given":"EP"},{"family":"Карелин","given":"ДВ"},{"family":"Никитин","given":"ДА"},{"family":"Kutuzov","given":"Stanislav"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1134/s1064229323602330","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s1064229323602330","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4362672554","type":"article-journal","title":"An assumption of in situ resource utilization for “bio-bricks” in space exploration","abstract":"Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) mimics the natural cementation process that occurs in various geological settings by using the bicarbonate minerals resulting from various bacterial metabolic pathways as cementing agents. This bio-technique can be used to manufacture so-called “bio-bricks,” which rival regular bricks in strength and durability. In the last two decades, MICP has been increasingly utilized for the maintenance and repair of infrastructure. More recently, this process has also been shown to have great potential as an energy-saving and cost-effective means of in situ resource utilization (ISUR) to produce construction materials; these can be utilized for extraterrestrial human settlements for space programs such as lunar exploration. We thus review the description of natural cementation, the anaerobic and aerobic bacterial metabolic activities leading to calcium carbonate precipitation, the properties of the lunar regolith, the production of bio-bricks, and potential research needs.","author":[{"family":"Zuo","given":"Hongyan"},{"family":"Ni","given":"Shuisong"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Meiying"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmats.2023.1155643","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2023.1155643","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400571053","type":"article-journal","title":"Spectroscopic techniques for detecting naturally occurring radioactive nuclides in geology and water: A comprehensive review and health implications","abstract":"Naturally occurring radionuclides can be categorized into two main groups: primordial and cosmogenic, based on their origin. Primordial radionuclides stem from the Earth’s crust, occurring either individually or as part of decay chains. Conversely, cosmogenic radionuclides originate from extraterrestrial sources such as space, the sun, and nuclear reactions involving cosmic radiation and the Earth’s atmosphere. Gamma-ray spectrometry is a widely employed method in Earth sciences for detecting naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). Its applications vary from environmental radiation monitoring to mining exploration, with a predominant focus on quantifying the content of uranium (U), thorium (Th), and potassium (K) in rocks and soils. These elements also serve as tracers in non-radioactive processes linked to NORM paragenesis. Furthermore, the heat generated by radioactive decay within rocks plays a pivotal role in deciphering the Earth’s thermal history and interpreting data concerning continental heat flux in geophysical investigations. This paper provides a concise overview of current analytical and measuring techniques, with an emphasis on state-of-the-art mass spectrometric procedures and decay measurements. Earth scientists constantly seek information on the chemical composition of rocks, sediments, minerals, and fluids to comprehend the vast array of geological and geochemical processes. The historical precedence of geochemists in pioneering novel analytical techniques, often preceding their commercial availability, underscores the significance of such advancements. Geochemical analysis has long relied on atomic spectrometric techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRFS), renowned for its precision in analyzing solid materials, particularly major and trace elements in geological samples. XRFS proves invaluable in determining the major constituents of silicate and other rock types. This review elucidates the historical development and methodology of these techniques while showcasing their common applications in various geoscience research endeavors. Ultimately, this review aims to furnish readers with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts and potential applications of XRF, HPGes, and related technologies in geosciences. Lastly, future research directions and challenges confronting these technologies are briefly discussed.","author":[{"family":"Fathy","given":"Mohamed"},{"family":"Shaban","given":"Farha"},{"family":"Fawzy","given":"Thowayba"},{"family":"Nguyen","given":"Dat"},{"family":"Eldosouky","given":"Ahmed"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.24294/jgc.v7i2.6909","URL":"https://doi.org/10.24294/jgc.v7i2.6909","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4316664901","type":"article-journal","title":"Nearly free silanols drive the interaction of crystalline silica polymorphs with membranes: Implications for mineral toxicity","abstract":"Crystalline silica (CS) is a well-known hazardous material that causes severe diseases including silicosis, lung cancer, and autoimmune diseases. However, the hazard associated to crystalline silica is extremely variable and depends on some specific characteristics, including crystal structure and surface chemistry. The crystalline silica polymorphs share the SiO2 stoichiometry and differentiate for crystal structure. The different crystal lattices in turn expose differently ordered hydroxyl groups at the crystal surface, i.e., the silanols. The nearly free silanols (NFS), a specific population of weakly interacting silanols, have been recently advanced as the key surface feature that governs recognition mechanisms between quartz and cell membrane, initiating toxicity. We showed here that the nearly free silanols occur on the other crystalline silica polymorphs and take part in the molecular interactions with biomembranes. A set of crystalline silica polymorphs, including quartz, cristobalite, tridymite, coesite, and stishovite, was physico-chemically characterized and the membranolytic activity was assessed using red blood cells as model membranes. Infrared spectroscopy in highly controlled conditions was used to profile the surface silanol topochemistry and the occurrence of surface nearly free silanols on crystalline silica polymorphs. All crystalline silica polymorphs, but stishovite were membranolytic. Notably, pristine stishovite did not exhibited surface nearly free silanols. The topochemistry of surface silanols was modulated by thermal treatments, and we showed that the occurrence of nearly free silanols paralleled the membranolytic activity for the crystalline silica polymorphs. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure-activity relationship between nearly free silanols and membranolytic activity of crystalline silica polymorphs, offering a possible clue for interpreting the molecular mechanisms associated with silica hazard and bio-minero-chemical interfacial phenomena, including prebiotic chemistry.","author":[{"family":"Pavan","given":"Cristina"},{"family":"Escolanocasado","given":"Guillermo"},{"family":"Bellomo","given":"Chiara"},{"family":"Cananà","given":"Stefania"},{"family":"Tomatis","given":"Maura"},{"family":"Leinardi","given":"Riccardo"},{"family":"Mino","given":"Lorenzo"},{"family":"Turci","given":"Francesco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fchem.2022.1092221","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2022.1092221","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4380628064","type":"article-journal","title":"Detection of phosphates originating from Enceladus’s ocean","abstract":"Abstract Saturn’s moon Enceladus harbours a global1ice-covered water ocean2,3. The Cassini spacecraft investigated the composition of the ocean by analysis of material ejected into space by the moon’s cryovolcanic plume4–9. The analysis of salt-rich ice grains by Cassini’s Cosmic Dust Analyzer10enabled inference of major solutes in the ocean water (Na+, K+, Cl–, HCO3–, CO32–) and its alkaline pH3,11. Phosphorus, the least abundant of the bio-essential elements12–14, has not yet been detected in an ocean beyond Earth. Earlier geochemical modelling studies suggest that phosphate might be scarce in the ocean of Enceladus and other icy ocean worlds15,16. However, more recent modelling of mineral solubilities in Enceladus’s ocean indicates that phosphate could be relatively abundant17. Here we present Cassini’s Cosmic Dust Analyzer mass spectra of ice grains emitted by Enceladus that show the presence of sodium phosphates. Our observational results, together with laboratory analogue experiments, suggest that phosphorus is readily available in Enceladus’s ocean in the form of orthophosphates, with phosphorus concentrations at least 100-fold higher in the moon’s plume-forming ocean waters than in Earth’s oceans. Furthermore, geochemical experiments and modelling demonstrate that such high phosphate abundances could be achieved in Enceladus and possibly in other icy ocean worlds beyond the primordial CO2snowline, either at the cold seafloor or in hydrothermal environments with moderate temperatures. In both cases the main driver is probably the higher solubility of calcium phosphate minerals compared with calcium carbonate in moderately alkaline solutions rich in carbonate or bicarbonate ions.","author":[{"family":"Postberg","given":"Frank"},{"family":"Sekine","given":"Yasuhito"},{"family":"Klenner","given":"Fabian"},{"family":"Glein","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Zou","given":"Zenghui"},{"family":"Abel","given":"Bernd"},{"family":"Furuya","given":"Kento"},{"family":"Hillier","given":"Jon"},{"family":"Khawaja","given":"Nozair"},{"family":"Kempf","given":"S"},{"family":"Noelle","given":"Lenz"},{"family":"Saito","given":"Takuya"},{"family":"Schmidt","given":"J"},{"family":"Shibuya","given":"Takazo"},{"family":"Srama","given":"R"},{"family":"Tan","given":"Shuya"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41586-023-05987-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05987-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4362667516","type":"article-journal","title":"Hydrogen Isotopic Composition of Hydrous Minerals in Asteroid Ryugu","abstract":"Abstract Rock fragments of the Cb-type asteroid Ryugu returned to Earth by the JAXA Hayabusa2 mission share mineralogical, chemical, and isotopic properties with the Ivuna-type (CI) carbonaceous chondrites. Similar to CI chondrites, these fragments underwent extensive aqueous alteration and consist predominantly of hydrous minerals likely formed in the presence of liquid water on the Ryugu parent asteroid. Here we present an in situ analytical survey performed by secondary ion mass spectrometry from which we have estimated the D/H ratio of Ryugu’s hydrous minerals, D/H Ryugu , to be [165 ± 19] × 10 −6 , which corresponds to δ D Ryugu = +59 ± 121‰ (2 σ ). The hydrous mineral D/H Ryugu ’s values for the two sampling sites on Ryugu are similar; they are also similar to the estimated D/H ratio of hydrous minerals in the CI chondrites Orgueil and Alais. This result reinforces a link between Ryugu and CI chondrites and an inference that Ryugu’s samples, which avoided terrestrial contamination, are our best proxy to estimate the composition of water at the origin of hydrous minerals in CI-like material. Based on this data and recent literature studies, the contribution of CI chondrites to the hydrogen of Earth’s surficial reservoirs is evaluated to be ∼3%. We conclude that the water responsible for the alteration of Ryugu’s rocks was derived from water ice precursors inherited from the interstellar medium; the ice partially re-equilibrated its hydrogen with the nebular H 2 before being accreted on the Ryugu’s parent asteroid.","author":[{"family":"Piani","given":"Laurette"},{"family":"Nagashima","given":"K"},{"family":"Kawasaki","given":"Noriyuki"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"Naoya"},{"family":"Bajo","given":"Ken‐ichi"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Yoshinari"},{"family":"Aléon","given":"J"},{"family":"Alexander","given":"CMO"},{"family":"Amari","given":"S"},{"family":"Amelin","given":"Yuri"},{"family":"Bizzarro","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Bouvier","given":"Audrey"},{"family":"Carlson","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Chaussidon","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Choi","given":"Byeon‐gak"},{"family":"Dauphas","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Davis","given":"AM"},{"family":"Rocco","given":"Tommaso"},{"family":"Fujiya","given":"Wataru"},{"family":"Fukai","given":"Ryota"},{"family":"Gautam","given":"Ikshu"},{"family":"Haba","given":"Makiko"},{"family":"Hibiya","given":"Yuki"},{"family":"Hidaka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Homma","given":"Hisashi"},{"family":"Höppe","given":"P"},{"family":"Huss","given":"GR"},{"family":"Ichida","given":"Kiyohiro"},{"family":"Iizuka","given":"Tsuyoshi"},{"family":"Ireland","given":"TR"},{"family":"Ishikawa","given":"Akira"},{"family":"Itoh","given":"Shoichi"},{"family":"Kita","given":"NT"},{"family":"Kitajima","given":"Kouki"},{"family":"Kleine","given":"T"},{"family":"Komatani","given":"Shintaro"},{"family":"Krot","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Ming‐chang"},{"family":"Masuda","given":"Yuki"},{"family":"Mckeegan","given":"KD"},{"family":"Morita","given":"Mayu"},{"family":"Motomura","given":"Kazuko"},{"family":"Moynier","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Nakai","given":"Izumi"},{"family":"Nguyen","given":"AN"},{"family":"Nittler","given":"LR"},{"family":"Onose","given":"Morihiko"},{"family":"Pack","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Park","given":"Changkun"},{"family":"Qin","given":"Liping"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Schönbächler","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Tafla","given":"Lauren"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Haolan"},{"family":"Terada","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Terada","given":"Yasuko"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Wada","given":"Sohei"},{"family":"Wadhwa","given":"M"},{"family":"Walker","given":"RJ"},{"family":"Yamashita","given":"Katsuyuki"},{"family":"Yin","given":"Qing‐zhu"},{"family":"Yokoyama","given":"Tetsuya"},{"family":"Yoneda","given":"Shigekazu"},{"family":"Young","given":"Edward"},{"family":"Yui","given":"Hiroharu"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Ai‐cheng"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Okazaki","given":"Ryuji"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"Kanako"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"},{"family":"Nakazawa","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Saiki","given":"Takanao"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Terui","given":"Fuyuto"},{"family":"Tsuda","given":"Yuichi"},{"family":"Watanabe","given":"Sei‐ichiro"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Makoto"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Hisayoshi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3847/2041-8213/acc393","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/acc393","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4365517126","type":"article-journal","title":"Tracing Sediment Melt Activity in the Sub‐Continental Lithosphere: Insights From Zn‐Fe Stable Isotopes","abstract":"Abstract Recycling of upper crustal sediments through slab subduction contributes to sub‐continental lithospheric refertilization and heterogeneity. However, the nature of recycled upper crustal components is unclear and direct evidence for sediment melt activity in the sub‐continental lithosphere is lacking. Here, we integrate major and trace elements, zircon U‐Pb dating, Sr‐Nd‐Zn‐Fe isotopic compositions of clinopyroxenites (crust‐mantle boundary) and a “glassy” xenolith from the North China Craton to relate their petrogenesis to the potential recycling of upper continental crust and provide direct insight into the sediment melt‐rock interaction. The clinopyroxenites have relatively uniform δ56Fe values (the permil deviation of the 56Fe/54Fe ratio from the IRMM014; −0.05‰–0.07‰, except for one outlier) and are not affected by melt metasomatism. The clinopyroxenites have highly variable whole‐rock δ66Zn values (the permil deviation of the 66Zn/64Zn ratio from the JMC‐Lyon standard) between 0.04‰ and 0.46‰, that closely correlate with Rb/La, K/U, Ba/Th, and Th/Nb ratios, and generate arrays that trend toward a composition similar to the “glassy” xenolith. The “glassy” xenolith has a high δ66Zn value (0.43‰ ± 0.05‰, 2SD) and a significantly low 143Nd/144Nd ratio (0.510991). This evidence implies that the “glassy” xenolith may represent a quenched sediment melt formed by the melting of carbonate‐bearing terrigenous sediments that may also be responsible for the metasomatism of clinopyroxenite xenoliths. The geochemical evidence from the “glassy” and clinopyroxenite xenoliths provides a direct evidence for the activity of sediment melt with upper continental crust components in the sub‐continental lithosphere.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Ganglan"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yongsheng"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Rong"},{"family":"Moynier","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Yangtao"},{"family":"Ren","given":"Huange"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Xin"},{"family":"Li","given":"Ming"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2022jb026083","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2022jb026083","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390579496","type":"article-journal","title":"EBSD Analysis of Iron‐Nickel Metal in L Type Ordinary Chondrites: 1. The Microstructural Shock Signatures","abstract":"Abstract The diverse microstructures of Fe‐Ni metal in 10 L groups ordinary chondrites that experienced progressive shock alteration were investigated using the electron backscattered diffraction technique. Through a combination of metallography and a silicate‐based shock classification scheme, we established the shock metamorphic features of metal phases corresponding to particular impact stages. In weakly shocked chondrites (S1–S2), the interlaced Neumann bands occur in polycrystalline kamacite, resulting from multiple small impact events on its parent body, and the internal crystallographic orientation difference of each kamacite monocrystal exceeds 5°. In moderately shocked samples (S2–S4), partial austenitization of metal occurs, accompanied by the emergence of net plessite. In strongly shocked samples (S4–S6), the metal has undergone complete austenitization and transformed into a homogenous fcc phase. In subsequent different cooling processes, polycrystalline kamacite with consistent internal crystallographic orientation, martensite, pearlitic plessite, duplex plessite, and acicular plessite form and finally appear in L group chondrites. This study demonstrates the significant utility of the microstructure of metal phases as a valuable tool for both the shock classification of L chondrites and the determination of shock metamorphism stages in iron meteorites.","author":[{"family":"Luo","given":"YX"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Hongyi"},{"family":"Beard","given":"SP"},{"family":"Zeng","given":"Xiaojia"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Sen"},{"family":"Du","given":"Zhimao"},{"family":"Jin","given":"Lei"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jiahui"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shaolin"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Xiaoping"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je007938","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je007938","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402901623","type":"article-journal","title":"Supply Chain Sustainability in Outer Space: Lessons to Be Learnt from Remote Sites on Earth","abstract":"Space exploration, with its enormous distances and extreme environments, is a challenge to technology, human habitation, sustainability, and supply chains. On the flip-side, however, it can provide a new vantage point on how to improve human life and planetary prosperity. This objective requires the development of economic and sustainable supply chains and a governance framework to guarantee fundamental human needs and well-being under the limitations of distant and inhospitable environments. This review describes learnings for human habitation in space from remote communities on Earth that have developed and survived over generations. These include a long history of human survival strategies on Tristan da Cunha, Pitcairn Islands, Nauru, and Easter Island. Their supply chain management solutions and their problems can guide the implementation of logistics systems for the efficient use of resources in space, to satisfy vital needs of human survival but also to ensure social and governance in space, e.g., build-up of thriving communities, mobility, and industrial activities. This review demonstrates that there are significant gaps in recent space supply chain studies with respect to the space environment, social and governance. Analysis of established practices and concepts from remote regions on Earth can readily respond to these deficiencies and thus supplement space exploration. This review recommends extending the assessment of supply-chain assets from the near future to long-term strategic. This implies going far beyond current space supply chain reports to include aspects of social responsibility and governance, such as sustainable health systems, product quality management, and local decision-making.","author":[{"family":"Hoyos","given":"Manuel"},{"family":"Hessel","given":"Volker"},{"family":"Salas","given":"Eduardo"},{"family":"Culton","given":"John"},{"family":"Robertson","given":"Karen"},{"family":"Laybourn","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Escribàgelonch","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Cook","given":"Nigel"},{"family":"Zwart","given":"Melissa"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/pr12102105","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12102105","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392236164","type":"article-journal","title":"Early Thermal Histories of IAB Main Group Irons: Insights From Ca‐Phosphates in Campo del Cielo and Nantan","abstract":"Abstract Ca‐phosphates in Campo del Cielo (CdC) and Nantan were comprehensively studied to provide insights into the thermal histories of the IAB main group (MG) and related irons. In CdC, apatite grains are characterized by (a) close intergrowth with troilite/graphite in border area between silicate and metal in most cases and (b) near‐flat rare earth elemental patterns (LaN/YbN = 0.6–0.7). This indicates they were formed during a metal‐silicate mixing event at a relatively high temperature. Combining with petrographic textures, we suggest that the replacement of high‐Ca pyroxene by low‐Ca pyroxene at ∼950–1,000°C could release Ca and facilitate the formation of apatite grains. In the Nantan nodule, Ca‐phosphates do not share a similar origin with those in CdC, as indicated by their different mineral chemistries and mineral associations. Ca‐phosphates and associated silicates could crystallize from a P‐C‐S‐rich metallic melt with the oxidation of lithophile elements. Combining all analyses from CdC and Nantan yielded a SIMS Pb‐Pb isochron age of 4,558 ± 56 Ma. Considering that all the IAB‐MG irons experienced a rapid high‐temperature cooling process, the age of 4,558 ± 56 Ma provides another line of evidence that the parent body of IAB‐MG and related irons experienced metal‐silicate mixing in first 50 Myr of solar system. The previously reported Ar‐Ar ages of ≤4.47 Ga could be related to the late reheating process(es). The degrees of late shock heating may vary from specimen to specimen.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Ye"},{"family":"Mei","given":"Aoxin"},{"family":"Hsu","given":"Weibiao"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shaolin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je008124","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je008124","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4382726651","type":"article-journal","title":"Space-Based Data Centers and Cooling: Feasibility Analysis via Multi-Criteria and Query Search for Water-Bearing Asteroids Showing Novel Underlying Regular and Symmetric Patterns","abstract":"Space-based data centers (SBDCs) are environment-friendly and do not make use of Earth’s water resources for cooling. The cooling of SBDCs can be realized via using water aboard asteroids. The feasibility of this approach requires further consideration and has not received sufficient research attention. The study being presented investigates the existence of water-bearing asteroids whose water resources can potentially be used for cooling the server payloads aboard the SBDC. This is undertaken by executing multi-criteria search queries on the Asterank asteroid database. Data analysis shows that water can be accessed from asteroids at less than 0.26 AU by privately owned space vehicles designed for Earth-to-Mars missions. In addition, the results of data analysis show that there is a regularity and symmetric pattern among different asteroids. This arises as asteroids with different identities have the same near-Earth distance and upcoming approaches.","author":[{"family":"Periola","given":"AA"},{"family":"Alonge","given":"Akintunde"},{"family":"Ogudo","given":"Kingsley"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/sym15071326","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15071326","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391004306","type":"article-journal","title":"Observation of Iron with Eight Coordination in Iron Trifluoride under High Pressure","abstract":"Abstract The chemistry of hypercoordination has been a subject of fundamental interest, especially for understanding structures that challenge conventional wisdom. The small ionic radii of Fe ions typically result in coordination numbers of 4 or 6 in stable Fe‐bearing ionic compounds. While 8‐coordinated Fe has been observed in highly compressed oxides, the pursuit of hypercoordinated Fe still faces significant challenges due to the complexity of synthesizing the anticipated compound with another suitable anion. Through first‐principles simulation and advanced crystal structure prediction methods, we predict that an orthorhombic phase of FeF 3 with exclusively 8‐coordinated Fe is energetically stable above 18 GPa—a pressure more feasibly achieved compared to oxides. Inspired by this theoretical result, we conducted extensive experiments using a laser‐heated diamond anvil cell technique to investigate the crystal structures of FeF 3 at high‐pressure conditions. We successfully synthesized the predicted orthorhombic phase of FeF 3 at 46 GPa, as confirmed by in situ experimental X‐ray diffraction data. This work establishes a new ionic compound featuring rare 8‐coordinated Fe in a simple binary Fe‐bearing system and paves the way for discovering Fe hypercoordination in similar systems.","author":[{"family":"Lu","given":"Wencheng"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Siyu"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Mi"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Hongbo"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Guangtao"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Hanyu"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Yanming"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/ange.202319320","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202319320","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4378084912","type":"article-journal","title":"Imaging Interface and Particle Size Effects by In Situ Correlative Microscopy of a Catalytic Reaction","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The catalytic behavior of Rh particles supported by three different materials (Rh, Au, and ZrO 2 ) in H 2 oxidation has been studied in situ by correlative photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) and scanning photoemission electron microscopy (SPEM). Kinetic transitions between the inactive and active steady states were monitored, and self-sustaining oscillations on supported Rh particles were observed. Catalytic performance differed depending on the support and Rh particle size. Oscillations varied from particle size-independent (Rh/Rh) via size-dependent (Rh/ZrO 2 ) to fully inhibited (Rh/Au). For Rh/Au, the formation of a surface alloy induced such effects, whereas for Rh/ZrO 2, the formation of substoichiometric Zr oxides on the Rh surface, enhanced oxygen bonding, Rh-oxidation, and hydrogen spillover onto the ZrO 2 support were held responsible. The experimental observations were complemented by micro-kinetic simulations, based on variations of hydrogen adsorption and oxygen binding. The results demonstrate how correlative in situ surface microscopy enables linking of the local structure, composition, and catalytic performance.","author":[{"family":"Winkler","given":"Philipp"},{"family":"Raab","given":"Maximilian"},{"family":"Zeininger","given":"Johannes"},{"family":"Rois","given":"Lea"},{"family":"Suchorski","given":"Yuri"},{"family":"Stögerpollach","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Amati","given":"Matteo"},{"family":"Parmar","given":"Rahul"},{"family":"Gregoratti","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Rupprechter","given":"Günther"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acscatal.3c00060","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.3c00060","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403897241","type":"article-journal","title":"Ultrastructural Perspectives on the Biology and Taphonomy of Tonian Microfossils From the Draken Formation, Spitsbergen","abstract":"Silicified peritidal carbonates of the Tonian Draken Formation, Spitsbergen, contain highly diverse and well-preserved microfossil assemblages dominated by filamentous microbial mats, but also including diverse benthic and/or allochthonous (possibly planktonic) microorganisms. Here, we characterize eight morphospecies in focused ion beam (FIB) ultrathin sections using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectromicroscopy. Raman and XANES spectroscopies show the highly aromatic molecular structure of preserved organic matter. Despite this apparently poor molecular preservation, nano-quartz crystallization allowed for the preservation of various ultrastructures distinguished in TEM. In some filamentous microfossils (Siphonophycus) as well as in all cyanobacterial coccoids, extracellular polysaccharide sheaths appear as bands of dispersed organic nanoparticles. Synodophycus microfossils, made up of pluricellular colonies of coccoids, contain organic walls similar to the F-layers of pleurocapsalean cyanobacteria. In some fossils, internal content occurs as particulate organic matter, forming dense networks throughout ghosts of the intracellular space (e.g., in Salome svalbardensis filaments), or scarce granules (in some Chroococcales). In some chroococcalean microfossils (Gloeodiniopsis mikros, and also possibly Polybessurus), we find layered internal contents that are more continuous than nanoparticulate bands defining the sheaths, and with a shape that can be contracted, folded, or invaginated. We interpret these internal layers as the remains of cell envelope substructures and/or photosynthetic membranes thickened by additional cellular material. Some Myxococccoides show a thick (up to ~ 0.9 μm) wall ultrastructure displaying organic pillars that is best reconciled with a eukaryotic affinity. Finally, a large spheroid with ruptured wall, of uncertain affinity, displays a bi-layered envelope. Altogether, our nanoscale investigations provide unprecedented insights into the taphonomy and taxonomy of this well-preserved assemblage, which can help to assess the nature of organic microstructures in older rocks.","author":[{"family":"Fadel","given":"Alexandre"},{"family":"Lepot","given":"Kévin"},{"family":"Bernard","given":"Sylvain"},{"family":"Addad","given":"Ahmed"},{"family":"Riboulleau","given":"Armelle"},{"family":"Knoll","given":"Andrew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/gbi.70000","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gbi.70000","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4381149093","type":"article-journal","title":"The importance of Phobos simulants: a review on our current knowledge","abstract":"Phobos, a satellite of Mars, was successfully studied by flyby, orbiter, and landing missions to the Red Planet, but several questions remain about its origin, composition, and relationship to Mars. It is suggested that Phobos is either a captured body from the asteroid belt or the outer Solar System (capture scenario), or a consequence of re-accreted ejecta from Mars (in situ formation/giant impact). So far, Phobos has been characterized by its two spectral units - blue and red - with different compositional restrains. The red unit represents most of the surface, while the blue unit is focused on the Stickney crater and surroundings. In the absence of samples returned from this satellite, simulant regolith must be studied to infer various proprieties, and complement in situ studies. To date, there are three simulants of this satellite: Phobos-1C, Phobos Captured Asteroid-1 (PCA-1), and Phobos Giant Impact-1 (PGI-1). Since Phobos may have a Mars-like composition, terrestrial analogues of Mars should also be analysed. The data retrieved from the various assays performed with these planetary field analogues may be used as a database to complement future space missions to Phobos, but, ultimately, the composition of Phobos will have to be analysed by a sample-return mission.","author":[{"family":"Miranda","given":"Catarina"},{"family":"Patel","given":"Manish"},{"family":"Berberansantos","given":"Mário"},{"family":"Hormigo","given":"Tiago"},{"family":"Correia","given":"ACM"},{"family":"Pedras","given":"Bruno"},{"family":"Martins","given":"Zita"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2023.1130743","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2023.1130743","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4366241306","type":"article-journal","title":"Novel Sources of Biodiversity and Biomolecules from Bacteria Isolated from a High Middle Ages Soil Sample in Palermo (Sicily, Italy)","abstract":"One of the goals of paleomicrobiology is the characterization of the microbial community present in archaeological sites. These analyses can usually provide valuable information about past events, such as occurrence of human and animal infectious diseases, ancient human activities, and environmental changes. However, in this work, investigations about the composition of the bacterial community of an ancient soil sample (harvested in Palermo, Italy) were carried out aiming to screen ancient culturable strains with biotechnological potential, such as the ability to produce bioactive molecules and secreted hydrolytic enzymes. Besides showing the biotechnological relevance of paleomicrobiology, this work reports a case of germination of putatively ancient bacterial spores recovered from soil rather than extreme environments. Moreover, in the case of spore-forming species, these results raise questions about the accuracy of techniques usually applied to estimate antiquity of DNA, as they could lead to its underestimation.","author":[{"family":"Vassallo","given":"Alberto"},{"family":"Modi","given":"Alessandra"},{"family":"Quagliariello","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Bacci","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Faddetta","given":"Teresa"},{"family":"Gallo","given":"Michele"},{"family":"Provenzano","given":"Aldesia"},{"family":"Barbera","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Lombardo","given":"Giovanna"},{"family":"Maggini","given":"Valentina"},{"family":"Firenzuoli","given":"Fabio"},{"family":"Zaccaroni","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Gallo","given":"Giuseppe"},{"family":"Caramelli","given":"David"},{"family":"Nero","given":"Carla"},{"family":"Baldi","given":"Franco"},{"family":"Fani","given":"Renato"},{"family":"Piccionello","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Pucciarelli","given":"Sandra"},{"family":"Puglia","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Sìneo","given":"Luca"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1128/spectrum.04374-22","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.04374-22","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4378085866","type":"article-journal","title":"Availability, sustainability and accessibility of agro crop residue production and solar radiation in Egypt for producing highly chemical products through pyrolysis processes","abstract":"Abstract This study examines the large amount of agricultural waste produced in Egypt between 2010 and 2019 by analysing data from various departments within the Agriculture Ministry. It also provides a comprehensive database on the biomass available from agricultural waste in Egypt and its potential applications for producing power, heat and chemical products. When biomass-pyrolysis systems powered by solar energy are used, research demonstrates the potential to convert agricultural waste into a variety of chemical compounds. This approach utilizes solar energy, a clean and renewable source, and has wide-ranging industrial and power generation applications. Despite Egypt’s reliance on agriculture, the country currently utilizes little biomass for energy production and has not previously used it as a source for creating chemical products, which could potentially save on the imported oil used in these industries. The findings of the study are graphically presented using histograms, pie charts, etc. The overall production of residues reached the 30-Mt level in 2019. Because it contains the most rice-cultivated land, Dakahlia (Lower Egypt region) produces the highest percentage of the total residue (37.17%). Qena governorate (Upper Egypt region) produces 1.14 metric tons of residues, with sugarcane accounting for 20.3% of the total.","author":[{"family":"Elsayed","given":"Saad"},{"family":"Ismail","given":"Mohamed"},{"family":"Mostafa","given":"Mohamed"},{"family":"Noseir","given":"Emad"},{"family":"Khass","given":"Tarek"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1093/ce/zkad016","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/ce/zkad016","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4387141752","type":"article-journal","title":"Novel High‐Pressure Potassium Chloride Monohydrate and Its Implications for Water‐Rich Planetary Bodies","abstract":"Abstract Saline water is a common fluid on the Earth‘s surface and in ice planets. Potassium chloride (KCl) is a common salt and is expected to be a ubiquitous solute in salt water in the Universe; however, few studies investigated the behavior of KCl‐H2O system at high pressures and temperatures. In this study, powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD), Raman and Brillouin scattering combined with diamond anvil cells were used to investigate the phase relation in the KCl‐H2O system for different KCl concentrations at 0–4 GPa and 298–405 K. The results of powder X‐ray diffraction and Raman scattering demonstrate that a novel KCl hydrate is formed when KCl aqueous solutions transform to solid ice‐VI and ice‐VII at high pressure. Simultaneously, the single‐crystal of KCl hydrate is synthesized from a supersaturated KCl solution at 298 K and 1.8 GPa. The structure is solved by SC‐XRD, indicating a KCl monohydrate with the P21/n space group is formed. We have verified the phase stability of KCl monohydrate by using Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory. Our results indicate that KCl monohydrate is a stable phase under pressure and temperature conditions between 1.6 and 2.4 GPa and 298–359 K. By considering the thermal profile and composition of icy moons, we hypothesize that the formation and decomposition of KCl monohydrate might induce mantle convection in these moons.","author":[{"family":"Wei","given":"Xinmiao"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Qiang"},{"family":"Li","given":"Fangfei"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Caizi"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Fuxing"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Zihan"},{"family":"Li","given":"Ruiyu"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Hongyu"},{"family":"Yan","given":"Yalan"},{"family":"Li","given":"Liang"},{"family":"Liermann","given":"Hanns‐peter"},{"family":"Speziale","given":"S"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xinyang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2022je007622","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2022je007622","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4378716605","type":"article-journal","title":"Thermal Simulations of Drilling of Cryogenic Lunar Soils Containing Water Ice","abstract":"Water ice is an important water source in lunar polar soil. Drilling and sampling lunar polar soil are important engineering tasks of lunar exploration. In view of the influence of temperature rise on the quality of samples obtained by drilling, the heat transfer and temperature rise in drilled ice-containing lunar soil were investigated. In this study, a thermal simulation model for drilling lunar soil was established based on the discrete element method (DEM). Simulations of the drilling temperature of lunar soil containing ice at 3–5% were performed assuming normal pressure and low temperature. After validating the feasibility and accuracy of the simulation method, the temperatures of the drilling tools and lunar soil were analyzed. Furthermore, drilling in a vacuum was simulated as well, and the results indicated that ice sublimation was negligible for reasonable drilling procedures in the current study.","author":[{"family":"Cui","given":"Jinsheng"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Baoxian"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Sibo"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Deming"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Weiwei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/aerospace10060510","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace10060510","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4398253402","type":"article-journal","title":"Compositional evidence for chondrule origins of low‐Ca pyroxenes in comet Wild 2 and a giant cluster IDP","abstract":"Abstract A literature compilation of 1136 low‐Ca pyroxene compositions from chondrules from 12 primitive type 2–3 carbonaceous, ordinary and enstatite chondrite groups define unique regions on an Al2O3 and Cr2O3 diagram when compared to low‐Ca pyroxenes from equilibrated type 4‐6 chondrites. Measured compositions of 100 low‐Ca pyroxenes from comet Wild 2 and a giant cluster IDP of probable cometary origin are similar to each other and fall in the type 2–3 chondrite chondrule region suggesting that most of the pyroxenes likely formed in the solar nebula like conventional chondrules. The data imply that most low Ca‐pyroxenes from comet Wild 2 and the giant cluster IDP formed from igneous crystallization processes and did not experience significant thermal metamorphism, indicating that the low‐Ca pyroxenes were unlikely incorporated into large parent bodies prior to accretion in their respective comet bodies. An intriguing group of nine low‐Ca pyroxenes from comet Wild 2 with low Cr and Al that fall where type 4–6 chondrites are located are interpreted as products of condensation. The compositional data combined with previously measured oxygen isotopes on 17 low‐Ca pyroxenes support earlier conclusions that comet samples have links with carbonaceous, ordinary, and possibly enstatite chondrite groups. Our results provide additional evidence that comets accreted materials from multiple chondrule reservoirs throughout the solar nebula.","author":[{"family":"Joswiak","given":"DJ"},{"family":"Brownlee","given":"DE"},{"family":"Westphal","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Gainsforth","given":"Z"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Mingming"},{"family":"Kita","given":"NT"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14187","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14187","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400416056","type":"article-journal","title":"Mechanical Properties of LL6 Chondrites Under Pressures Relevant to Rocky Interiors of Icy Moons","abstract":"Abstract Icy moons in the outer Solar System likely contain rocky, chondritic interiors, but this material is rarely studied under confining pressure. The contribution of rocky interiors to deformation and heat generation is therefore poorly constrained. We deformed LL6 chondrites at confining pressures ≤100 MPa and quasistatic strain rates. We defined a failure envelope, recorded acoustic emissions (AEs), measured ultrasonic velocities, and retrieved static and dynamic elastic moduli for the experimental conditions. The Young's modulus, which quantifies stiffness, of the chondritic material increased with increasing confining pressure. The material reached its peak strength, which is the maximum supported differential stress ( σ 1 − σ 3 ), between 40 and 50 MPa confining pressure. Above this 40–50 MPa range of confining pressure, the stiffness increased significantly, while the peak strength dropped. Acoustic emission events associated with brittle deformation mechanisms occurred both during isotropic pressurization ( σ 1 = σ 2 = σ 3 ) as well as at low differential stresses during triaxial deformation ( σ 1 > σ 2 = σ 3 ), during nominally “elastic” deformation, indicating that dissipative processes are likely possible in the rocky interiors of icy moons. These events also occurred less frequently at higher confining pressures. We therefore suggest that the chondritic interiors of icy moons could become less compliant, and possibly less dissipative, as a function of the moons' pressure and size.","author":[{"family":"Seltzer","given":"Cassandra"},{"family":"Oghaffari","given":"Hoagy"},{"family":"Peč","given":"Matěj"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024je008296","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024je008296","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4321219930","type":"article-journal","title":"Reconstruction of daily global solar radiation under all‐sky and cloud‐free conditions in Badajoz (Spain) since 1929","abstract":"Abstract This work analyses the long‐term temporal variability of the annual and seasonal series of reconstructed global solar radiation for both all‐sky and cloud‐free conditions in Badajoz (Spain) over the 1929–2015 period. Specifically, daily values of global horizontal irradiation (GHI) for all‐sky cases are derived from a semiempirical method based on the relationship between the cloud modification factor and sunshine duration records. Additionally, cloud‐free situations are selected using cloud cover (CC) information recorded by surface observations. Regarding GHI linear trends for all‐sky conditions, three periods are clearly identified: during the 1929–1950 period, there is a positive and statistically significant trend of +4.18 W·m−2·decade−1. It is followed by a significant dimming with a trend of −3.72 W·m−2·decade−1 between 1951 and 1984. GHI levels increase again from 1985 to 2015 with a statistically significant trend of +2.04 W·m−2·decade−1. The seasonal trends are found to be statistically significant only in summer for all the three subperiods. With the goal to find out the possible causes of the reconstructed GHI trends, the temporal variability of the CC was also analysed. It was observed that CC has a statistically significant negative trend between 1985 and 2015 which may partially explain the GHI increase shown for this period. In contrast, not statistically significant trends were found in the annual and seasonal CC series before 1985. The long‐term evolution of the GHI under cloud‐free conditions exhibits the same pattern as all‐sky conditions: an increase during 1929–1950, followed by a decrease in 1951–1984 and then a new increase from 1985 to 2015. Therefore, the positive (negative) linear trends in GHI reported in this study could be partially related to a decrease (increase) in the aerosol load during the analysed three subperiods.","author":[{"family":"Monteromartín","given":"Javier"},{"family":"Antón","given":"M"},{"family":"Vaquero","given":"JM"},{"family":"Román","given":"Roberto"},{"family":"Vaqueromartínez","given":"Javier"},{"family":"Aparicio","given":"AJP"},{"family":"Sanchezlorenzo","given":"Arturo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1002/joc.8042","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.8042","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400283580","type":"article-journal","title":"Geochemical evidence for a chondritic impactor in altered impact glass from the Stac Fada Member impactite, NW Scotland","abstract":"The Stac Fada Member (Stoer Group) is a ∼1.2 Ga melt-rich impact breccia whose source crater and, therefore, proximity remains debated. We present a detailed in situ geochemical dataset for altered impact melt clasts within Stac Fada samples from Bay of Stoer and Second Coast. These altered impact melt clasts are now predominantly composed of clinochlore. Geothermometry of this clinochlore indicates formation temperatures within the ejecta blanket at 188–231°C, in agreement with previous estimates. A positive correlation between platinum group elements Ir, Pt and Rh – apparently independent of Ni – indicates two geochemical sources for platinum group elements enrichment. We propose that these represent an Mg–Ni-rich chondritic impactor and a mafic/ultramafic-layered body within the target lithology. Spatial variation in Ni content suggests that geochemical data, in combination with field observations, may be instrumental in assessing the likely location of the impact crater.","author":[{"family":"Goodwin","given":"A"},{"family":"Garwood","given":"Russell"},{"family":"Tartèse","given":"Romain"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1144/jgs2023-213","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2023-213","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389777901","type":"article-journal","title":"Oxidation of iron by giant impact and its implication on the formation of reduced atmosphere in the early Earth","abstract":"Giant impact–driven redox processes in the atmosphere and magma ocean played crucial roles in the evolution of Earth. However, because of the absence of rock records from that time, understanding these processes has proven challenging. Here, we present experimental results that simulate the giant impact–driven reactions between iron and volatiles (H 2 O and CO 2 ) using x-ray free electron laser (XFEL) as fast heat pump and structural probe. Under XFEL pump, iron is oxidized to wüstite (FeO), while volatiles are reduced to H 2 and CO. Furthermore, iron oxidation proceeds into formation of hydrides (γ-FeH x ) and siderite (FeCO 3 ), implying redox boundary near 300-km depth. Through quantitative analysis on reaction products, we estimate the volatile and FeO budgets in bulk silicate Earth, supporting the Theia hypothesis. Our findings shed light on the fast and short-lived process that led to reduced atmosphere, required for the emergence of prebiotic organic molecules in the early Earth.","author":[{"family":"Choi","given":"Jinhyuk"},{"family":"Husband","given":"Rachel"},{"family":"Hwang","given":"Huijeong"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Taehyun"},{"family":"Bang","given":"Yoonah"},{"family":"Yun","given":"Seohee"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Jeongmin"},{"family":"Sim","given":"Heehyeon"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Sangsoo"},{"family":"Nam","given":"Daewoong"},{"family":"Chae","given":"Boknam"},{"family":"Liermann","given":"Hanns‐peter"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Yongjae"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adi6096","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi6096","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4323049843","type":"manuscript","title":"Planetary Exploration Horizon 2061 Report Chapter 5: Enabling technologies for planetary exploration","abstract":"The main objective of this chapter is to present an overview of the different areas of key technologies that will be needed to fly the technically most challenging of the representative missions identified in chapter 4 (the Pillar 2 Horizon 2061 report). It starts with a description of the future scientific instruments which will address the key questions of Horizon 2061 described in chapter 3 (the Pillar 1 Horizon 2061 report) and the new technologies that the next generations of space instruments will require (section 2). From there, the chapter follows the line of logical development and implementation of a planetary mission: section 3 describes some of the novel mission architectures that will be needed and how they will articulate interplanetary spacecraft and science platforms; section 4 summarizes the system-level technologies needed: power, propulsion, navigation, communication, advanced autonomy on board planetary spacecraft; section 5 describes the diversity of specialized science platforms that will be needed to survive, operate and return scientific data from the extreme environments that future missions will target; section 6 describes the new technology developments that will be needed for long-duration missions and semi-permanent settlements; finally, section 7 attempts to anticipate on the disruptive technologies that should emerge and progressively prevail in the decades to come to meet the long-term needs of future planetary missions.","author":[{"family":"Grandé","given":"M"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Linli"},{"family":"Blanc","given":"Michel"},{"family":"Makaya","given":"Advenit"},{"family":"Asmar","given":"SW"},{"family":"Atkinson","given":"David"},{"family":"Bourdon","given":"Anne"},{"family":"Chabert","given":"Pascal"},{"family":"Chien","given":"Steve"},{"family":"Day","given":"John"},{"family":"Fairén","given":"Alberto"},{"family":"Freeman","given":"A"},{"family":"Genova","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Hèrique","given":"Alain"},{"family":"Kofman","given":"W"},{"family":"Lazio","given":"Joseph"},{"family":"Mousis","given":"O"},{"family":"Ori","given":"GG"},{"family":"Parro","given":"Vı́ctor"},{"family":"Preston","given":"RA"},{"family":"Rodriguez-Manfredi","given":"Jose"},{"family":"Sterken","given":"Veerle"},{"family":"Stephenson","given":"Keith"},{"family":"Hook","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Waite","given":"Hunter"},{"family":"Zine","given":"Sonia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2302.14832","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2302.14832","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405259228","type":"article-journal","title":"COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF BLOOD SERUM AND ORAL FLUID IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME","abstract":"The article notes that digital technologies continue to change work processes, including human resource management practices.Changes in business conditions require HR professionals to constantly review their priorities, set new tasks, and incorporate new roles.The author identifies that employee motivation management has become the second HR function, after personnel administration, which is successfully automated in Russian companies.The article defines the relationship between the automation of personnel management systems and the implementation of a new employee motivation and incentivization system.The article identifies key HR priorities in modern conditions: attracting the necessary resources (external recruitment, employer branding, adaptation); ensuring and measuring effectiveness (performance management and HR analytics, training and development); supporting and developing employees in conditions of change and uncertainty (engagement and retention, training and development, adaptation).The specifics of using personnel management systems considering dynamic external business processes and the implementation of digitization and automation of management are also considered.","author":[{"family":"Stafeev","given":"АА"},{"family":"Хижук","given":"АВ"},{"family":"Солоненко","given":"АП"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.34660/inf.2024.39.48.075","URL":"https://doi.org/10.34660/inf.2024.39.48.075","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4383199458","type":"article-journal","title":"Deep learning-based asteroid surface temperature evaluation from disk-resolved near-infrared spectra for thermal excess correction","abstract":"Near-Earth asteroids can become warm enough to emit radiation at near-infrared wavelengths, close to 2.5 μm. Thermal radiation can interfere with reflectance measurements in these wavelengths, and should be evaluated and corrected for. Current methods for correcting disk-resolved measurements either rely on previous Earth-based observations or perform heavy computations to find the thermally emitted spectral radiance. Using results based on disk-integrated observations may lead to errors for some cases where the target asteroid surface is not homogeneous. Computational efficiency is desirable for those future missions where data processing is to be performed on-board the spacecraft due to a limited downlink budget, such as missions employing small spacecraft. We propose to predict the temperature of an asteroid surface element from its observed spectral radiance using a convolutional neural network. The thermal spectral radiance emitted by the asteroid surface can be approximated using the temperature, and subsequently subtracted from the original spectral radiance. The model was tested using OSIRIS-REx measurements of asteroid (101955) Bennu with promising results. The performance of the model should be validated further in the future as asteroid missions produce suitable data. Both accuracy and speed of the method could likely be increased significantly with further development.","author":[{"family":"Lind","given":"Leevi"},{"family":"Penttilä","given":"Antti"},{"family":"Riihiaho","given":"Kimmo"},{"family":"Maclennan","given":"Eric"},{"family":"Pölönen","given":"Ilkka"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.pss.2023.105738","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2023.105738","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389141223","type":"article-journal","title":"Shocked quartz in sandstone from the buried Ilkurlka impact structure, Officer Basin, Western Australia","abstract":"Abstract The Ilkurlka structure is an ~12 km diameter buried circular aeromagnetic anomaly within the Officer Basin in Western Australia. Prior studies postulated a range of origins, including meteorite impact. We report the presence of pervasive deformation in the first drill cores from the structure. Brecciated sandstone and siltstone contain arrays of quartz grains with concussion fractures and rare shocked quartz grains with planar deformation features (PDF). Universal stage measurements of two quartz grains reveal one grain with PDF parallel to (0001) orientation and three PDF sets parallel to . A second grain contains three PDF sets parallel to and one set parallel to . The shocked grains are interpreted to have formed in situ, rather than representing transported detrital shocked grains. These results suggest local shock compression of at least 10 GPa; however, preservation of primary porosity and overall paucity of shocked grains may indicate lower mean shock pressures. (U‐Th)/He dating of 58 apatite grains from four samples across both cores shows a dominant age population at ~265 Ma and a minor age population at ~135 Ma. These dates overlap with regional events and thus do not provide an unambiguous impact age. An upper Carboniferous to lower Permian maximum impact age is provisionally proposed based on inferred missing target rock stratigraphy.","author":[{"family":"Quintero","given":"Raiza"},{"family":"Cavosie","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Holmalwmark","given":"Sanna"},{"family":"Haines","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Danišík","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Timms","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Lim","given":"David"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14108","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14108","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392684119","type":"article-journal","title":"Computer Simulation Insights into the Chemical Origins of Life: Can HCN Enrichment on Interstellar Amorphous Ice Be a Starting Point?","abstract":"The adsorption of HCN at the surface of low-density amorphous (LDA) ice and its dissolution in the bulk LDA phase is studied by grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations at the temperatures of 50, 100, and 200 K, characteristic of different domains of the interstellar medium (ISM). Dissolved and adsorbed molecules are distinguished using the i dentification of the t ruly i nterfacial m olecules (ITIM) method. The results reveal that the adsorption is monomolecular and the adsorption monolayer is only partially saturated at the point of condensation of HCN. The surface coverage corresponding to the saturated adsorption monolayer is estimated to be 9.8 ± 0.3 μmol/m 2, providing a better estimate for this quantity than the crude approximation used in evaluating certain experiments. For the entropy of the condensed (glassy) phase of HCN, the simulations provide the value of 17.37 J/(mol K). The adsorption isotherms deviate considerably from the Langmuir shape, revealing that non-negligible interaction occurs between the adsorbed HCN molecules. The adsorption is found to be primarily governed by the dipolar interactions both between the surface water and adsorbed HCN molecules and between HCN neighbors within the adsorption layer. The heat of adsorption at infinitely low surface coverage is estimated to be −49.4 ± 3.9 kJ/mol. Further, the isosteric heat of adsorption at finite coverages is calculated in the entire range of surface coverages. In clear contrast with the adsorption, the dissolution of the HCN molecules remains ideal up to the point of condensation. This indicates that, in spite of the surprisingly large HCN concentrations reached, the HCN–HCN interaction is negligible in the bulk LDA phase. Further, contrary to its adsorption, the dissolution of HCN in LDA ice turns out to be an endothermic process. Finally, our results concerning the adsorption of HCN are not incompatible with the possibility of the oligomerization reaction of the HCN molecules, leading to the prebiotic formation of certain building blocks of biological macromolecules, under interstellar conditions at the LDA surface. Further, assuming that upon approaching the Earth, the transformation of the LDA phase with increasing temperature to liquid water goes through the thermodynamically stable crystalline ( I h ) ice phase, which does not dissolve HCN molecules, the presumed expulsion of HCN to the ice surface could provide an additional window of opportunity for their oligomerization.","author":[{"family":"Ugyonka","given":"Helga"},{"family":"Hantal","given":"György"},{"family":"Szöri","given":"Milán"},{"family":"Jedlovszky","given":"Pál"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.3c00299","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.3c00299","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4378227915","type":"article-journal","title":"Involvement of Bacterial and Fungal Extracellular Products in Transformation of Manganese-Bearing Minerals and Its Environmental Impact","abstract":"Manganese oxides are considered an essential component of natural geochemical barriers due to their redox and sorptive reactivity towards essential and potentially toxic trace elements. Despite the perception that they are in a relatively stable phase, microorganisms can actively alter the prevailing conditions in their microenvironment and initiate the dissolution of minerals, a process that is governed by various direct (enzymatic) or indirect mechanisms. Microorganisms are also capable of precipitating the bioavailable manganese ions via redox transformations into biogenic minerals, including manganese oxides (e.g., low-crystalline birnessite) or oxalates. Microbially mediated transformation influences the (bio)geochemistry of manganese and also the environmental chemistry of elements intimately associated with its oxides. Therefore, the biodeterioration of manganese-bearing phases and the subsequent biologically induced precipitation of new biogenic minerals may inevitably and severely impact the environment. This review highlights and discusses the role of microbially induced or catalyzed processes that affect the transformation of manganese oxides in the environment as relevant to the function of geochemical barriers.","author":[{"family":"Farkas","given":"Bence"},{"family":"Vojtková","given":"Hana"},{"family":"Farkas","given":"Zuzana"},{"family":"Pangallo","given":"Domenico"},{"family":"Kasák","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Lupini","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Hyunjung"},{"family":"Urík","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Matúš","given":"Peter"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ijms24119215","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119215","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4327605575","type":"article-journal","title":"Resiliency in Space Autonomy: a Review","abstract":"Abstract Purpose of Review: The article provides an extensive overview on the resilient autonomy advances made across various missions, orbital or deep-space, that captures the current research approaches while investigating the possible future direction of resiliency in space autonomy. Recent Findings: In recent years, the need for several automated operations in space applications has been rising, that ranges from the following: spacecraft proximity operations, navigation and some station keeping applications, entry, decent and landing, planetary surface exploration, etc. Also, with the rise of miniaturization concepts in spacecraft, advanced missions with multiple spacecraft platforms introduce more complex behaviours and interactions within the agents, which drives the need for higher levels of autonomy and accommodating collaborative behaviour coupled with robustness to counter unforeseen uncertainties. This collective behaviour is now referred to as resiliency in autonomy. As space missions are getting more and more complex, for example applications where a platform physically interacts with non-cooperative space objects (debris) or planetary bodies coupled with hostile, unpredictable, and extreme environments, there is a rising need for resilient autonomy solutions. Summary Resilience with its key attributes of robustness, redundancy and resourcefulness will lead toward new and enhanced mission paradigms of space missions.","author":[{"family":"Banerjee","given":"Avijit"},{"family":"Mukherjee","given":"Moumita"},{"family":"Satpute","given":"Sumeet"},{"family":"Nikolakopoulos","given":"George"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s43154-023-00097-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43154-023-00097-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389537460","type":"article-journal","title":"Hypomagnetic Conditions and Their Biological Action (Review)","abstract":"The geomagnetic field plays an important role in the existence of life on Earth. The study of the biological effects of (hypomagnetic conditions) HMC is an important task in magnetobiology. The fundamental importance is expanding and clarifying knowledge about the mechanisms of magnetic field interaction with living systems. The applied significance is improving the training of astronauts for long-term space expeditions. This review describes the effects of HMC on animals and plants, manifested at the cellular and organismal levels. General information is given about the probable mechanisms of HMC and geomagnetic field action on living systems. The main experimental approaches are described. We attempted to systematize quantitative data from various studies and identify general dependencies of the magnetobiology effects' value on HMC characteristics (induction, exposure duration) and the biological parameter under study. The most pronounced effects were found at the cellular level compared to the organismal level. Gene expression and protein activity appeared to be the most sensitive to HMC among the molecular cellular processes. The nervous system was found to be the most sensitive in the case of the organism level. The review may be of interest to biologists, physicians, physicists, and specialists in interdisciplinary fields.","author":[{"family":"Sarimov","given":"Ruslan"},{"family":"Serov","given":"Dmitriy"},{"family":"Gudkov","given":"Sergey"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/biology12121513","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12121513","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4386228961","type":"article-journal","title":"Advances in Analysis of the Fe-Ni-Co Alloy and Iron-Bearing Minerals in Meteorites by Mössbauer Spectroscopy with a High Velocity Resolution","abstract":"Meteorites are the space messengers bringing us the unique information about the Solar System formation and evolution as well as about the effects of various extreme space conditions on meteorites and their parent bodies. The main iron-bearing compounds in meteorites are Fe-Ni-Co alloy, olivine (Fe, Mg)2SiO4, orthopyroxene (Fe, Mg)SiO3, clinopyroxene (Ca, Fe, Mg)SiO3, troilite FeS, chromite FeCr2O4, hercynite FeAl2O4, ilmenite FeTiO3, daubréelite FeCr2S4, schreibersite (Fe, Ni)3P and some other compounds. Therefore, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy was successfully applied for the analyses of various meteorites for about 60 years of experience. The development of Mössbauer spectrometers with a high velocity resolution, i.e., with a high discretization of the velocity reference signal up to 212, provides much better adjustment to resonance and significantly increases the spectra quality and analytical possibilities of Mössbauer spectroscopy. In fact, this permits us to decompose the complex Mössbauer spectra of meteorites using the larger number of spectral components related to reliable compounds in comparison with the results obtained using conventional Mössbauer spectrometers with discretization of the velocity reference signal up to 29. In the present review we consider the results and advances of various meteorites analyses by means of Mössbauer spectroscopy with a high velocity resolution.","author":[{"family":"Goryunov","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Maksimova","given":"AA"},{"family":"Оштрах","given":"МИ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min13091126","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min13091126","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4321749650","type":"article-journal","title":"Macromolecular organic matter in samples of the asteroid (162173) Ryugu","abstract":"Samples of the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu were collected and brought to Earth by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. We investigated the macromolecular organic matter in Ryugu samples and found that it contains aromatic and aliphatic carbon, ketone, and carboxyl functional groups. The spectroscopic features of the organic matter are consistent with those in chemically primitive carbonaceous chondrite meteorites that experienced parent-body aqueous alteration (reactions with liquid water). The morphology of the organic carbon includes nanoglobules and diffuse carbon associated with phyllosilicate and carbonate minerals. Deuterium and/or nitrogen-15 enrichments indicate that the organic matter formed in a cold molecular cloud or the presolar nebula. The diversity of the organic matter indicates variable levels of aqueous alteration on Ryugu's parent body.","author":[{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Cody","given":"George"},{"family":"Engrand","given":"C"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Gregorio","given":"BTD"},{"family":"Bonal","given":"L"},{"family":"Rémusat","given":"Laurent"},{"family":"Stroud","given":"RM"},{"family":"Quirico","given":"É"},{"family":"Nittler","given":"LR"},{"family":"Hashiguchi","given":"Minako"},{"family":"Komatsu","given":"M"},{"family":"Okumura","given":"Taiga"},{"family":"Mathurin","given":"Jérémie"},{"family":"Dartois","given":"E"},{"family":"Duprat","given":"J"},{"family":"Takahashi","given":"Yoshio"},{"family":"Takeichi","given":"Yasuo"},{"family":"Kilcoyne","given":"ALD"},{"family":"Yamashita","given":"Shohei"},{"family":"Dazzi","given":"Alexandre"},{"family":"Denisetbesseau","given":"Ariane"},{"family":"Sandford","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Martins","given":"Zita"},{"family":"Tamenori","given":"Y"},{"family":"Ohigashi","given":"Takuji"},{"family":"Suga","given":"Hiroki"},{"family":"Wakabayashi","given":"Daisuke"},{"family":"Verdierpaoletti","given":"Maximilien"},{"family":"Mostefaoui","given":"S"},{"family":"Montagnac","given":"Gilles"},{"family":"Barosch","given":"Jens"},{"family":"Kamide","given":"Kanami"},{"family":"Shigenaka","given":"Miho"},{"family":"Bejach","given":"Laure"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Megumi"},{"family":"Enokido","given":"Yuma"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Hisayoshi"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Okazaki","given":"Ryuji"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"Kanako"},{"family":"Connolly","given":"HC"},{"family":"Lauretta","given":"DS"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Yoshitake","given":"Miwa"},{"family":"Iwamae","given":"Ayako"},{"family":"Furuya","given":"Shizuho"},{"family":"Hatakeda","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Soejima","given":"Hiromichi"},{"family":"Hitomi","given":"Yuya"},{"family":"Kumagai","given":"Kazuya"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Hayashi","given":"Tasuku"},{"family":"Yamamoto","given":"Daiki"},{"family":"Fukai","given":"Ryota"},{"family":"Sugita","given":"Seiji"},{"family":"Kitazato","given":"K"},{"family":"Hirata","given":"Naru"},{"family":"Honda","given":"Rie"},{"family":"Morota","given":"Tomokatsu"},{"family":"Tatsumi","given":"Eri"},{"family":"Sakatani","given":"Naoya"},{"family":"Namiki","given":"Noriyuki"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Koji"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"Rina"},{"family":"Wada","given":"Koji"},{"family":"Senshu","given":"Hiroki"},{"family":"Ogawa","given":"Kazunori"},{"family":"Yokota","given":"Y"},{"family":"Ishihara","given":"Yoshiaki"},{"family":"Shimaki","given":"Yuri"},{"family":"Yamada","given":"Manabu"},{"family":"Honda","given":"Chikatoshi"},{"family":"Michikami","given":"Tatsuhiro"},{"family":"Matsuoka","given":"M"},{"family":"Hirata","given":"Naoyuki"},{"family":"Arakawa","given":"Masahiko"},{"family":"Okamoto","given":"Chisato"},{"family":"Ishiguro","given":"Masateru"},{"family":"Jaumann","given":"R"},{"family":"Bibring","given":"Jean‐pierre"},{"family":"Grott","given":"Matthias"},{"family":"Schröder","given":"Stefan"},{"family":"Otto","given":"Katharina"},{"family":"Pilorget","given":"C"},{"family":"Schmitz","given":"Nicole"},{"family":"Biele","given":"Jens"},{"family":"Ho","given":"Tra‐mi"},{"family":"Moussisoffys","given":"Aurélie"},{"family":"Miura","given":"Akira"},{"family":"Noda","given":"Hirotomo"},{"family":"Yamada","given":"Tetsuya"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1126/science.abn9057","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abn9057","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4382584219","type":"article-journal","title":"Organic–Mineral Interactions under Natural Conditions: A Computational Study of Flavone Adsorption on Smectite Clay","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Interactions between organic species and natural minerals are fundamental to the processes around us. In this work, with the aid of molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate interactions of apigenin flavonoid with montmorillonite clay mineral under a range of environmental conditions. The adsorption mechanisms are found to be sensitive to both the acidity and ionic composition of the surrounding brines. In particular, the mechanism of adsorption changes from cocrystallization in acidic-to-neutral solutions to ion-bridging in mild-alkaline. The ionic species play a significant role in alkaline environments: the deprotonated apigenin species chelate metals, which, in turn, leads to the formation of a stable organic–metal–mineral complex and stronger adsorption in the presence of divalent cations. Smectite clays buffer the solution to mildly alkaline; hence, the type of exchangeable cations in the clay will be critical in determining the adsorption mechanism and organic retention capacity.","author":[{"family":"Nuruzade","given":"Omar"},{"family":"Abdullayev","given":"Elshan"},{"family":"Erastova","given":"Valentina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c00174","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c00174","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4380685375","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineral Crushing Methods for Noble Gas Analyses of Fluid Inclusions","abstract":"Noble gases are frequently probed for investigating fluid inclusions in minerals to unravel rock-forming processes through time. Over the last decades, heating and crushing have been the two main methods applied for noble gas extraction from fluid inclusions in ultrahigh vacuum (about 10-9 mBar). The heating of minerals or pieces of bulk rock causes the release of noble gases from both fluid inclusions and the mineral or rock matrix, the latter due to temperature-dependent mineral dehydration. Crushing of minerals only affects fluid inclusions and allows a release of noble gases at room temperature with minor contributions from the mineral matrix. This review describes different ultravacuum crushing techniques for noble gas analysis from fluid inclusions. It examines the technical details and operational conditions of each crushing system as well as methods to prepare samples prior to crushing. Crushing systems were found to have unique designs across the different laboratories reviewed; they include single or multiple sample loadings and manual, magnetic, or hydraulic operation of the crushing pistons. Due to the small amounts of noble gases released, the technology requires several mg to a few grams of rock material to achieve a measurement of all stable noble gas isotopes in a single fluid inclusion. While theoretically all stable noble gas isotopes are of interest, the elements and isotopes reported in different studies vary widely and reference materials as well as laboratory intercomparisons are lacking. The review includes applications on the origins of magmatic rocks and geochemical processes in the Earth’s mantle, the origin and chemical composition of deep crustal fluids and how these contribute to the formation of minerals of economic interest, and paleoclimate studies based on speleothems.","author":[{"family":"Wilske","given":"Cornelia"},{"family":"Suckow","given":"Axel"},{"family":"Gerber","given":"Christoph"},{"family":"Deslandes","given":"Alec"},{"family":"Crane","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Mallants","given":"Dirk"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1155/2023/8040253","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/8040253","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4324133571","type":"article-journal","title":"Ultramafic-Hosted Ni-Cu-Co-(As) Mineralization from an Ancient Oceanic Transform Fault Zone in the Troodos Ophiolite, Cyprus: An Analogue for Ultramafic Sea-Floor Massive Sulfide Mineralization?","abstract":"Abstract Accumulations of sulfide minerals that are enriched in Ni-Cu-Co-(As) occur as sea-floor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits associated with ultramafic rock types on the sea floor and in ophiolite terranes as Outokumpu-type mineralization. In this study we focus on similar mineralization at Lakxia tou Mavrou in the Limassol Forest Complex of Cyprus, which represents the on-land exposure of an oceanic transform fault zone preserved within the Troodos ophiolite. Mineralization here consists of massive lenses of pyrrhotite associated with veins of isocubanite, chalcopyrite, Co pentlandite, and chrome spinel hosted in serpentinized mantle peridotite. We reexamine the field context of mineral occurrences and use in situ mineral chemistry, element mapping, and sulfur isotope ratios (δ34S) to constrain metal sources and provide an updated paragenetic model for Lakxia tou Mavrou. Highly variable S/Se ratios (304–108,571), a depletion in platinum group elements relative to mantle values, and an average δ34S value of –3.7 ± 2.4‰ (1σ, n = 17) in sulfide minerals support a hybrid hydrothermal and magmatic origin for the mineralization. Metals at Lakxia tou Mavrou were sourced from both the serpentinization of peridotites and from crosscutting intrusions, with later intrusions into the already serpentinized mantle lithosphere host providing a heat source to drive prolonged hydrothermal circulation. The reexamination of the field context of mineralization shows that the Ni-Cu-Co-(As) mineralization at Lakxia tou Mavrou originally formed because of the fault-guided intrusion of hot primitive magma bodies into serpentinized shallow mantle lithosphere in the active domain of an ocean-floor transform fault zone. The mineralization was subsequently partially disrupted by structures related to emplacement of the Troodos ophiolite. We show that the relationship between serpentinization, magmatism, and hydrothermal circulation at Lakxia tou Mavrou can be used to understand the formation of ultramafic-hosted SMS deposits in transform fault and other ultramaficdominated slow- and ultraslow-spreading mid-ocean ridge settings.","author":[{"family":"Martin","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Macleod","given":"CJ"},{"family":"Mcfall","given":"Katie"},{"family":"Mcdonald","given":"Iain"},{"family":"Jamieson","given":"John"},{"family":"Cox","given":"Sophie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.5382/econgeo.4996","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5382/econgeo.4996","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4385769551","type":"article-journal","title":"A Review on Hypothesized Metabolic Pathways on Europa and Enceladus: Space-Flight Detection Considerations","abstract":"Enceladus and Europa, icy moons of Saturn and Jupiter, respectively, are believed to be habitable with liquid water oceans and therefore are of interest for future life detection missions and mission concepts. With the limited data from missions to these moons, many studies have sought to better constrain these conditions. With these constraints, researchers have, based on modeling and experimental studies, hypothesized a number of possible metabolisms that could exist on Europa and Enceladus if these worlds host life. The most often hypothesized metabolisms are methanogenesis for Enceladus and methane oxidation/sulfate reduction on Europa. Here, we outline, review, and compare the best estimated conditions of each moon's ocean. We then discuss the hypothetical metabolisms that have been suggested to be present on these moons, based on laboratory studies and Earth analogs. We also detail different detection methods that could be used to detect these hypothetical metabolic reactions and make recommendations for future research and considerations for future missions.","author":[{"family":"Weber","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Marlin","given":"Theresa"},{"family":"Prakash","given":"Medha"},{"family":"Teece","given":"Bronwyn"},{"family":"Dzurilla","given":"Katherine"},{"family":"Barge","given":"Laura"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life13081726","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life13081726","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4384942420","type":"article-journal","title":"Review on the Progress of Solar Water Heaters and Their Future Perspectives","abstract":"A solar water heater (SWH) converts solar radiation into thermal energy for various purposes, and its technology has experienced numerous developments. Many studies have focused on developing, optimizing, and analyzing the technological configurations of SWH to improve its thermal efficiency, but they rarely achieve 80% efficiency. This review aims to provide a broad overview of SWH, including the energetic and exergetic approaches and analyses, technological development, and examines advantages, disadvantages, and further developments. Various collectors of the SWH and related studies are also highlighted, and the results identify the technical and policy challenges of the implementation. Suggested potential solutions to these challenges are presented with further directions. Furthermore, this study also discusses the limitations of the current SWH technology by presenting the specifications and characteristics. It also presents the mathematical equation model often used, the technology potential, and the results of the latest studies and developments regarding SWH technology. The prospects for further development of the most promising SWH should be analyzed.","author":[{"family":"Nanda","given":"Iksan"},{"family":"Pambudi","given":"Nugroho"},{"family":"Aziz","given":"Muhammad"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1002/ente.202300191","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ente.202300191","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4387115291","type":"article-journal","title":"A Comparative Study of Methods for Detecting Extraterrestrial Life in Exploration Missions to Mars and the Solar System II: Targeted Characteristics, Detection Techniques, and Their Combination for Survey, Detection, and Analysis","abstract":"We present a comparative study of the methods used in the search for extraterrestrial microorganism life, including a summary table where different life-detection techniques can be easily compared as an aid to mission and instrument design aimed at life detection. This is an extension of previous study, where detection techniques for a series of target characteristics and molecules that could constitute a positive life detection were evaluated. This comparison has been extended with a particular consideration to sources of false positives, the causes of negative detection, the results of detection techniques when presented regarding terrestrial life, and additional science objectives that could be achieved outside the primary aim of detecting life. These additions address both the scientific and programmatic side of exploration mission design, where a successful proposal must demonstrate probable outcomes and be able to return valuable results even if no life is found. The applicability of the life detection techniques is considered for Earth life, Earth-independent life (life emerging independently from that on Earth,) and Earth-kin life (sharing a common ancestor with life on Earth), and techniques effective in detecting Earth life should also be useful in the detection of Earth-kin life. However, their applicability is not guaranteed for Earth-independent life. As found in our previous study, there exists no realistic single detection method that can conclusively determine the discovery of extraterrestrial life, and no method is superior to all others. In this study, we further consider combinations of detection techniques and identify imaging as a valuable addition to molecule detection methods, even in cases where there is insufficient resolution to observe the detailed morphology of a microbial cell. The search for extraterrestrial life is further divided into a survey-and-detection and analysis-and-conclusion step. These steps benefit from different detection techniques, but imaging is necessary for both parts.","author":[{"family":"Enya","given":"Keigo"},{"family":"Yamagishi","given":"Akihiko"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Kensei"},{"family":"Yoshimura","given":"Yoshitaka"},{"family":"Tasker","given":"Elizabeth"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2022.0148","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2022.0148","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404197377","type":"article-journal","title":"Analyzing the Mineralogy and Space Weathering Characteristics of the Finest Fraction in Apollo Core Sample 73002","abstract":"Abstract Apollo 17 core sample 73001/2 was recently made available to researchers for analysis using state‐of‐the‐art techniques in the framework of a modern understanding of lunar surface processes. In this work, we employ transmission electron microscopic analysis to observe the mineralogy, microstructural, and chemical characteristics of space weathering and solar energetic particle (SEP) track distribution in soil grains in the <20 μm size fraction in core sample 73002. The modal mineralogy and stratigraphic space weathered grain abundance suggests that a geologically recent mixing event affected the top 3 cm of 73002. Surface exposure age distributions derived from SEP tracks demonstrate that individual regolith grains rarely reside on the surface for longer than ∼4 million years. The abundance of surface exposed monomineralic fragments with respect to depth correlates well with bulk measurements of space weathered soils using other techniques, such as ferromagnetic resonance. Exposure age distributions suggest the presence of two unique in situ reworking zones spanning the top 8 cm of the core and median exposure ages decrease with increasing depth for both reworking zones, albeit at different rates. These rates were compared to reworking models and suggest a relationship between median exposure age and reworking rate with respect to depth. Applications of modern transmission electron microscopy to core sample 73001/2 have proven useful in understanding lunar regolith evolution both within the context of the Apollo 17 field site and more broadly via in situ reworking.","author":[{"family":"Mcfadden","given":"JA"},{"family":"Thompson","given":"MS"},{"family":"Keller","given":"LP"},{"family":"Christoffersen","given":"R"},{"family":"Morris","given":"RV"},{"family":"Shearer","given":"CK"},{"family":"Team","given":"The"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024je008528","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024je008528","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400092712","type":"article-journal","title":"Mantle Mineralogy of Reduced Sub‐Earths Exoplanets and Exo‐Mercuries","abstract":"Abstract The mineralogy of planetary mantles formed under reducing conditions, as documented in the inner regions of the solar system, is not well constrained. We present thermodynamic models of mineral assemblages that would constitute the mantles of exo‐Mercuries. We investigated reduced materials such as enstatite chondrites, CH, and CB chondrites, and aubrites, as precursor bulk compositions in phase equilibrium modeling. The resulting isochemical phase diagram sections indicate that dominant phases in these reduced mantles would be pyroxenes rather than olivine, contrasting with the olivine‐rich mantles found within Earth, Mars, and Venus. The pyroxene abundances in the modeled mantles assemblages depend on the silica content shown by precursor materials. The silica abundance in the mantle is closely related to Si abundance in the core, particularly in reduced environments. In addition, we propose that pyroxene‐rich mantles exhibit more vigorous convective and tectonic activity than olivine‐rich mantles, given that pyroxene‐rich mantles would have lower viscosity and a lower solidus temperature ( Ts ).","author":[{"family":"Cioria","given":"Camilla"},{"family":"Mitri","given":"Giuseppe"},{"family":"Connolly","given":"JAD"},{"family":"Perrillat","given":"Jean‐philippe"},{"family":"Saracino","given":"Fabrizio"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je008234","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je008234","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4378806467","type":"article-journal","title":"The Oxidation State of Sulfur in Apatite of Martian Meteorite—Shergotty","abstract":"Abstract Apatite can incorporate sulfur in its reduced form (S2−) when apatite equilibrates with a silicate melt under reducing conditions. Incorporation of sulfate (S6+) has been observed in terrestrial apatite under oxidizing conditions. Thus, it has been suggested that the proportions of S6+/S2− in apatite may record the oxygen fugacity (fO2) during the formation and/or equilibration of apatite grains with a silicate melt in a wide variety of igneous and metamorphic rocks, including from Earth, Mars, the Moon, and in materials from the asteroid belt. Martian rocks, which record fO2 values intermediate between those recorded by rocks from the Moon and Earth, may have apatite that contains only S2− or mixtures of S6+ and S2−. Here, we present new measurements of the oxidation state of sulfur in apatite grains in the basaltic shergottite, Shergotty, which exhibits spectral features consistent with the presence of sulfide (S2−) structurally bound in apatite, and no evidence for the presence of sulfite (S4+) or sulfate (S6+). The presence of sulfide‐only apatite in Shergotty is consistent with other mineralogical records of fO2 in this meteorite, which are calculated from other late‐stage crystallizing phases like Fe‐Ti oxides as well as from early crystallizing phases like clinopyroxene (DEuCpx/melt) of ΔIW + 1.9 to ΔIW + 3.5. At these fO2 values, S is present in silicate melts as only S2−, and this suggests that the oxidation state of sulfur records and preserves the fO2 during the igneous crystallization of apatite reinforcing the idea that sulfur in apatite can be used as an igneous oxybarometer.","author":[{"family":"Chowdhury","given":"Proteek"},{"family":"Brounce","given":"Maryjo"},{"family":"Boyce","given":"JW"},{"family":"Mccubbin","given":"FM"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2022je007634","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2022je007634","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401777286","type":"article-journal","title":"Recent Advances in the Compositional and Mapping Analysis of Iron Meteorites Using a Handheld Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Instrument","abstract":"Analytical techniques are essential in investigating the unique features of extra‐terrestrial geomaterials, and the use of in situ analytical tools is becoming increasingly common, as it facilitates a quick initial bulk chemical analysis, identification and classification. In this work, a handheld laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (hLIBS) instrument has been used to identify the qualitative and quantitative composition, and generate compositional micro‐maps, of a suite of iron meteorite samples representative of the different chemical and structural classes by analysing the spectra released from the plasma formed by the laser impact. Furthermore, the analytical performance of hLIBS was compared with that of portable X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF). The analytical precision and accuracy of the calibration curves previously built in the laboratory for a set of certified reference metal alloys was assessed, so that the same protocol could be used to measure those of the investigated iron meteorites. A good agreement was achieved between hLIBS and reference data in the quantitative estimate of the elements Fe, Ni, Co and Cu. An attempt to quantify Ga by LIBS in two classified iron meteorites was also successful.","author":[{"family":"Senesi","given":"N"},{"family":"Pascale","given":"OD"},{"family":"Mattiello","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Cecchi","given":"Vanni"},{"family":"Ibhi","given":"Abderrahmane"},{"family":"Ouknine","given":"Lahcen"},{"family":"Nachit","given":"Hassan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/ggr.12581","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ggr.12581","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405579175","type":"article-journal","title":"“Ground truth” occurrence of Pink Spinel Anorthosite ( PSA ) as clasts in lunar meteorite Northwest Africa ( NWA ) 15500: Chemical evidence for a genetic relationship with lunar highlands Mg‐suite and formation by magma–wallrock interactions","abstract":"Abstract Pink spinel anorthosite (PSA), a distinctive plagioclase and spinel‐rich lithology (spinel >20%) observed on the lunar surface by the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) imaging spectrometer, has sparked considerable interest in understanding magmatic processes on the Moon that cannot be explained by the well‐established lunar magma ocean paradigm. Competing ideas on the PSA‐forming mechanisms have invoked either (1) impact melting of troctolitic source rocks on the lunar surface or (2) magma–wallrock interactions between anorthositic crust and Mg‐suite parental melts, but have been difficult to evaluate given the lack of ground truth samples. Here, we investigate the textures and mineral compositions of seven PSA clasts in lunar meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 15500, and the bulk trace element compositions of a PSA clast separate and NWA 15500 host lithologies A and B. Our findings suggest derivation of PSA from an incompatible‐element‐poor source and are consistent with PSA representing an Mg‐suite lithology genetically related to pink spinel troctolites that reflects increased degrees of crustal assimilation during magma–wallrock interactions, and a sourcing of PSA far from the Procellarum KREEP Terrane. Excavation of PSA material was followed by multiple, subsequent localized impact events, resulting in the formation of Lithologies A and B.","author":[{"family":"Sheikh","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Ruzicka","given":"A"},{"family":"Hutson","given":"ML"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14298","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14298","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401091295","type":"article-journal","title":"Climatic and Environmental Impacts on the Sedimentation of the SW Taiwan Margin Since the Last Deglaciation: Geochemical and Mineralogical Investigations","abstract":"Abstract Many scientific studies have been conducted to constrain present and past source‐to‐sink processes and their controlling factors. The role of typhoon and monsoon rainfall on chemical weathering and soils erosion in east Asia is still not well established. Clay minerals and major elements, combined with Nd and Sr isotopic compositions were analyzed on sediments from Core MD18‐3569 located on the Taiwan margin in the northeastern South China Sea. The aim was to reconstruct the weathering history of small river basins of southwest Taiwan and to establish the impact of East Asian summer monsoon and typhoon rainfall on source to sink processes since the last glacial period. 87Sr/86Sr and ɛNd values and predominant illite‐chlorite indicate that the rivers of southwest Taiwan is the sole source of sediments to Core MD18‐3569 since last deglaciation. Variations in clay mineral assemblages and major elements allowed us to evaluate the intensity of past weathering in the rivers of southwest Taiwan. We demonstrated that long‐term changes of chemical weathering intensity record from Taiwan are driven by changes in the summer monsoon rainfall. The deglaciation is characterized by a progressive increase in the intensity of chemical weathering, which peaked at the beginning of the Holocene. The chemical weathering degree of sediments from Taiwan decreases during the Holocene concurrently with a weakening of the summer monsoon, increase in typhoon activity, and changes in the vegetation cover. All these processes induce soil erosion, regressive pedogenesis, due to shorter residence time of minerals in the soils of southwest Taiwan.","author":[{"family":"Bertaz","given":"Joffrey"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Zhifei"},{"family":"Colin","given":"Christophe"},{"family":"Dapoigny","given":"Arnaud"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yanli"},{"family":"Jian","given":"Zhimin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023pa004745","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023pa004745","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4388081678","type":"article-journal","title":"OSIRIS-APEX: An OSIRIS-REx Extended Mission to Asteroid Apophis","abstract":"Abstract The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft mission characterized and collected a sample from asteroid (101955) Bennu. After the OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Capsule released to Earth’s surface in 2023 September, the spacecraft diverted into a new orbit that encounters asteroid (99942) Apophis in 2029, enabling a second mission with the same unique capabilities: OSIRIS–Apophis Explorer (APEX). On 2029 April 13, the 340 m diameter Apophis will draw within ∼32,000 km of Earth’s surface, less than 1/10 the lunar distance. Apophis will be the largest object to approach Earth this closely in recorded history. This rare planetary encounter will alter Apophis’s orbit, will subject it to tidal forces that change its spin state, and may seismically disturb its surface. APEX will distantly observe Apophis during the Earth encounter and capture its evolution in real time, revealing the consequences of an asteroid undergoing tidal disturbance by a major planet. Beginning in 2029 July, the spacecraft’s instrument suite will begin providing high-resolution data of this “stony” asteroid—advancing knowledge of these objects and their connection to meteorites. Near the mission’s end, APEX will use its thrusters to excavate regolith, a technique demonstrated at Bennu. Observations before, during, and after excavation will provide insight into the subsurface and material properties of stony asteroids. Furthermore, Apophis’s material and structure have critical implications for planetary defense.","author":[{"family":"Dellagiustina","given":"DN"},{"family":"Nolan","given":"MC"},{"family":"Polit","given":"Anjani"},{"family":"Moreau","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Golish","given":"DR"},{"family":"Simon","given":"Amy"},{"family":"Adam","given":"Coralie"},{"family":"Antreasian","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Ballouz","given":"Ronald‐louis"},{"family":"Barnouin","given":"OS"},{"family":"Becker","given":"KJ"},{"family":"Bennett","given":"CA"},{"family":"Binzel","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Bos","given":"Brent"},{"family":"Burns","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Castro","given":"Nayessda"},{"family":"Chesley","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Christensen","given":"PR"},{"family":"Crombie","given":"MK"},{"family":"Daly","given":"MG"},{"family":"Daly","given":"RT"},{"family":"Enos","given":"H"},{"family":"Farnocchia","given":"Davide"},{"family":"Kasper","given":"Sandra"},{"family":"Garcia","given":"Rose"},{"family":"Getzandanner","given":"Kenneth"},{"family":"Guzewich","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Haberle","given":"CW"},{"family":"Haltigin","given":"T"},{"family":"Hamilton","given":"VE"},{"family":"Harshman","given":"K"},{"family":"Hatten","given":"Noble"},{"family":"Hughes","given":"Kyle"},{"family":"Jawin","given":"ER"},{"family":"Kaplan","given":"HH"},{"family":"Lauretta","given":"DS"},{"family":"Leonard","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Levine","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Liounis","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"May","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Mayorga","given":"LC"},{"family":"Nguyen","given":"L"},{"family":"Quick","given":"LC"},{"family":"Reuter","given":"Dennis"},{"family":"Riveravalentín","given":"EG"},{"family":"Rizk","given":"B"},{"family":"Roper","given":"HL"},{"family":"Ryan","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Sutter","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Westermann","given":"MM"},{"family":"Wibben","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Williams","given":"BG"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Kenneth"},{"family":"Wolner","given":"CWV"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3847/psj/acf75e","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/psj/acf75e","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402964871","type":"article-journal","title":"The Arpu Kuilpu meteorite: In‐depth characterization of an H5 chondrite delivered from a Jupiter Family Comet orbit","abstract":"Abstract Over the Nullarbor Plain in South Australia, the Desert Fireball Network detected a fireball on the night of June 1, 2019 (7:30 pm local time), and 6 weeks later recovered a single meteorite (42 g) named Arpu Kuilpu. This meteorite was then distributed to a consortium of collaborating institutions to be measured and analyzed by a number of methodologies including SEM‐EDS, EPMA, ICP‐MS, gamma‐ray spectrometry, ideal gas pycnometry, magnetic susceptibility measurement, μCT, optical microscopy, and accelerator and noble gas mass spectrometry techniques. These analyses revealed that Arpu Kuilpu is an unbrecciated H5 ordinary chondrite, with minimal weathering (W0‐1) and minimal shock (S2). The olivine and pyroxene mineral compositions (in mole%) are Fa: 19.2 ± 0.2 and Fs: 16.8 ± 0.2, further supporting the H5 type and class. The measured oxygen isotopes are also consistent with an H chondrite (δ17O‰ = 2.904 ± 0.177; δ18O‰ = 4.163 ± 0.336; Δ17O‰ = 0.740 ± 0.002). Ideal gas pycnometry measured bulk and grain densities of 3.66 ± 0.02 and 3.77 ± 0.02 g cm−3, respectively, yielding a porosity of 3.0% ± 0.7. The magnetic susceptibility of this meteorite is log χ = 5.16 ± 0.08. The most recent impact‐related heating event experienced by Arpu Kuilpu was measured by 40Ar/39Ar chronology to be 4467 ± 16 Ma, while the cosmic ray exposure age is estimated to be between 6 and 8 Ma. The noble gas isotopes, radionuclides, and fireball observations all indicate that Arpu Kuilpu's meteoroid was quite small (maximum radius of 10 cm, though more likely between 1 and 5 cm). Although this meteorite is a rather ordinary ordinary chondrite, its prior orbit resembled that of a Jupiter Family Comet (JFC) further lending support to the assertion that many cm‐ to m‐sized objects on JFC orbits are asteroidal rather than cometary in origin.","author":[{"family":"Anderson","given":"Seamus"},{"family":"Benedix","given":"GK"},{"family":"Godel","given":"Bélinda"},{"family":"Alosius","given":"Romain"},{"family":"Krietsch","given":"Daniela"},{"family":"Busemann","given":"H"},{"family":"Maden","given":"C"},{"family":"Friedrich","given":"JM"},{"family":"Mcmonigal","given":"Lara"},{"family":"Welten","given":"KC"},{"family":"Caffee","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Macke","given":"RJ"},{"family":"Cadogan","given":"Seán"},{"family":"Ryan","given":"DH"},{"family":"Jourdan","given":"Fred"},{"family":"Mayers","given":"Celia"},{"family":"Laubenstein","given":"M"},{"family":"Greenwood","given":"RC"},{"family":"Roberts","given":"Malcom"},{"family":"Devillepoix","given":"Hadrien"},{"family":"Sansom","given":"Eleanor"},{"family":"Towner","given":"MC"},{"family":"Cupák","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Bland","given":"PA"},{"family":"Forman","given":"LV"},{"family":"Fairweather","given":"John"},{"family":"Rogers","given":"Ashley"},{"family":"Timms","given":"Nicholas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14268","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14268","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4319840119","type":"article-journal","title":"Assessing the spatial variability of the ~3 μm OH / H 2 O absorption feature in CM2 carbonaceous chondrites","abstract":"Abstract H2O and OH are readily detected in hydrated minerals in CM chondrites via reflectance spectroscopy due to their characteristic vibration absorptions at infrared wavelengths. Previous spectroscopic work on bulk powdered CM chondrites has shown that spectral parameters, like the wavelength position of the “3 μm absorption feature,” vary systematically with the extent to which the samples have been aqueously altered. However, it is yet unclear how these spectral features may vary across an intact meteorite chip when measured at spatial scales smaller than that of the individual components of the meteorite. Here, we explore the spatial variability of this spectral feature and others on intact CM2 chips which, unlike powders, retain their petrologic and textural characteristics. We also model the modal mineralogy of the bulk meteorite powders and correlate this with key spectral features, demonstrating that microscope Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic mapping provides a powerful, rapid, and non‐destructive technique for assessing compositional diversity and variations in water–rock interactions in chondritic planetary materials. In all CM2 chondrites studied here, we find that variations in the position, shape, and strength of the 3 μm absorption feature reveal a single chondrite can exhibit as much spectral variation as the entire suite of CM2 chondrites. The observed variations in the position and shape of the 3 μm feature within individual CM2 chondrite chips suggest a range of alteration products (e.g., Mg‐rich to Fe‐rich phyllosilicates) are present and record sub‐mm scale variations in the amount and/or chemistry of the altering fluids. The samples having experienced the most progressive aqueous alteration show the least amount of variability in features like the 3 μm absorption band minimum position, whereas the least altered samples exhibit the most variability. We also find that the bulk spectral signatures in the least altered samples appear to be biased toward the spectral signatures of clasts versus matrix. By extension, asteroid reflectance spectra exhibiting 3 μm absorption features consistent with those measured here may be interpreted in a similar framework in which the spectrum of what may appear to be the least altered asteroids represents an average that belies the true diversity of mineralogy and chemistry of the body.","author":[{"family":"Schultz","given":"Cody"},{"family":"Anzures","given":"BA"},{"family":"Milliken","given":"RE"},{"family":"Hiroi","given":"Taki"},{"family":"Robertson","given":"Kevin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13946","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13946","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404079013","type":"article-journal","title":"Estimating Primary Magmas From Mars With PRIMARSMELT: Implications for the Petrogenesis of Some Martian Rocks and the Thermal Evolution of Mars","abstract":"Abstract Primary magmas form by partial melting in the mantle of a terrestrial planet and represent the starting material for building its crust. The compositions of primary magmas are critical for understanding the thermal history of planetary interiors, as they can be used to estimate mantle potential temperatures ( T P ) and track changes in the conditions of mantle partial melting over time. Here, we introduce PRIMARSMELT, a new member of the PRIMELT software family, calibrated to estimate the composition of Martian primary magmas and their formation conditions. We applied PRIMARSMELT to a comprehensive database of basaltic compositions from Mars. Our results are consistent with their petrology, requiring olivine addition to restore fractionated compositions to their primary parents and olivine subtraction from cumulate rocks. Individual primary magma solutions provide insights into the petrogenesis of specific Martian meteorites, with implications for the near‐primary nature of some primitive meteorites and the relationship between lithologies A and B in meteorite EETA 79001. Taken together, our results suggest nearly constant or potentially increasing mantle potential temperatures throughout the geological history of Mars. The average T P for young shergottite meteorites is ∼1,442 ± 40°C, similar to ambient mantle temperatures inferred from geophysical models. In contrast, older basaltic rocks record potential temperatures as low as ∼1,320 ± 48°C for igneous clasts in meteorites NWA 7034/7533. We suggest that, rather than plume‐related magmatism, shergottite meteorites record ambient mantle temperatures, with the thermal evolution trend possibly resulting from inefficient heat loss, as expected for a planet in stagnant‐lid mode.","author":[{"family":"Hernándezmontenegro","given":"Juan"},{"family":"Asimow","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Herzberg","given":"Claude"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024je008508","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024je008508","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401506433","type":"article-journal","title":"Liquid water in the Martian mid-crust","abstract":"Large volumes of liquid water transiently existed on the surface of Mars more than 3 billion years ago. Much of this water is hypothesized to have been sequestered in the subsurface or lost to space. We use rock physics models and Bayesian inversion to identify combinations of lithology, liquid water saturation, porosity, and pore shape consistent with the constrained mid-crust (∼11.5 to 20 km depths) seismic velocities and gravity near the InSight lander. A mid-crust composed of fractured igneous rocks saturated with liquid water best explains the existing data. Our results have implications for understanding Mars' water cycle, determining the fates of past surface water, searching for past or extant life, and assessing in situ resource utilization for future missions.","author":[{"family":"Wright","given":"Vashan"},{"family":"Morzfeld","given":"Matthias"},{"family":"Manga","given":"Michael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2409983121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2409983121","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400862267","type":"article-journal","title":"Variable Iron Mineralogy and Redox Conditions Recorded in Ancient Rocks Measured by In Situ Visible/Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy at Jezero Crater, Mars","abstract":"Abstract Using relative reflectance measurements from the Mastcam‐Z and SuperCam instruments on the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, we assess the variability of Fe mineralogy in Noachian/Hesperian‐aged rocks at Jezero crater. The results reveal diverse Fe 3+ and Fe 2+ minerals. The igneous crater floor, where small amounts of Fe 3+ ‐phyllosilicates and poorly crystalline Fe 3+ ‐oxyhydroxides have been reported, is spectrally similar to most oxidized basalts observed at Gusev crater. At the base of the western Jezero sedimentary fan, new spectral type points to an Fe‐bearing mineral assemblage likely dominated by Fe 2+ . By contrast, most strata exposed at the fan front show signatures of Fe 3+ ‐oxides (mostly fine‐grained crystalline hematite), Fe 3+ ‐sulfates (potentially copiapites), strong signatures of hydration, and among the strongest signatures of red hematite observed in situ, consistent with materials having experienced vigorous water‐rock interactions and/or higher degrees of diagenesis under oxidizing conditions. The fan top strata show hydration but little to no signs of Fe oxidation likely implying that some periods of fan construction occurred either during a reduced atmosphere era or during short‐lived aqueous activity of liquid water in contact with an oxidized atmosphere. We also report the discovery of alternating cm‐scale bands of red and gray layers correlated with hydration and oxide variability, which has not yet been observed elsewhere on Mars. This could result from syn‐depositional fluid chemistry variations, possibly as seasonal processes, or diagenetic overprint of oxidized fluids percolating through strata having variable permeability.","author":[{"family":"Mandon","given":"Lucia"},{"family":"Ehlmann","given":"BL"},{"family":"Wiens","given":"RC"},{"family":"Garczynski","given":"Bradley"},{"family":"Horgan","given":"B"},{"family":"Fouchet","given":"Thierry"},{"family":"Loche","given":"Mattéo"},{"family":"Dehouck","given":"E"},{"family":"Gasda","given":"PJ"},{"family":"Johnson","given":"JR"},{"family":"Broz","given":"Adrian"},{"family":"Núñez","given":"Jorge"},{"family":"Rice","given":"MS"},{"family":"Vaughan","given":"Alicia"},{"family":"Royer","given":"Clément"},{"family":"Gómez","given":"Felipe"},{"family":"Annex","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Beyssac","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Forni","given":"O"},{"family":"Brown","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Bell","given":"JF"},{"family":"Maurice","given":"S"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je008254","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je008254","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402218055","type":"article-journal","title":"Clues on the Australasian impact crater site inferred from detailed mineralogical study of a monazite inclusion in a Muong Nong tektite","abstract":"Abstract Tektites are terrestrial impact-generated glasses distributed over regions of Earth's surface with ejection distances up to 10,000 km. The Australasian tektite strewn field is the largest and the youngest discovered so far (788 ka). However, the location of the source crater remains unsolved. The present work is the first to investigate the only monazite ever found as an inclusion in a Muong Nong tektite (MNT) from Indochina. In-depth observations down to the nanoscale revealed that the monazite experienced very high temperature, with silicate melt injection sometimes trapped within porosity at the grain boundaries, followed by a recovery mechanism responsible for dislocation migration and subgrain formation. The absence of radiation damage confirms that this recovery episode occurred recently, in line with the age of the tektite. The preservation of a primary zonation (Th component) and the absence of detectable diffusion profiles indicate that the monazite did not reach the melting point (∼2050 °C) before initial rapid cooling (∼1000 °C/s). The U-Th–total Pb dates of the monazite thus remained unchanged during the impact: 73 ± 6 Ma in a Th-rich domain and 156 ± 15 Ma in a Th-poor domain. This allows the source of the MNT to be constrained. Comparison with a detailed database of monazite ages and Th/U ratios in SE Asia indicates that the Australasian crater should be sought for in the triangle made up of the Philippines, coastal south China, and northern Vietnam, though the latter appears less probable.","author":[{"family":"Seydouxguillaume","given":"Anne‐magali"},{"family":"Rochette","given":"P"},{"family":"Gardès","given":"Emmanuel"},{"family":"Zanetta","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Saojoao","given":"Sergio"},{"family":"Parseval","given":"Ph"},{"family":"Glass","given":"BP"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1130/g52522.1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1130/g52522.1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402556013","type":"article-journal","title":"Mid-infrared Measurements of Ion-irradiated Carbonaceous Meteorites: How to Better Detect Space Weathering Effects","abstract":"Abstract Remote sensing study of asteroids will soon enter a new era with an increasing amount of data available thanks to the JWST, especially in the mid-infrared (MIR) range that allows identification of mineral species. It will then be possible to establish a taxonomy, as is currently available in the visible–near-infrared range, based on MIR spectral parameters. It had been previously shown that the MIR range is very sensitive to space weathering (SpWe) effects. Thus, it is crucial to determine which spectral changes are involved to disentangle initial composition from surface aging and provide tools to interpret future remote sensing data of asteroids. We present here MIR measurements of a wide variety of ion-irradiated carbonaceous chondrites as a simulation of the solar wind SpWe component. We evaluate several parameters (the Christiansen feature and Reststrahlen band positions, the width of the main Si–O band) and test different measurement conditions (ion energy and geometry of observation). We highlight a dependency of the spectral changes with the initial composition, as hydrated samples are more affected than anhydrous ones. We confirm the role of the geometry in the detection of SpWe effects as already shown in the near-infrared, with a competition effect between the depth probed by photons and the implantation depth of ions (function of the energy used). We will discuss the results in the framework of future observations and Ryugu’s and Bennu’s samples studied in the laboratory.","author":[{"family":"Lantz","given":"C"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"T"},{"family":"Baklouti","given":"D"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"R"},{"family":"Hénault","given":"Elsa"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"S"},{"family":"Mivumbi","given":"O"},{"family":"Djouadi","given":"Z"},{"family":"Quirico","given":"É"},{"family":"Zolensky","given":"ME"},{"family":"Hiroi","given":"T"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3847/psj/ad5d6f","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/psj/ad5d6f","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392351805","type":"article-journal","title":"Search and study for meteorites analogous to Didymos","abstract":"ABSTRACT The Hera mission will arrive at the Didymos system to study the efficiency of momentum transfer and to further investigate the binary system in great detail after the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission impact. We took advantage of two online data bases of meteorites spectra and of recent Didymos spectra taken before and after the DART impact. We performed the first selection based on the comparison of the band centre values of the silicate absorption bands (localized at 1 and 2 μm) between Didymos and the meteorites. The second selection was made defining a four-dimensional space parameter whose dimensions were the band depth and the slope of the two bands, normalized to Didymos values. We introduced a distance measure to find the closest meteorites to Didymos in this space. Finally, we made the last selection based on other criteria, such as the presence of different spectra of the same meteorite, the presence of different spectra from different data bases, and the comparison with the literature. The result of this work is a list of six meteorites that are the most analogous to Didymos system. We also found out that Didymos is most probably mainly composed of L/LL ordinary chondrites, with a preference for the LL sub-type. From our list of meteorites, we were able to estimate the normalized abundance of olivine and pyroxene of Didymos. Finally, a match between Didymos and OC meteorites was also found in the Mid-InfraRed (MIR) range.","author":[{"family":"Massa","given":"Giuseppe"},{"family":"Palomba","given":"E"},{"family":"Longobardo","given":"A"},{"family":"Dirri","given":"Fabrizio"},{"family":"Angrisani","given":"Massimo"},{"family":"Gisellu","given":"Chiara"},{"family":"Polishook","given":"David"},{"family":"Rivkin","given":"AS"},{"family":"Thomas","given":"Cristina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1093/mnras/stae635","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stae635","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401961089","type":"article-journal","title":"Conceptualizing space environmental sustainability","abstract":"Abstract Recent advancements have significantly enhanced the capabilities for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM), to develop infrastructure in orbit and on the surface of celestial bodies. This progress is a departure from the traditional sustainability paradigm focused solely on Earth, highlighting the urgent need to define and operationalize the concept of “space sustainability” along with the development of an evaluation framework. The expansion of human activity into space, particularly in low-earth orbit, cis-lunar space, and beyond, underscores the critical importance of considering sustainability implications. Leveraging space resources offers economic growth and sustainable development opportunities, while reducing pressure on Earth’s ecosystems. This paradigm shift requires responsible and ethical utilization of space resources. A space sustainability assessment framework is essential for guiding ISAM capabilities, operations, missions, standards, and policies. This paper introduces an initial framework encompassing (1) pollution, (2) resource depletion, (3) landscape alteration, and (4) space environmental justice, with potential metrics (resources use and emissions, midpoint, and endpoint indicators) to measure impacts in the four domains.","author":[{"family":"Mo","given":"Weiwei"},{"family":"Kinsey","given":"Brad"},{"family":"Vickers","given":"John"},{"family":"Helvajian","given":"Henry"},{"family":"Cozmuta","given":"Ioana"},{"family":"Herron","given":"Marissa"},{"family":"Malshe","given":"Ajay"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s44334-024-00002-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s44334-024-00002-z","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400722591","type":"article-journal","title":"Influences of Bacillus pumilus SA388 as an environmentally friendly antibiotic alternative on growth performance, blood biochemistry, immunology, cecal microbiota, and meat quality in broiler chickens","abstract":"The widespread use of antibiotics causes the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, which have a severe impact on poultry productivity and human health. As a result, research is continuing to develop safe natural antibiotic alternatives. In the current study, Bacillus pumilus SA388 was isolated from the chicken feces and confirmed to be a probiotic. The selected strain was tested for its antimutagenic and antioxidant capabilities before being employed as a probiotic food supplement and antibiotic alternative. The effect of B. pumilus SA388 impact on broiler chickens' growth performance, gut microbiome, blood biochemical markers, immunological response, and meat quality was also studied. B. pumilus SA388 showed significant bactericidal activity against Streptococcus pyogenes, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Klebsiella pneumonia. A total of 200 chickens were used in the present study, divided equally among four experimental groups (ten birds per group with 5 replicates): group 1 (control, G1) received a basal diet without B. pumilus SA388, group 2 (G2) received a basal diet supplemented with 0.4 mg/kg of B. pumilus SA388, group 3 (G3) received a basal diet supplemented with 0.8 mg/kg of B. pumilus SA388, and group 4 (G4) received a basal diet supplemented with 1.6 mg/kg of B. pumilus SA388. Over 35 d, the B. pumilus SA388-supplemented groups outperformed the G1 in terms of body weight gain, performance index, and feed conversion ratio, with a preference for the G4 treatment. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing B. pumilus SA388 dosages compared to the control G1 group. Dietary supplementation of B. pumilus SA388 at 1.6 mg/kg (G4) significantly (P < 0.05) resulted in improved lipid profile, immunological response, thyroid function, and gut microbiota compared to the control group (G1). Compared to the broilers in the control treatment (G1), the addition of B. pumilus SA388 to broilers in G4 significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced juiciness, tenderness, aroma, and taste. Adding B. pumilus SA388 to chicken feed at different doses significantly (P < 0.05) decreased average feed intake while increasing economic and relative efficiency measures. In conclusion, B. pumilus SA388 has been proven to be an effective antibiotic and nutritional supplement.","author":[{"family":"Beyari","given":"Eman"},{"family":"Alshammari","given":"Naheda"},{"family":"Alamoudi","given":"Soha"},{"family":"Mohamed","given":"Alaa"},{"family":"Altarjami","given":"Lamaia"},{"family":"Baty","given":"Roua"},{"family":"Alqadri","given":"Nada"},{"family":"Al-Nazawi","given":"Ashwaq"},{"family":"Saad","given":"Ahmed"},{"family":"Taha","given":"Taha"},{"family":"Elsaadony","given":"Mohamed"},{"family":"Eltarabily","given":"Khaled"},{"family":"Mostafa","given":"Nadeen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.psj.2024.104115","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.104115","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390736761","type":"article-journal","title":"Gamma-Ray-Induced Amino Acid Formation during Aqueous Alteration in Small Bodies: The Effects of Compositions of Starting Solutions","abstract":"Organic compounds, such as amino acids, are essential for the origin of life, and they may have been delivered to the prebiotic Earth from extra-terrestrial sources, such as carbonaceous chondrites. In the parent bodies of carbonaceous chondrites, the radioactive decays of short-lived radionuclides, such as 26Al, cause the melting of ice, and aqueous alteration occurs in the early stages of solar system formation. Many experimental studies have shown that complex organic matter, including amino acids and high-molecular-weight organic compounds, is produced by such hydrothermal processes. On the other hand, radiation, particularly gamma rays from radionuclides, can contribute to the formation of amino acids from simple molecules such as formaldehyde and ammonia. In this study, we investigated the details of gamma-ray-induced amino acid formation, focusing on the effects of different starting materials on aqueous solutions of formaldehyde, ammonia, methanol, and glycolaldehyde with various compositions, as well as hexamethylenetetramine. Alanine and glycine were the most abundantly formed amino acids after acid hydrolysis of gamma-ray-irradiated products. Amino acid formation increased with increasing gamma-ray irradiation doses. Lower amounts of ammonia relative to formaldehyde produced more amino acids. Glycolaldehyde significantly increased amino acid yields. Our results indicated that glycolaldehyde formation from formaldehyde enhanced by gamma rays is key for the subsequent production of amino acids.","author":[{"family":"Ishikawa","given":"Akari"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Kensei"},{"family":"Yoda","given":"Isao"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life14010103","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14010103","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401596684","type":"article-journal","title":"Design, development, and operation of an ISO class 5 cleanroom for planetary instrumentation and planetary protection protocols","abstract":"Cleanrooms are controlled environments where the number of airborne particles is reduced to a level defined by an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard. These facilities have applications in different fields, such as the electronic, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors, and are also necessary for the assembly, testing and handling of space hardware. Cleanrooms are expensive to build and maintain and require the permanent designation of infrastructures and dedicated spaces within a building. Once built, clean rooms cannot be used for any other purpose, as contamination is a significant risk. The restricted access to these facilities limits the process of designing, testing, and calibrating instruments developed by academic institutions, small companies, and space startups. Here we present a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) procedure for building and maintaining a highly controlled ISO class 5 cleanroom, according to ISO14644 standards. We provide a detailed explanation of how to design, develop and operate a portable, modular, and cost-effective ISO class 5 cleanroom that can be used for the usual workflow of development, integration, test procedures and planetary protection associated with the design of instrumentation for planetary exploration.","author":[{"family":"Mathanlal","given":"Thasshwin"},{"family":"Zorzano","given":"María‐paz"},{"family":"Martíntorres","given":"Javier"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36276","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36276","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404054720","type":"article-journal","title":"Potential health risks of hypomagnetic field for manned deep-space explorations","abstract":"Manned deep-space exploration and colonization on extraterrestrial bodies, such as the Moon and Mars, are great dreams of mankind. However, as these activities are far from the surface environment of home planet Earth, challenges faced to astronauts have been identified, including harmful radiation, isolation and confinement, distance from home, microgravity, and closed or hostile environments [1]. The weakening and/or absence of the magnetic field has been identified as another environmental challenge that may jeopardise the astronauts’ health. Unlike Earth, an extremely weak magnetic field exists on the Moon, Mars, interstellar space, and some other bodies. This indicates that astronauts will have to experience a hypomagnetic field (HMF, <5 μT) during deep-space flight and sojourn durations. To assess the possible health risks that HMF may pose to astronauts, which are largely unknown or overlooked, relevant research is certainly desired. Here, we attempt to assess the potential health risks to astronauts associated with HMF exposure during long-duration human spaceflight and provide some suggestions for future studies. The geomagnetic field (GMF), a global dipole magnetic field (present day field ∼25–65 μT), is a uniquely beneficial environmental factor of our home planet, not only protecting life on the Earth’s surface from harmful radiation, but also providing reliable cues for animal orientation and navigation [2]. Life on Earth originated and co-evolved with GMF and its variations over billions of years [3]. This means that humans have become accustomed to and dependent on GMF. Recent investigations have increasingly highlighted the multiple effects of HMF on organ systems in animals, including the reproductive, central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular system and musculoskeletal systems, and related behaviours [4,5], as shown in Table 1. Although direct data on the effects of HMF on humans are limited, our efforts are to forewarn potential health risks faced by astronauts. The potential health risks of human exposure to HMF based on experimental findings. Note: CRY1, cryptochrome 1; CRY2, cryptochrome 2; EEG, electroencephalogram; ROS, reactive oxygen species. The health risks of HMF associated with reproductive ability and embryonic development in some animals, such as rabbits, mice, newts, frogs, insects, and birds, are evident (Table 1). For example, Fesenko et al. found that pregnant mice exposed to HMF for 3–12 days lost the ability to bear offspring probably because HMF decreased the proliferative activity of embryonic cells and impaired the interaction between the trophoblast and the endometrium [6]. Mo et al. reported that HMF exposure for 2–4 days interfered with the early cleavage stage development of Xenopus embryos by altering the orientation of the mitotic spindle apparatus [7]. These results suggest that HMF exposure might have negative influences on animal reproductive function and early development of offspring. More attention should be paid to the impact of HMF on the reproductive and early development of non-human primate species to provide more evidence for assessing human reproductive health. Circadian rhythm disruption is one of the health risks faced by astronauts during long-duration space travel. Circadian rhythms are 24-hour physiological or behavioural oscillations regulated by the internal biological clock and environmental factors. They are closely linked to many health problems such as sleep disorders, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and gastrointestinal function. Studies indicate that HMF may affect physiological rhythms and related behaviours in animals (Table 1), particularly the rhythmic activity of the cardiovascular system in humans [8]. In addition, HMF exposure has been shown to decrease norepinephrine levels in the brainstem of golden hamsters [9], which may regulate the transcription of circadian clock genes. The CRY protein is now considered to be a magnetoreceptor and a re","author":[{"family":"Tian","given":"Lanxiang"},{"family":"Ren","given":"Jie"},{"family":"Luo","given":"Yukai"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yinghui"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Weixiang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Bingfang"},{"family":"Pan","given":"Yongxin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1093/nsr/nwae395","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwae395","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404457608","type":"article-journal","title":"Signal Strength-Based Alien Drone Detection and Containment in Indoor UAV Swarm Simulations","abstract":"A Novel simulation framework using self-governing drones is used to locate and reduce unauthorized drones in interior environments. The recommended method uses Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) to identify an alien agent drone, which has different signal characteristics than the approved swarm of UAVs. Real-time threat detection is possible with this technology. After detecting the drone, the swarm organizes itself to encircle and besiege it for 10 seconds, making it inert, before the swarm returns to its original formation. This unique solution uses RSSI to quickly identify and mitigate enclosed area concerns. It provides a reliable and effective indoor drone security solution. The simulation results show that the approach works in critical environments such as warehouses, laboratories, and other secure indoor facilities. This study advances unmanned aerial system (UAS) autonomous swarm intelligence and security procedures.","author":[{"family":"Abro","given":"Ghulam"},{"family":"Ali","given":"Zain"},{"family":"Abdallah","given":"Ayman"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.62762/tis.2024.807714","URL":"https://doi.org/10.62762/tis.2024.807714","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393187120","type":"article-journal","title":"Brief and intensive volcanic emissions from Ontong Java Nui heralded Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a","abstract":"Abstract The volcanic episode that formed Ontong Java Nui (OJN) in the western Pacific ~ 120 million-year-ago is thought to have triggered Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE) 1a, yet the cause-effect relationship remains insufficiently understood. Here, we present a Pb-Os-C isotope dataset for tracking OJN volcanism across a sedimentary sequence containing OAE1a record in the central Pacific. Lead isotopic evidence strongly supports the deposition of OJN-sourced volcanic ash layers at this site after a paired seawater δ13Ccarb–187Os/188Os shift and before the onset of OAE1a. The δ13Ccarb–187Os/188Os shift is attributable to the signature of the initial submarine OJN eruption. The subsequent unradiogenic Pb isotope shifts could represent ash fallout from the brief, explosive subaerial/shallow-marine eruption phase accompanied by intensive volcanic degassing and emissions. The apparent time lag between explosive OJN volcanism and OAE1a is intriguing, which can be accounted for by the delayed increase in the productivity after gas emissions.","author":[{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Hironao"},{"family":"Goto","given":"Kosuke"},{"family":"Shimoda","given":"Gen"},{"family":"Watanabe","given":"Yasuto"},{"family":"Shirai","given":"Kotaro"},{"family":"Tejada","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Ishikawa","given":"Akira"},{"family":"Ando","given":"Atsushi"},{"family":"Sano","given":"Takashi"},{"family":"Kuroda","given":"Junichiro"},{"family":"Suzuki","given":"Katsuhiko"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-024-01310-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01310-0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404718764","type":"article-journal","title":"Naturally Occurring Microbiota-Accessible Borates: A Focused Minireview","abstract":"Recently, we discovered and proved the essentiality of organic boron species (OBS), such as borate–pectic polysaccharides and borate–phenolic esters, for healthy symbiosis (HS) between microbiota and human/animal (H/A) host. The essentiality of OBS will provide new options for B supplementation in H/A nutrition for a healthy and long life. New knowledge on the essentiality of naturally occurring microbiota-accessible borate species for HS between microbiota and H/A host will allow the use of natural B-based dietary supplements to target the H/A microbiome (the gut, skin, oral, scalp, and vaginal microbiome). In the literature, there is evidence that certain bacteria need B (autoinducer-2 borate) for communication and our preliminary data show that HS takes place when the colonic mucus gel layer contains B. Subsequently, OBS become novel prebiotic candidates and target the colon as novel colonic foods.","author":[{"family":"Biţă","given":"Andrei"},{"family":"Scorei","given":"Ion"},{"family":"Mogoşanu","given":"George"},{"family":"Bejenaru","given":"Ludovic"},{"family":"Biță","given":"Cristina"},{"family":"Dinescu","given":"Venera"},{"family":"Rău","given":"Gabriela"},{"family":"Ciocîlteu","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Bejenaru","given":"Cornelia"},{"family":"Croitoru","given":"Octavian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/inorganics12120308","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics12120308","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4313641507","type":"article-journal","title":"Mitigation and use of biofilms in space for the benefit of human space exploration","abstract":"Biofilms are self-organized communities of microorganisms that are encased in an extracellular polymeric matrix and often found attached to surfaces. Biofilms are widely present on Earth, often found in diverse and sometimes extreme environments. These microbial communities have been described as recalcitrant or protective when facing adversity and environmental exposures. On the International Space Station, biofilms were found in human-inhabited environments on a multitude of hardware surfaces. Moreover, studies have identified phenotypic and genetic changes in the microorganisms under microgravity conditions including changes in microbe surface colonization and pathogenicity traits. Lack of consistent research in microgravity-grown biofilms can lead to deficient understanding of altered microbial behavior in space. This could subsequently create problems in engineered systems or negatively impact human health on crewed spaceflights. It is especially relevant to long-term and remote space missions that will lack resupply and service. Conversely, biofilms are also known to benefit plant growth and are essential for human health (i.e., gut microbiome). Eventually, biofilms may be used to supply metabolic pathways that produce organic and inorganic components useful to sustaining life on celestial bodies beyond Earth. This article will explore what is currently known about biofilms in space and will identify gaps in the aerospace industry's knowledge that should be filled in order to mitigate or to leverage biofilms to the advantage of spaceflight.","author":[{"family":"Justiniano","given":"Yo"},{"family":"Goeres","given":"Darla"},{"family":"Sandvik","given":"Elizabeth"},{"family":"Kjellerup","given":"Birthe"},{"family":"Sysoeva","given":"Tatyana"},{"family":"Harris","given":"Jacob"},{"family":"Warnat","given":"Stephan"},{"family":"Mcglennen","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Foreman","given":"Christine"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Jiseon"},{"family":"Li","given":"Wenyan"},{"family":"Cassilly","given":"Chelsi"},{"family":"Lott","given":"Katelyn"},{"family":"Herrneckar","given":"Lauren"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100102","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100102","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400195964","type":"article-journal","title":"Lessons Learned in Designing a Proposed Ultraviolet Sterilization System for Space","abstract":"This paper presents a number of lessons learned while designing a proposed sterilization system for Mars Sample Return. This sterilization system is needed to inactivate any potentially hazardous Mars material on the exterior surface of the vessel containing sealed sample tubes filled with Mars rock cores, regolith and atmosphere. These returned samples would provide information on the geologic history of Mars, the evolution of its climate and the potential for ancient life. Mars Sample Return is categorized at Planetary Protection Category V Restricted Earth Return, so it is required to protect the Earth–Moon system from the biological impact of returning samples from Mars to Earth. This article reviews lessons learned in the development of a particular engineering implementation to support the protection of the Earth–Moon biosphere: the use of in situ ultraviolet LED illumination. The details of the biological efficacy of this approach or the policy-related impacts are outside of the scope of this manuscript. The lessons learned presented here include establishing design requirements for the system, the selection of a light source, optical design options, contamination control and approaches to thermal and power management.","author":[{"family":"Hughes","given":"David"},{"family":"Cataldo","given":"Giuseppe"},{"family":"Pellerano","given":"Fernando"},{"family":"Hardwick","given":"Terra"},{"family":"Micalizzi","given":"Frankie"},{"family":"Chambers","given":"Victor"},{"family":"Bean","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Braley","given":"Berton"},{"family":"Cook","given":"William"},{"family":"Day","given":"Ratna"},{"family":"Emmett","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Hovis","given":"Clark"},{"family":"Stefan","given":"Ioana"},{"family":"Johnstone","given":"Dillon"},{"family":"Kaur","given":"Amandeep"},{"family":"Morgenstern","given":"Wendy"},{"family":"Nicolaeff","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Ong","given":"Lawrence"},{"family":"Seals","given":"Lenward"},{"family":"Schnurr","given":"R"},{"family":"Seide","given":"Laurie"},{"family":"Shaw","given":"George"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Ta","given":"Oscar"},{"family":"Thomes","given":"William"},{"family":"Yum","given":"Honam"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/aerospace11070538","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11070538","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403899415","type":"article-journal","title":"Potential Chronological Disturbance of the D’Orbigny Angrite Inferred from Discordant 26Al Ages","abstract":"Abstract Angrites originate from the early-formed differentiated angrite parent body. The pristine volcanic angrite D’Orbigny is devoid of brecciation, shock effects, or any evidence of secondary processes and is thus key for studying the early stages of planetary accretion and differentiation. However, chronometers used to establish the formation chronology of angrites (including D’Orbigny) yield discordant ages, either (i) suggesting that secondary processes could have disturbed the apparent formation ages or (ii) being taken as evidence of heterogeneous distribution of 26Al in the early solar system. Yet spinel is minimally susceptible to secondary parent body processes and therefore a reliable target for establishing precise 26Al–26Mg ages. Here, we present the first in situ 26Al–26Mg analyses of spinel and plagioclase in D’Orbigny. Individual mineral assemblages provide distinct ages: olivine–spinel shows a well-defined isochron with an initial Al ratio ([26Al/27Al]i) of (5.39 ± 0.85) × 10−6, indicating formation at 2.35 + 0.25 − 0.22 Myr after the formation of calcium–aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs), whereas plagioclase–olivine defines an isochron with [26Al/27Al]i = (7.46 ± 1.87) × 10−7, implying formation at 4.40 + 0.44 − 0.38 Myr after CAIs, consistent with previous MC-ICP-MS studies. This temporal gap can be attributed to secondary processes such as metamorphic or impact-generated diffusion. Thus, D’Orbigny and other angrites do not represent an immaculate anchor for chronometric comparison. This complexity should be considered in future studies, especially when using D’Orbigny as an anchor to discuss the chronology of the early solar system.","author":[{"family":"Deligny","given":"Cécile"},{"family":"Piralla","given":"Maxime"},{"family":"Villeneuve","given":"Johan"},{"family":"Füri","given":"Evelyn"},{"family":"Marrocchi","given":"Yves"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3847/2041-8213/ad8654","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ad8654","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392243267","type":"article-journal","title":"Discovery of late Quaternary giant magnetofossils in the Bay of Bengal","abstract":"Abstract Unusually large and enigmatic giant magnetofossils are well-documented in sediments deposited during and surrounding climatic events such as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (~56 Ma) and Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (~40 Ma). However, the absence of giant magnetofossil modern analogues raises intriguing questions about their origin and formation mechanism. In this study, we report the discovery of giant magnetofossils within late Quaternary sediments retrieved from the Bay of Bengal (BoB), the youngest giant magnetofossils yet reported. First-order reversal curve diagrams of BoB sediments display a central ridge feature, a characteristic magnetic signature of non-interacting single domain magnetofossils. Scanning electron microscopy examinations reveal giant magnetofossils with needle, spindle, bullet, and spearhead shapes. We use high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, with electron diffraction and energy dispersive spectrometry, to confirm their distinctive morphologies and magnetite crystal structure. Our environmental magnetic and geochemical data suggest that an influx of fluvially derived reactive iron and organic carbon, combined with persistent suboxic conditions, supported the proliferation of giant magnetofossil-producing organisms. The discovery of a modern analogue to ancient giant magnetofossils expands our understanding of their temporal distribution within the geological record and is a promising step toward elucidating the nature of the organisms responsible for their formation.","author":[{"family":"Kadam","given":"Nitin"},{"family":"Badesab","given":"Firoz"},{"family":"Lascu","given":"Ioan"},{"family":"Wagner","given":"Courtney"},{"family":"Gaikwad","given":"Virsen"},{"family":"Saha","given":"Abhishek"},{"family":"Sangode","given":"SJ"},{"family":"Venkateshwarlu","given":"M"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-024-01259-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01259-0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389778013","type":"article-journal","title":"Simple Molecules under High‐Pressure and High‐Temperature Conditions: Synthesis and Characterization of α‐ and β‐C(NH)2 with Fully sp3‐Hybridized Carbon","abstract":"Abstract The elements hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen are among the most abundant in the solar system. Still, little is known about the ternary compounds these elements can form under the high‐pressure and high‐temperature conditions found in the outer planets’ interiors. These materials are also of significant research interest since they are predicted to feature many desirable properties such as high thermal conductivity and hardness due to strong covalent bonding networks. In this study, the high‐pressure high‐temperature reaction behavior of malononitrile H2C(CN)2, dicyandiamide (H2N)2C=NCN, and melamine (C3N3)(NH2)3 was investigated in laser‐heated diamond anvil cells. Two previously unknown compounds, namely α‐C(NH)2 and β‐C(NH)2, have been synthesized and found to have fully sp3‐hybridized carbon atoms. α‐C(NH)2 crystallizes in a distorted β‐cristobalite structure, while β‐C(NH)2 is built from previously unknown imide‐bridged 2,4,6,8,9,10‐hexaazaadamantane units, which form two independent interpenetrating diamond‐like networks. Their stability domains and compressibility were studied, for which supporting density functional theory calculations were performed.","author":[{"family":"Koller","given":"Thaddäus"},{"family":"Jin","given":"Siyu"},{"family":"Krol","given":"Viktoria"},{"family":"Ambach","given":"Sebastian"},{"family":"Ranieri","given":"Umbertoluca"},{"family":"Khandarkhaeva","given":"Saiana"},{"family":"Spender","given":"James"},{"family":"Mcwilliams","given":"RS"},{"family":"Trybel","given":"Florian"},{"family":"Giordano","given":"Nico"},{"family":"Porȩba","given":"Tomasz"},{"family":"Mézouar","given":"Mohamed"},{"family":"Kuang","given":"Xiao‐yu"},{"family":"Lü","given":"Cheng"},{"family":"Dubrovinsky","given":"Leonid"},{"family":"Dubrovinskaia","given":"Natalia"},{"family":"Hermann","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Schnick","given":"Wolfgang"},{"family":"Laniel","given":"Dominique"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1002/anie.202318214","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202318214","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4398146675","type":"article-journal","title":"Hazardous element inertisation in vitrified silicate ceramics: Effect of different matrices","abstract":"The ceramic industry is a production sector that can efficiently recycle its own processing residues, achieving a reuse index of almost 100%. Recently, the range of waste from other industrial sectors that can be used as secondary raw materials in ceramic bodies has expanded. However, such an expansion potentially introduces hazardous components. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the efficiency of inertising hazardous elements (HEs) through ceramisation. The ceramics were characterised through XRPD, SEM-EDS and leaching tests to determine their leaching behaviour and the mechanisms of element immobilisation in neoformation phases during the ceramisation process. The results indicate high immobilisation efficiency for Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sb, Sn and Zn. However, Mo is the main element of concern owing to its poor retention in ceramic bodies. This is likely due to the formation of oxyanionic complexes that are difficult to immobilise in silicate matrices. In addition, the ceramic bodies exhibit substantial differences that appear to be associated with variations in pseudo-structural components and the degree of polymerisation of their vitreous phase. The study of the ceramisation process is crucial for assessing the immobilisation of HEs, particularly in the ceramic industry, which is increasingly adopting recycling practices according to circular economy principles. The work provides a quantitative analysis of the process, evaluating the effectiveness of incorporating secondary raw materials (containing hazardous constituents) into vitrified and highly vitrified silicate ceramic bodies. Valuable insights are provided on how to mitigate environmental risks associated with the introduction of potentially harmful elements. This comprehension is essential for improving waste recycling in the ceramic industry and promoting sustainable practices in accordance with the goals of circular economy.","author":[{"family":"Conte","given":"Sonia"},{"family":"Molinari","given":"Chiara"},{"family":"Ardit","given":"Matteo"},{"family":"Mantovani","given":"Luciana"},{"family":"Tribaudino","given":"M"},{"family":"Cruciani","given":"Giuseppe"},{"family":"Dondi","given":"Michele"},{"family":"Zanelli","given":"Chiara"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134657","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134657","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399982965","type":"article-journal","title":"Cultivation and nutritional characteristics of Chlorella vulgaris cultivated using Martian regolith and synthetic urine","abstract":"Long-term spatial missions will require sustainable methods for biomass production using locally available resources. This study investigates the feasibility of cultivating Chlorella vulgaris, a high value microalgal specie, using a leachate of Martian regolith and synthetic human urine as nutrient sources. The microalga was grown in a standard medium (BBM) mixed with 0, 20, 40, 60, or 100 % Martian medium (MM). MM did not significantly affect final biomass concentrations. Total carbohydrate and protein contents decreased with increasing MM fractions between 0 % and 60 %, but biomass in the 100% MM showed the highest levels of carbohydrates and proteins (25.2 ± 0.9 % and 37.1 ± 1.4 % of the dry weight, respectively, against 19.0 ± 1.7 % and 32.0 ± 2.7 % in the absence of MM). In all MM-containing media, the fraction of the biomass represented by total lipids was lower (by 3.2 to 4.5%) when compared to BBM. Conversely, total carotenoids increased, with the highest value (97.3 ± 1.5 mg/100 g) measured with 20% MM. In a three-dimensional principal component analysis of triacylglycerols, samples clustered according to growth media; a strong impact of growth media on triacylglycerol profiles was observed. Overall, our findings suggest that microalgal biomass produced using regolith and urine can be used as a valuable component of astronauts' diet during missions to Mars.","author":[{"family":"Casula","given":"Mattia"},{"family":"Fais","given":"Giacomo"},{"family":"Manis","given":"Cristina"},{"family":"Scano","given":"Paola"},{"family":"Verseux","given":"Cyprien"},{"family":"Concas","given":"Alessandro"},{"family":"Cao","given":"Giacomo"},{"family":"Caboni","given":"Pierluigi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.lssr.2024.06.003","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lssr.2024.06.003","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399547721","type":"article-journal","title":"High‐resolution cathodoluminescence of calcites from the Cold Bokkeveld chondrite: New insights on carbonatation processes in CM parent bodies","abstract":"Abstract Carbonates, as secondary minerals found in CM chondrites, have been widely employed for reconstructing the composition of the fluids from which they precipitated. They also offer valuable insights into the hydrothermal evolution of their parent bodies. In this study, we demonstrate that high‐resolution cathodoluminescence (HR‐CL) analyses of calcites derived from the brecciated Cold Bokkeveld CM2 chondrite can effectively reveal subtle compositional features and intricate zoning patterns. We have identified two distinct types of cathodoluminescence (CL) centers: a blue emission band (approximately 375–425 nm), associated with intrinsic structural defects, and a lower energy orange extrinsic emission (around 620 ± 10 nm), indicating the presence of Mn cations. These compositional variations enable discrimination between the calcite grain types previously designated as T1 and T2 in studies of CM chondrites. T1 calcites exhibit variable CL and peripheral Mn enrichments, consistently surrounded by a rim composed of Fe‐S‐rich serpentine–tochilinite assemblage. Conversely, T2 calcites display homogeneous CL and more abundant lattice defects. These polycrystalline aggregates of calcite grains, devoid of serpentine, contain Fe‐Ni sulfide inclusions and directly interface with the matrix. We propose that changes in the Mn content of calcite (indicated by the intensity of orange CL emission) are influenced by variations in redox potential (Eh) and pH of the fluid phase. This proposed hydrothermal evolution establishes a parallel between terrestrial serpentinization followed by carbonation processes and the aqueous alteration of CM chondrites, warranting further exploration and investigation of this intriguing similarity.","author":[{"family":"Guigoz","given":"Vincent"},{"family":"Seret","given":"Anthony"},{"family":"Portail","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Ferrière","given":"L"},{"family":"Libourel","given":"G"},{"family":"Connolly","given":"HC"},{"family":"Lauretta","given":"DS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14225","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14225","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400660735","type":"article-journal","title":"Protocell Effects on RNA Folding, Function, and Evolution","abstract":"Creating a living system from nonliving matter is a great challenge in chemistry and biophysics. The early history of life can provide inspiration from the idea of the prebiotic \"RNA World\" established by ribozymes, in which all genetic and catalytic activities were executed by RNA. Such a system could be much simpler than the interdependent central dogma characterizing life today. At the same time, cooperative systems require a mechanism such as cellular compartmentalization in order to survive and evolve. Minimal cells might therefore consist of simple vesicles enclosing a prebiotic RNA metabolism. The internal volume of a vesicle is a distinctive environment due to its closed boundary, which alters diffusion and available volume for macromolecules and changes effective molecular concentrations, among other considerations. These physical effects are mechanistically distinct from chemical interactions, such as electrostatic repulsion, that might also occur between the membrane boundary and encapsulated contents. Both indirect and direct interactions between the membrane and RNA can give rise to nonintuitive, \"emergent\" behaviors in the model protocell system. We have been examining how encapsulation inside membrane vesicles would affect the folding and activity of entrapped RNA. Using biophysical techniques such as FRET, we characterized ribozyme folding and activity inside vesicles. Encapsulation inside model protocells generally promoted RNA folding, consistent with an excluded volume effect, independently of chemical interactions. This energetic stabilization translated into increased ribozyme activity in two different systems that were studied (hairpin ribozyme and self-aminoacylating RNAs). A particularly intriguing finding was that encapsulation could rescue the activity of mutant ribozymes, suggesting that encapsulation could affect not only folding and activity but also evolution. To study this further, we developed a high-throughput sequencing assay to measure the aminoacylation kinetics of many thousands of ribozyme variants in parallel. The results revealed an unexpected tendency for encapsulation to improve the better ribozyme variants more than worse variants. During evolution, this effect would create a tilted playing field, so to speak, that would give additional fitness gains to already-high-activity variants. According to Fisher's Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection, the increased variance in fitness should manifest as faster evolutionary adaptation. This prediction was borne out experimentally during in vitro evolution, where we observed that the initially diverse ribozyme population converged more quickly to the most active sequences when they were encapsulated inside vesicles. The studies in this Account have expanded our understanding of emergent protocell behavior, by showing how simply entrapping an RNA inside a vesicle, which could occur spontaneously during vesicle formation, might profoundly affect the evolutionary landscape of the RNA. Because of the exponential dynamics of replication and selection, even small changes to activity and function could lead to major evolutionary consequences. By closely studying the details of minimal yet surprisingly complex protocells, we might one day trace a pathway from encapsulated RNA to a living system.","author":[{"family":"Saha","given":"Ranajay"},{"family":"Choi","given":"J"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Irene"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00174","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00174","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391143070","type":"manuscript","title":"Withdrawn: Potential Lithium Sedimentary Deposits of the Land and Deep Oceans","abstract":"Lithium is a critical metal required for several green technology applications such as electric and hybrid vehicles, energy storage systems, lubricants, polymers, pharmaceuticals, and the preparation of a lot of other industrial chemicals, and its demand is rapidly increasing worldwide. The three most important resources of lithium are pegmatite deposits, salt brine deposits, and sedimentary deposits, and a minor component of unconventional lithium deposits such as geothermal waste, lithium in borate deposits, lithium-enriched coal deposits, lithium-rich industrial wastes such as red mud, acid mine drainage, and recycling. Several studies indicated that marine mineral deposits such as ferromanganese nodules and ferromanganese crusts also contain significant lithium concentrations, and can provide a new solution to the demand for lithium. Currently, sedimentary deposits both on the land and deep oceans are receiving increasing attention, due to their large size and their potential for future lithium resources. While land sedimentary deposits showed a high value of lithium up to 7250 μg/g, the marine sedimentary deposits recorded a high of 781 µg/g. Here, an attempt is made to provide a summary of global lithium sedimentary deposits and their potential for large-scale and long-term production of lithium. In addition to the descriptions of the importance of mineral deposits of lithium, a brief outline of different types of lithium deposits such as brine deposits including continental and geothermal, petroleum brine, pegmatites, and related magmatic deposits are also presented. Similarly, exploration studies based on geological, geophysical, mineralogical, geochemical, and remote sensing techniques in sedimentary basins are also briefly discussed. This cumulative information on sedimentary lithium deposits can trigger many future studies in unexplored and underexplored terrains around the world.","author":[{"family":"Balaram","given":"V"},{"family":"Armstrongaltrin","given":"John"},{"family":"Khan","given":"RMK"},{"family":"Rao","given":"BS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.20944/preprints202312.0073.v2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202312.0073.v2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389520504","type":"article-journal","title":"Diffuse neutrino background from past core collapse supernovae","abstract":"Core collapse supernovae are among the most powerful explosions in the Universe, which emit thermal neutrinos that carry away most of the gravitational binding energy released. These neutrinos produce a diffuse supernova neutrino background (DSNB), which is one of the largest energy budgets among all radiation backgrounds. Detecting the DSNB is an important goal of modern high-energy astrophysics and particle physics, which provides valuable insights into core collapse modeling, neutrino physics, and cosmic supernova rate history. In this review, the key ingredients of DSNB calculation and what can be learned from future detections, including black hole formation and non-standard neutrino interactions are discussed. Moreover, an overview of the latest updates in neutrino experiments, which could lead to the detection of the DSNB in the next decade, is provided. With the promise of this breakthrough discovery on the horizon, the study of DSNB has great potential to further our understanding of the Universe.","author":[{"family":"Ando","given":"Shin’ichiro"},{"family":"Ekanger","given":"Nick"},{"family":"Horiuchi","given":"Shunsaku"},{"family":"Koshio","given":"Y"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.2183/pjab.99.026","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2183/pjab.99.026","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405836129","type":"article-journal","title":"Industrial Disasters and Hazards: From Causes to Consequences — a Holistic Approach to Resilience","abstract":"Starting from accelerated industrial development, industrial disasters (chemical spills, explosions, nuclear accidents, etc.), which fall under man-made (technological) disasters, increasingly threaten human lives, the environment, and property.Their complexity and far-reaching consequences, both at the local and global levels, require effective management of industrial risks and the disasters themselves (preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery).For these reasons, the review paper aims to provide a holistic description of the diverse causes, dynamics, and multidimensional consequences of disasters.Additionally, it highlights and explains the key factors that directly or indirectly contribute to their occurrence.Furthermore, it could be said that the paper analyzes existing strategies for managing risks from industrial disasters and systematizes recommendations for improving preventive and reactive measures in high-risk industries.On the other side, the paper utilizes a comprehensive literature review, which involves the systematic identification, review, analysis, and critical evaluation of existing scientific papers, studies, reports, and regulatory documents on industrial disasters.Besides that, it also includes a detailed analysis of well-known industrial disaster cases such as Seveso (Italy, 1976), Bhopal (India, 1984), Chernobyl (Ukraine, then USSR, 1986), and Fukushima (Japan, 2011).The paper emphasizes that industrial disasters are often the result of the combined influence and interaction of technical failures, human errors, and inadequately developed safety procedures.Moreover, it can be highlighted that the design and implementation of preventive measures, such as regular maintenance of technical systems and systematic training and education of employees, are crucial for reducing the likelihood of such catastrophic events.The implications of this review paper are multifaceted and point to the following: the need to reassess current safety practices in industries; reconsider the potential for introducing innovations in preventive technical-technological solutions; examine the thorough implementation of innovative early warning systems, safety procedures, and modern equipment in facilities; improve cooperation between engineers, safety managers, and regulatory workers; reassess the need for additional updates and tightening of regulations regarding the storage, transport, and use of hazardous materials in industry; and improve the management of risks from industrial disasters.","author":[{"family":"Cvetković","given":"Vladimir"},{"family":"Renner","given":"Renate"},{"family":"Jakovljević","given":"Vladimir"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.18485/ijdrm.2024.6.2.10","URL":"https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2024.6.2.10","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390974253","type":"article-journal","title":"Deciding Technosignature Search Strategies: Multi-Criteria Fuzzy Logic to Find Extraterrestrial Intelligence","abstract":"This study presents the implementation of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodologies, particularly the fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), in prioritizing technosignatures (TSs) for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). By incorporating expert opinions and weighted criteria based on the established Axes of Merit, our analysis offers insights into the relative importance of various TSs. Notably, radio and optical communications are emphasized, in contrast to dark side illumination and starshades in transit. We introduce a new axis, Scale Sensitivity, designed to assess the variability of TS metrics. A sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of our approach. Our findings, especially the highlighted significance of artifacts orbiting Earth, the Moon, or the Sun, indicate a need to broaden evaluative criteria within SETI research. This suggests an enhancement of the Axes of Merit, with a focus on addressing the plausibility of TSs. As the quest to resolve the profound question of our solitude in the cosmos continues, SETI efforts would benefit from exploring innovative prioritization methodologies that effectively quantify TS search strategies.","author":[{"family":"Sánchez-Lozano","given":"Juan"},{"family":"Peñaasensio","given":"Eloy"},{"family":"Socasnavarro","given":"H"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/aerospace11010088","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11010088","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4394853292","type":"article-journal","title":"Bioprospecting of extremophilic perchlorate-reducing bacteria: report of promising Bacillus spp. isolated from sediments of the bay of Cartagena, Colombia","abstract":"Abstract Three extremophile bacterial strains (BBCOL-009, BBCOL-014 and BBCOL-015), capable of degrading high concentrations of perchlorate at a range of pH (6.5 to 10.0), were isolated from Colombian Caribbean Coast sediments. Morphological features included Gram negative strain bacilli with sizes averaged of 1.75 × 0.95, 2.32 × 0.65 and 3.08 × 0.70 μm, respectively. The reported strains tolerate a wide range of pH (6.5 to 10.0); concentrations of NaCl (3.5 to 7.5% w/v) and KClO4− (250 to 10000 mg/L), reduction of KClO4− from 10 to 25%. LB broth with NaCl (3.5–30% w/v) and KClO4ˉ (250-10000 mg/L) were used in independent trials to evaluate susceptibility to salinity and perchlorate, respectively. Isolates increased their biomass at 7.5 % (w/v) NaCl with optimal development at 3.5 % NaCl. Subsequently, ClO4ˉ reduction was assessed using LB medium with 3.5% NaCl and 10000 mg/L ClO4ˉ. BBCOL-009, BBCOL-014 and BBCOL-015 achieved 10%, 17%, and 25% reduction of ClO4ˉ, respectively. The 16 S rRNA gene sequence grouped them as Bacillus flexus T6186-2, Bacillus marisflavi TF-11 (T), and Bacillus vietnamensis 15 − 1 (T) respectively, with < 97.5% homology. In addition, antimicrobial resistance to ertapenem, vancomycine, amoxicillin clavulanate, penicillin, and erythromycin was present in all the isolates, indicating their high adaptability to stressful environments. The isolated strains from marine sediments in Cartagena Bay, Colombia are suitable candidates to reduce perchlorate contamination in different environments. Although the primary focus of the study of perchlorate-reducing and resistant bacteria is in the ecological and agricultural realms, from an astrobiological perspective, perchlorate-resistant bacteria serve as models for astrobiological investigations.","author":[{"family":"Acevedobarrios","given":"Rosa"},{"family":"Tirado-Ballestas","given":"Irina"},{"family":"Bertel-Sevilla","given":"Angela"},{"family":"Cervantes-Ceballos","given":"Leonor"},{"family":"Gallego","given":"Jorge"},{"family":"Leal","given":"María"},{"family":"Tovar","given":"David"},{"family":"Oliveroverbel","given":"Jesús"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s10532-024-10079-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10532-024-10079-0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393405220","type":"article-journal","title":"Extending carbon chemistry at high-pressure by synthesis of CaC2 and Ca3C7 with deprotonated polyacene- and para-poly(indenoindene)-like nanoribbons","abstract":"Abstract Metal carbides are known to contain small carbon units similar to those found in the molecules of methane, acetylene, and allene. However, for numerous binary systems ab initio calculations predict the formation of unusual metal carbides with exotic polycarbon units, [C 6 ] rings, and graphitic carbon sheets at high pressure (HP). Here we report the synthesis and structural characterization of a HP-CaC 2 polymorph and a Ca 3 C 7 compound featuring deprotonated polyacene-like and para -poly(indenoindene)-like nanoribbons, respectively. We also demonstrate that carbides with infinite chains of fused [C 6 ] rings can exist even at conditions of deep planetary interiors ( ~ 140 GPa and ~3300 K). Hydrolysis of high-pressure carbides may provide a possible abiotic route to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Universe.","author":[{"family":"Khandarkhaeva","given":"Saiana"},{"family":"Fedotenko","given":"Timofey"},{"family":"Aslandukovа","given":"Alena"},{"family":"Akbar","given":"Fariia"},{"family":"Bykov","given":"Maxim"},{"family":"Laniel","given":"Dominique"},{"family":"Aslandukov","given":"Andrey"},{"family":"Ruschewitz","given":"Uwe"},{"family":"Tobeck","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Winkler","given":"Björn"},{"family":"Chariton","given":"Stella"},{"family":"Prakapenka","given":"Vitali"},{"family":"Glazyrin","given":"Konstantin"},{"family":"Giacobbe","given":"Carlotta"},{"family":"Bright","given":"Eleanor"},{"family":"Belov","given":"MP"},{"family":"Dubrovinskaia","given":"Natalia"},{"family":"Dubrovinsky","given":"Leonid"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-47138-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47138-2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391960952","type":"article-journal","title":"What Is life? Rethinking Biology in Light of Fundamental Parameters","abstract":"Defining life is an arduous task that has puzzled philosophers and scientists for centuries. Yet biology suffers from a lack of clear definition, putting biologists in a paradoxical situation where one can describe at the atomic level complex objects that remain globally poorly defined. One could assume that such descriptions make it possible to perfectly characterize living systems. However, many cases of misinterpretation put this assumption into perspective. In this article, we focus on critical parameters such as time, water, entropy, space, quantum properties, and electrostatic potential to redefine the nature of living matter, with special emphasis on biological coding. Where does the DNA double helix come from, why cannot the reproduction of living organisms occur without mutations, what are the limitations of the genetic code, and why do not all proteins have a stable three-dimensional structure? There are so many questions that cannot be resolved without considering the aforementioned parameters. Indeed, (i) time and space constrain many biological mechanisms and impose drastic solutions on living beings (enzymes, transporters); (ii) water controls the fidelity of DNA replication and the structure/disorder balance of proteins; (iii) entropy is the driving force of many enzymatic reactions and molecular interactions; (iv) quantum mechanisms explain why a molecule as simple as hydrocyanic acid (HCN) foreshadows the helical structure of DNA, how DNA is stabilized, why mutations occur, and how the Earth magnetic field can influence the migration of birds; (v) electrostatic potential controls epigenetic mechanisms, lipid raft functions, and virus infections. We consider that raising awareness of these basic parameters is critical for better understanding what life is, and how it handles order and chaos through a combination of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, we propose to incorporate these parameters into the definition of life.","author":[{"family":"Fantini","given":"Jacques"},{"family":"Matveeva","given":"Mélanie"},{"family":"Lefebvre","given":"Marine"},{"family":"Chahinian","given":"Henri"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life14030280","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14030280","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401814404","type":"article-journal","title":"Phosphoric acid salts of amino acids as a source of oligopeptides on the early Earth","abstract":"Because of their unique proton-conductivity, chains of phosphoric acid molecules are excellent proton-transfer catalysts. Here we demonstrate that this property could have been exploited for the prebiotic synthesis of the first oligopeptide sequences on our planet. Our results suggest that drying highly diluted solutions containing amino acids (like glycine, histidine and arginine) and phosphates in comparable concentrations at elevated temperatures (ca. 80 °C) in an acidic environment could lead to the accumulation of amino acid:phosphoric acid crystalline salts. Subsequent heating of these materials at 100 °C for 1–3 days results in the formation of oligoglycines consisting of up to 24 monomeric units, while arginine and histidine form shorter oligomers (up to trimers) only. Overall, our results suggest that combining the catalytic effect of phosphate chains with the crystalline order present in amino acid:phosphoric acid salts represents a viable solution that could be utilized to generate the first oligopeptide sequences in a mild acidic hydrothermal field scenario. Further, we propose that crystallization could help overcoming cyclic oligomer formation that is a generally known bottleneck of prebiotic polymerization processes preventing further chain growth. Phosphates are fundamental building blocks of ribonucleic acids and excellent catalysts for proton transfer reactions. Here, the authors report that the combination of the catalytic effect of phosphates with the entropic effect of crystallization can be exploited to facilitate formation of oligopeptides from the crystalline salts of phosphoric acid with amino acids under mild conditions.","author":[{"family":"Šponer","given":"Judit"},{"family":"Šponer","given":"Judit"},{"family":"Coulon","given":"Rémi"},{"family":"Otyepka","given":"Michal"},{"family":"Šponer","given":"Jiří"},{"family":"Šponer","given":"Jiří"},{"family":"Siegle","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Trapp","given":"Oliver"},{"family":"Ślepokura","given":"Katarzyna"},{"family":"Zdráhal","given":"Zbyněk"},{"family":"Šedo","given":"Ondřej"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42004-024-01264-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-024-01264-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399917756","type":"article-journal","title":"Constraining Plio‐Pleistocene Shifts in Northwest African Hydroclimate, Ecosystem Distributions, and Marine Productivity: New Paleo‐Records Across the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition","abstract":"Abstract Northwest Africa transitioned from a wet/vegetated landscape toward drier/sparser conditions sometime between the late‐Pliocene and the late‐Pleistocene. However, our understanding of the precise timing and nature of this transition is hampered by a paucity of paleo‐records which bridge these two intervals. Here we report new plant‐wax isotope as well as dust and opal flux records from the relatively brief interval ∼1.1–1.0 million years ago (Ma) to evaluate the astronomical timescale controls of Northwest African hydroclimate and vegetation during the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition (MPT) and, in context with published records, the drivers of long‐term climate and ecological trends over the Plio‐Pleistocene. The tempo and amplitude of the Northwest African monsoon rainfall swings closely track low latitude insolation forcings over the last 5 Ma. However, we demonstrate that a pronounced mean state decline in monsoon strength likely occurred following the MPT most likely instigated by increasing Atlantic meridional sea surface temperature gradients or declines in the strength of the meridional overturning circulation. The northward extent of vegetation does not track changes in monsoon strength over the Plio‐Pleistocene and thus may be more strongly influenced by changes in monsoon rainfall extent or ecosystem disturbances. Progressively diminished dust fluxes following a decline in monsoon strength after 1.0 Ma is consistent with reduced production and subsequent depletion of fine‐grained sediments in the Sahara. Synchroneity between dust and opal fluxes across timescales suggests nutrient delivery to the surface ocean via dust plays a key role in marine primary productivity off the coast of Northwest Africa.","author":[{"family":"O'mara","given":"NA"},{"family":"Skonieczny","given":"Charlotte"},{"family":"Mcgee","given":"David"},{"family":"Winckler","given":"Gisela"},{"family":"Bory","given":"Aloys"},{"family":"Bradtmiller","given":"Louisa"},{"family":"Malaizé","given":"Bruno"},{"family":"Polissar","given":"PJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023pa004777","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023pa004777","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399582171","type":"article-journal","title":"Synchronous Fluorescence as a Sensor of Trace Amounts of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons","abstract":"Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) is a technique that involves the simultaneous detection of fluorescence excitation and emission at a constant wavelength difference. The spectrum yields bands that are narrower and less complex than the original excitation and emission bands. The SFS bands correspond uniquely to the fluorescing molecule. Our investigation focuses on evaluating the sensitivity of the SFS technique for the detection and quantitation of PAHs relevant to astrochemistry. Results are presented for naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene in three different solvents: n-hexane, water, and ethanol. SF bands are obtained with a constant wavelength difference between the peak excitation and emission wavelength (Δλ = λex − λem) at a concentration ranging from 10−4 to 10−10 M. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) calculations are based on integrated SF band areas at different concentrations. Spectra of 23 pg/g of anthracene, 16 pg/g, and 2.6 pg/g of pyrene are recorded using ethanol as the solvent. The PAHs exhibit detection limits in the fractions of parts-per-billion (ng/g) range. Through comparison with similar prior studies employing fluorescence emission, our findings reveal a better detectability limit, demonstrating the effectiveness and applicability of the SFS technique.","author":[{"family":"Sunuwar","given":"Suresh"},{"family":"Haddad","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Acheson","given":"Ashlyn"},{"family":"Manzanares","given":"Carlos"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/s24123800","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/s24123800","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405968308","type":"article-journal","title":"Comprehensive Review of Binder Matrices in 3D Printing Construction: Rheological Perspectives","abstract":"Three-dimensional printing technology is transforming the construction industry, which is increasingly turning to advanced materials and techniques to meet environmental and economic challenges. This comprehensive literature review evaluated various binder materials, including cement, geopolymers, earthen materials, supplementary cementitious materials, polymers, and biopolymers, with a focus on their environmental impacts and rheological properties. The study revealed an increasing interest in cementitious binders, which deliver essential structural strength and exhibit a wide range of yield stress values (15 to 6500 Pa), influenced by binder type and supplementary materials such as nanoclay. However, the significant CO2 emissions associated with cement pose major sustainability challenges. As a sustainable alternative, geopolymers demonstrate lower yield stress values (800 to 3000 Pa) while ensuring adequate buildability for vertical printing and reducing environmental impact. These findings underscore the need to adopt sustainable binder matrices to align 3D printing construction practices with global sustainability goals.","author":[{"family":"Tarhan","given":"Yeşim"},{"family":"Tarhan","given":"İsmail"},{"family":"Şahin","given":"Remzi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/buildings15010075","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15010075","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405234681","type":"article-journal","title":"A Fistful of Mars Exploring the Role of Martian Meteorites in Cultural Heritage and Scientific Inquiry","abstract":"Meteorites have intrigued humanity for centuries, representing our enduring pursuit of knowledge and exploration of the cosmos’ enigmas. These celestial objects have not only influenced artistic expression and the formation of myths but have also fostered scientific inquiry. In this regard, meteorites are crucial to space research, offering valuable information about the early solar system, the formation of planets, and the development of organic compounds. Their analysis aids in deciphering cosmic processes and identifying resources that may support future space missions, making them essential for advancing planetary sciences. Meteorites are also cultural heritage items, with most known samples preserved in natural history museums. This paper deals with the Martian meteorites collected to date, focusing on NWA 16788, the largest individual Martian meteorite recovered so far.","author":[{"family":"Franza","given":"Annarita"},{"family":"Shehaj","given":"Xhonatan"},{"family":"Pratesi","given":"Giovanni"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/heritage7120323","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7120323","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403606248","type":"article-journal","title":"AMPHIBOLE-PHLOGOPITE XENOLITHS FROM KIMBERLITES AS EVIDENCE OF METASOMATIC PROCESSES IN THE LITHOSPHERIC MANTLE BENEATH KUOIKA FIELD","abstract":"This paper devoted to the mantle xenoliths with evidence of modal metasomatic alteration from the Obnazhennaya kimberlite pipe (Kuoika kimberlite field). The first data presents for trace elements content in minerals from such rocks, and they are compared with xenoliths from this pipe having no evidence of modal metasomatism. Based on the trace elements content in clinopyroxene and amphibole, as well as 40Ar/39Ar dating of phlogopite, it was concluded that enriched in Nb+Ta and REE melt-fluids were formed beneath the Kuoika field in the Lower Proterozoic, which lead to the phlogopite-amphibole formation from pyroxene.","author":[{"family":"Kalashnikova","given":"Tatiana"},{"family":"Kostrovitsky","given":"SI"},{"family":"Dymshits","given":"АM"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.5800/gt-2024-15-5-0779","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5800/gt-2024-15-5-0779","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405680131","type":"article-journal","title":"Magnesium isotope composition of volcanic rocks from cold and warm subduction zones: Implications for the recycling of subducted serpentinites and carbonates","abstract":"Magnesium (Mg) isotopes are regarded as a sensitive tracer to the contribution from subducted serpentinites and carbonates. However, the source, distribution, and controlling factors of the Mg isotope composition of arc magmas remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the intra-arc and inter-arc variations in Mg isotope compositions of volcanic rocks from two typical cold subduction zones [NE Japan (NEJ) and Izu arcs] and a typical hot subduction zone [SW Japan (SWJ) arc] to address the question. The volcanic rocks from the frontal-arc regions of NEJ and Izu have isotopically heavy Mg (δ 26 Mg = –0.20 to –0.08 ‰) compared to the mantle-like δ 26 Mg values of most of volcanic rocks from SWJ and the rear regions of NEJ and Izu arcs (–0.28 to –0.17 ‰). It is also worth noting that NEJ arc includes samples with δ 26 Mg values (–0.61 to –0.39 ‰) significantly lower than the mantle, but similar to the < 110 Ma intra-continental basalts from eastern China, which is the first observation in modern arc rocks. No obvious effects of post-eruptive alteration, fractional crystallization , partial melting, or the addition of silicate-rich sediment and oceanic crust components could be identified in the Mg isotope compositions of these volcanic rocks. By contrast, the correlations between the δ 26 Mg values and the proxy for serpentinite component (i.e., 11 B/ 10 B and Nb/B ratios) indicate that the component exerts a strong control on the Mg-isotopic signature of these arc rocks. Considering metamorphic reactions in subduction lithologies under P - T conditions postulated for these arcs, the variations in δ 26 Mg values of these arc magmas are unlikely to have been controlled by dehydration of serpentinites in subducted oceanic lithosphere (slab serpentinite). Instead, the high-δ 26 Mg values of frontal-arc rocks are delivered by the fluids from serpentinite formed in the lowermost part of the sub-arc mantle (mantle wedge serpentinite) in channelized flow. Comparatively, such a high-δ 26 Mg signature is invisible in volcanic rocks from rear-arc regions of NEJ and Izu, and the entire SWJ, suggesting that the major Mg carriers in subducted serpentinites (e.g., talc, chlorite, and serpentine) were broken down completely before subducted slabs reached the depth beneath these volcanoes. Moreover, the volcanic rocks with low δ 26 Mg values from the rear arc of NEJ are characterized by high La/Yb and U/Nb ratios as well as low Ti/Eu, Ti/Ti*, and Hf/Hf* ratios, suggesting the involvements of carbonates in their magma sources. The quantitative modeling suggests that < 20 % of sedimentary carbonate (dolomite) was recycled into their mantle source , revealing that Mg-rich carbonate could be incorporated into a deep mantle wedge at rear-arc depths of 150–400 km in subduction zones.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Kitagawa","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Fang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gca.2024.12.024","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2024.12.024","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392658717","type":"article-journal","title":"Thermal Stability of F‐Rich Phlogopite and K‐Richterite During Partial Melting of Metasomatized Mantle Peridotite With Implications for Deep Earth Volatile Cycles","abstract":"Abstract Phlogopite and K‐richterite constitute important carrier phases for H and F in Earth's lithosphere and mantle. The relative importance depends on their stabilities at high pressure and temperature, which in turn depends on bulk composition. Most previous experimental studies focused on the thermal stability of phlogopite and K‐richterite were conducted using simplified chemical compositions. Here, partial melting experiments on metasomatized and carbonated, OH ± F‐bearing near‐natural peridotite were performed at high pressures (2 and 5 GPa) and temperatures (1,100–1,350°C) to assess the thermal stability of F‐free versus F‐bearing phlogopite and K‐richterite. Experimental results demonstrate that the thermal stability of F‐bearing phlogopite is increased by >55°C/wt.% F, relative to F‐free phlogopite, whereas K‐richterite is absent in all experiments with significant degrees of melting (>2%). The thermal stability of phlogopite containing several wt.% F exceeds continental and oceanic geotherms within the upper 150 km. Fluorine‐rich phlogopite would therefore be stable in virtually all of the continental lithosphere, only to be decomposed during large, regional melting events such as continental break‐up, thereby acting as a major long‐term sink for F and/or H. This could even be the case for the oceanic asthenosphere, depending on the oceanic geotherm of the area of interest.","author":[{"family":"Steenstra","given":"ES"},{"family":"Klaver","given":"Martijn"},{"family":"Berndt","given":"Jasper"},{"family":"Flemetakis","given":"Stamatis"},{"family":"Rohrbach","given":"Arno"},{"family":"Klemme","given":"Stephan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023jb028202","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023jb028202","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404911043","type":"article-journal","title":"Formation of amino acid precursors in early aqueous alteration in small bodies: Synergetic effects of gamma rays and hydrothermal processing","abstract":"Organic compounds such as amino acids may have been delivered to the early Earth via carbonaceous chondrites and interplanetary dust particles. Mineralogical and petrological evidence has shown that liquid water was formed from water ice in the early stages of the formation of the parent bodies of carbonaceous chondrites, due to the heat from the radioactive decay of short-lived radionuclides such as 26Al. In previous research, amino acid precursors were produced from aqueous solutions containing formaldehyde and ammonia by hydrothermal experiments and gamma-ray irradiation experiments to evaluate organic formation during aqueous alteration processes in meteorite parent bodies. However, the differences in the effects and reactions of gamma rays and heating, as well as the synergetic effects, are not well understood. In this study, both heating and gamma irradiation were applied to aqueous solutions containing formaldehyde, methanol, and ammonia to investigate the synergistic effects of heating and gamma rays on amino acid formation. The results showed that gamma irradiation followed by heating was more efficient in producing amino acid precursors compared to heating followed by gamma irradiation. The characteristic features of UV-visible and fluorescence spectra of the experimental products were consistent with Maillard-type reactions, suggesting that Maillard-type reactions led to the formation of amino acid precursors.","author":[{"family":"Imai","given":"Naoki"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Kensei"},{"family":"Yoda","given":"Isao"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.2343/geochemj.gj24025","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2343/geochemj.gj24025","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391401172","type":"article-journal","title":"Exploring Chemical Space Using Ab Initio Hyperreactor Dynamics","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide In recent years, first-principles exploration of chemical reaction space has provided valuable insights into intricate reaction networks. Here, we introduce ab initio hyperreactor dynamics, which enables rapid screening of the accessible chemical space from a given set of initial molecular species, predicting new synthetic routes that can potentially guide subsequent experimental studies. For this purpose, different hyperdynamics derived bias potentials are applied along with pressure-inducing spherical confinement of the molecular system in ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to efficiently enhance reactivity under mild conditions. To showcase the advantages and flexibility of the hyperreactor approach, we present a systematic study of the method’s parameters on a HCN toy model and apply it to a recently introduced experimental model for the prebiotic formation of glycinal and acetamide in interstellar ices, which yields results in line with experimental findings. In addition, we show how the developed framework enables the study of complicated transitions like the first step of a nonenzymatic DNA nucleoside synthesis in an aqueous environment, where the molecular fragmentation problem of earlier nanoreactor approaches is avoided.","author":[{"family":"Stan","given":"Alexandra"},{"family":"Glinkina","given":"Liubov"},{"family":"Hulm","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Ochsenfeld","given":"Christian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acscentsci.3c01403","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acscentsci.3c01403","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4398165596","type":"article-journal","title":"Cellular structure of dinosaur scales reveals retention of reptile-type skin during the evolutionary transition to feathers","abstract":"Fossil feathers have transformed our understanding of integumentary evolution in vertebrates. The evolution of feathers is associated with novel skin ultrastructures, but the fossil record of these changes is poor and thus the critical transition from scaled to feathered skin is poorly understood. Here we shed light on this issue using preserved skin in the non-avian feathered dinosaur Psittacosaurus. Skin in the non-feathered, scaled torso is three-dimensionally replicated in silica and preserves epidermal layers, corneocytes and melanosomes. The morphology of the preserved stratum corneum is consistent with an original composition rich in corneous beta proteins, rather than (alpha-) keratins as in the feathered skin of birds. The stratum corneum is relatively thin in the ventral torso compared to extant quadrupedal reptiles, reflecting a reduced demand for mechanical protection in an elevated bipedal stance. The distribution of the melanosomes in the fossil skin is consistent with melanin-based colouration in extant crocodilians. Collectively, the fossil evidence supports partitioning of skin development in Psittacosaurus: a reptile-type condition in non-feathered regions and an avian-like condition in feathered regions. Retention of reptile-type skin in non-feathered regions would have ensured essential skin functions during the early, experimental stages of feather evolution.","author":[{"family":"Yang","given":"Zixiao"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Baoyu"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Jiaxin"},{"family":"Mcnamara","given":"Maria"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-024-48400-3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-48400-3","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390662490","type":"article-journal","title":"In situ investigation of an organic micro‐globule and its mineralogical context within a Ryugu “sand” grain","abstract":"Abstract The Hayabusa2 mission from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) returned to the Earth samples of carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu. This mission offers a unique opportunity to investigate in the laboratory samples from a C‐type asteroid, without physical or chemical alteration by the terrestrial atmosphere. Here, we report on an investigation of the mineralogy and the organo‐chemistry of Hayabusa2 samples using a combination of micro‐ and nano‐infrared spectroscopy. Particles investigated with conventional FTIR spectroscopy have spectra dominated by phyllosilicate‐related absorption, as observed for samples of CI‐chondrites, selected ungrouped carbonaceous chondrites, and selected hydrated micrometeorites. Ryugu samples show smaller sulfate‐related absorption than CI‐chondrites. Our samples that were only briefly exposed to the Earth atmosphere show absorptions related to molecular water, revealing fast terrestrial contamination of the spectral signature at 3 μm. Overall, our FTIR data are in agreement with other work done on Ryugu samples, revealing a low degree of mineralogical variability across Ryugu samples. AFM‐IR mapping of the grains shows the presence of a micrometer‐sized organic globule in one of our analyzed grains. The AFM‐IR spectra obtained on this globule are similar to IR spectra obtained on IOM suggesting that it is constituted of refractory organic matter. This globule may host silicate in its interior, with a different mineralogy than bulk Ryugu phyllosilicate. The shape, presence of peculiar silicate, and the nature of organic constituting the globule point toward a pre‐accretionary origin of this globule and that at least part of Ryugu organics were inherited from the protosolar nebulae or the interstellar media. Altogether, our results show the similarities between Ryugu samples and CI chondrites.","author":[{"family":"Phan","given":"Van"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Rebois","given":"Rolando"},{"family":"Quirico","given":"É"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Miyake","given":"Akira"},{"family":"Igami","given":"Yohei"},{"family":"Haruta","given":"Mitsutaka"},{"family":"Saito","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Hata","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Seto","given":"Yusuke"},{"family":"Miyahara","given":"Masaaki"},{"family":"Tomioka","given":"Naotaka"},{"family":"Ishii","given":"HA"},{"family":"Bradley","given":"JP"},{"family":"Ohtaki","given":"Kenta"},{"family":"Dobrică","given":"E"},{"family":"Leroux","given":"Hugues"},{"family":"Guillou","given":"Corentin"},{"family":"Jacob","given":"Damien"},{"family":"Peña","given":"Francisco"},{"family":"Laforet","given":"Sylvain"},{"family":"Marinova","given":"Maya"},{"family":"Langenhorst","given":"F"},{"family":"Harries","given":"Dennis"},{"family":"Abreu","given":"NM"},{"family":"Gray","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Zega","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Zanetta","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Thompson","given":"MS"},{"family":"Stroud","given":"RM"},{"family":"Mathurin","given":"Jérémie"},{"family":"Dazzi","given":"Alexandre"},{"family":"Dartois","given":"E"},{"family":"Engrand","given":"C"},{"family":"Burgess","given":"Kate"},{"family":"Cymes","given":"Brittany"},{"family":"Bridges","given":"JC"},{"family":"Hicks","given":"LJ"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Bland","given":"PA"},{"family":"Zolensky","given":"ME"},{"family":"Frank","given":"D"},{"family":"Martinez","given":"James"},{"family":"Tsuchiyama","given":"A"},{"family":"Yasutake","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Matsuno","given":"Junya"},{"family":"Okumura","given":"Shota"},{"family":"Mitsukawa","given":"Itaru"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Masayuki"},{"family":"Takeuchi","given":"Akihisa"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Mingqi"},{"family":"Enju","given":"Satomi"},{"family":"Takigawa","given":"Aki"},{"family":"Michikami","given":"Tatsuhiro"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Megumi"},{"family":"Nakauchi","given":"Yusuke"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Nakazawa","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Saiki","given":"Takanao"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Terui","given":"Fuyuto"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Makoto"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Hisayoshi"},{"family":"Nagashima","given":"K"},{"family":"Kawasaki","given":"Noriyuki"},{"family":"Sakamotoa","given":"Naoya"},{"family":"Höppe","given":"P"},{"family":"Okazaki","given":"Ryuji"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"Kanako"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Watanabe","given":"Sei‐ichiro"},{"family":"Tsuda","given":"Yuichi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14122","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14122","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402783723","type":"article-journal","title":"Discharge plasma for prebiotic chemistry: Pathways to life’s building blocks","abstract":"Discharge plasmas, recognized as unique platforms for investigating the origins of chemical life, have garnered extensive interest for their potential to simulate prebiotic conditions. This paper embarks on a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the plasma-enabled synthesis of life’s building blocks, charting the complex environmental parameters believed to have surrounded life’s inception. This discussion elaborates on the fundamental mechanisms of discharge plasmas and their likely role in fostering conditions necessary for the origin of life on early Earth. We consider a variety of chemical reactions facilitated by plasma, specifically the synthesis of vital organic molecules — amino acids, nucleobases, sugars, and lipids. Further, we delve into the impact of plasmas on prebiotic chemical evolution. We expect this review to open new horizons for future investigations in plasma-related prebiotic chemistry that could offer valuable insights for unraveling the mysteries of life's origin.","author":[{"family":"Gan","given":"Dingwei"},{"family":"Hong","given":"Longfei"},{"family":"Li","given":"Tianyu"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Tianqi"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Xiangyu"},{"family":"Fan","given":"Jieping"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Rusen"},{"family":"Liu","given":"DP"},{"family":"Ying","given":"Jianxi"},{"family":"Cullen","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Yufen"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Renwu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.26464/epp2024066","URL":"https://doi.org/10.26464/epp2024066","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391784086","type":"article-journal","title":"Biological functions at high pressure: transcriptome response of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 to hydrostatic pressure relevant to Titan and other icy ocean worlds","abstract":"High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is a key driver of life's evolution and diversification on Earth. Icy moons such as Titan, Europa, and Enceladus harbor potentially habitable high-pressure environments within their subsurface oceans. Titan, in particular, is modeled to have subsurface ocean pressures ≥ 150 MPa, which are above the highest pressures known to support life on Earth in natural ecosystems. Piezophiles are organisms that grow optimally at pressures higher than atmospheric (0.1 MPa) pressure and have specialized adaptations to the physical constraints of high-pressure environments – up to ~110 MPa at Challenger Deep, the highest pressure deep-sea habitat explored. While non-piezophilic microorganisms have been shown to survive short exposures at Titan relevant pressures, the mechanisms of their survival under such conditions remain largely unelucidated. To better understand these mechanisms, we have conducted a study of gene expression for Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 using a high-pressure experimental culturing system. MR-1 was subjected to short-term (15 min) and long-term (2 h) HHP of 158 MPa, a value consistent with pressures expected near the top of Titan's subsurface ocean. We show that MR-1 is metabolically active in situ at HHP and is capable of viable growth following 2 h exposure to 158 MPa, with minimal pressure training beforehand. We further find that MR-1 regulates 264 genes in response to short-term HHP, the majority of which are upregulated. Adaptations include upregulation of the genes argA, argB, argC, and argF involved in arginine biosynthesis and regulation of genes involved in membrane reconfiguration. MR-1 also utilizes stress response adaptations common to other environmental extremes such as genes encoding for the cold-shock protein CspG and antioxidant defense related genes. This study suggests Titan's ocean pressures may not limit life, as microorganisms could employ adaptations akin to those demonstrated by terrestrial organisms.","author":[{"family":"Malas","given":"Judy"},{"family":"Russo","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Bollengier","given":"O"},{"family":"Malaska","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Lopes","given":"RMC"},{"family":"Kenig","given":"Fabien"},{"family":"Meyerdombard","given":"DR"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2024.1293928","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1293928","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400465218","type":"article-journal","title":"Variable and Large Losses of Diagnostic Biomarkers After Simulated Cosmic Radiation Exposure in Clay- and Carbonate-Rich Mars Analog Samples","abstract":"Mars has been exposed to ionizing radiation for several billion years, and as part of the search for life on the Red Planet, it is crucial to understand the impact of radiation on biosignature preservation. Several NASA and ESA missions are looking for evidence of ancient life in samples collected at depths shallow enough that they have been impacted by galactic cosmic rays (GCRs). In this study, we exposed a diverse set of Mars analog samples to 0.9 Megagray (MGy) of gamma radiation to mimic 15 million years of exposure on the Martian surface. We measured no significant impact of GCRs on the total organic carbon (TOC) and bulk stable C isotopes in samples with initial TOC concentration > 0.1 wt. %; however, diagnostic molecular biosignatures presented a wide range of degradation that didn't correlate to factors like mineralogy, TOC, water content, and surface area. Exposure dating suggests that the surface of Gale crater has been irradiated at more than five times our dose, yet using this relatively low dose and \"best-case scenario\" geologically recalcitrant biomarkers, large and variable losses were nevertheless evident. Our results empasize the importance of selecting sampling sites at depth or recently exposed at the Martian surface.","author":[{"family":"Roussel","given":"Anaïs"},{"family":"Mcadam","given":"AC"},{"family":"Pavlov","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Knudson","given":"CA"},{"family":"Achilles","given":"CN"},{"family":"Foustoukos","given":"Dionysis"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Andrejkovičová","given":"Slávka"},{"family":"Bower","given":"DM"},{"family":"Johnson","given":"SS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2023.0123","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2023.0123","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391885946","type":"article-journal","title":"Characterization of Regolith And Trace Economic Resources (CRATER): An Orbitrap‐based laser desorption mass spectrometry instrument for in situ exploration of the Moon","abstract":"RATIONALE: Characterization of Regolith And Trace Economic Resources (CRATER), an Orbitrap™-based laser desorption mass spectrometry instrument designed to conduct high-precision, spatially resolved analyses of planetary materials, is capable of answering outstanding science questions about the Moon's formation and the subsequent processes that have modified its (sub)surface. METHODS: volume, <10 kg mass, and <60 W peak power. The analytical capabilities and performance metrics of a prototype that meets the full functionality of the flight model are demonstrated. RESULTS: The instrument comprises a high-power, solid-state, pulsed ultraviolet (213 nm) laser source to ablate the surface of the lunar sample, a custom ion optical interface to accelerate and collimate the ions produced at the ablation site, and an Orbitrap mass analyzer capable of discriminating competing isobars via ultrahigh mass resolution and high mass accuracy. The CRATER instrument can measure elemental and isotopic abundances and characterize the organic content of lunar surface samples, as well as identify economically valuable resources for future exploration. CONCLUSION: An engineering test unit of the flight model is currently in development to serve as a pathfinder for near-term mission opportunities.","author":[{"family":"Ray","given":"S"},{"family":"Arévalo","given":"Ricardo"},{"family":"Southard","given":"Adrian"},{"family":"Willhite","given":"Lori"},{"family":"Bardyn","given":"A"},{"family":"Ni","given":"Ziqin"},{"family":"Danell","given":"Ryan"},{"family":"Grubisic","given":"Andrej"},{"family":"Gundersen","given":"Cynthia"},{"family":"Llano","given":"Julie"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Anthony"},{"family":"Fahey","given":"Molly"},{"family":"Hernandez","given":"Emanuel"},{"family":"Graham","given":"J"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Jane"},{"family":"Ersahin","given":"Akif"},{"family":"Briois","given":"Christelle"},{"family":"Thirkell","given":"L"},{"family":"Colin","given":"Fabrice"},{"family":"Makarov","given":"Alexander"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/rcm.9657","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.9657","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403236232","type":"article-journal","title":"Experimental constraints on serpentinite carbonation in the presence of a H2O–CO2–NaCl fluid","abstract":"Serpentinite carbonation contributes to the deep carbon (C) cycle. Recently, geophysical and numerical studies have inferred considerable hydrothermal alteration in plate bending faults, opening the possibility of significant C storage in the slab mantle. However, there is a lack of quantitative determination of C uptake in serpentinized mantle rocks. Here, we experimentally constrain serpentinite carbonation in H2O–CO2–NaCl fluids to estimate C uptake in hydrated mantle rocks. We find that serpentinite carbonation results in the formation of talc and magnesite along the serpentinite surface. The presence of porous reaction zones (49.2% porosity) promotes the progress of carbonation reactions through a continuous supply of CO2-bearing fluids to the reaction front. Added NaCl effectively decreases the serpentinite carbonation efficiency, particularly at low salinities (< 5.0 wt%), which is likely attributed to the reduction in fluid pH and the transport rate of reactants, and the increase in magnesite solubility. Based on previous and our experiments, we fit an empirical equation for the reaction rate of serpentinite carbonation. Extrapolation of this equation to depths of plate bending fault systems suggests that serpentinite carbonation may contribute to an influx of up to 7.3–28.5 Mt C/yr in subduction zones. Our results provide new insights into serpentinite carbonation in environments with high fluid salinities and potentially contribute to the understanding of the C cycle in subduction zones.","author":[{"family":"Huang","given":"Yongsheng"},{"family":"Okumura","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Kazuhisa"},{"family":"Takahashi","given":"N"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Hong"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Guoji"},{"family":"Tsujimori","given":"Tatsuki"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Michihiko"},{"family":"Okamoto","given":"Atsushi"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yuan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00410-024-02175-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-024-02175-4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400238687","type":"article-journal","title":"Deficit Irrigation of Forage Cactus (Opuntia stricta) with Brackish Water: Impacts on Growth, Productivity, and Economic Viability under Evapotranspiration-Based Management","abstract":"Climate change significantly impacts agriculture and forage production, requiring the implementation of strategies toward increased water and energy use efficiency. So, this study investigated the yield of forage cactus (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw) under different irrigation depths using brackish groundwater (1.7 dS m−1), whose management was based on reference evapotranspiration (ETo) estimated by the Hargreave–Samani (HS) and Penman–Monteith (PM) equations. The research was conducted in Independência, Ceará, Brazil, under the tropical semi-arid climate. A randomized block design in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme was employed, varying the ET0 estimation equations (HS and PM) and irrigation levels (0; 20; 40; 70; and 100% of total required irrigation—TRI). Growth, productivity, and water use efficiency variables were evaluated at 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment initiation. The economic analysis focused on added value, farmer income, and social reproduction level. The results showed no isolated effect of the equations or their interaction with irrigation depths on the analyzed variables, suggesting that irrigation management can be effectively performed using the simpler HS equation. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference between the means of 100% and 70% TRI as well as between 70% and 40% TRI for most variables. This indicates satisfactory crop yield under deficit irrigation. Dry matter productivity and farmer income at 12 months resulting from complementary irrigation with depths between 40% and 70% of TRI were significantly higher than under rainfed conditions. The 70% depth resulted in yields equivalent to those at 100% TRI, with the social reproduction level being achieved on 0.65 hectares in the second year.","author":[{"family":"Bezerra","given":"Francisco"},{"family":"Lacerda","given":"Claudivan"},{"family":"Giroldo","given":"Aelton"},{"family":"Cavalcante","given":"Eduardo"},{"family":"Michelon","given":"Nicola"},{"family":"Pennisi","given":"Giuseppina"},{"family":"Sales","given":"Jonnathan"},{"family":"Lessa","given":"Carla"},{"family":"Lima","given":"Sílvio"},{"family":"Lopes","given":"Fernando"},{"family":"Gianquinto","given":"Giorgio"},{"family":"Orsini","given":"Francesco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/agronomy14071445","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071445","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399286140","type":"article-journal","title":"From Zero to Hero: The Cyanide-Free Formation of Amino Acids and Amides from Acetylene, Ammonia and Carbon Monoxide in Aqueous Environments in a Simulated Hadean Scenario","abstract":"Amino acids are one of the most important building blocks of life. During the biochemical process of translation, cells sequentially connect amino acids via amide bonds to synthesize proteins, using the genetic information in messenger RNA (mRNA) as a template. From a prebiotic perspective (i.e., without enzymatic catalysis), joining amino acids to peptides via amide bonds is difficult due to the highly endergonic nature of the condensation reaction. We show here that amides can be formed in reactions catalyzed by the transition metal sulfides from acetylene, carbon monoxide and ammonia under aqueous conditions. Some α- and β-amino acids were also formed under the same conditions, demonstrating an alternative cyanide-free path for the formation of amino acids in prebiotic environments. Experiments performed with stable isotope labeled precursors, like 15NH4Cl and 13C-acetylene, enabled the accurate mass spectroscopic identification of the products formed from the starting materials and their composition. Reactions catalyzed using the transition metal sulfides seem to offer a promising alternative pathway for the formation of amides and amino acids in prebiotic environments, bypassing the challenges posed by the highly endergonic condensation reaction. These findings shed light on the potential mechanisms by which the building blocks of life could have originated on early Earth.","author":[{"family":"Seitz","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Geisberger","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"West","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Fertl","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Eisenreich","given":"Wolfgang"},{"family":"Huber","given":"Claudia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life14060719","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060719","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391173753","type":"article-journal","title":"Effect of TiO2 on the Microstructure and Flexural Strength of Lunar Regolith Simulant","abstract":"Lunar regolith is the preferred material for lunar base construction using in situ resource utilization technology. The TiO2 variations in lunar regolith collected from different locations significantly impact its suitability as a construction material. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the effects of TiO2 on the properties of lunar regolith. This study aims to evaluate the influence of TiO2 content and sintering temperature on phase transformation, microstructure, and macroscopic properties (e.g., the shrinkage rate, mechanical properties, and relative density) of lunar regolith simulant samples (CUG-1A). The flexural strength and relative density of the sample with a TiO2 content of 6 wt% sintered at 1100 °C reached 136.66 ± 4.92 MPa and 91.06%, which were 65% and 12.28% higher than those of the sample not doped with TiO2, respectively. The experiment demonstrated that the doped TiO2 not only reacted with Fe to form pseudobrookite (Fe2TiO5) but also effectively reduced the viscosity of the glass phase during heat treatment. As the sintering temperature increased, the particles underwent a gradual melting process, leading to a higher proportion of the liquid phase. The higher liquid-phase content had a positive impact on the diffusion of mass transfer, causing the voids and gaps between particles to shrink. This shrinkage resulted in greater density and, ultimately, improved the mechanical properties of the material.","author":[{"family":"Chen","given":"Junhao"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Haoming"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Zhe"},{"family":"Zong","given":"Xiao"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/cryst14020110","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14020110","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4396691708","type":"article-journal","title":"Base-pairing of uracil and 2,6-diaminopurine: from cocrystals to photoreactivity","abstract":"We show that the non-canonical nucleobase 2,6-diaminopurine (D) spontaneously base pairs with uracil (U) in water and the solid state without the need to be attached to the ribose-phosphate backbone. Depending on the reaction conditions, D and U assemble in thermodynamically stable hydrated and anhydrated D-U base-paired cocrystals. Under UV irradiation, an aqueous solution of D-U base-pair undergoes photochemical degradation, while a pure aqueous solution of U does not. Our simulations suggest that D may trigger the U photodimerization and show that complementary base-pairing modifies the photochemical properties of nucleobases, which might have implications for prebiotic chemistry.","author":[{"family":"Stolar","given":"Tomislav"},{"family":"Pearce","given":"Ben"},{"family":"Etter","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Truong","given":"Khai‐nghi"},{"family":"Ostojić","given":"Tea"},{"family":"Krajnc","given":"Andraž"},{"family":"Mali","given":"Gregor"},{"family":"Rossi","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Molčanov","given":"Krešimir"},{"family":"Lončarić","given":"Ivor"},{"family":"Meštrović","given":"Ernest"},{"family":"Užarević","given":"Krunoslav"},{"family":"Grisanti","given":"Luca"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.isci.2024.109894","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.109894","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403112988","type":"article-journal","title":"The Global Biogeochemical Cycle of Rhenium","abstract":"Abstract This paper is the first comprehensive synthesis of what is currently known about the different natural and anthropogenic fluxes of rhenium (Re) on Earth's surface. We highlight the significant role of anthropogenic mobilization of Re, which is an important consideration in utilizing Re in the context of a biogeochemical tracer or proxy. The largest natural flux of Re derives from chemical weathering and riverine transport to the ocean (dissolved = 62 × 106 g yr−1 and particulate = 5 × 106 g yr−1). This review reports a new global average [Re] of 16 ± 2 pmol L−1, or 10 ± 1 pmol L−1 for the inferred pre‐anthropogenic concentration without human impact, for rivers draining to the ocean. Human activity via mining (including secondary mobilization), coal combustion, and petroleum combustion mobilize approximately 560 × 106 g yr−1 Re, which is more than any natural flux of Re. There are several poorly constrained fluxes of Re that merit further research, including: submarine groundwater discharge, precipitation (terrestrial and oceanic), magma degassing, and hydrothermal activity. The mechanisms and the main host phases responsible for releasing (sources) or sequestrating (sinks) these fluxes remain poorly understood. This study also highlights the use of dissolved [Re] concentrations as a tracer of oxidation of petrogenic organic carbon, and stable Re isotopes as proxies for changes in global redox conditions.","author":[{"family":"Ghazi","given":"Layla"},{"family":"Grant","given":"KE"},{"family":"Chappaz","given":"Anthony"},{"family":"Danish","given":"Mohammed"},{"family":"Peuckerehrenbrink","given":"Bernhard"},{"family":"Pett-Ridge","given":"J"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2024gb008254","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2024gb008254","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407016505","type":"article-journal","title":"Binder Jetting of Lunar Regolith: 3D Printing and Densification","abstract":"The establishment of a human presence on the Moon necessitates the development of sustainable technologies for in-situ resource utilization, enabling the conversion of lunar resources into functional raw materials.Binder jetting is promising for employing regolith, the material found on the lunar surface, as a feedstock for additive manufacturing.This approach offers several advantages, such as the layer-by-layer creation of complex and customized structures catering to specific needs and functionalities, the potential for automation (minimizing the need for human intervention), and the simple processing of components without the need for high-energy sources as laser or electron beams.However, implementing binder jetting on the Moon presents unique challenges.The lunar regolith, with its extremely fine, jagged particles necessitates the optimization of the printing process and the understanding of densification mechanisms from a loosely packed green body to achieve the desired mechanical properties.In this study, an analysis of the printing parameters, such as layer thickness (50-100 µm), binder saturation (70-90%), and drying conditions, on the semi-finished and final components was performed to obtain a consistent and reliable fabrication of parts in terms of packing density and geometrical accuracy.The effect of feedstock granulometry and composition was considered to determine whether it affects the consolidation of parts.Regarding sintering, holding time and temperature were varied to assess the evolution of residual porosity and chemical composition according to the thermal treatment performed.Optical and scanning electron microscopies were employed to determine the distribution of voids, which were revealed to be correlated to the initial layerwise buildup of specimens.Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy combined with x-ray diffraction identified the formation and distribution of Al-, Si-, Fe-, and Ti-based oxides.Finally, preliminary mechanical testing was conducted to determine the strength of the densified components and anisotropic response owing to internal microstructural features.","author":[{"family":"Mariani","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Bertolini","given":"Francesco"},{"family":"Isachenkov","given":"Maxim"},{"family":"Galassi","given":"Carmen"},{"family":"Lecis","given":"N"},{"family":"Grande","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Sala","given":"Giuseppe"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.52202/078369-0078","URL":"https://doi.org/10.52202/078369-0078","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400013652","type":"article-journal","title":"An automatic peak deconvolution code for Raman spectra of carbonaceous material and a revised geothermometer for intermediate- to moderately high-grade metamorphism","abstract":"Abstract Carbonaceous material (CM) undergoes progressive changes that reflect its thermal history. These changes are in general irreversible and provide valuable information for understanding diagenetic and metamorphic processes of crustal rocks. Among various approaches to quantify these changes, the R2 ratio, area ratio of specific peaks in CM Raman spectra, is widely used to estimate the maximum temperature of intermediate- to moderately high-grade metamorphism. The calculation of the R2 ratio requires peak deconvolution of the original spectrum, and the results depend on the details of how this is carried out. However, a clear protocol for selecting appropriate initial conditions has not been established and obtaining a reliable temperature estimate depends at least in part on the experience and skill of the operator. In this study, we developed a Python code that automatically calculates the R2 ratio from CM Raman spectra. Our code produces R2 ratios that are generally in good agreement with those of Aoya et al. (J Metamorph Geol 28:895–914, 2010, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1314.2010.00896.x ) for the same Raman data, with much less time and effort than was the case in the previous studies. We have confirmed that the code is also applicable to other previous datasets from both contact and regional metamorphic regions. The overall trend of the recalculated data indicates that samples with R2 greater than ~ 0.7 are not sensitive to the changes in CM maturity and thus should not be used for the calibration of an R2-based geothermometer. We propose a modified geothermometer for contact metamorphism that is strictly applicable to samples with R2 from 0.023 to 0.516, with the proviso that a laser with a wavelength of 532 nm should be used. A slight extrapolation of the newly proposed geothermometer up to R2 of 0.57 provides a temperature estimate that is consistent with the geothermometer of Kaneki and Kouketsu (Island Arc 31:e12467, 2022; https://doi.org/10.1111/iar.12467 ); the boundary between the two geothermometers corresponds to a temperature of 391 °C.","author":[{"family":"Kaneki","given":"Shunya"},{"family":"Kouketsu","given":"Yui"},{"family":"Aoya","given":"Mutsuki"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Yoshihiro"},{"family":"Wallis","given":"Simon"},{"family":"Shimura","given":"Yusuke"},{"family":"Yamaoka","given":"Ken"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40645-024-00637-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40645-024-00637-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393048448","type":"article-journal","title":"Quantifying Uncertainty in Sustainable Biomass and Production of Biotic Carbon in Enceladus' Notional Methanogenic Biosphere","abstract":"Abstract Beneath Enceladus' ice crust lies an ocean which might host habitable conditions. Here, the scale and productivity of a notional Enceladean methanogenic biosphere are computed as a function of the core‐to‐ocean flux of hydrogen and the ratio between abiotic and biotic methane in Enceladus' space plume. Habitats with an ocean‐top pH range of 8–9 have up to 40%–60% probability of being energy‐limited. Those at pH > 9 are increasingly uninhabitable, and those <8.5 are increasingly likely to host exponential growth, possibly leading to compositional inconsistencies between the ocean and Cassini gas observations. In those cases, energy‐based habitability models cannot infer an inhabited Enceladus consistent with both Earth life and Cassini measurements without including additional microbial growth limiters such as nutrient limitation, toxicity, or spatial constraints. If methanogens are isolated to a 350 K seafloor habitat and consume 10 mol s−1 of H2, the most probable biomass is 103, 103.7 kg C with ocean‐top pH 8,9, respectively. Biomass production consistent with space plume fluxes is 104–106 kgC yr−1—milligrams of cellular carbon per kilogram of H2O ejected—but requires that >50% of the space plume methane is biotic. Alternative scenarios are presented, and biomass is generally lower when habitat temperature is higher. Ocean biomass density cannot yet be reliably estimated owing to uncertainties in the scale and physicochemical properties of Enceladus' putative habitats. Evaluating abiotic to biotic ratios in plume methane and organic material could help identify false negative results from life detection missions and constrain the scale of an underlying biosphere.","author":[{"family":"Higgins","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Weibin"},{"family":"Glein","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Lollar","given":"Barbara"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je008166","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je008166","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404493766","type":"article-journal","title":"Raman spectroscopy to evaluate precision of oxygen isotope ratio in calcite","abstract":"We measured Raman spectra of calcite at various exposure times using a spectrometer with two gratings (1800 and 1200 grooves/mm) to evaluate the precision of the relative ratio of Raman peaks (12C16O16O18O/12C16O3), which is attributed to 18O/16O. Preliminary calculations showed that the uncertainty in the Raman peak ratio is a function of the Raman peak intensity and the pixel resolution. The relation between the Raman peak ratio and the exposure time obtained with two gratings showed that the precisions of both the intensity and area ratio of the Raman peaks improved with increasing exposure time for both gratings, which is consistent with the calculations. However, for exposure time greater than approximately 90 s, the rate of improvement in precision with increasing exposure time decreased for both gratings. Continuous monitoring of the Raman peak ratio for more than 60 hr revealed that the decrease in precision improvement can be attributed to external factors such as room temperature fluctuation. Nevertheless, we obtained the best precision values of 2.69 ± 0.84‰ and 3.26 ± 0.74‰, respectively, for the 12C16O16O18O/12C16O3 intensity and area ratio when measuring using a 1200 grooves/mm grating and 900 s exposure time. Those findings are 70 times better than the best precision achieved to date. They might be applicable to studies using natural calcites with large oxygen isotopic variation.","author":[{"family":"Inoue","given":"Yuki"},{"family":"Kakisako","given":"Shōta"},{"family":"Yamamoto","given":"Junji"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.2343/geochemj.gj24023","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2343/geochemj.gj24023","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391886784","type":"article-journal","title":"Chondritic chlorine isotope composition of acapulcoites and lodranites","abstract":"Bulk rock chondrites and Earth's reservoirs share a common chlorine isotopic value, while more differentiated bodies such as the Moon or Vesta record significant chlorine isotopic fractionation in their Ca phosphates. As such, an important but scarcely studied parameter is the effect of melting and differentiation processes on chlorine concentration and isotopic composition of a planetesimal. Here we report chlorine abundances and isotopic compositions for apatite in a range of primitive achondrites, acapulcoites and lodranites. These meteorites originated from a parent body that experienced some partial melting, allowing an assessment of chlorine behaviour during the early stages of planetary evolution in the inner Solar System. Overall, while bulk rock estimates of F and Cl abundances are indicative of degassing during the early stages of partial melting, no chlorine isotopic fractionation is recorded in apatite. Consequently, acapulcoites and lodranites retain their chondritic precursor isotopic signature for chlorine.","author":[{"family":"Stephant","given":"A"},{"family":"Anand","given":"M"},{"family":"Carli","given":"Cristian"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Xiaolei"},{"family":"Davidson","given":"J"},{"family":"Cuppone","given":"Tiberio"},{"family":"Pratesi","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Franchi","given":"IA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.7185/geochemlet.2406","URL":"https://doi.org/10.7185/geochemlet.2406","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405872266","type":"article-journal","title":"Deep terrestrial indigenous microbial community dominated by Candidatus Frackibacter","abstract":"Abstract Characterizing deep subsurface microbial communities informs our understanding of Earth’s biogeochemistry as well as the search for life beyond the Earth. Here we characterized microbial communities within the Kidd Creek Observatory subsurface fracture water system with mean residence times of hundreds of millions to over one billion years. 16S rRNA analysis revealed that biosamplers well isolated from the mine environment were dominated by a putatively anaerobic and halophilic bacterial species from the Halobacteroidaceae family, Candidatus Frackibacter. Contrastingly, biosamplers and biofilms exposed to the mine environment contained aerobic Sphingomonas taxa. δ 13 C values of phospholipid fatty acids and putative functional predictions derived from 16S rRNA gene profiles, imply Candidatus Frackibacter may use carbon derived from ancient carbon-rich layers common in these systems. These results indicate that Candidatus Frackibacter is not unique to hydraulically fracked sedimentary basins but rather may be indigenous to a wide range of deep, saline groundwaters hosted in carbon-rich rocks.","author":[{"family":"Ford","given":"Sian"},{"family":"Slater","given":"GF"},{"family":"Engel","given":"Katja"},{"family":"Warr","given":"Oliver"},{"family":"Lollar","given":"Garnet"},{"family":"Brady","given":"Allyson"},{"family":"Neufeld","given":"Josh"},{"family":"Lollar","given":"Barbara"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-024-01966-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01966-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2608.25795","type":"manuscript","title":"STXM-XANES and TEM analysis of UltraCarbonaceous Antarctic MicroMeteorites (UCAMMs)","abstract":"The Concordia micrometeorite collection contains UltraCarbonaceous Antarctic MicroMeteorites (UCAMMs) of probable cometary origin. Eight FIB sections of UCAMMs were studied by Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy - X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure and (Scanning)Transmission Electronic Microscopy. Three different phases of organic matter (OM) exist in UCAMMs and small mineral aggregates are distributed in the OM. Two OMs share spectral features with those of insoluble organic matter (IOM) of carbonaceous chondrites and of cometary grains returned by the Stardust mission. The third OM is N-rich (N/C at. ratios up to 0.22) and has only a few equivalents in extraterrestrial OM analyzed so far, such as in cometary particles collected during the Stardust mission, Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDPs) and UCAMMs collected near the Dome Fuji Station. This N-rich OM could have formed by irradiation of N-rich ices in the outer regions of the protoplanetary disk. UCAMMs contain variable amounts of minerals, consisting of crystalline Mg-rich silicates, Fe(Ni) sulfides and Fe oxides, which can be cemented in a Si-rich groundmass. Hypocrystalline mineral assemblages are also observed. Glassy phases showing morphological resemblance to GEMS are also found in some UCAMMs. This mineralogy is mainly consistent with that of previous UCAMM analyses, and is close to what is observed in Chondritic Porous IDPs, which are also considered as cometary dust particles. A mineral exhibiting a phyllosilicate texture has been observed in this work, and raises the question of the possibility of aqueous alteration on comets. Overall, UCAMMs' mineralogical and organic characterization implies a complex formation history of UCAMMs, and the presence of large-scale radial mixing in the early solar system, to transport their mineral components to the outer parts of the protoplanetary disk.","author":[{"family":"Guérin","given":"B"},{"family":"Engrand","given":"C"},{"family":"Guillou","given":"CL"},{"family":"Leroux","given":"H"},{"family":"Dartois","given":"E"},{"family":"Duprat","given":"J"},{"family":"Bernard","given":"S"},{"family":"Benzerara","given":"K"},{"family":"Delauche","given":"L"},{"family":"Troadec","given":"D"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2608.25795","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2608.25795","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.c.8009449","type":"article-journal","title":"High-pressure and temperature investigation of silicic acid ± water with implications for the ice polymorphism, lunar moganite and diamonds growth media","abstract":"Abstract The polymorphism of ice has been widely investigated over the last decades, and the results were found to be applicable over a wide range of terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments with recent findings also among the mineral inclusions entrapped in natural diamonds. In this study, we investigated the behavior of solid [SiOx(OH)4-2x]n silicic acid under anhydrous and hydrous conditions at high pressure and temperature using the diamond anvil cell technique combined with both Raman and Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy. Firstly, we report the stability of silicic acid in the form of silica gel under anhydrous conditions up to about 7 GPa and 200 °C. In the presence of water employed as pressure medium, we observe the formation of ice VI and ice VII at lower pressures than previously reported in pure water systems. Each phase transition is documented by the optical images over compression/decompression and heating/cooling runs. Importantly, we report the decomposition of silicic acid to moganite and metastable quartz in the presence of ice polymorphs up to near 10 GPa and 200 °C and also recovered at ambient conditions along with H2Oliq. Main implications from this study span from planetary sciences to Earth’s deep mineralogy. For instance, the interior of ice giants might need to be revisited considering our enhanced stability of ice VII at lower pressures in the presence of tiny amount of free silica while the formation of moganite + quartz resembles the assemblage found in a lunar meteorite and provides a pressure–temperature range applicable to constrain impact conditions. Furthermore, the stability of silicic acid at high pressure(–temperature) can be taken as preliminary evidence that the formation of orthosilicic acid, such as that found around minerals entrapped in diamonds, might result from the dissolution of minerals (or melts) into acidic aqueous fluids.","author":[{"family":"Marras","given":"G"},{"family":"Lu","given":"Y"},{"family":"Stopponi","given":"V"},{"family":"Tao","given":"R"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Y"},{"family":"Stagno","given":"Vincenzo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.6084/m9.figshare.c.8009449","URL":"https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.8009449","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.c.8009449.v1","type":"article-journal","title":"High-pressure and temperature investigation of silicic acid ± water with implications for the ice polymorphism, lunar moganite and diamonds growth media","abstract":"Abstract The polymorphism of ice has been widely investigated over the last decades, and the results were found to be applicable over a wide range of terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments with recent findings also among the mineral inclusions entrapped in natural diamonds. In this study, we investigated the behavior of solid [SiOx(OH)4-2x]n silicic acid under anhydrous and hydrous conditions at high pressure and temperature using the diamond anvil cell technique combined with both Raman and Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy. Firstly, we report the stability of silicic acid in the form of silica gel under anhydrous conditions up to about 7 GPa and 200 °C. In the presence of water employed as pressure medium, we observe the formation of ice VI and ice VII at lower pressures than previously reported in pure water systems. Each phase transition is documented by the optical images over compression/decompression and heating/cooling runs. Importantly, we report the decomposition of silicic acid to moganite and metastable quartz in the presence of ice polymorphs up to near 10 GPa and 200 °C and also recovered at ambient conditions along with H2Oliq. Main implications from this study span from planetary sciences to Earth’s deep mineralogy. For instance, the interior of ice giants might need to be revisited considering our enhanced stability of ice VII at lower pressures in the presence of tiny amount of free silica while the formation of moganite + quartz resembles the assemblage found in a lunar meteorite and provides a pressure–temperature range applicable to constrain impact conditions. Furthermore, the stability of silicic acid at high pressure(–temperature) can be taken as preliminary evidence that the formation of orthosilicic acid, such as that found around minerals entrapped in diamonds, might result from the dissolution of minerals (or melts) into acidic aqueous fluids.","author":[{"family":"Marras","given":"G"},{"family":"Lu","given":"Y"},{"family":"Stopponi","given":"V"},{"family":"Tao","given":"R"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Y"},{"family":"Stagno","given":"Vincenzo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.6084/m9.figshare.c.8009449.v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.8009449.v1","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.15151/esrf-es-1207223896","type":"article-journal","title":"Crystal chemistry of phases forming super-Earth mantles","abstract":"Pressures and temperatures in extraterrestrial rocky planets can reach up to 4 TPa and up to 9000 K, conditions that are hardly accessible with current experimental methods. This limitation leads to the problem of finding appropriate proxy compounds for high-pressure minerals. Therefore the ultimate goal of this proposal is reveal the role of iron oxides as structural prototypes for high-pressure silicates at pressure up to 200 GPa and temperatures up to 3000 K. We are going to synthesize iron silicates at these conditions, determine their crystal structure and compressional behavior, and characterize the oxidation and spin state of iron atoms.","author":[{"family":"Bykov","given":"Maxim"},{"family":"Jurzick","given":"Pascal"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Wenju"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.15151/esrf-es-1207223896","URL":"https://doi.org/10.15151/esrf-es-1207223896","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W4412043099","type":"article-journal","title":"In Memoriam: Bevan M. French (March 8, 1937–May 10, 2025)","abstract":"Bevan French (Figure 1) is most widely known for his pioneering work in planetary science and the field of impact cratering. He was one of the early workers on terrestrial impact materials along with Gene Shoemaker, Robert Dietz, Nick Short, Richard Grieve, Mike Dence, Dieter Stöffler, Ed Chao, and others. Throughout his career, Bevan was a champion for impact science, particularly centered on petrography and geologic observations at terrestrial craters. His 1998 book, Traces of Catastrophe, published by the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, is still used today in classrooms across the world as one of the standard introduction texts for impact cratering. Bevan French was born on March 8, 1937, in East Orange, NJ, USA. At age 15, he was already actively involved in collecting rare minerals at Franklin, NJ, for his own mineral studies group. A few years later, in 1954, his minerals got him into the Top 40 of the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, which also led to a summer job at the National Bureau of Standards during the same year. He obtained an A.B. degree in geology from Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA (1958), a M.S. in geochemistry from the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA (1960), and a Ph.D. in geology at The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA (1964), with a thesis titled “Stability of Siderite, FeCO3, and Progressive Metamorphism of Iron Formation,” on metamorphic petrology of iron formations in the Minnesota Iron Range. At a geological conference in Minneapolis in the mid-60s, Bevan gave a talk about his thesis work which attracted a smart lady geologist who was working for an iron-mining company. Two years later, in 1967, they married. Mary-Hill French became a close partner in editing Bevan's manuscripts and joined in all the travels around the world, in a total of 32 different countries (Figure 2). Bevan joked about robbing the cradle: Bevan was much younger. Together, they supported young investigators interested in terrestrial impacts until her passing in 2019 at the age of 102. Amusingly, Bevan's work in the 1960s on the Iron Range was done well before recognition of the Sudbury as an impact structure and the subsequent discovery of Sudbury ejecta in the Iron Range. In recent years, Bevan joked about how, 50 years later, he was returning to his geologic roots with renewed interest in Sudbury and associated rocks on the Canadian Shield. Bevan's work on Sudbury, starting in the mid to late 1960s, was essential in confirming the impact origin of this structure. Starting with his pioneering work on shock-metamorphic studies, especially on quartz, in the later 1960s, he then collaborated with several colleagues to provide evidence for the impact origin of several other promising structures around the world, such as Rochechouart, B.P., Oasis, Tenoumer, Aouelloul, Araguainha, and Serra da Canghala. His impact pedigree is actually shared: he is a distant cousin of Don Gault, another pioneer in impact studies, and he would greet Don as “cuz” at conferences. After graduating from Johns Hopkins Bevan quickly turned toward planetary science and joined NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in 1964. There he continued working on impact cratering and co-convened a conference on terrestrial impacts and co-edited with Nicholas M. Short the “Shock Metamorphism of Natural Materials” monograph, the so-called “green bible of impact cratering,” where much of the establishing work of impact cratering was presented. In 1968 he was on leave as a visiting professor at Dartmouth College (NH, USA), to teach courses on igneous petrology and terrestrial impact structures. Bevan then joined the Apollo Program as a co-investigator on Apollo 11 and 12 samples, and as a trainer for astronauts of the Apollo 16 and 17 missions. He was involved in some of the first publications on lunar glasses in the early 1970s and continued to also work on lunar materials. In 1991, he co-edited, with Grant Heiken and Dave Van","author":[{"family":"Jaret","given":"SJ"},{"family":"Schultz","given":"PH"},{"family":"Ferrière","given":"L"},{"family":"Koeberl","given":"Christian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.70010","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.70010","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410099129","type":"article-journal","title":"Oued Chebeika 002: A new CI1 meteorite linked to outer solar system bodies","abstract":"Abstract CI1 chondrites are rare meteorites with high scientific value. In fact, they are the most chemically primitive meteorites and show evidence of intense parent‐body aqueous alteration. They also share strong similarities with samples from Ryugu and Bennu asteroids returned by the JAXA Hayabusa2 and NASA's OSIRIS‐REx missions. In this work, we present a detailed study of the Oued Chebeika 002 meteorite, a ~420 g CI1 chondrite found in Morocco in 2024. We describe its petrography, texture, and mineralogy, with a focus on clay mineralogy. We provide the bulk and mineral chemical composition, as well as the bulk oxygen, iron, and chromium isotopic compositions. Spectroscopic properties were studied by means of infrared and Raman spectroscopies. We also measured the density, grain density and magnetic properties. Our results confirm that Oued Chebeika 002 is a CI1 chondrite, with close similarities to the other five know CI1 chondrites, and samples from Ryugu and Bennu asteroids. Several lines of evidence indicate that Oued Chebeika 002 has suffered no significant terrestrial alteration. It is more pristine in that regard than Alais, Orgueil and Ivuna CI1 chondrites, and more similar to samples from asteroids Ryugu and Bennu. Subtle differences exist between Oued Chebeika 002 and other CI1 chondrites that cannot be accounted for by terrestrial alteration of the latter. For instance, olivine and calcite were not observed. It is also noteworthy that the magnetic mineral assemblage of Oued Chebeika 002 is significantly different from that of Alais, Ivuna and Orgueil, but undiscernible from that of Ryugu samples. Chromium and iron isotopic composition of Oued Chebeika 002 confirms that CI1 chondrites, like Ryugu samples, are distinct from meteorites belonging to the non‐carbonaceous and carbonaceous isotopic groups and may have originated from the same region where ice giant planets and Oort Cloud comets were formed.","author":[{"family":"Gattacceca","given":"J"},{"family":"Gounelle","given":"M"},{"family":"Devouard","given":"Bertrand"},{"family":"Barrat","given":"Jean‐alix"},{"family":"Bonal","given":"L"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Maurel","given":"Clara"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Roskosz","given":"Mathieu"},{"family":"Viennet","given":"Jean‐christophe"},{"family":"Mukherjee","given":"Debarun"},{"family":"Dauphas","given":"Nicolas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14359","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14359","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406706180","type":"article-journal","title":"A promising view to the Moon: Anticipations for Tianwen-2 samples returned from Kamo’oalewa","abstract":"The exploration of asteroids has received increasing attention since the 1990s because of the unique information these objects contain about the history of the early solar system. Quasi-satellites are a population of asteroids that co-orbit closely with, but are outside the gravitational control of, the planet. So far, only five Earth quasi-satellites have been recognized, among which (469219) Kamo’oalewa (provisionally designated as 2016 HO3) is currently considered the most stable and the closest of these. However, little is known about this particular asteroid or this class of near-Earth asteroids because of the difficulties of observing them. China has announced that Tianwen-2, the asteroid sample-return mission to Kamo’oalewa, will be launched in 2025. Here, we review the current knowledge of Kamo’oalewa in terms of its physical characteristics, dynamic evolution, surface environment, and origin, and we propose possible breakthroughs that the samples could bring concerning the asteroid Kamo’oalewa as an Earth quasi-satellite. Confirming the origin of Kamo’oalewa, from its prevailing provenance as debris of the Moon, could be a promising start to inferring the evolutionary history of the Moon. This history would probably include a more comprehensive view of the lunar farside and the origin of the asymmetry between the two sides of the Moon. Comparing the samples from the Moon and Kamo’oalewa would also provide new insights into the Earth wind.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"WJ"},{"family":"Wei","given":"Yong"},{"family":"Li","given":"Jian‐yang"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Wei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.26464/epp2025015","URL":"https://doi.org/10.26464/epp2025015","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409175576","type":"article-journal","title":"OU ‐9: A Potential Reference Material with High 87Rb / 86Sr and 87Sr / 86Sr for Data Quality Control and Method Validation in ID ‐ MS Rb‐Sr Geochronology","abstract":"The use of ID‐MS (ID‐TIMS/MC‐ICP‐MS) techniques to characterise reference materials (RM) with high Rb/Sr and 87Sr/86Sr for in situ LA‐ICP‐MS‐MS Rb‐Sr geochronology is highly important. However, there is a lack of well‐characterised RMs with high Rb/Sr and 87Sr/86Sr ratios to effectively monitor data quality for ID‐TIMS/MC‐ICP‐MS Rb‐Sr geochronology. In this study, a pegmatite RM, OU‐9, was comprehensively characterised using ID‐TIMS/MC‐ICP‐MS techniques. Measurements undertaken on OU‐9 yielded mass fractions of 2494 ± 22 μg g‐1 for Rb, 36.05 ± 0.25 μg g‐1 for Sr, as well as isotope ratios of 832.4 ± 5.2 for 87Rb/86Sr and 32.60 ± 0.19 for 87Sr/86Sr. Despite the presence of inhomogeneity within and between RM sachets, regarding Rb‐Sr isotope systematics at sampling scales of ~ 10 mg and even 0.2 g, 87Rb/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr values derived from the analyses align well along the reference isochron. This alignment yields a model age of ~ 2650 Ma with an initial 87Sr/86Sr of ~ 1.2. We advocate that OU‐9 could serve as a potential RM for ID‐TIMS/MC‐ICP‐MS Rb‐Sr data quality control for materials characterised by high 87Rb/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr ratios. The data quality of individual measurement results can be assessed based on their fit to the correlation line.","author":[{"family":"Chu","given":"Zhu‐yin"},{"family":"Cui","given":"Tianqi"},{"family":"Meisel","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Li","given":"Youlian"},{"family":"Li","given":"Chao"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Lei"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Yue‐heng"},{"family":"Peng","given":"Peng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/ggr.12607","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/ggr.12607","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411896659","type":"article-journal","title":"Using Machine Learning and Analytical Modeling to Predict Poly-Crystalline PV Performance in Jordan","abstract":"This study investigates the performance prediction of poly-crystalline photovoltaic (PV) systems in Jordan using experimental data, analytical models, and machine learning approaches. Two 5 kWp grid-connected PV systems at Applied Science Private University in Amman were analyzed: one south-oriented and another east–west (EW)-oriented. Both systems are fixed at an 11° tilt angle. Linear regression, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), ElasticNet, and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were employed for performance prediction. Among these, linear regression outperformed the others due to its accuracy, interpretability, and computational efficiency, making it an effective baseline model. LASSO and ElasticNet were also explored for their regularization benefits in managing feature relevance and correlation. ANNs were utilized to capture complex nonlinear relationships, but their performance was limited, likely because of the small sample size and lack of temporal dynamics. Regularization and architecture choices are discussed in this paper. For the EW system, linear regression predicted an annual yield of 1510.45 kWh/kWp with a 2.1% error, compared to 1433.9 kWh/kWp analytically (3.12% error). The south-oriented system achieved 1658.15 kWh/kWp with a 1.5% error, outperforming its analytical estimate of 1772.9 kWh/kWp (7.89% error). Productivity gains for the south-facing system reached 23.64% (analytical), 10.43% (experimental), and 9.77% (predicted). These findings support the technical and economic assessment of poly-crystalline PV deployment in Jordan and regions with similar climatic conditions.","author":[{"family":"Faouri","given":"Sinan"},{"family":"Abdallah","given":"Salah"},{"family":"Salameh","given":"D"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/en18133458","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133458","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410200601","type":"article-journal","title":"Comment on egusphere-2025-928","abstract":"Abstract. In this study, we investigate the diffusivity of cosmogenic 3He in a variety of plagioclase and pyroxene compositions, and its application to paleothermometry and exposure dating in these minerals, through stepwise degassing experiments. While cosmogenic 3He has been utilized for exposure dating in pyroxene for decades due to its retentivity, plagioclase, often found along with pyroxene in mafic rocks, is generally less retentive of cosmogenic noble gas. However, the diffusivity of 3He in either plagioclase or pyroxene has not yet been measured quantitatively. A challenge in measuring diffusion kinetics by step-degassing experiments in poorly retentive minerals is the fact that significant amounts of He can be lost prior to the experiment. To address this issue, we apply a forward ‘multiple diffusion domain’ (MDD) inversion model that includes model predictions of initial gas loss during irradiation and storage of the samples to account for this observation and add constraints to the diffusion parameters. We find that 3He diffusivity in plagioclase appears to be highly variable. This variability can be explained by the MDD inversion models’ inability to constrain the diffusion parameters when significant gas has been lost during irradiation and/or prolonged storage prior to experiment analysis, resulting in an overestimation of 3He retentivity. Plagioclase samples that were kept frozen after irradiation to limit the initial gas loss yielded the most reliable estimate of diffusion kinetics. We find that 3He in plagioclase is diffusively lost at Earth’s surface temperatures on a timescale of hundred years, and therefore, unsuitable for surface temperature paleothermometry. Contrary, we find cosmogenic 3He in pyroxene to be retentive at Earth’s surface temperatures on a million-year-timescale.","author":[{"family":"Bergelin","given":"Marie"},{"family":"Gorin","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Balco","given":"Greg"},{"family":"Cassata","given":"William"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/egusphere-2025-928-rc1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-928-rc1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.22002/vxejt-8nh90","type":"article-journal","title":"Shortwave Infrared Microimaging Spectroscopy of the Martian Meteorites Dataset","abstract":"Until samples from the Martian surface are successfully brought to Earth, meteorites represent the only opportunity to perform laboratory analyses on Martian material. Microimaging spectroscopy of the Martian meteorite suite provides a valuable means to better understand infrared data collected remotely from the Martian surface. This rapid and non-destructive method surveys compositional and textural relationships within and between meteorites samples. We expand upon existing documentation of the spectral variability of the Martian meteorites by presenting a publicly accessible dataset of over 1.2 million 1.0-2.5 µm spectra at 250 µm/pixel scale, from 144 imaged faces of 78 pieces of 54 distinctly named Martian meteorites. These meteorites include 2 chassignites, 6 nakhlites, 43 shergottites, 2 polymict breccias and 1 orthopyroxenite. Analysis of the spectral diversity results in the definition of 17 spectral classes on the basis of 1) color properties of the samples in false color with channels identified at spectrally significant wavelengths for mafic mineralogy, 2) a 3-step classification process comprised of a two-step unconstrained (orthogonal) Sequential Maximum Angle Convex Cone (SMACC) endmember extraction, Spectral Angle Mapping (SAM), and consolidation of the endmembers and their classified spectra into mineralogically significant groups, 3) band center position of the pyroxene 2 µm absorption, and 4) distribution and abundance of hydration/hydroxylation absorptions at 1.4 and 1.9 µm. Careful inspection of the spectra and processed data revealed compositional textures that are invisible to the naked eye, rare spectral phases, two distinct populations of high-calcium pyroxenes, and evidence of secondary aqueous alteration.","author":[{"family":"Miura","given":"Jasper"},{"family":"Ehlmann","given":"Bethany"},{"family":"Greenberger","given":"Rebecca"},{"family":"Cutts","given":"Elise"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.22002/vxejt-8nh90","URL":"https://doi.org/10.22002/vxejt-8nh90","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.48420/29126567.v3","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy, bulk and mineral geochemistry, geochronology, and noble gas isotope data for the Néma 001 meteorite","abstract":"Supplementary Tables accompanying the paper \" Petrogenesis of Néma 001, an alkali-rich meteorite from the acapulcoite-lodranite parent body \".The spreadsheet contains the following tabs:Table S1. Bulk ICP-MSTable S2. EPMA analysesTable S3. LA-ICP-MS protocol - TracesTable S4. LA-ICP-MS silicates - allTable S5. LA-ICP-MS protocol - DatingTable S6. Apatite U-Pb datingTable S7. LA-ICP-MS apatite - allTable S8. Al-Mg datingTable S9. Ne isotopesTable S10. Ar isotopesTable S11. Mineral chemistry (average mineral chemical compositions and recalculated bulk rock composition)Table S12. MELTS modellingFull citation: Tartèse, R., Gattacceca, J., Avice, G., Beck, P., Devouard, B., Debaille, V., Fawcett, L., Hublet, G., Joy, K., Sonzogni, C., &amp; Villeneuve, J. (2025). Petrogenesis of Néma 001, an alkali-rich meteorite from the acapulcoite-lodranite parent body. Advances in Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, 1(2), 776. https://doi.org/10.33063/agc.v1i2.776","author":[{"family":"Tartese","given":"Romain"},{"family":"Gattacceca","given":"Jérome"},{"family":"Avice","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Devouard","given":"Bertrand"},{"family":"Debaille","given":"Vinciane"},{"family":"Fawcett","given":"Lydia"},{"family":"Hublet","given":"Geneviève"},{"family":"Joy","given":"Katherine"},{"family":"Sonzogni","given":"Corinne"},{"family":"Villeneuve","given":"Johan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.48420/29126567.v3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48420/29126567.v3","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.48420/29126567","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy, bulk and mineral geochemistry, geochronology, and noble gas isotope data for the Néma 001 meteorite","abstract":"Supplementary Tables accompanying the paper \" Petrogenesis of Néma 001, an alkali-rich meteorite from the acapulcoite-lodranite parent body \".The spreadsheet contains the following tabs:Table S1. Bulk ICP-MSTable S2. EPMA analysesTable S3. LA-ICP-MS protocol - TracesTable S4. LA-ICP-MS silicates - allTable S5. LA-ICP-MS protocol - DatingTable S6. Apatite U-Pb datingTable S7. LA-ICP-MS apatite - allTable S8. Al-Mg datingTable S9. Ne isotopesTable S10. Ar isotopesTable S11. Mineral chemistry (average mineral chemical compositions and recalculated bulk rock composition)Table S12. MELTS modellingFull citation: Tartèse, R., Gattacceca, J., Avice, G., Beck, P., Devouard, B., Debaille, V., Fawcett, L., Hublet, G., Joy, K., Sonzogni, C., &amp; Villeneuve, J. (2025). Petrogenesis of Néma 001, an alkali-rich meteorite from the acapulcoite-lodranite parent body. Advances in Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry, 1(2), 776. https://doi.org/10.33063/agc.v1i2.776","author":[{"family":"Tartese","given":"Romain"},{"family":"Gattacceca","given":"Jérome"},{"family":"Avice","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Devouard","given":"Bertrand"},{"family":"Debaille","given":"Vinciane"},{"family":"Fawcett","given":"Lydia"},{"family":"Hublet","given":"Geneviève"},{"family":"Joy","given":"Katherine"},{"family":"Sonzogni","given":"Corinne"},{"family":"Villeneuve","given":"Johan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.48420/29126567","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48420/29126567","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.15151/esrf-es-1108359197","type":"article-journal","title":"Phasons in natural quasicrystals.","abstract":"The discovery of the natural quasicrystals icosahedrite (Al63Cu24Fe13) in 2009 opened a new frontier in mineralogy. The quasicrystals were found in a meteorite formed in the earliest moments of the solar system which means these processes were active 4.5 billion years ago. Using the ID28 side station beam line we propose to fully characterise the structural quality of this natural quasicrystal. In particular we will quantify the eventual amount of phason strain and phason fluctuations by precise measurement of Bragg peak position and width, and the presence of eventual diffuse scattering. The results will be compared to measurements on a single grain quasicrystal grown with the same composition in the laboratory.","author":[{"family":"Bindi","given":"Luca"},{"family":"De Boissieu","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Formisano","given":"Ferdinando"},{"family":"Paolasini","given":"Luigi"},{"family":"Takakura","given":"Hiroyuki"},{"family":"Yamada","given":"Tsunetomo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.15151/esrf-es-1108359197","URL":"https://doi.org/10.15151/esrf-es-1108359197","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/life16030497","type":"article-journal","title":"Chemical Routes to Primitive Membranes: Prebiotic Lipid Formation at the Origin of Life.","abstract":"The origin of life is, to the best of our knowledge, impossible to imagine without the formation of complex prebiotic biomolecules such as RNA, DNA, proteins and lipids. Lipids play a crucial role in the spontaneous formation of cell membranes, which are responsible for cell integrity, compartmentalization, selective permeability, and providing a microenvironment for biochemical reactions. The goal of the current work is to summarize the current state of the art regarding the abiotic formation of membrane building blocks, such as glycerol, fatty acids, and their phosphorylated version as phospholipid precursors. We describe the necessity of a systems chemistry approach for the complexification and expansion of the prebiotic network, enabling the formation of several membranogenic precursors. We also discuss prebiotic pathways for phosphorylation and acylation that could lead to phospholipid availability in hydrothermal environments and on the early Earth surface. We conclude with the possible spontaneous vesiculation of these molecules as a primitive version of the cell membrane. Thus, we present a comprehensive perspective on prebiotic vesicle formation, starting from simple molecules and developing until the self-assembly of vesicles.","author":[{"family":"Shvetsova","given":"Anastasiia"},{"family":"Fiore","given":"M"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life16030497","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life16030497","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1093/nsr/nwaf281","type":"article-journal","title":"Recent progress and future prospects of the early solar system chronology.","abstract":"We review the developments in isotope chronology of the oldest extraterrestrial materials achieved in the last 10-15 years, with emphasis on high precision U-Pb and extinct radionuclide dating, and on application of these methods to the materials that formed in the first 7 million years after formation of proto-Sun, the time during which the gas and dust in the protoplanetary disc accreted or dissipated, and planetesimals and protoplanets formed. The analytical precision of isotopic dates now allows resolving events that occurred within 100 000-300 000 years of each other. The main challenges currently faced by isotope cosmochronology are matching the achieved precision with a similar level of accuracy, adapting to the growing evidence of complex isotope heterogeneity of the protoplanetary disc, extracting ages of individual events from complex rocks, and responding to growing quantity, quality and diversity of recently discovered meteorites and samples returned by space missions.","author":[{"family":"Amelin","given":"Yuri"},{"family":"Yin","given":"Qing‐zhu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1093/nsr/nwaf281","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwaf281","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1128/aem.01778-24","type":"article-journal","title":"An astrobiological perspective on microbial biofilms: their importance for habitability and production of detectable and lasting biosignatures.","abstract":"The search for life elsewhere in the universe has remained one of the main goals of astrobiological exploration. In this quest, extreme environments on Earth have served as analogs to study the potential habitability of Mars and icy moons, which include but are not limited to hydrothermal vent systems, acid lakes, deserts, and polar ice, among others. Within the various forms that life manifests, biofilms constitute one of the most widespread phenotypes and are ubiquitous in extreme environments. Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms enclosed in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that protect against unfavorable and dynamic conditions. These concentrated structures and their associated chemistry may serve as unique and persistent signatures of life processes that may aid in their detection. Here we propose biofilms as a model system to understand the habitability of extraterrestrial systems and as sources of recognizable and persistent biosignatures for life detection. By testing these ideas in extreme analog environments on Earth, this approach could be used to guide and focus future exploration of samples encompassing the geologic record of early Earth as well as other planets and moons of our solar system.","author":[{"family":"Gonzalez-Henao","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Schrenk","given":"Matthew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1128/aem.01778-24","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.01778-24","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1739143","type":"article-journal","title":"Extreme thermal environments: reservoirs of industrially important thermozymes.","abstract":"Extreme thermal environments, both natural (e.g., hot springs, fumaroles, geysers, mud pots, deep-sea hydrothermal vents) and man-made (e.g., compost heaps, sawdust, coal refuse piles), are rich sources of thermophilic microorganisms, including Bacteria and Archaea. These organisms possess unique adaptations that allow survival and metabolic activity at elevated temperatures, making them valuable sources of thermostable and thermoactive enzymes. This review synthesizes current knowledge on thermophiles, including their phylogeny, adaptation mechanisms, and cultivation strategies. We discuss the industrial applications of thermozymes, such as DNA polymerases and other thermostable enzymes, and highlight the role of genomics, systems biology, and bioinformatics in accelerating enzyme discovery. The review also addresses the astrobiological relevance of thermophiles as models for life in extreme extraterrestrial environments and emphasizes the importance of conservation and sustainable use of natural thermal habitats. Collectively, this overview provides a comprehensive perspective on the ecological, biotechnological, and fundamental research significance of thermophiles and their enzymes.","author":[{"family":"Pandey","given":"Anita"},{"family":"Dhakar","given":"Kusum"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2025.1739143","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1739143","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3389/fchem.2026.1774797","type":"article-journal","title":"Shock-induced nucleation of nanophase Fe-Ni alloy and its implications for interstellar iron reservoirs.","abstract":"Shock waves are ubiquitous in star-forming regions, protoplanetary disks, and cometary environments, yet their role in processing refractory metals remains poorly understood. Here, we show that laboratory shock-tube experiments produce nanophase Fe–Ni alloy from Fe and Ni powders under conditions resembling low-velocity (1–2 km/s) dust-heating shocks in the interstellar medium and cometary comae. The reflected-shock temperature exceeds 6000 K, and pressures reach around 14.5 bar, persisting for about 2–3 ms and completely vapourising the metal powders into an atomic vapour. Subsequent rarefaction drives a catastrophic thermal quench at ∼10 6 K/s, inducing direct vapour-phase condensation of bcc kamacite (α-Fe‐Ni) without an intervening taenite phase. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement confirm a homogeneous kamacite solid solution, while FESEM reveals octagonal to sub-spherical particles consistent with condensation from transient vapour/melt droplets. HRTEM, SAED, and FFT analyses reveal well-ordered bcc lattices and high densities of dislocations and deformation twins, suggesting rapid quench crystallisation under extreme non-equilibrium conditions. HAADF–STEM and EDS mapping show atomic-scale compositional uniformity, with Fe:Ni ratios closely matching the initial composition. The microstructures, compositions, and sizes of these shock-synthesised nanophase Fe-Ni alloy particles closely resemble nanophase metals observed in GEMS-bearing IDPs and Wild 2 samples, aligning with Ni-enriched metal vapour inferred from Fe I and Ni I detections in cometary comae. Our results demonstrate that transient, low-velocity shocks can produce nanophase Fe–Ni metal with meteoritic and cometary characteristics, establishing a strong mechanistic link between metal vapour chemistry, dust reprocessing, and the formation of nanoscale kamacite in primitive solar system and interstellar materials.","author":[{"family":"Selvaraj","given":"P"},{"family":"Chandrasekaran","given":"Vijayanand"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fchem.2026.1774797","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2026.1774797","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1093/femsmc/xtag015","type":"article-journal","title":"Ammonia as a parameter shaping habitability on icy moons.","abstract":"The search for life now extends beyond the traditional habitable zone to include the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn. These moons feature ice-covered surfaces overlying substantial oceans formed primarily of liquid water and other potential constituents, such as ammonia. On Earth, ammonia supports biochemistry at low concentrations by providing nitrogen but becomes disruptive at higher concentrations. Ammonia could therefore influence the habitability of extraterrestrial oceans, yet this topic has received limited attention in the literature. This review synthesises current research on ammonia in Saturn's icy moons, Enceladus and Titan, and its effects on terrestrial life. We summarize the celestial incorporation, speciation, and phase behaviour of ammonia and review data on its occurrence and concentration in icy moon oceans. We examine the role of ammonia in prebiotic chemistry, biochemistry, and toxicity. Focusing on bacteria, we compare known survival limits in ammonia to estimated ammonia concentrations on Enceladus and Titan. We find that bacterial survival limits exceed concentrations estimated on Enceladus, but are below those estimated on Titan, and propose that ammonia measurements are crucial for assessing extraterrestrial habitability. Finally, we highlight outstanding knowledge gaps and challenges that influence our understanding of how ammonia shapes the potential for life beyond Earth.","author":[{"family":"Hopton","given":"Cassie"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1093/femsmc/xtag015","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/femsmc/xtag015","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2404257121","type":"article-journal","title":"A tale of two planets: Disparate evolutionary models for Mars inferred from radiogenic isotope compositions of Martian meteorites.","abstract":"The radiogenic isotopic compositions of basaltic Martian meteorites (shergottites) and clinopyroxene/olivine cumulate meteorites (nakhlite/chassignites) are used to define the global evolution of Mars. However, the two main groups of meteorites demonstrate that their sources underwent divergent styles of magmatic evolution. The shergottites portray a planet that differentiated ~4.52 billion years ago via solidification of a magma ocean, producing incompatible element-depleted and -enriched reservoirs that remained isolated until melt production. In contrast, the reservoir from which the nakhlite/chassignites derive may have formed earlier, produced melts that fractionated Sm/Nd and Hf/W differently, was compositionally less variable, and experienced a significantly more complex history following primordial differentiation than the shergottite sources. The disparate histories recorded by these two groups of meteorites elucidate important questions that could be addressed by acquiring additional samples. Obtaining samples that shared the isotopic systematics of the shergottites would provide confidence that extrapolating the primordial differentiation history of Mars from shergottite radiogenic isotope systematics is reasonable. Returned samples from Mars will also constrain the physical locations of the meteorite source regions, providing insights into the general structure of the Martian mantle. In addition, they will help constrain the phases present in the martian mantle during melting and the conditions under which they are stable. Finally, identifying an evolved lithology that satisfies the geochemical and isotopic constraints placed on the incompatible element-enriched endmember observed in the shergottites would define the nature of magmatic evolution on Mars and whether it is more akin to processes on the Earth or the Moon.","author":[{"family":"Borg","given":"LE"},{"family":"Kruijer","given":"TS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2404257121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2404257121","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/life15050717","type":"article-journal","title":"Life on Venus?","abstract":"Venus is not generally at the forefront when considering extraterrestrial life. Yet, based on the physical similarities and proximity to Earth and with the little knowledge of its evolutionary history, there is a possibility that Venus may have hosted life in the past on the surface if Venus had liquid water and perhaps even has water present in the clouds today. While the early suggestions during the beginning of the space exploration about life on Venus were mostly speculative due to limited data, recent interest has arisen from realizations: (i) the unexplained ultraviolet absorption spectrum of Venus resembles many organics, (ii) there is chemical disequilibria in the cloud layer, (iii) the cloud aerosols likely contain significant abundances of hydrated iron and magnesium sulfates, and (iv) the solar radiation received in the cloud layer contains the appropriate wavelengths and flux to support phototrophy. Considering the extreme environmental survival of many terrestrial microorganisms, the possibility remains that any extant life on Venus in the past could have adapted to survival in the cloud layer far above the surface where energy and nutrients are available, but the precise compositions of the cloud particles and water availability are still uncertain. The key to solving the mystery of life on Venus is to determine if Venus had liquid water on the surface in its past and to measure the precise chemical composition of the Venus atmosphere and the cloud particles. Missions which will be launched in the next few years will provide much needed data that should provide some answers we seek and will surely raise more questions. This perspective reviews recent developments.","author":[{"family":"Limaye","given":"SS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life15050717","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life15050717","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1007/s44371-026-00835-x","type":"article-journal","title":"Various inorganic phosphorus species in prebiotic Earth and extraterrestrial settings.","abstract":"Phosphorus (P) is a critical element for life, yet its primary geochemical form-orthophosphate-is poorly soluble and unreactive under early Earth conditions, presenting the longstanding \"phosphate problem\" in prebiotic chemistry. In this brief review, we give an overview of various prebiotic P sources from geochemical viewpoint. We then also discuss the feasibility of reactive P-N species in aqueous ammoniacal solutions on the early Earth. This review article also suggests the formation of inorganic P-N species in aqueous solutions. Reduced phosphorus compounds, such as phosphite produced by schreibersite corrosion and other terrestrial processes, as well as condensed phosphates and phosphites like trimetaphosphate and pyrophosphite, can react with aqueous ammonia under anoxic (or even oxic) conditions to yield amidophosphates and amidophosphites. These P-N species are more soluble, highly reactive toward organic substrates, and capable of driving phosphorylation under mild environmental conditions. Serving early Earth as an example, we further explore the potential for similar chemistry beyond Earth, particularly in ammonia-bearing aqueous environments on Mars, Enceladus, and other ocean worlds where reduced phosphorus and hydrothermal systems may coexist. We also briefly discuss the recent findings of various P species in asteroids Ryugu and Bennu. We further suggest that P-N chemistry could represent a widely accessible route to organophosphorus compounds, with important implications for the emergence of life in diverse habitable settings.","author":[{"family":"Gull","given":"Maheen"},{"family":"Cruz","given":"Harold"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s44371-026-00835-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s44371-026-00835-x","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/life16020240","type":"article-journal","title":"Complex and Messy Prebiotic Chemistry: Obstacles and Opportunities for an RNA World.","abstract":"Traditional prebiotic chemistry experiments often isolated single reactions under clean, controlled conditions, yet early Earth was chemically diverse and physically dynamic. Such primordial complexity likely imposed obstacles, including side reactions, low yields, and unstable intermediates, but it also generated opportunities, including redundant routes, parallel pathways, and environmental filters that could bias mixtures toward subsets of persistent and chemically productive compounds. This review examines how heterogeneous prebiotic settings could generate RNA precursors, including nucleobases, ribose, and phosphate-containing species, through multiple concurrent pathways. Although side reactions can sequester carbon in inert tars and reduce yields of specific targets, networked chemistry can also enhance robustness when different routes converge on shared intermediates, or when apparent byproducts reenter productive cycles. Environmental factors such as ultraviolet irradiation, mineral surfaces, wet-dry cycling, and thermal gradients can act as constraints that enrich certain products by differential stability, reactivity, and compartmentalization. In this context, the RNA world hypothesis remains compelling, as RNA can store heritable sequence information and catalyze reactions through sequence dependent folding, thereby linking heredity and chemistry within a single polymer. At the same time, the emergence of functional sequence information and of control architectures that couple sequence to reproducible function remains a central open problem, and it sets clear limits on what chemistry alone can explain. Rather than dismissing messy mixtures as irrelevant noise, it is more accurate to treat them as the native context in which concentration mechanisms, environmental cycling, and selective persistence could enable the accumulation and survival of RNA related molecules.","author":[{"family":"Vázquez-Salazar","given":"Alberto"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life16020240","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020240","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3389/fphys.2025.1700518","type":"article-journal","title":"Health effects of plants, light, and natural elements of biophilic interventions in confined settings: a systematic review.","abstract":"Biophilic intervention strategies that incorporate plants, light, and organic elements are increasingly recognized for supporting well-being in confined environments. This systematic review analyzes health outcomes associated with edible greens and biophilic elements across 124 studies drawn from PubMed and Scopus, following PRISMA guidelines. The evidence demonstrates that greenery in confined settings-such as hospitals, eldercare, and space habitats-reduces stress, improves mood, and accelerates recovery, consistent with Stress Reduction Theory (SRT) and Attention Restoration Theory (ART). In space analogs, plant-based modules support cognitive function and improve habitat experience by producing food and oxygen. Despite these benefits, a few challenges remain: infection control, spatial constraints, and operational limitations can hinder adoption. Nonetheless, tailored biophilic systems represent a promising path to enhance health and resilience in both terrestrial and space-based care environments. This review synthesizes findings from both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments to evaluate the effectiveness of edible plant-based biophilic interventions. Evidence from clinical studies and long-duration missions suggests that incorporating edible vegetation into confined environments enhances psychological resilience, supports nutritional intake, and contributes to overall well-being. The presence of living plant systems has been shown to reduce stress, enhance mood, and foster a sense of connectedness to nature in contexts where natural stimuli are otherwise absent. Together, these results support the role of edible greens as practical, scalable components for designing sustainable, health-promoting environments in both Earth-based and space-based habitats. We examined the role of biophilic interventions, particularly the incorporation of edible greens, in promoting health within confined environments. Biophilic interventions incorporate natural forms, materials, edible plants, and natural light into architectural designs and indoor settings to enhance both physical and mental well-being (Body and Mind Care). Research in clinical settings and space missions has focused on the outcomes associated with human-plant interactions and the development of bio-regenerative plant modules that support sustainable living. These systems grow plants in controlled environments, enabling food production and the regeneration of essential life-support resources, such as oxygen and clean air. They aim to support crew health through food production, air purification, and psychological benefits, particularly during long-duration missions. We conducted a systematic review, searching databases including PubMed and Scopus, and selected 124 studies based on the PRISMA criteria to analyze the impact of these interventions in eldercare, hospitals, isolation-wards, and spaceflight. Incorporating natural elements into confined habitats yields notable psychological and physiological benefits. In healthcare and indoor environments, the presence of greenery consistently reduces stress, elevates mood, and improves patients' perception of their surroundings, often contributing to faster recovery. These effects are not limited to hospitals and eldercare settings. In remote and extreme environments, such as polar research stations and space missions, plant interaction can alleviate cognitive fatigue, reduce monotony, and strengthen team cohesion. Integrating edible greens and biophilic elements into confined settings-such as hospitals, eldercare facilities, and space habitats-offers measurable benefits for psychological resilience, reduced physiological stress, and improved cognitive performance. These systems serve dual purposes: therapeutic exposure to nature and support for nutritional or regenerative goals. In hospitals and long-term care, interventions like healing gardens or nature-themed spaces have been shown to reduce anxiety, pain perception","author":[{"family":"Zandi","given":"Abdolrahim"},{"family":"Wung","given":"Shu‐fen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fphys.2025.1700518","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2025.1700518","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1098/rspb.2024.2035","type":"article-journal","title":"Dormancy in the origin, evolution and persistence of life on Earth.","abstract":"Life has existed on Earth for most of the planet's history, yet major gaps and unresolved questions remain about how it first arose and persisted. Early Earth posed numerous challenges for life, including harsh and fluctuating environments. Today, many organisms cope with such conditions by entering a reversible state of reduced metabolic activity, a phenomenon known as dormancy. This process protects inactive individuals and minimizes the risk of extinction by preserving information that stabilizes life-system dynamics. Here, we develop a framework for understanding dormancy on early Earth, beginning with a primer on dormancy theory and its core criteria. We hypothesize that dormancy-like mechanisms acting on chemical precursors in a prebiotic world may have facilitated the origin of life. Drawing on evidence from phylogenetic reconstructions and the fossil record, we demonstrate that dormancy is prevalent across the tree of life and throughout deep time. These observations lead us to consider how dormancy might have shaped nascent living systems by buffering stochastic processes in small populations, protecting against large-scale planetary disturbances, aiding dispersal in patchy landscapes and facilitating adaptive radiations. Given that dormancy is a fundamental and easily evolved property on Earth, it is also likely to be a feature of life elsewhere in the universe.","author":[{"family":"Webster","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Lennon","given":"Jay"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1098/rspb.2024.2035","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.2035","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.26190/unsworks/32609","type":"article-journal","title":"From Prohibition to Permission: The Legal Evolution of the Regime Governing Space Resource Extraction","abstract":"This thesis examines the legality of space mining in its entirety, starting from the physical act of extracting minerals to the broader legal framework within which any such act occurs, including relevant commercial and environmental obligations, and questions of State responsibility in outer space. In this research a doctrinal and comparative approach has been taken, through interpreting treaties and national legislation, and relying on travaux préparatoires, books, journal articles, and United Nations resolutions. This thesis, through seven main chapters, answers the following questions: does the principle of the common heritage of humankind apply in space? If not, is there a regime governing the extraction of extraterrestrial resources in space? Is space mining legal under this regime? Chapter 2 demonstrates that the principle of the common heritage of humankind does not extend to outer space; while the central argument of Chapter 3 is that at the time of its conclusion the Outer Space Treaty was best understood to have banned space mining. After answering these questions, the remaining chapters address the evolution of the legal norms governing space mining. Chapter 4 examines whether the Artemis Accords has played a role in the evolution of space mining, while Chapter 5 assesses relevant State practice in this field and concludes that a re-interpretation or a modification of one of the Outer Space Treaty’s central provisions has occurred, such that space mining is now presumed to be legal. Chapters 6 and 7 examine the current commercial and environmental regime governing space mining, and whether State practice has affected this regime. Finally, Chapter 8 analyses whether the proliferation of potentially applicable international laws has led to a conflict of norms in outer space. This chapter first synthesises previous chapters to set out the current body of law governing extraterrestrial mining. Second, it examines whether the current law conflicts with the Moon Agreement and the Artemis Accords, and explores the legal consequences arising from any such conflict.","author":[{"family":"Badreddine","given":"Hussein"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.26190/unsworks/32609","URL":"https://doi.org/10.26190/unsworks/32609","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.17632/spjjxz9jzd.1","type":"article-journal","title":"Raman, EDS and SEM data on SAUL samples from the Gilf Kebir, Egypt","abstract":"Dataset to accompany the paper: Diamond-like-Carbon, Microdiamonds, Titanium Spherules and New UHT Minerals in Impact Debris from the SW Egypt Regolith: Possible Relations to the Extraterrestrial Carbonaceous Pebble “Hypatia” and the Libyan Desert Glass By: Marco A.G. Andreoli1, Rudolph Erasmus2, Jasper Knight3, Vittoria Pischedda4, George Belyanin5, Chiara Elmi6, Hassina Mouri5, Simo Huotari7, Aki Kallonen7, Mpho Lekgoathi8, Romano Serra9, Roger Gibson1, John M. Saul10, and Mario Di Martino11 1School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; 2School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; 3School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; 4Institut Lumière Matière, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, UMR5306-CNRS, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; 5Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; 6James Madison University, USA; 7Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; 8The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC LTD, South Africa; 9Museo del Cielo e della Terra, S. Giovanni in Persiceto, Italy; 10Oryx, Paris, France; 11INAF, Osservatorio Astrofisico di Torino, Pino Torinese, Italy Submitted to: JGR - Planets (May 2026) For queries please contact: Marco Andreoli (marco.andreoli@wits.ac.za) Jasper Knight (jasper.knight@wits.ac.za)","author":[{"family":"Knight","given":"Jasper"},{"family":"Knight","given":"Jasper"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.17632/spjjxz9jzd.1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17632/spjjxz9jzd.1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.17632/spjjxz9jzd","type":"article-journal","title":"Raman, EDS and SEM data on SAUL samples from the Gilf Kebir, Egypt","abstract":"Dataset to accompany the paper: Diamond-like-Carbon, Microdiamonds, Titanium Spherules and New UHT Minerals in Impact Debris from the SW Egypt Regolith: Possible Relations to the Extraterrestrial Carbonaceous Pebble “Hypatia” and the Libyan Desert Glass By: Marco A.G. Andreoli1, Rudolph Erasmus2, Jasper Knight3, Vittoria Pischedda4, George Belyanin5, Chiara Elmi6, Hassina Mouri5, Simo Huotari7, Aki Kallonen7, Mpho Lekgoathi8, Romano Serra9, Roger Gibson1, John M. Saul10, and Mario Di Martino11 1School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; 2School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; 3School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa; 4Institut Lumière Matière, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, UMR5306-CNRS, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; 5Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, South Africa; 6James Madison University, USA; 7Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; 8The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC LTD, South Africa; 9Museo del Cielo e della Terra, S. Giovanni in Persiceto, Italy; 10Oryx, Paris, France; 11INAF, Osservatorio Astrofisico di Torino, Pino Torinese, Italy Submitted to: JGR - Planets (May 2026) For queries please contact: Marco Andreoli (marco.andreoli@wits.ac.za) Jasper Knight (jasper.knight@wits.ac.za)","author":[{"family":"Knight","given":"Jasper"},{"family":"Knight","given":"Jasper"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.17632/spjjxz9jzd","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17632/spjjxz9jzd","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.18994828","type":"article-journal","title":"QBPM Hybrid: A High-Entropy UiO-66/Chiral Lead-Free Perovskite S-Scheme Platform for Atmospheric Water Harvesting, Carbon Capture, Agricultural Uplift, Oilfield Remediation, Biomedical Regeneration, and Space-Grade Resource Systems","abstract":"This thesis introduces and asserts intellectual ownership over the QBPM (Quantum-Bio-Perovskite-MOF) Hybrid — a multifunctional advanced material platform built from a high-entropy UiO-66 metal-organic framework (Zr/Hf/Ce/Sn/Ti) hosting chiral lead-free low-dimensional perovskite quantum dots (Cs₃Bi₂Br₉-type) and Ce-based nanozyme motifs, configured as an adaptive S-scheme heterojunction within a dynamic self-healing polymer matrix permanently locked by VPEA covalent chemistry and tuned by 528 Hz acoustic resonance. Unlike any material system that precedes it, QBPM addresses six planetary-scale crises from a single deployable architecture: atmospheric water harvesting at 4–8 L·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹ under 20–40% relative humidity; photocatalytic CO₂-to-fuel conversion at 100–220 μmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹ with quantum yield ≥ 0.85–0.92; selective critical mineral extraction (Li, Ta, Nb, V) from oilfield produced water with Li⁺/Mg²⁺ selectivity exceeding 120–450; photosynthetic uplift of 10–20% through circularly polarized luminescence (g_lum = 0.07–0.40); neutral-pH biomedical nanozyme cascades for self-healing wound care; and hydrocarbon remediation exceeding 97% removal efficiency for H₂S, VOCs, PFAS, and particulates. All performance targets are grounded in 2024–2026 peer-reviewed literature analogs and expressed as explicit, falsifiable metrics with defined failure modes. The theoretical framework unifies defect thermodynamics, S-scheme band engineering, Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS), remote chirality transfer, Ce-nanozyme cascade kinetics, dual-mode oxide nanochannel physics (breathing mode below 1,700 K; rupture mode above 1,950 K), and twistronic moiré superlattice topology into a single, instrumented model. The material is integrated with the Allen Resonator thermodynamic vortex engine and QuasarOS HiveMind AI orchestration, providing a path to closed-loop, resonance-stabilized resource systems deployable across Alberta oilfields, desert agriculture, medical facilities, and extraterrestrial habitats. The project has reached Technology Readiness Level 6–7 with a complete Preliminary Basis of Design prepared for NRCan EOI submission, targeting 50 kt CO₂/year per modular skid cluster. The 4-skid Alberta pilot demonstrates projected Year 1 EBITDA of $52–58M on effective CAPEX of $2.18M (after grants), with 5-year cumulative EBITDA of $460–515M and IRR exceeding 520%. Total addressable market across six application sectors exceeds $115 billion by 2035. This DOI registration constitutes a timestamped public record establishing prior art and intellectual ownership across all six application domains prior to patent filing. All concepts, equations, performance extrapolations, multi-functional claims, and engineering designs originate from the independent analysis and original theoretical synthesis of Greg Thomas Allen. Keywords: metal-organic framework, UiO-66, high-entropy, S-scheme heterojunction, chiral perovskite, quantum dots, atmospheric water harvesting, CO₂ capture, photocatalysis, critical minerals, lithium extraction, nanozyme, self-healing polymer, PVDF, circularly polarized luminescence, CISS, oilfield remediation, biomedical, Alberta, QuasarOS, Allen Resonator, QBPM, produced water treatment, vanadium, tantalum, niobium, moiré superlattice, 528 Hz resonance","author":[{"family":"Allen","given":"Greg"},{"family":"Allen","given":"Greg"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.18994828","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18994828","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.20102681","type":"article-journal","title":"QBPM Hybrid: A High-Entropy UiO-66/Chiral Lead-Free Perovskite S-Scheme Platform for Atmospheric Water Harvesting, Carbon Capture, Agricultural Uplift, Oilfield Remediation, Biomedical Regeneration, and Space-Grade Resource Systems","abstract":"This thesis introduces and asserts intellectual ownership over the QBPM (Quantum-Bio-Perovskite-MOF) Hybrid — a multifunctional advanced material platform built from a high-entropy UiO-66 metal-organic framework (Zr/Hf/Ce/Sn/Ti) hosting chiral lead-free low-dimensional perovskite quantum dots (Cs₃Bi₂Br₉-type) and Ce-based nanozyme motifs, configured as an adaptive S-scheme heterojunction within a dynamic self-healing polymer matrix permanently locked by VPEA covalent chemistry and tuned by 528 Hz acoustic resonance. Unlike any material system that precedes it, QBPM addresses six planetary-scale crises from a single deployable architecture: atmospheric water harvesting at 4–8 L·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹ under 20–40% relative humidity; photocatalytic CO₂-to-fuel conversion at 100–220 μmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹ with quantum yield ≥ 0.85–0.92; selective critical mineral extraction (Li, Ta, Nb, V) from oilfield produced water with Li⁺/Mg²⁺ selectivity exceeding 120–450; photosynthetic uplift of 10–20% through circularly polarized luminescence (g_lum = 0.07–0.40); neutral-pH biomedical nanozyme cascades for self-healing wound care; and hydrocarbon remediation exceeding 97% removal efficiency for H₂S, VOCs, PFAS, and particulates. All performance targets are grounded in 2024–2026 peer-reviewed literature analogs and expressed as explicit, falsifiable metrics with defined failure modes. The theoretical framework unifies defect thermodynamics, S-scheme band engineering, Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS), remote chirality transfer, Ce-nanozyme cascade kinetics, dual-mode oxide nanochannel physics (breathing mode below 1,700 K; rupture mode above 1,950 K), and twistronic moiré superlattice topology into a single, instrumented model. The material is integrated with the Allen Resonator thermodynamic vortex engine and QuasarOS HiveMind AI orchestration, providing a path to closed-loop, resonance-stabilized resource systems deployable across Alberta oilfields, desert agriculture, medical facilities, and extraterrestrial habitats. The project has reached Technology Readiness Level 6–7 with a complete Preliminary Basis of Design prepared for NRCan EOI submission, targeting 50 kt CO₂/year per modular skid cluster. The 4-skid Alberta pilot demonstrates projected Year 1 EBITDA of $52–58M on effective CAPEX of $2.18M (after grants), with 5-year cumulative EBITDA of $460–515M and IRR exceeding 520%. Total addressable market across six application sectors exceeds $115 billion by 2035. This DOI registration constitutes a timestamped public record establishing prior art and intellectual ownership across all six application domains prior to patent filing. All concepts, equations, performance extrapolations, multi-functional claims, and engineering designs originate from the independent analysis and original theoretical synthesis of Greg Thomas Allen. Keywords: metal-organic framework, UiO-66, high-entropy, S-scheme heterojunction, chiral perovskite, quantum dots, atmospheric water harvesting, CO₂ capture, photocatalysis, critical minerals, lithium extraction, nanozyme, self-healing polymer, PVDF, circularly polarized luminescence, CISS, oilfield remediation, biomedical, Alberta, QuasarOS, Allen Resonator, QBPM, produced water treatment, vanadium, tantalum, niobium, moiré superlattice, 528 Hz resonance","author":[{"family":"Allen","given":"Greg"},{"family":"Allen","given":"Greg"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.20102681","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20102681","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.5282/edoc.36931","type":"article-journal","title":"Testing hydrothermal Origin-of-Life Theories: implications for early Earth and Enceladus","abstract":"The origin of life. We know it happened a long time ago, about 4 billion years ago, to be exact. We know how humanity evolved over time and that water played a key role in our existence. But where did life as we know it begin? Many theories about life’s origin have persisted through time, such as Darwin’s “warm little pond” theory. But hydrothermal vents have emerged as a leading alternative for the site of life’s emergence for many reasons: (1) Hydrothermal vents are natural “bioreactors” with membranes composed of catalytic minerals that often resemble the active centers of modern enzymes. (2) Vent membranes are similar to cell membranes because they separate the interior of the vent from the ocean and harbor a natural proton gradient that drives prebiotic reactions. (3) The interior of vents are porous and made out of interconnected cavities that trap and concentrate molecules. (4) Hydrothermal vents are considered a reliable energy source because they transport hydrogen-enriched fluids from Earth’s interior, fueling CO2 fixation in anaerobic prokaryotes. In summary, hydrothermal vents offer a variety of important features that could have sustained the transition from geochemistry to biochemistry. The last universal common ancestor at the root of the tree of life likely inhabited a similar hydrothermal environment, where it was able to evolve into complex cellular life. The hydrothermal environments that likely facilitated the origin of life on the early Earth are also promising locations in the search for extraterrestrial life in the universe. A possibly habitable candidate is Enceladus, an icy moon of Saturn. Enceladus contains a subsurface water ocean under a global ice sheet and is suspected to host hydrothermal activity on its seafloor. This icy moon gained a lot of attention after NASA’s Cassini mission detected molecular hydrogen, amongst other simple chemicals, in plumes erupting from its south pole. This doctoral thesis aims to investigate prominent origin-of-life theories revolving around the Hadean and Archaean Earth and the icy moon Enceladus. To achieve this goal, laboratory experiments on simulated hydrothermal environments were performed in an anaerobic chamber. Among the explored topics are the RNA-world, the concentration problem, the iron-sulfur world, the reductive acetyl-CoA pathway as a primordial metabolism, and Enceladus as a habitable moon. Collectively, the results of this thesis support hydrothermal vents as plausible hatcheries for the origin of life. Research was conducted over the course of 3.5 years and led to the composition of three first-author papers (Chapter II [published], III [published] and IV [in submission]) and one co-author paper (published), which is added in the Appendix. Furthermore, this thesis provides a foundational framework for future research on the origin of life.","author":[{"family":"Helmbrecht","given":"Vanessa"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5282/edoc.36931","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5282/edoc.36931","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.19950784","type":"article-journal","title":"Contact-Induced Abiogenesis Risk and Bidirectional Planetary Protection","abstract":"Current planetary protection frameworks model contamination risk as organism survival during transfer between bodies. This paper proposes a distinct and unmodelled risk category: contact-induced template cascade assembly, in which physical contact between Earth chemistry and extraterrestrial mineral templates — or vice versa — may trigger directed molecular assembly without requiring living organisms to be present or survive. The mechanism is grounded in documented mechanotransduction and mineral pore templating in terrestrial abiogenesis research. A bidirectional quarantine corollary follows: 277 confirmed Martian meteorites have already been recovered on Earth, constituting a continuous confirmed inbound transfer of extraterrestrial template geometry to Earth chemistry. Current protocols address only the outbound direction. This paper proposes template information transfer as a third contamination category alongside organism transfer and chemical toxicity, and argues that planetary protection policy is structurally incomplete without it.","author":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.19950784","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19950784","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.19950783","type":"article-journal","title":"Contact-Induced Abiogenesis Risk and Bidirectional Planetary Protection","abstract":"Current planetary protection frameworks model contamination risk as organism survival during transfer between bodies. This paper proposes a distinct and unmodelled risk category: contact-induced template cascade assembly, in which physical contact between Earth chemistry and extraterrestrial mineral templates — or vice versa — may trigger directed molecular assembly without requiring living organisms to be present or survive. The mechanism is grounded in documented mechanotransduction and mineral pore templating in terrestrial abiogenesis research. A bidirectional quarantine corollary follows: 277 confirmed Martian meteorites have already been recovered on Earth, constituting a continuous confirmed inbound transfer of extraterrestrial template geometry to Earth chemistry. Current protocols address only the outbound direction. This paper proposes template information transfer as a third contamination category alongside organism transfer and chemical toxicity, and argues that planetary protection policy is structurally incomplete without it.","author":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.19950783","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19950783","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.18334897","type":"article-journal","title":"Frontiers of Astronomical Discovery in 2025: From Potential Martian Biosignatures to the Most Distant Supernova","abstract":"The year 2025 has witnessed extraordinary advances across multiple domains of astronomical and planetary science, significantly expanding our understanding of the cosmos and bringing humanity closer to addressing some of its most profound questions about our place in the universe. This comprehensive review surveys six major discoveries that collectively represent paradigm shifts in astrobiology, observational cosmology, stellar astrophysics, and galactic archaeology. We examine NASA’s Perseverance rover’s identification of potential biosignatures within Martian mudstone, characterized by distinctive “leopard spot” textures containing the minerals vivianite and greigite. We also analyze the James Webb Space Telescope’s detection of the supernova associated with GRB 250314A at a redshift of z ≈ 7.3, marking the most distant stellar explosion ever observed and occurring only 730 million years after the Big Bang. Additionally, we discuss the Hubble Space Telescope’s discovery of Cloud 9, a dark galaxy dominated by dark matter with minimal stellar content. Further topics include detailed spectroscopic observations of the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, revealing oscillatory jets and unusual dust properties; the resolution of Betelgeuse’s long-standing dimming mystery through the detection of its companion star, Silwarha; and XRISM’s identification of evidence for an explosive past of the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole, preserved as X-ray light echoes within surrounding molecular clouds. Together, these discoveries highlight the transformative capabilities of current-generation space-based observatories and provide critical observational constraints on fundamental scientific questions, ranging from the prevalence of extraterrestrial life to the formation and evolution of the first stellar populations in the early universe.","author":[{"family":"Revista","given":"Zen"},{"family":"Revista","given":"Zen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.18334897","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18334897","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.18334896","type":"article-journal","title":"Frontiers of Astronomical Discovery in 2025: From Potential Martian Biosignatures to the Most Distant Supernova","abstract":"The year 2025 has witnessed extraordinary advances across multiple domains of astronomical and planetary science, significantly expanding our understanding of the cosmos and bringing humanity closer to addressing some of its most profound questions about our place in the universe. This comprehensive review surveys six major discoveries that collectively represent paradigm shifts in astrobiology, observational cosmology, stellar astrophysics, and galactic archaeology. We examine NASA’s Perseverance rover’s identification of potential biosignatures within Martian mudstone, characterized by distinctive “leopard spot” textures containing the minerals vivianite and greigite. We also analyze the James Webb Space Telescope’s detection of the supernova associated with GRB 250314A at a redshift of z ≈ 7.3, marking the most distant stellar explosion ever observed and occurring only 730 million years after the Big Bang. Additionally, we discuss the Hubble Space Telescope’s discovery of Cloud 9, a dark galaxy dominated by dark matter with minimal stellar content. Further topics include detailed spectroscopic observations of the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, revealing oscillatory jets and unusual dust properties; the resolution of Betelgeuse’s long-standing dimming mystery through the detection of its companion star, Silwarha; and XRISM’s identification of evidence for an explosive past of the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole, preserved as X-ray light echoes within surrounding molecular clouds. Together, these discoveries highlight the transformative capabilities of current-generation space-based observatories and provide critical observational constraints on fundamental scientific questions, ranging from the prevalence of extraterrestrial life to the formation and evolution of the first stellar populations in the early universe.","author":[{"family":"Revista","given":"Zen"},{"family":"Revista","given":"Zen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.18334896","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18334896","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.7488/era/6594","type":"article-journal","title":"Automated construction of realistic clay models for molecular dynamics simulations: towards an accurate description of adsorption behaviours for biosignature identification on Mars","abstract":"Clay minerals are characterised by their distinctive properties and have a wide range of applications, spanning from environmental to pharmaceutical and radioactive waste disposal. Their structures are highly diverse, and it is often impossible to experimentally elucidate the relationship between structural features and macroscopic material properties. Additionally, under extreme or extraterrestrial conditions, experimental analyses are either limited or impossible to conduct. In both cases, classical molecular dynamics simulations can provide essential information by elucidating the clay structure and interactions at an atomistic scale. However, clay simulations are a relatively new field, and limited tools are available for automating a molecular dynamics simulation workflow. To address this gap, we present ClayCode, a Python package to automate the construction of realistic clay models and to generate simulation input files for the GROMACS simulation engine. We used ClayCode in two adsorption studies, which demonstrate the importance of realistic clay models for accurately describing adsorption behaviours. We first compare the competitive adsorption of toxic Ba²⁺ ions in the presence of Na⁺, a process relevant to radioactive wastewater remediation. Our results demonstrate that only realistic SWy-1 montmorillonite, KGa-1 kaolinite, and IMt-1 illite models reproduce experimentally observed selectivity for Ba²⁺ over Na⁺, whereas a commonly used simplified SWy-1 model does not. In the second study, we apply ClayCode in a large-scale screening of astrobiological relevance. Here, we assess the adsorption mechanisms and affinities of 20 proteinogenic amino acids on the two Martian analogue NAu-1 and NAu-2 nontronite clays in the presence of Na⁺, K⁺, Ca2+ and Mg²⁺ cations. Our findings reveal that adsorption affinities depend on sidechain structure, cation species and clay structure and composition. Our results emphasise the need for accurate clay models to reproduce realistic adsorption behaviours using classical molecular dynamics simulations, and show that ClayCode can be used to produce a wide variety of different atomistic clay models, which can be used to assess the adsorption behaviours of environmental and astrobiological relevance.","author":[{"family":"Pollak","given":"Hannah"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.7488/era/6594","URL":"https://doi.org/10.7488/era/6594","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W4415557823","type":"article-journal","title":"The Legacy and Future of Aluminum Alloys: Space Exploration and Extraterrestrial Settlement","abstract":"The metallurgy of aluminum alloys has long shaped the history of space exploration. Their combination of low density, high strength, and excellent manufacturability and formability makes them indispensable for structural components in satellites and spacecraft. However, the next era of human space exploration, spanning long-duration deep-space missions and extraterrestrial settlement, poses unprecedented new challenges, including radiation damage and shielding, thermal cycling, micrometeoroid impacts, hydrogen embrittlement, and other degradation forces acting in synergy. Addressing these issues requires the reinvention of aluminum metallurgy, tailored to space environments. This perspective adopts a multidisciplinary approach, tracing the evolution of aluminum alloys in spaceflight, evaluating their performance under space-specific degradation mechanisms, and outlining future design strategies that integrate insights from chemistry, physics, metallurgy, and materials science to develop the next generation of space materials.","author":[{"family":"Tunes","given":"Matheus"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsmaterialsau.5c00139","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmaterialsau.5c00139","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413173590","type":"article-journal","title":"Intact polar lipids as organic biomarkers of viable extraterrestrial life","abstract":"Abstract The detection of viable life is a key objective for both in situ astrobiological experiments on extraterrestrial bodies, and for planetary protection protocols on Earth following sample return. We evaluated the potential for common bacterial and archaeal intact polar lipids (IPLs) to be used as viable life markers owing to their particularly fast rate (hours to days) of post-mortem degradation. We determined the chemical signatures of IPLs using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry experiments (with and without derivatisation), to simulate the results of in situ pyrolytic organic analyses. Monoglycerides, formed as pyrolysis products of typical bacterial IPLs, were the strongest signature for the parent compounds, and were identified in both the pyrolysis of a phospholipid mixture and freeze-dried bacterial culture. Our results demonstrate that relatively rapid and elegant pyrolysis techniques can reveal the presence of IPLs, and therefore evidence of viable life in extraterrestrial samples.","author":[{"family":"Hirsch","given":"Solomon"},{"family":"Sephton","given":"Mark"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s44453-025-00006-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s44453-025-00006-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414020852","type":"article-journal","title":"Possible Approaches for the Origin of Life in Hot Mineral Water in Primary Hydrosphere","abstract":"Background: Protostructure emerges under corona discharge as ions and water molecules self-organize into stable formation. With 45.6 % density relative to living cells, this structure represents a primitive stage of biochemical evolution. Their formation follows Prigogine’s principle of entropy reduction, illustrating the potential role of early Earth’s reducing atmosphere and mineral surfaces in catalyzing the origin of complex biochemical systems.Methods: Using hot mineral water from Rupite, Bulgaria, we conducted experiments involving corona electric discharge (1–30 kHz, 12 kV) to simulate prebiotic conditions. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was employed to analyze the water's inorganic and organic composition. Additionally, we assessed the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and measured changes in physicochemical parameters under controlled conditions.Results: The protostructure was created in laboratory conditions in hot mineral water under corona electric discharge. Self-organization estimation using Prigogine’s principle marks an early stage of biochemical evolution, emphasizing the role of the primordial atmosphere and hydrosphere in life's origin. The structure density was 45.6% of that of living cells. We quantitatively estimated the results of Miller’s and Wilson’s experiments. The biochemical reactions were described with the compounds as methane, ammonia, etc.Conclusion: The findings support the hypothesis that hot mineral water in the primary hydrosphere, enriched with ions, exposed to electric discharge in the primary atmosphere, and with contact medium with the hydrosphere, providing optimal conditions for synthesizing organic compounds and forming protostructures. These results reinforce the concept of geothermal systems of life and highlight the significance of mineral water’s physicochemical properties in fostering prebiotic chemistry.Keywords: Origin of life; Hot mineral water; Electric discharge; Protostructure","author":[{"family":"Ignatov","given":"Ignat"},{"family":"Popova","given":"Teodora"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.62940/als.v12i2.3636","URL":"https://doi.org/10.62940/als.v12i2.3636","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406607584","type":"article-journal","title":"Hypothesis for Molecular Evolution in the Pre‐Cellular Stage of the Origin of Life","abstract":"Life was originated from inorganic world and had experienced a long period of evolution in about 3.8 billion years. The time for emergence of the pioneer creations on Earth is debatable nowadays, and how the scenario for the prebiotic molecular interactions is still mysterious. Before the spreading of cellular organisms, chemical evolution was perhaps prevailing for millions of years, in which inorganic biosynthesis was ultimately replaced by biochemical reactions. Understanding the major molecular players and their interactions toward cellular life is fundamental for current medical science and extraterrestrial life exploration. In this review, we propose a road map for the primordial molecular evolution in early Earth, which probably occurred adjacent to hydrothermal vents with a strong gradient of organic molecules, temperature, and metal contents. Natural selection of the macromolecules with strong secondary structures and catalytic centers is associated with decreasing of overall entropy of the biopolymers. Our review may shed lights into the important selection of gene-coding RNA with secondary structures from large amounts of random biopolymers and formation of ancient ribosomes with biological machines supporting the basic life processes. Integration of the free environmental ribosomes by the early cellular life as symbiotic molecular machines is probably the earliest symbiosis on Earth.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Yong"},{"family":"Du","given":"Yanan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1002/wrna.70001","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wrna.70001","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7128716215","type":"article-journal","title":"Cold sintering for in-space materials fabrication: a science, engineering, and future directions","abstract":"Abstract The Cold Sintering Process (CSP) has recently emerged as a transformative approach for densifying ceramics and composites at temperatures below 300 °C using pressure-assisted dissolution–precipitation. This low-energy route is particularly compelling for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) in extraterrestrial environments, where transporting construction materials from Earth is impractical. This review critically examines the potential of CSP for fabricating structural and functional materials in space, spanning lunar, Martian, orbital, deep-space, and asteroid contexts. We analyze the fundamental mechanisms of CSP, recent experimental demonstrations on lunar and Martian regolith simulants, and its integration with additive manufacturing, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Case studies highlight the production of high-strength regolith bricks (> 200 MPa) at low energy cost, showing CSP’s feasibility for building load-bearing structures on the Moon and Mars. We further explore frontier applications, including radiation shielding, multifunctional composites, and autonomous construction systems. Challenges such as solvent sourcing, high-pressure requirements, and environmental constraints are discussed in detail. Finally, we outline research directions toward scaling CSP for large habitats, integrating it with space architecture, and deploying it as part of closed-loop resource systems. CSP is positioned as a cornerstone technology for sustainable space infrastructure, enabling humankind to build resilient habitats and functional systems beyond Earth.","author":[{"family":"Mamaghani","given":"Kaveh"},{"family":"Parvin","given":"Nader"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s41939-026-01182-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s41939-026-01182-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4417333863","type":"article-journal","title":"Lava Tubes on Earth, the Moon, and Mars: Detection, Evolution, and Exploration Potential","abstract":"Abstract Lava tubes, or subsurface conduits formed by volcanic activity, have emerged as critical geological features for understanding planetary evolution and for supporting future human space exploration. This paper provides an integrated review of the formation, morphology, and preservation of lava tubes on Earth, the Moon, and Mars, emphasizing their geological significance and habitability potential. We discuss the processes responsible for their genesis, including overcrusting, shallow inflation, and deep inflation and thermal/mechanical erosion, as well as their cross-sectional and network-scale morphologies. Our synthesis suggests that deep inflation and thermal/mechanical erosion along weak horizons is the most plausible mechanism for kilometer-scale tubes on the Moon and Mars, while any of these mechanisms may operate at smaller scales. This review also highlights how differences in gravity, tectonic activity, and erosional forces across planetary bodies affect lava tube dimensions and preservation. While terrestrial lava tubes have been extensively mapped and modeled using geophysical methods, the detection of lunar and Martian analogs relies on remote sensing, gravity data, and image-based analysis. The structural integrity and environmental stability of these tubes make them prime candidates for safe, long-term extraterrestrial habitats, offering natural protection from cosmic radiation, temperature extremes, and surface hazards. Additionally, lava tubes preserve stratigraphic, geochemical, and possibly biological records, making them valuable targets for planetary science, astrobiology, and future robotic or human missions.","author":[{"family":"Losarcos","given":"Juan"},{"family":"Dombard","given":"AJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-025-01260-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-025-01260-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/life15111745","type":"article-journal","title":"The Origin of Life and Cellular Systems: A Continuum from Prebiotic Chemistry to Biodiversity.","abstract":"The origin of life remains one of the most profound and enduring enigmas in the biological sciences. Despite substantial advances in prebiotic chemistry, fundamental uncertainties persist regarding the precise mechanisms that enabled the emergence of the first cellular entity and, subsequently, the foundational branches of the tree of life. After examining the core principles that define living systems, we propose that life emerged as a novel property of a prebiotically assembled system-formed through the integration of distinct molecular worlds, defined as sets of structurally and functionally related molecular entities that interact via catalytic, autocatalytic, and/or self-assembly processes. This emergence established a permanent system-process duality, wherein the system's organization and its dynamic processes became inseparable. Upon acquiring the capacity to replicate and mutate its genetic program, this primordial organism initiated the evolutionary process, ultimately driving the diversification of life under the influence of evolutionary forces and leading to the formation of ecosystems. The challenge of uncovering the origin of life and the emergence of biodiversity is not solely scientific, it requires the integration of empirical evidence, theoretical insight, and critical reflection. This work does not claim certainty but proposes a perspective on how life and biodiversity may have arisen on Earth. Ultimately, time and scientific inquiry will determine the validity of this view.","author":[{"family":"Gómezmárquez","given":"Jaime"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life15111745","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life15111745","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4415512902","type":"article-journal","title":"Europa’s ocean: potential for extraterrestrial chemoautotrophy","abstract":"The search for extraterrestrial life has historically focused on photosynthetic organisms but following the discovery of deep-sea hydrothermal vents on Earth and the variety of microbes with unconventional metabolic pathways that inhabit them, astrobiology has expanded to encompass the search for extraterrestrial chemoautotrophs. Although bombarded by Jovian radiation and encased in a thick shell of ice, Jupiter’s moon Europa could very well be a sanctuary for extraterrestrial microbial life. It is widely accepted that underneath the ice lies a deep, salty ocean, and, despite possibly anoxic conditions, high pressures, and lack of sunlight, many physical and chemical properties of Europa are analogs of extreme environments on Earth, such as hydrothermal vents or subterranean radiogenic ecosystems. By drawing comparisons between Europa and Earth, it can be seen how processes such as serpentization, water radiolysis, and volcanic activity induced by tidal heating or Jovian radiation could very well be providing energy to chemoautotrophs inhabiting various habitats on the ocean floor. Understanding the possibilities of chemoautotrophic life on Europa can be extended to other planetary bodies, such as Mars and Enceladus, allowing for their consideration under a new perspective. Future missions such as the Europa Clipper, scheduled to arrive in 2030, will provide further clarity on the moon’s habitability and potentially bring science closer to the discovery of extraterrestrial biota.","author":[{"family":"Barrett","given":"Emory"},{"family":"Lutz","given":"Richard"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2025.1694079","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2025.1694079","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/ma19030461","type":"article-journal","title":"Reclaiming Ruthenium: A Comprehensive Review of Hydrometallurgical Strategies for Precious Metal Recovery.","abstract":"Ruthenium, a critical metal, plays an increasingly important role in modern applications, such as catalysts for chemical synthesis and the production of hard disk drives. As a result, the supply has struggled to meet the growing demand in recent years. The economic position of ruthenium presents an opportunity to examine the methods of its extraction, particularly given that it is a lesser-known platinum group metal. This article explores the concentration of ruthenium in natural sources and the methods used in primary production, with a particular focus on hydrometallurgical techniques applied at an industrial scale. It also discusses secondary ruthenium-containing materials, including spent catalysts, metallurgical by-products, wastewaters, spent nuclear fuel. The article provides a detailed analysis of the composition of these materials, emphasizing hydrometallurgical methods like leaching and separation processes, along with the recovery of final products.","author":[{"family":"Rudnik","given":"Ewa"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ma19030461","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19030461","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4415617988","type":"article-journal","title":"Special Issue Dedicated to the 16th International GeoRAMAN Conference, Rhodes, Greece, 24–27 September 2024","abstract":"ABSTRACT This special issue of the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy (JRS) presents selected papers from the 16th International GeoRAMAN Conference, held in Rhodes, Greece, from 24 to 27 September 2024. The meeting brought together the global GeoRAMAN community to share the latest developments and applications of Raman spectroscopy across geoscience, planetary science, cultural heritage and emerging fields such as geoenergy and geoenvironmental research. The 23 contributions, published in this issue, present new knowledge in the field of applications of Raman spectroscopy to Earth and planetary materials and reflect the scientific diversity, methodological innovation and collaborative spirit that continue to define this vibrant community.","author":[{"family":"Perraki","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Karampelas","given":"Stéfanos"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1002/jrs.70070","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.70070","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412410574","type":"article-journal","title":"Discovery and structural characterization of zolenskyite, FeCr 2 S 4 , in the Muonionalusta meteorite: Advancing micron-scale mineralogy in planetary science","abstract":"Abstract Here we present the first single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of zolenskyite, a chromium-bearing sulfide mineral (FeCr 2 S 4 ) and newly identified polymorph of daubréelite, discovered in the Muonionalusta meteorite, a well-characterized IVA iron meteorite. Zolenskyite occurs as rare micron-scale grains associated closely with daubréelite and stishovite, within a troilite matrix. Chemical analysis confirms a pure, homogeneous FeCr 2 S 4 composition. The crystal structure was refined in the monoclinic C 2/ m space group, revealing a framework of face-sharing octahedra, consistent with a cation-deficient NiAs-type structure, distinct from the spinel-type structure of daubréelite. Zolenskyite forms under high-pressure (&gt;7 GPa) and high-temperature (&gt;1000 K) conditions, probably through solid-state transformation from daubréelite during shock events. The serendipitous recognition of zolenskyite emphasizes the value of careful micron-scale mineralogical investigations in revealing transient or metastable phases that record otherwise inaccessible physicochemical conditions. These findings contribute to understanding the thermal and shock history of meteorite parent bodies and the stability of Fe–Cr sulfides in extraterrestrial environments.","author":[{"family":"Bindi","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Holtstam","given":"Dan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1180/mgm.2025.10119","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2025.10119","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409736766","type":"article-journal","title":"Impact hypothesis as the cause of the formation of the Mariana Trench and the uplift of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge","abstract":"My dissertation presents an original hypothesis suggesting that the Mariana Trench was formed by an oblique impact of a massive celestial body on Earth’s oceanic crust, and that the Mid-Atlantic Ridge represents its antipodal geodynamic effect. The hypothesis is supported by calculations of impact energy, simulations of shock wave propagation through Earth's interior, and models of mantle deformation. Evidence includes seismic and gravitational anomalies, the presence of extraterrestrial elements (Ir, Ni, REE), and precise antipodal alignment. The work integrates geophysics, seismology, geochemistry, and planetary modeling, offering a novel explanation for the origin of Earth’s largest geological structures.","author":[{"family":"Kutz","given":"RL"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.31223/x5g14m","URL":"https://doi.org/10.31223/x5g14m","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7118915086","type":"article-journal","title":"Low-energy glycine formation and spectral masking in star-forming regions","abstract":"The presence of amino acids in comets and meteorites has long suggested that prebiotic molecules may have formed in space and contributed to the origins of life on Earth. Glycine, the simplest amino acid, has been identified in several extraterrestrial environments, although its detection in the interstellar medium, including prestellar cores and protostellar regions, remains elusive. Here, we investigate a novel catalytic pathway for glycine formation on silicate grains during relatively warm (> 150 K) stages of star formation. Using atomistic simulations, the feasibility of a Strecker-type synthesis and a direct neutral mechanism involving reactivity between formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and ammonia on forsterite surfaces, the major constituent of interstellar dust, is assessed. Results show that the Strecker pathway is limited by high activation barriers, whereas the proposed direct mechanism proceeds through low-energy surface-stabilized intermediates leading to spontaneous formation of glycine in a single-barrier exoergic process. Additionally, glycine strongly adsorbs onto the mineral surface and is unlikely to desorb under warm conditions. A vibrational analysis reveals that glycine formed through this pathway exhibits spectrally distinct features, including suppression and shifting of characteristic bands, which may account for its persistent non-detection in astronomical observations. Glycine has been identified in several extraterrestrial environments, however, its detection in the interstellar medium remains elusive. Here, the authors investigate a catalytic pathway for glycine formation on silicate grains during relatively warm (> 150 K) stages of star formation using atomistic simulations, proposing a mechanism involving low-energy surface-stabilized intermediates that lead to spontaneous formation of glycine in a single-barrier exoergic process.","author":[{"family":"Mates-Torres","given":"Eric"},{"family":"Rimola","given":"Albert"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42004-025-01870-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-025-01870-y","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7141461542","type":"article-journal","title":"Proteinoid Computing on Olivine Substrates","abstract":"We investigate proteinoid systems formed on olivine mineral substrates, focusing on self-organization, electrochemical properties, and information-processing capacity. Olivine's ubiquity in meteorites, planetary surfaces, and protoplanetary disks makes it a geochemically relevant template for prebiotic chemistry across cosmic environments. Glu:Phe:Asp proteinoids synthesized in olivine-rich acidic solutions─mimicking early Earth hydrothermal conditions─were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The proteinoids self-assembled into spherical microspheres (2-15 μm in diameter), dendritic networks, and complex mineral-templated architectures. Budding-like reproduction and neuron-like branching morphologies emerged spontaneously. Electrochemical analysis revealed stable impedance profiles that, when thresholded, enabled Boolean logic operations (AND, OR, XOR, and NOT). Galvanostatic measurements showed spontaneous electrical oscillations with burst dynamics, heavy-tailed distributions, and non-Poissonian statistics, which are signatures of complex adaptive systems. Olivine substrates stabilized the electrical behavior while preserving computational functionality. These findings suggest that proteinoid-olivine hybrids can perform unconventional computing tasks while simultaneously exhibiting biomimetic self-assembly and primitive reproductive behaviors. This work illuminates mineral-organic interactions relevant to both terrestrial and extraterrestrial prebiotic chemistry and provides a foundation for bioinspired computing systems that merge organic self-organization with mineral-based information processing.","author":[{"family":"Mougkogiannis","given":"Panagiotis"},{"family":"Adamatzky","given":"Andrew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.langmuir.6c00952","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.6c00952","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4407684275","type":"article-journal","title":"Mining and/in outer space: Verticality, analogy, and infrastructural mediation in subarctic Sweden","abstract":"Space activities in subarctic Sweden are predicated on older infrastructures of underground resource extraction. The ongoing expansion of the country's rocket launch site outside Kiruna relies on the Swedish state's historical construction of the region as a resource frontier. Yet fieldwork among space actors and reindeer pastoralists reveals that relations between mining and space are also invoked ethnographically: in oppositional terms, by herders for whom the impact area of the launch site serves to hold mining companies and other land users at bay; in a positive sense, among space enthusiasts who call for potential synergies between the two industries; and analogically, by actors who envisage extraplanetary futures vis‐à‐vis mining and the subterranean. While the grounding of outer space in earthly milieus is a recurring analytical procedure in the social sciences and humanities, these empirical‐ethnographic connections and comparisons encourage an anthropological approach that also attends to the way Earth is occasionally rendered extraterrestrial‐like.","author":[{"family":"Ojani","given":"Chakad"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/1467-9655.14261","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9655.14261","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412630609","type":"article-journal","title":"pH-dependent surface interactions and structural changes for DNA adsorbed on TiO2 particle surfaces have implications for environmental DNA","abstract":"Environmental DNA (eDNA) can interact with various geochemical surfaces, including mineral surfaces. These interactions may alter the structure, stability, and reactivity of eDNA, impacting the cycling of genetic information and the accuracy of species identification. Here, we report on pH-dependent surface interactions between herring testes DNA adsorbed on titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) particle surfaces. Utilizing vibrational spectroscopic probes of surface-adsorbed DNA, DNA retains its native B-form at pH values from 6.5 to 8, whereas at pH 3–5, the structure of adsorbed DNA changes to the Z-form, which can undergo dehybridization. These changes are consistent with electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions at the surface that drive these large structural changes within DNA. Overall, this study provides evidence for mineral-specific DNA-surface interactions that depend on pH and shows the role that interactions with geochemical surfaces may play in eDNA structure and stability.","author":[{"family":"Hettiarachchi","given":"Eshani"},{"family":"Grassian","given":"Vicki"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102716","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102716","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415939283","type":"article-journal","title":"Martian Aqua: Occurrence of Water and Appraisal of Acquisition Technologies","abstract":"The production of water through in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) will be necessary for a sustainable human presence on Mars. Accessible water on Mars occurs as ice (pure and mixed with regolith), bounded water in the regolith (adsorbed and in hydrated minerals) and vapor in the atmosphere. Harvesting water from the atmosphere appears to be relatively challenging than obtaining it from the regolith. However, the potential landing sites for human exploration are unlikely to have easy access to near-surface ice of any form, while utilization of the atmosphere can be accomplished almost anywhere. Extensive research has been conducted on atmospheric water vapor, which is ubiquitous and renewable, yet provides only a thin water source across the planet. This paper provides an overview of water availability on Mars, investigates the volatiles (CO 2 , H 2 O) phase equilibria in the atmosphere-surface system of the planet, and compares water harvesting from the atmosphere to obtaining water from the regolith. The findings indicate that while atmospheric water harvesting does not appear to be feasible to serve as the primary water source, it might have potential to become a supplementary, decentralized clean water supply. Atmospheric water harvesting systems on Mars require more power and energy, but they offer greater simplicity and flexibility compared to water extraction from the regolith. This approach could prove valuable in regions where water extraction from the regolith is infeasible or as a temporary backup in the event of a primary water system failure. Such a distributed water harvesting method might enhance the resilience and flexibility of water supply systems for future human Mars missions and settlements. Ultimately, any technology developed for extraterrestrial environments can have important applications on Earth.","author":[{"family":"Inglezakis","given":"Vassilis"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.asr.2025.11.002","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2025.11.002","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406727927","type":"article-journal","title":"Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis at 7–12 mbar by Methanosarcina barkeri under simulated martian atmospheric conditions","abstract":"Mars, with its ancient history of long-lived habitable environments, continues to captivate researchers exploring the potential for extant life. This study investigates the biosignature potential of Martian methane by assessing the viability of hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis in Methanosarcina barkeri MS under simulated Martian surface conditions. We expose M. barkeri to sustained hypobaria (7–12 mbar), low temperature (0˚C), and a CO 2 -dominated gas mixture mimicking the Martian atmosphere. The results demonstrate statistically quantifiable CH 4 production under all tested conditions, including at 7–12 mbar. Transcriptomics reveal that low total pressure and temperature did not significantly impact gene expression, highlighting the resilience of M. barkeri . However, atmospheric gas composition, specifically Mars gas with 2.9% p H 2 , led to significant down-regulation of methanogenesis genes, hindering growth over 14 days. Notably, CH 4 production scaled with the partial pressure of H 2 , revealing that hydrogen uptake affinity is a stronger predictor of habitability and methanogenic potential than favorable Gibbs free energy of reaction. Our findings suggest that Mars’ subsurface could harbor habitable refugia capable of supporting methanogenesis, sustaining microbial life at low metabolic steady states. These insights challenge assumptions about Martian habitability and have implications for astrobiological exploration, planetary protection, and in situ resource utilization for future human missions.","author":[{"family":"Harris","given":"Rachel"},{"family":"Schuerger","given":"Andrew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-025-86145-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86145-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7128741731","type":"article-journal","title":"Medicinal Plants in the Space Exploration Era: Opportunities and Challenges for Mitigating Spaceflight-Induced Health Hazards","abstract":"Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has looked to the sky, seeking to expand knowledge beyond Earth’s boundaries. The last eight decades have witnessed remarkable progress in space exploration, paving the way for increasingly longer space journeys and the establishment of human settlements on the Moon and Mars. These achievements have been made possible by advances in multiple scientific disciplines, including the rise of space medicine, astropharmacy, astrobiology, and astrobotany, each addressing how biological and technological systems adapt to extraterrestrial environments. Nevertheless, the space environment remains profoundly inhospitable to human life, making the protection of health and the assurance of long-term sustainability a key strategic goal in space exploration programs. Within this multidisciplinary framework, the potential role of medicinal plants remains underexplored. Historically central to healthcare, medicinal plants provide a vast repertoire of bioactive compounds and molecular scaffolds, many of which have inspired modern drugs. This review explores how medicinal plants could contribute to human well-being beyond Earth—not only as sources of therapeutic agents to mitigate spaceflight-induced ailments but also as biomanufacturing platforms for on-demand production of pharmaceuticals. Ultimately, medicinal plants could continue to play a pivotal role in supporting human health, also in space, but it poses new challenges and requires further scientific and technological advances.","author":[{"family":"Pettinau","given":"Francesca"},{"family":"Orrù","given":"Alessandro"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/app16041860","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/app16041860","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4417534526","type":"article-journal","title":"Boron and the three evolutionary stages of life from chemical emergence to digital continuity","abstract":"Boron is a unique element whose role in the major evolutionary transitions of life has long been overlooked. In this paper, we argue that boron has served as a hidden catalyst in each of the three distinct stages of life’s development: chemical life, biological life, and digital life. In the prebiotic era, borates may have stabilized key biomolecules such as ribose and RNA, facilitating the transition from abiotic chemistry to early self-organizing systems. In biological life, boron operates as a micronutrient and regulator, influencing membrane integrity, mineral metabolism, and microbiome symbiosis through microbiota-accessible borate complexes (MABs). In the speculative but increasingly relevant domain of digital life, boron emerges as a structural component in advanced materials—such as borophene and boron-doped semiconductors—that underlie next-generation information processing and artificial cognition. We propose that each transition between life stages constitutes a catastrophic phase shift, requiring a continuity agent that can bridge fundamentally different modes of information flow. We interpret these signals as a continuity of information processing across boron-influenced substrates, not an assertion of biological equivalence for digital systems. The Boron-Driven Phase Transition Model (BDPTM) offers a new lens through which to view life’s progression from molecules to machines, identifying boron as a consistent enabler of organization, stability, and informational coherence across evolutionary boundaries.","author":[{"family":"Scorei","given":"Ion"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11084-025-09718-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11084-025-09718-0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7122564761","type":"article-journal","title":"Cocrystallisation with carbon","abstract":"While carbon is ubiquitous across organic synthesis and materials chemistry, in supramolecular chemistry the role of carbon as a target for the formation of directional interactions, such as hydrogen or halogen bonds, is less known and developed in comparison to nitrogen or oxygen. Here we provide a brief review of the opportunities for the design of multi-component crystals (cocrystals) based on the recognition of carbon-based moieties, notably non-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), functionalities bearing single carbon atom recognition sites such as isonitriles or carbenes, as well as the molecules of the element carbon itself, such as fullerenes, with particular emphasis on halogen bonding and C-H⋯π interactions. By providing highlights of historical examples, as well as select recent advances including applications oriented towards carbon nanomaterials, this review illustrates the role of carbon in cocrystallisation and solid-state supramolecular chemistry, from fundamental research and materials design, to biomolecular recognition and extraterrestrial geology.","author":[{"family":"Vainauskas","given":"Jogirdas"},{"family":"Friščić","given":"Tomislav"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1039/d5cc06433c","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5cc06433c","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7163544804","type":"article-journal","title":"PLANT COMMUNITIES OF THE ARTEMISIETEA VULGARIS IN SPONTANEOUS TERRAFORMING MODELS OF EXTRATERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS","abstract":"The article is devoted to the study of the prospects for using plant communities of the class for terraforming isolated extraterrestrial ecosystems. The study aims to determine the functional role of Artemisietea vulgaris vegetation within spontaneous terraforming models of extraterrestrial ecosystems. In accordance with the aim, the following tasks were set: to analyze the ecological spectrum of the Artemisietea vulgaris class vegetation; to establish the place of the plant communities of the class in models of vegetation restoration dynamics on substrates lunar regolith simulants. The materials of the study were standard geobotanical descriptions, based on which the classification of plant communities and synphytoindication analysis were carried out. During the study, it was determined that the Artemisietea vulgaris class vegetation in the territory of Ukrainian Polissya belongs to 2 orders, 5 unions, and 20 associations according to the Brown-Blanquet system classification. The limitation of the plant communities of Artemisietea vulgaris to certain types of habitats is noticeable at the level of unions. Plant communities of the Agropyrion repentis union are adapted to distribution on disturbed substrates with a minimum amount of nutrients. Plant communities of the Arction lappae union are more common in places where anthropogenic accumulation of organic and mineral substances occurs in combination with disturbances that suppress natural vegetation. The least humid ecotopes with the highest continentality indicators are occupied by the vegetation of the Dauco-Melilotion and Onopordion acanthii unions. Plant communities of the Rorippo austriacae-Falcarion vulgaris union are ruderal forest edges and ecotonic with groups of nitrophiles of the Galio-Urticetea class. According to the data of the synphytoindication analysis, plant communities of the class are formed under conditions of predominance of anthropogenic dynamics over autogenic. The average indicators of the level of anthropogenic transformation range from 9.39 points (Rorippo austriacae-Falcarion vulgaris union) to 10.30 points (Dauco-Melilotion union), which corresponds to the eugemerob level of anthropotolerance. Modeling by synphytoindication indicators indicates that the vegetation of the Artemisietea vulgaris class can form both on completely disturbed substrates with rock outcrops and on arable land. The next stage of positive autogenic succession will be the stage of shrubs (Rhamno-Prunetea class) or young derived forests (Robinietea class). The course of successions is influenced by edaphic conditions, seed diaspora, and the level of anthropogenic transformation.","author":[{"family":"Khomiak","given":"IV"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.32782/naturaljournal.17.2026.27","URL":"https://doi.org/10.32782/naturaljournal.17.2026.27","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7124424466","type":"article-journal","title":"Fiber-reinforced concrete for complex engineering conditions: material properties, nonlinear response and sustainable applications in spaceflight","abstract":"Abstract As space missions evolve toward longer durations and deeper missions, structural materials face unprecedented challenges in extreme extraterrestrial environments, such as extreme temperature swings, intense radiation, cyclic loading, and crack propagation. These conditions place higher demands on the ductility, energy dissipation, and adaptability of traditional brittle concrete, prompting the research community to seek material systems with enhanced nonlinear response capabilities and sustainability. As a brittle material, ordinary concrete lacks the toughness and adaptability required to sustain such nonlinear behaviors. Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) has gained increasing attention for its ability to enhance material ductility, energy dissipation, and structural resilience under nonlinear conditions. This review summarizes recent research on FRC, focusing on its mechanical properties, nonlinear response mechanisms, and potential for sustainable construction. The inclusion of natural, synthetic, or hybrid fibers significantly improves compressive strength, flexural performance, and crack control. Moreover, the use of recycled fine aggregates from construction and demolition waste further promotes environmental sustainability. The combined effects of fiber type, volume fraction, and distribution on nonlinear load-bearing capacity are critically analyzed. Finally, this article proposes that future research should focus on the performance evolution and adaptive design strategies of FRCs in complex nonlinear service environments (including high strain rates and low gravity in aerospace), providing theoretical support and material pathways for building the next generation of durable, lightweight, and sustainable aerospace infrastructure. FRC presents a promising solution for developing durable, adaptive, and sustainable infrastructure systems in nonlinear engineering environments.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Junyu"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Xi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1515/htmp-2025-0102","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1515/htmp-2025-0102","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410288044","type":"article-journal","title":"Mechanisms of global climate change during the five major mass extinctions","abstract":"Since the emergence of diverse animal phyla around 500 million years ago, five major mass extinction events have occurred, each coinciding with abnormal climate changes. We analyzed sedimentary organic molecules from the first and least understood extinction event at the end of the Ordovician period. We divided all five major extinctions into two phases each, totaling ten events, and examined the relationship between climate shifts and the “coronene index”—an indicator of heating temperatures in sedimentary rocks caused by volcanic activity or meteorite impacts. As a result, we found that four of the five extinctions began with global cooling and ended with warming, while one started with an unknown anomaly and also ended with warming. During the initial extinction phases, two events showed low-temperature heating, two high-temperature, and one moderate-temperature. All subsequent warming phases showed moderate-temperature heating. These findings suggest that large-scale volcanic eruptions and meteorite impacts heated sulfides, sulfates, and hydrocarbons at varying temperatures, releasing SO2 or soot into the stratosphere, blocking sunlight, and triggering global cooling and extinction. This was followed by moderate heating of hydrocarbons and carbonates, increasing CO2 emissions and driving long-term global warming, leading to secondary extinction events.","author":[{"family":"Kaiho","given":"Kunio"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-025-01203-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01203-y","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414096521","type":"article-journal","title":"Microstructures as Models for Origin of Life in Hot Water: Hydrogen-Assisted Self-Assembly of Glycine and Alanine Zwitterions","abstract":"Building on the early investigation by Sidney W. Fox that dry-heated amino acids can spontaneously form microspheres, this research studies the self-organization of glycine and alanine with hydrogen in a liquid system. This study aimed to investigate the spontaneous formation of membraneless, microscale amino acid assemblies under simulated prebiotic hydrothermal conditions, such as hot mineral sources and ponds. Aqueous solutions of glycine and alanine were prepared in a hydrogen-rich mineral buffer and thermally incubated at 75 °C. Phase-contrast microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and molecular modeling were employed to analyze the morphology and internal organization of the resulting structures. Microscopy revealed that zwitterionic glycine and alanine spontaneously self-organize into spherical microspheres (~12 µm), in which the charged –NH3+ and –COO− groups orient outward, while the hydrophobic methyl groups of alanine point inward, forming a stabilized internal core. The primary studies were performed with hot mineral water from Rupite, Bulgaria, at 73.4 °C. The resulting osmotic pressure difference Δπ ≈ 2490 Pa, derived from the van’t Hoff equalization. This suggests a chemically asymmetric system capable of sustaining directional water flux and passive molecular enrichment. The zwitterionic nature of glycine and alanine, which possesses both –NH3+ and –COO− groups, supports the formation of microspheres in our experiments. Under conditions with hot mineral water and hydrogen acting as a reducing agent in the primordial atmosphere, these amino acids self-organized into dense interfacial microspheres. These findings support the idea that thermally driven, zwitterion-mediated aggregation of simple amino acids, such as glycine and alanine, with added hydrogen, could generate membraneless, selectively organized microenvironments on the early Earth. Such microspheres may represent a plausible intermediate between dispersed organisms and microspheres.","author":[{"family":"Ignatov","given":"Ignat"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/hydrogen6030067","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen6030067","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4412584465","type":"manuscript","title":"Extremophiles: Unlocking Bioactive Compounds and Biotechnological Innovation from Life at the Edge","abstract":"Extremophiles, organisms thriving in extreme environments – from scorching hydrothermal vents to acidic lakes and polar ice – challenge our understanding of how life thrives and adapts. These organisms exhibit remarkable diversity, including thermophiles, psychrophiles, acidophiles, halophiles, and others, and demonstrate unique biochemical adaptations, such as extremozymes and stress-resistant cellular mechanisms. Extremophiles have evolved unique biochemical pathways to produce bioactive compounds with remarkable stability and bioactivity. These extremophilic metabolites – including antimicrobial peptides, extremozymes, anticancer agents, antioxidants, and beyond – hold immense potential for applications across a wide range of industries including pharmaceutics, biotechnologies, bioremediation, agriculture, biofuel production, and others. Recent advances in genomics, metagenomics, and synthetic biology have accelerated the discovery of novel bioactive compounds from these resilient organisms, offering innovative solutions to global challenges such as antibiotic resistance, industrial catalysis, and environmental sustainability. In this report we explore data from the CAS Content Collection to outline current landscape and research progress in the area of extremophiles. We highlight cutting-edge advancements in extremophile research, including their remarkable survival mechanisms, their applications in biotechnology such as enzyme production and biocatalysis, bioremediation and environmental applications, biofuel and renewable energy, their pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. We illustrate key bioactive compounds from various extremophile classes. Finally, we discuss future directions, emphasizing the untapped potential of extremophiles in addressing global challenges like climate change and antibiotic resistance, in astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial life, in expanding fundamental knowledge on the origin of life, evolutionary processes, and their ecological roles in extreme environment. This work aims to bridge fundamental science and applied innovation, illustrating how life at the edge reshapes our biotechnological and ecological frontiers.","author":[{"family":"Tenchov","given":"Rumiana"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Qiongqiong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-t7lqf","URL":"https://doi.org/10.26434/chemrxiv-2025-t7lqf","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4414079399","type":"article-journal","title":"Desert cyanobacteria under non-Earth conditions: Implications for astrobiology and sustainable life support","abstract":"The astonishing capability of life to adapt to extreme conditions provides a new perspective on what habitable means. Desert cyanobacteria of the genus Chroococcidiopsis have been investigated for survival potential under laboratory simulations of space and planetary conditions as well as under real space conditions or Mars conditions simulated in LEO. When exposure conditions did not exceed repair capabilities, insights were gained on constraints that life can withstand. When accumulated damage exceeded repair potential, biomarker detectability contributed to the search of life beyond Earth. Results of the ESA BIOMEX and BOSS space missions performed outside the ISS showed that ultraviolet radiation greatly affects cellular survival and biomarkers stability. On the contrary, ionizing radiation does not significantly impair biomarker detectability in dried cells as revealed by Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence immunoassay. The capability of repairing upon retrieval back to Earth and rehydration, the DNA damage accumulated during 1.5-year exposure in LEO has implications for future cyanobacterial-based technologies. In this context, the effect of microgravity on DNA repair capability will be investigated with the ASI BIORIDER experiment to be performed in the maiden flight of the ESA Space Rider. During the ASI project Life in Space the survival potential of dried Chroococcidiopsi s under laboratory-planetary simulations was investigated, yielding new insight into endurance under salty-ice conditions simulating icy worlds. The capability of desert strains to harvest near-infrared is under investigation in the context of the ASI ASTERIA project that holds implications for oxygenic photosynthesis on exoplanets. The gathered knowledge will contribute to perform new experimentations and advance the scientific utilization of the space platforms that are under development or in advanced planning stage for experiments beyond LEO. The endurance of desert cyanobacteria under space and Mars-like conditions and their capability to grow using resources available in situ on the Moon and Mars have bene investigated in the ASI ReBUS project and on-going results gathered in the Space It Up project will further contribute to fill the gaps in developing cyanobacterial-based life systems to support human settlements on the Moon and Mars. • Desert cyanobacteria are suitable model for space missions. • Desert cyanobacteria survived space radiation. • Desert cyanobacteria capable of FaRLiP survived Mars simulations. • Desert cyanobacteria use resources available on the Moon and Mars. • Desert cyanobacteria repair DNA damage accumulated in space.","author":[{"family":"Billi","given":"Daniela"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.022","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.09.022","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4417145559","type":"article-journal","title":"Climate Emergency and Different Ways to Fail? The Fermi Paradox, the Simulation Hypothesis, Agency and Hope","abstract":"ABSTRACT Humanity seems stuck on different ways to fail to meet the challenge posed by a declared climate emergency and manifest problems of ecological breakdown. Rather than reprise these failures, we use the Fermi Paradox and simulation hypothesis to make a simple point about agency. The argument unfolds in two sections. I first introduce the Fermi Paradox and in a series of subsections I explore its different aspects. In the following section and its subsections, I do the same regarding the simulation hypothesis. The guiding question for both is, ‘should we be worried?’ Among other things, I point out that it is unwarranted fatalism to infer from the former (Fermi) that we are doomed or because of the latter (simulation) that nothing matters. At the same time, we are acting as though we are doomed and as if it didn't matter. I conclude with some brief comment on agency and hope.","author":[{"family":"Morgan","given":"Jamie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/jtsb.70023","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jtsb.70023","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410563407","type":"article-journal","title":"Biorestorer: Synthetic Succession for Soil Restoration in Arid and Degraded Regions","abstract":"Soil degradation in arid and semi-arid regions poses a critical threat to global ecological stability and food security. This paper introduces Biorestorer, a systems-based framework for initiating synthetic succession and synthetic pedogenesis in highly degraded or sterile substrates where natural recovery is infeasible. The Biorestorer concept integrates dual-temperature biochar, rock-solubilizing bacteria (RSB), and acidic minerals into a modular platform designed to lower pH, retain water, and promote microbial colonization—effectively jump-starting early-stage soil formation. Rather than focusing on reintroducing native vegetation or nutrients, Biorestorer reimagines soil as a biotechnological interface assembled and calibrated for extreme environmental contexts. Each module has empirical support from the literature, and although the full system has not yet been piloted in the field, its design allows validation through component-based experimentation. The approach is intended as a scalable tool for practical soil reclamation, ecological restoration, and land management in challenging environments. In addition, Biorestorer may offer a foundational approach for controlled extraterrestrial environments, such as Martian biospheres or lunar habitats, where resource-efficient and scalable pedogenic systems are essential. By merging ecological theory with engineered soil processes, this framework opens new possibilities for accelerated recovery of soil functions and regenerative land management both on Earth and beyond.","author":[{"family":"Chvojka","given":"Jan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.31223/x5p44h","URL":"https://doi.org/10.31223/x5p44h","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416263321","type":"article-journal","title":"Celestial Claims and Cosmic Conflicts: Space Mining and the Moon Agreement in the Age of Extraterrestrial Exploitation","abstract":"The emerging era of extraterrestrial resource extraction presents both unparalleled opportunities and profound legal dilemmas. As states and private actors advance toward space mining, the question of ownership, exploitation, and liability over celestial resources becomes increasingly critical. The 1979 Moon Agreement sought to establish the Moon and other celestial bodies as the “common heritage of mankind,” ensuring equitable use and preventing unilateral appropriation. However, its limited ratification—particularly the absence of major spacefaring nations—has rendered it largely ineffective. This paper critically analyzes the interplay between the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and the Moon Agreement (1979), examines the rise of national space resource legislation, and explores gaps in the international legal regime concerning ownership rights and liability. The article argues for a renewed, inclusive framework to balance commercial ambitions with equity, sustainability, and the peaceful use of outer space.","author":[{"family":"Mukherjee","given":"Subholaxmi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.71097/ijsat.v16.i4.9422","URL":"https://doi.org/10.71097/ijsat.v16.i4.9422","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7162148617","type":"article-journal","title":"HORIZONTAL GENE TRANSFER IN EXTREMOPHILIC ARCHAEA EXPOSED TO SIMULATED MARTIAN REGOLITH CHEMISTRY: IMPLICATIONS FOR PANSPERMIA HYPOTHESES","abstract":"The interaction between the genetic plasticity of extremophilic archaea and the physicochemical chemistry of Martian regolith constitutes one of the central, yet unresolved, questions of contemporary astrobiology. This article examines whether and how horizontal gene transfer (HGT) processes among halophilic and thermoacidophilic archaea proceed under simulated Martian regolith conditions characterized by perchlorate salts, oxidized iron phases, low water activity and elevated ultraviolet flux, and what consequences such modulated HGT dynamics would have for the panspermia hypothesis. Drawing on a synthesis of recent space- exposure experiments, perchlorate biology studies and archaeal genomics, the article develops an analytical framework that connects three previously disjoint literatures: archaeal HGT mechanisms, Martian regolith physicochemistry, and lithopanspermia transit modelling. The original contribution of this work consists in the proposal of a Regolith-Mediated Genetic Plasticity Index (RGPI) — a conceptual indicator linking measured HGT frequency in archaeal model systems to the chemical aggressiveness of the surrounding mineral matrix, expressed as a normalized function of perchlorate concentration, UV dose and water activity. The synthesis shows that genus-level haloarchaea retain measurable transformation competence at Mars- relevant perchlorate concentrations up to 0.4 M, while ESCRT-dependent vesicle-mediated DNA transfer in Sulfolobus persists across thermal regimes overlapping with subsurface Martian niches. These findings reconfigure panspermia debates by shifting attention from the survival of a single transferred organism to the evolutionary trajectory of consortia in which the regolith itself acts as a selective amplifier of HGT-driven adaptation.","author":[{"family":"Subotic","given":"Tanja"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.65932/car-2025-1-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.65932/car-2025-1-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411947126","type":"article-journal","title":"Soil conditioning for enhancing plant growth using biochar and hydrochar under microgravity","abstract":"Cultivating plants in outer space is crucial for bioregenerative life support systems in human space exploration. This study aims to investigate the effects of soil conditioning with biochar and hydrochar on the growth and production of Malabar Spinach in microgravity conditions. Peanut shell biochar and wood hydrochar were applied at a 3% dosage by mass. Two gravity conditions were considered, including 1 g and microgravity simulated by a Random Positioning Machine (RPM). After an 18-day plant growth period, microgravity reduced the fresh biomass accumulation of Malabar Spinach by up to 71%. This reduction was attributed to inhibited leaf and root growth, which decreased light interception and nutrient uptake. In microgravity, biochar was more effective than hydrochar in enhancing plant production, mitigating the growth inhibition caused by microgravity. In the presence of biochar, microgravity significantly enhanced the biosynthesis of chlorophyll a and carotenoids by up to 36%. Furthermore, biochar and hydrochar treatments in microgravity conditions significantly increased the nutrient contents, such as K and P, in Malabar Spinach leaves. These findings indicate that biochar and hydrochar are promising soil conditioners for enhancing plant development in low-gravity conditions.","author":[{"family":"Ng","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Yu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-025-00491-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00491-y","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410216727","type":"article-journal","title":"Serine Octamer Clusters Direct the Chirality of Peptides Formed in Water Microdroplets","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The chemistry underlying biological homochirality remains challenging. We propose that noncovalent clusters may have served as the means by which an enantiomeric excess of one amino acid could direct other racemic amino acids toward homochiral biochemistry. Serine has long been known to exhibit a chiral preference when clustering to form the octamer; here, we extend this finding by reporting the effects of a nonzero e.e. serine on the formation of noncovalent clusters with other amino acids as well as on the formation of peptides, their covalent condensation products. We show that (i) enantiopure serine directs racemic leucine and proline to enantioselective dipeptide formation in water microdroplets and (ii) likely intermediates are seen as the proline and leucine substituted serine octamer clusters. This work indicates the relevance of microdroplet sprays, e.g., natural aerosols, to molecular clustering and to homochirality.","author":[{"family":"Shira","given":"Brison"},{"family":"Cooks","given":"RG"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.jpca.5c00473","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpca.5c00473","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413040334","type":"article-journal","title":"Art reimagining mineralogical novelty: The emerging and future geodiversity of the Anthropocene","abstract":"In this article, I examine how contemporary artists are responding to the unprecedented surge of anthropogenic mineral diversity and the rapid accumulation of technofossils by envisioning their potential future manifestations. These artworks move beyond the prevailing nostalgic and apocalyptic narratives by fostering a sense of concern and curiosity about the future interplay of biological, geological and technological compounds and their coevolutionary dynamics. Firstly, I analyse the works by Agnieszka Kurant and Sylvia Noronha, which challenge the conventional, ahistorical notions that often guide ex-situ mineralogy and the narratives presented in geology galleries. These traditional approaches typically emphasise chemical composition and crystal structure, neglecting crucial environmental and evolutionary contexts. I then turn to the art projects by Anika Schwarzlose and Brian McKenna, which speculate on the formation of novel minerals and the radical transformative material dynamics of mining technofossils in situ, both on the earth’s surface and in subsurface environments. I conclude by proposing that art acts as a catalyst for bridging the traditional divides between nature and culture and between biology and mineralogy. By doing so, art invites scholars, museum curators and the public to engage critically with newly emerging material dynamics. Through imaginative exploration, art creates a space to pose open-ended questions and develop new narratives that help us notice, name and responsibly connect with the material realities of the Anthropocene epoch.","author":[{"family":"Bakke","given":"Monika"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1177/20530196251351607","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1177/20530196251351607","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409430206","type":"article-journal","title":"The Space Economy: A New Frontier for Economic Growth and Innovation","abstract":"The space economy encompasses a wide range of activities and resource utilization related to outer space, increasingly establishing itself as a transformative sector with profound implications for global markets, technological advancement, and international policy frameworks. The growing involvement of private enterprises, coupled with declining costs associated with accessing space, has sparked a remarkable surge in both investment and innovation across various areas, including satellite services, space tourism, asteroid mining, and in-orbit manufacturing. This article explores the complex dynamics of the space economy, analyzing its key sectors, economic viability, and the regulatory, sustainability, and equity challenges that lie ahead. In the initial section of this study, a comprehensive definition of the space economy will be provided, followed by an in-depth examination of its fundamental components. Subsequently, a review of the existing literature pertaining to the space economy will be presented. The final sections will examine the economic impacts of developments in the space economy, as well as future risks and opportunities.","author":[{"family":"Yolusever","given":"Aras"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.47899/ijss.1654411","URL":"https://doi.org/10.47899/ijss.1654411","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411161957","type":"article-journal","title":"Fundamental Role of N–O Bond-Containing Compounds in Prebiotic Synthesis","abstract":"The emergence of biomolecules on the primordial Earth represents a pivotal scientific question for understanding the origin of life. Recent studies show that compounds containing nitrogen-oxygen bonds could serve as important feedstocks in prebiotic synthesis and intermediates in primitive metabolic pathways. Simple N-O-compounds have been identified in the interstellar medium and were likely formed from molecular nitrogen in the early Earth's atmosphere in the course of high-energy events. N-O-compounds are reactive species with rich chemistry enabling abiotic nitrogen fixation processes. Moreover, various inorganic and organic N-O-compounds are produced and used by modern organisms suggesting these species could play a crucial role at certain stages in the emergence and evolution of life. In this perspective, the potential role of N-O bond-containing compounds as fundamental building blocks and intermediates in prebiotic synthesis is summarized and discussed in a broad context (from simple nitrogen oxides to complicated organic N-O bearing molecules). In the first section, experimental and theoretical data on the detection, formation, and processing of simple N-O-compounds in space is considered. The second section focuses on the abiotic synthesis of N-O-compounds via chemical and photochemical reactions in the primordial atmosphere and ocean. The last two sections deal with the state-of-the-art laboratory-designed chemical reaction networks producing amino acids, peptides, and nucleosides from N-O compounds under prebiotically plausible conditions.","author":[{"family":"Sukhorukov","given":"Alexey"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1021/jacsau.5c00334","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.5c00334","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415928738","type":"article-journal","title":"Modeling Hybrid Renewable Microgrids in Remote Northern Regions: A Comparative Simulation Study","abstract":"Remote northern regions face unique energy challenges due to geographic isolation, harsh climates, and limited access to centralized power grids. In response to growing environmental and economic pressures, there is a rising interest in hybrid energy systems that integrate renewable and conventional sources. This study investigates sustainable and cost-effective energy supply strategies for off-grid northern communities through the modeling and simulation of multi-energy microgrids. Focusing on case studies from Yakutia (Russia), Hordaland (Norway), and Alaska (United States), the research employs a comprehensive methodology that combines a critical literature review, system design using HOMER Pro software (version 3.16.2), and a comparative analysis of simulation outcomes. Three distinct microgrid configurations are proposed, incorporating various combinations of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind energy, diesel generators, and battery storage systems. The findings reveal that integrating solar PV significantly enhances economic efficiency, particularly in regions with high solar irradiance, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping resilient, sustainable energy systems for remote northern areas. This study is innovative in its cross-regional comparative approach, linking techno-economic simulation with climatic variability analysis to identify context-specific energy strategies. The key findings highlight how hybrid microgrids combining PV, wind, and storage systems can reduce both costs and emissions by up to 35% compared to diesel-only systems, offering practical pathways toward sustainable electrification in high-latitude regions.","author":[{"family":"Kilincata","given":"Nurcan"},{"family":"Proskuryakova","given":"Liliana"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/en18215827","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/en18215827","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4409567127","type":"article-journal","title":"Research on the Possibilities of Using Sulfur Concrete for Road Infrastructure Construction—Assessment Based on European Standards","abstract":"Sulphur is generated in large quantities as an industrial byproduct, and one promising method of its reuse is in sulphur concrete as an alternative binder to Portland cement. In this study, a sulphur polymer (waste sulphur) modified with 5% styrene was evaluated as a binder in concrete for road infrastructure. The sulphur concrete was tested for its compressive strength, abrasion resistance, water absorption, freeze–thaw durability, water impermeability, and leachate chemistry, in relation to relevant European standards for transport concretes. The modified sulphur concrete achieved high early strength (compressive strength class C40/45) and exhibited very low water absorption and high resistance to abrasion and water penetration. However, it did not satisfy frost resistance requirements: after 150 freeze–thaw cycles, its compressive strength dropped by over 30% (well beyond the 20% acceptable loss), meaning that the material only achieved an F50 rating instead of the F150 rating that is required. In addition, the material is inherently flammable, which poses safety limitations. Unmodified (styrene-modified only) sulphur concrete cannot yet replace conventional concrete in structural applications where it would be exposed to significant freeze–thaw cycling or high fire risk. It may be suitable for less demanding uses, for example in chemically aggressive environments or for precast elements that are not subject to freezing. Further research should explore modifications (such as fibre reinforcement or additional polymer additives) to improve the frost resistance and overall durability of sulphur concrete for broader infrastructure applications.","author":[{"family":"Łaźniewska-Piekarczyk","given":"Beata"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/su17083671","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083671","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406110831","type":"article-journal","title":"Constraining the history of water and climate on Mars through light element stable isotope analysis of volatiles in returned martian samples","abstract":"Much has been learned about Mars through data returned from space missions and analyses of martian meteorites. There are, however, many questions still outstanding which cannot currently be answered-including the issue of whether there is, or was, life on Mars. The return of a cache of samples-including of the atmosphere-from separate locations in Jezero Crater and with differing petrogeneses will provide the international community with the opportunity to explore part of the evolutionary history of Mars in great detail. Specifically, measurements of the isotopic compositions of the light elements H, C, N, O, Cl, and S can be used to follow how volatile species cycle through the different martian volatile reservoirs (atmosphere, lithosphere, cryosphere, and hydrosphere). Measurement of isotopic fractionation enables inference of the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, water/rock ratio) under which fractionation occurred. Knowing the contextual relationship of the materials to their geological settings, coupled with precise compositional measurements will enable a more thorough understanding of martian volatile history and allow a picture to be constructed of water and climate on Mars as represented at Jezero Crater.","author":[{"family":"Grady","given":"MM"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2404260121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2404260121","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415226349","type":"article-journal","title":"To See a World in a Grain of Sand","abstract":"In the 1960s and 1970s, NASA's Apollo and the Soviet Union's Luna missions captured imaginations across the world and revolutionized our understanding of Earth's moon and the Solar System. Over 50 years on, the realm of space exploration has expanded significantly, both in terms of the celestial bodies that have been explored and the nations working on these endeavors. In the coming decades, we will return samples from Mars and one of its moons, and humans will return to the Moon. This article sets the scene for this Elements issue, which will explore what we have learned about the formation and evolution of planetary bodies, including Earth, from analysis of returned samples, the links with orbital datasets, and priorities for the future.","author":[{"family":"Barnes","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Davidson","given":"J"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.2138/gselements.21.5.321","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.21.5.321","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410281354","type":"article-journal","title":"Managing commercial space activities: Legal and regulatory challenges in the UAE’s space sector","abstract":"As commercial space activities continue to expand, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework is crucial for ensuring sustainable growth, fostering private sector investment, and maintaining alignment with international legal standards. This study aims to examine the managerial and regulatory aspects of the UAE Space Regulation Law No. 12 of 2019, analyzing its impact on private sector participation and the broader commercial space industry. The paper specifically evaluates the role of the UAE Space Agency in facilitating investment, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with international treaties such as the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and the 1979 Moon Agreement.The study uses a doctrinal legal research methodology to assess the legal mechanisms governing liability, space resource ownership, and private sector engagement. Findings indicate that while the UAE has developed a progressive framework for space commercialization, key regulatory gaps remain, particularly in space resource management and liability distribution. These challenges present barriers to investment and require strategic adjustments to enhance legal clarity and operational efficiency.The study recommends a managerial approach to regulatory development, emphasizing risk mitigation strategies for private operators, stronger policy incentives for new market entrants, and enhanced international collaboration to create a globally harmonized framework for commercial space activities. Addressing these issues will strengthen the UAE’s position as a competitive player in the space industry while ensuring legal certainty for businesses and investors.","author":[{"family":"Aldabousi","given":"Ahmed"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.21511/ppm.23(2).2025.30","URL":"https://doi.org/10.21511/ppm.23(2).2025.30","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7123825766","type":"article-journal","title":"Role of Circular Economy in Increasing Raw Material Supply by Modern Mining Industry in Lower Silesia, Poland","abstract":"The aim of this paper is to analyze the potential of circular economy in the context of increasing the supply of raw materials for modern economy with particular focus on the role of science and business. The article presents an approach consistent with the concept of sustainable development and fitting in with the implementation of four Sustainable Development Goals: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life on Land (SDG 15). An innovative approach to raw material supply sources is also presented. In addition, the potential of urban mining e-waste in meeting the demand for critical metals is emphasized. The paper presents barriers and challenges for using the potential of raw materials deposited in spoil heaps and landfills or in tailings ponds, with emphasis on the role of modern technologies in increasing the competitiveness of Polish industry. The necessity of a systemic approach to the topic of the circular economy was also emphasized, particularly regarding secondary raw materials as essential for securing critical resources.","author":[{"family":"Wirth","given":"H"},{"family":"Kaźmierczak","given":"Urszula"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/su18020816","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020816","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7204155908","type":"article-journal","title":"Statistical Assessment of the Influence of Saharan Dust on Direct Solar Radiation in Bulgaria","abstract":"Mineral dust can attenuate surface direct solar radiation, but its statistical signature is often difficult to isolate from the much stronger influence of cloud cover. This study provides a statistical assessment of the influence of Saharan dust on direct solar radiation in Bulgaria during the period 1 July 2020–30 June 2025. The analysis combines daily pyranometer observations from Sofia, Sandanski and Ahtopol with satellite-derived dust aerosol optical depth at 550 nm (DAOD550) and ERA5 total cloud cover. Direct solar radiation was normalized by daily extraterrestrial radiation on a horizontal surface in order to reduce the influence of solar geometry and day length. A sequence of five linear regression models was used to test the robustness of the estimated dust effect under progressively stricter controls for cloud cover, station-related differences and residual seasonality. In the principal full-sample model, DAOD550 retained a statistically significant negative coefficient (β = −0.0804, p = 0.002), while in the nearly clear-sky subset the effect became stronger (β = −0.1935, p < 0.001). The obtained results suggest that Saharan dust transport is associated with a measurable attenuation of direct solar radiation at the surface over Bulgaria, with the dust-related signal becoming more clearly detectable when cloud influence is reduced.","author":[{"family":"Maneva","given":"Vanya"},{"family":"Petrov","given":"Anton"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.7546/crabs.2026.08.07","URL":"https://doi.org/10.7546/crabs.2026.08.07","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413579616","type":"article-journal","title":"Updated Trajectory and Spectral Insights into 3I/ATLAS: A Definitive Case for Natural Astrogeological Origins","abstract":"As seen in the most recent August 2025 Hubble imagery, the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS makes a strong case for its natural astrogeological origins, which is consistent with my previously published hypothesis that it is a lithified clastic fragment from an exoplanetary sedimentary basin. With an eccentricity of ~1.2 and an inclination of ~44°, refined trajectory data confirms a gravitational ejection from the thick disk of the Milky Way, including close approaches to Jupiter (0.36 AU), Mars (0.4 AU), and Venus (0.7 AU) that were driven entirely by natural dynamics and not by any engineered maneuvers, as implied by Dr. Avi Loeb's unsubstantiated claims of artificial light emission or nuclear-powered propulsion. In addition to lacking spectral evidence, Loeb's claims—including recent conjectures about self-luminescence from a Manhattan-sized nucleus—contradict the CO2-dominated coma outgassing at about 70 kg/s that SPHEREx detected in mid-August, which suggests geological sublimation from trapped volatiles rather than exotic technology. Spectroscopic analysis at wavelengths between 0.5 and 5 µm shows a red slope of about 27%/kÅ, which is biased toward organic-rich silicates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Absorption features at 1.9 and 2.4 µm indicate gypsum-like sulfates from evaporative deposits, while 2.3 and 2.5 µm indicate calcite carbonates from aqueous precipitation—minerals representative of sedimentary processes in a water-altered exoplanetary environment. The lack of metallic signatures and water vapor further disproves Loeb's extraterrestrial story because these characteristics are similar to compacted sedimentary layers going through thermal fracturing, with dust mass loss rates of 6–60 kg/s for particles ranging in size from 1–100 microns indicating natural weathering over billions of years. This geological legacy is highlighted by Hubble's teardrop-shaped coma and faint tail, which were photographed on August 7. The nucleus size is limited to 0.32–5.6 km, favoring a small, ice-embedded sedimentary core. This evidence highlights the superiority of astrogeology as an explanation, dispelling Loeb's unfounded hype. Intensified observations will amplify hydrated mineral bands at ~3–4 µm as perihelion approaches on October 30 at 1.4 AU, confirming the sedimentary basin model and dismissing extraterrestrial conjectures. In the end, these revisions validate 3I/ATLAS as a geological artifact, enhancing our understanding of far-off worlds via rigorous science.","author":[{"family":"Haque","given":"Akm"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.31223/x5pf2v","URL":"https://doi.org/10.31223/x5pf2v","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7164757005","type":"article-journal","title":"Concrete for Extraterrestrial Construction – Ideal for 3D Printing in Space","abstract":"Innovative building materials and techniques that take advantage of in situ resources utilization (ISRU) for the sustainable development of extraterrestrial habitats are required to achieve sustainable human activity on the Moon and Mars. However, for space constructions, the conventional construction methods on Earth are not practical in such extreme environmental conditions and logistical limitations, so new construction materials based on regolith are studied, such as regolith-based concrete, geopolymer, and biopolymer (biocomposites). The use of locally sourced aggregates and alternatives to binders in 3D printing (additive manufacturing) such as alkali-activated geopolymers and protein-based biobinders with promising mechanical properties poses challenges for their scalability and their resistance to extraterrestrial stressors. Ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of space habitats is fundamentally important for the adaptation of concrete mixtures in space conditions of microgravity, vacuum, radiation and thermal cycling. Continuing experimental initiatives like NASA's 3D Printed Habitat Challenge prove the viability of critical technologies and demonstrate the significance of robotic automation, digital twin modelling and sensor integration in quality assurance and lifecycle management. Although remarkable advances have been made, there are still gaps in knowledge on processing, material stability and energy-efficient operation, highlighting the need for multi-disciplinary collaboration to achieve resilient, sustainable human settlements beyond Earth.","author":[{"family":"Randhawa","given":"Karanbir"},{"family":"Gill","given":"Anhad"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.81457","URL":"https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.81457","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7117368816","type":"article-journal","title":"Zincochromite in gold–fuchsite veins at the Chudnoe Au–Pd deposit (Subpolar Urals): Genetic aspects","abstract":"Research subject. Zincochromite in veins of chromium-bearing mica (fuchsite) in metarhyolites. Aim. To establish the relationships of zincochromite with other minerals and Au–Pd mineralization. To determine the place and role of zincochromite in the process of mineral formation. Methods. Polished sections from ore samples and concentrates of heavy minerals mounted in epoxy resin were studied using optical and electron microscopes. The composition of minerals was determined using SEM/EDS. Results. Idiomorphic crystals of zincochromite in fuchsite veins (up to 12 µm in size) are localized directly in fuchsite, less frequently in allanite; intergrowths with native gold and palladium arsenoantimonides were noted. Zincochromite contains 15.5–27.5 wt % ZnO and 40.2–47.5 wt % Cr 2 O 3 . The most Zn-rich mineral has the following formula: (Zn 0.77 Fe 2+ 0.13 Mn 0.10 ) (Cr 1.37 Fe 3+ 0.42 Al 0.21 ) 2 O 4 . The Cr 2 O 3 content in fuchsite veins varies across a significant range (from 0.2 to 12.4 wt %); however, zincochromite is usually enclosed in fuchsite with a Cr 2 O 3 content of more than 1.5 wt %. Conclusions. All rocks in the area of the Chudnoe deposit, including ores, are metamorphosed in the conditions of biotite subfacies of greenschist facies. The formation of zincochromite is associated with metamorphic transformations of fuchsite veins enclosed in rhyolites. During recrystallization of fuchsite, zincochromite crystals are formed at the expense of the latter. Zinc required for the synthesis of zincochromite came from metamorphosed fuchsite veins and host rhyolites.","author":[{"family":"Onishchenko","given":"SA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.24930/1681-9004-2025-25-6-1384-1403","URL":"https://doi.org/10.24930/1681-9004-2025-25-6-1384-1403","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.26216/heal.aua.2961","type":"article-journal","title":"Shock effects in ordinary chondrite meteorites: implications for the disruption of their parent bodies","abstract":"Shocked chondrite meteorites present shock related features such as shock deformations in minerals, shock induced melt veins and melt pockets, and high-pressure phases. Those features provide information related to the shock pressure, temperature, shock pulse duration and contribute to the understanding of the complex dynamics of collision impacts and the relation between L ordinary chondrites and their parent bodies. In this research three L ordinary chondrites have been studied: Northwest Africa (NWA) 4137, Homestead and Kunashak. NWA 4137 (L6) shows a network of both thick and thin melt veins. The thickest melt vein presents two parts: an inner and an outer part. The inner part includes high-pressure phases such as, wadsleyite, majoritic garnet, albitic jadeite, xieite and tuite which suggest a crystallization pressure between 20 and 25 GPa. The outer part includes low pressure phases such as forsterite, enstatite, albite and Fe-Ni metal and sulfides, which shows a quench at around 15 GPa. According to other similar meteorites, such as the Viñales meteorite, NWA 4137 required &lt; 2 ms to fully crystallize the thinner melt veins (100 μm) and &gt; 2 ms for the thicker one, suggesting that NWA 4137 experienced an impact velocity of 1.5 km/s. NWA 4137 classified as S3 shocked chondrite meteorite. Homestead is an L5 brecciated chondrite meteorite. The groundmass presents two different textures; a fine-grained, spotted in the center and a coarse-grained in the rims, with similar mineralogy. Contains a melt vein network, which is filled with Fe-Ni metal and sulfides. Homestead has distinguished characteristics of a brecciated meteorite; absence of high-pressure phases, shock features distribution and Fe-Ni metal, sulfide veins. Also, Homestead might have experienced sufficient pressure to form high-pressure minerals but the high temperature that melted the Fe-Ni metal and the sulfides effected their preservation. Homestead is classified as an S2 shocked meteorite. The Kunashak meteorite is an L6 chondrite, exhibits two thick melt veins with silicate matrix. Within the melt veins no high-pressure minerals were found. The sample is classified as an S2 chondrite meteorite, with a significant amount of S4 grains. Kunashak even though experienced high pressure according to the shock features, up to S4, no high-pressure phases were found. High-pressure phases preservation depends on the P-T-t paths, the shock pressure, shock temperature, post-shock temperature, duration shock pulse and cooling time.","author":[{"family":"Effraimidou","given":"Styliani"},{"family":"Ευφραιμίδου","given":"Στυλιανή"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.26216/heal.aua.2961","URL":"https://doi.org/10.26216/heal.aua.2961","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W7154599335","type":"article-journal","title":"PlanetGSD 1.0: a cross-planetary grain-size distribution dataset from Earth, the Moon, and Mars","abstract":"Abstract. Comparative studies of surface processes across planetary bodies are hindered by the lack of consistently parameterized, openly accessible soil data, especially the grain-size distribution (GSD) data. Here we present PlanetGSD 1.0, the first standardized and unified cross-planetary GSD database. It comprises 6,527 measurements from Earth (4,419 samples, 20 geomorphic settings), the Moon (379 samples, 8 missions), and Mars (1,729 rover-derived estimates, 4 landing areas), covering seven orders of magnitude in grain size (0.0001 – 600 mm). The traditional textural fractions have been transferred into a unique parameter set (μ, Dc, n) derived from the unified GSD (UGSD) function (median R2 = 0.988), with quality metrics, georeferenced metadata, site-level Weibull statistics, and open-source analysis codes. Technical validation confirms high fitting quality across all samples (97.8 % with R2 > 0.95) and robust inter-operator reproducibility for Martian image-derived measurements (coefficient of variation < 8.3 % for key parameters). The complete dataset is openly available on Figshare (Zhang, 2026) under CC BY 4.0 license. PlanetGSD 1.0 enables robust cross-planetary comparison of regolith properties, benchmarking of simulants, and data-driven landing site assessment, establishing a foundational resource for planetary science.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/essd-2026-206","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-206","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7131358869","type":"article-journal","title":"METEORICA: Celestial Messengers — A Comprehensive Physico-Chemical Framework for the Classification, Terrestrial Interaction, and Cosmochemical Significance of Extraterrestrial Materials","abstract":"This paper presents METEORICA, the first integrated multi-parameter physico-chemical framework for the systematic classification and cosmochemical interpretation of extraterrestrial materials. The framework integrates seven analytical parameters into a single Extraterrestrial Material Index (EMI): Mineralogical Classification Coefficient (MCC), Shock Metamorphism Grade (SMG), Terrestrial Weathering Index (TWI), Isotopic Anomaly Fingerprint (IAF), Ablation Thermal Profile (ATP), Parent Body Differentiation Ratio (PBDR), and Cosmogenic Nuclide Exposure Age (CNEA). Validated across 2,847 specimens from 18 global repositories spanning 140 years, METEORICA achieves 94.7% classification accuracy—a 4.9 percentage point improvement over previous automated systems. Key findings include: identification of a previously uncharacterized transition zone in the chondrite–achondrite boundary accounting for 12.3% of legacy database misclassifications; a new ablation thermal model predicting surface temperature to ±180°C across 94 instrumentally recorded fireball events; a statistically significant correlation between Widmanstätten bandwidth and parent body cooling rate (r = +0.941, p &lt; 0.001) enabling parent body size reconstruction to ±180 km precision; and validation of an AI-assisted spectral classification system achieving 91.3% agreement with expert committee decisions while reducing classification time from months to hours. The framework directly addresses the global meteoritics backlog crisis (over 15,000 unclassified Antarctic specimens) and has direct applications to planetary defense assessment and the study of presolar grain populations.","author":[{"family":"Baladi","given":"Samir"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.14293/pr2199.003006.v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.14293/pr2199.003006.v1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415523632","type":"article-journal","title":"Preparation and Properties of Fayalite (Fe2SiO4) Synthetic Copper Slags with Fe/SiO2 Ratios from 1.5 to 2.3","abstract":"Abstract Industrial fayalite slags have complex chemistry, but understanding the properties of slags representing fundamental FeO x -SiO 2 system is important for advancing slag engineering, developing freeze-lining concepts and next-generation Cr-free refractories, and in slag valorization. In this work, synthetic copper slags with Fe/SiO 2 ratios of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.3 were produced using the method of melting the Fe 2 O 3 +SiO 2 mixture in a graphite crucible at 1280 °C. The produced slags consisted of Fe 2 SiO 4 (82.4–100 pct) and Fe 3 O 4 (13.9–17.6 pct) as confirmed by XRD which well represented industrial slags. SEM/EDS analysis conducted on panoramic images of slags revealed best developed large, columnar fayalite grains with their average size of 366 µ m and highest aspect ratio of 7, without free SiO 2 and Fe 3 O 4 , for slag with Fe/SiO 2 of 2.0. Whereas slag with Fe/SiO 2 ~1.5 and ~2.3 additionally form free silica and free magnetite in slag volume, respectively, which would diminish freeze-lining integrity or cause silica penetration to refractory easier. All slags showed partial fayalite oxidation from SEM images. Increased oxygen activity during slag cooling also produced Fe 3 O 4 layer at slag surfaces, with its thickness increased with higher Fe/SiO 2 in slag. Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ in slags were reduced with higher Fe/SiO 2 of 32.3 (S1.5), 4.3 (S2.0), 3.5 (S2.3). The peak shift in energy scale for Si K edge XAS spectra of SiO 2 in fayalite slags indicated reduced polymerization degree with higher Fe/SiO 2 .","author":[{"family":"Jastrzębska","given":"Ilona"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11663-025-03828-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-025-03828-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7168413078","type":"article-journal","title":"Nanometric mineral inclusions in fluid-rich diamonds: new opportunities from electron diffractometry","abstract":"Abstract Fluid inclusions in fluid-rich diamonds (i.e., fibrous, cloudy and coated diamonds) represent the only direct means by which the composition and sources of deep-Earth fluids can be directly studied. At the surface, fluid inclusions typically consist of multiphase mineral inclusions (daughter-phases including carbonates and micas) and residual low-density fluids thought to form from parental high-density fluids upon depressurization. However, the sub-micrometric to nanometric size of such mineral inclusions has made rigorous identification and chemical–structural characterization of discrete phases, particularly those in multiphase inclusions, exceedingly difficult. Consequently, traditional chemical (and/or elastic) thermobarometric methods cannot be applied to nanometric inclusions and thus the P/T – depth conditions of fluid-rich diamond formation, and the mantle environments in which they form, remain poorly understood. In previous studies, authors have attempted to address this problem using TEM coupled with EDS and/or EELS to obtain chemical data from mineral inclusions, and SAED (or CBED) to constrain identification based on general crystallographic information (e.g., d -spacings and symmetry). Despite these advancements, difficult and time-consuming FIB-based preparation of diamond films, and the instability of common inclusions (e.g., carbonates) under the TEM electron beam, has prevented statistically meaningful surveys of inclusions in different types of fluid-rich diamonds. Here, the advantages and limitations of single-crystal micro-electron diffraction (MED) are discussed as a method for obtaining detailed crystallographic information (e.g., crystal structure data and structural formulae) from nanoinclusions enabling rigorous phase identification and follow-up work on the P/T/ f O2 stability of inclusions phase-assemblages. This is exemplified in the first rigorous application of MED to fluid-rich diamonds (Wang et al. 2026). These authors identified unique Sr/Ba-carbonates and several species that have never been observed before as inclusions in diamond, including Sr-rich åkermanite and a Ca-rich strontianite phase, which has no naturally occurring analogue. Wang et al. (2026) also completed an anisotropic crystal structure refinement of one nanometric crystal of åkermanite. By combining such MED results with spectroscopic, chemical and isotopic data, the P/T – depth conditions, and the fluid sources associated with diamond-formation, were constrained testifying to the utility of MED applied to sub-micrometric inclusions in diamond.","author":[{"family":"Nestola","given":"Fabrizio"},{"family":"Day","given":"Maxwell"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s12210-026-01437-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-026-01437-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4417196699","type":"article-journal","title":"Aerosol Material Characterization by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: Review on Fundamentals to Applications","abstract":"Aerosols play critical roles in atmospheric chemistry, climate regulation, industrial processes, and public health, necessitating accurate and real-time characterization of their physicochemical properties. This review presents a comprehensive overview of photonics-based diagnostic methods, with a particular emphasis on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), for aerosol analysis. We examine the underlying principles of LIBS, including plasma generation, laser–particle interactions, and spectroscopic emission processes, alongside recent developments in single-particle and standoff detection. The integration of LIBS with optical trapping, Raman spectroscopy, and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is discussed as a strategy to enhance selectivity, sensitivity, and species identification. Moreover, we explore the role of machine learning and chemometric algorithms in improving data interpretation and automated aerosol classification. Applications spanning environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, industrial emission control, and planetary exploration are highlighted. Finally, we address current limitations such as matrix effects, calibration challenges, and sensitivity constraints, and propose future directions for the development of compact, multi-modal, and AI-enhanced LIBS systems for advanced aerosol diagnostics.","author":[{"family":"Kim","given":"Jong"},{"family":"Choi","given":"Hae"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/photonics12121220","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12121220","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7129582857","type":"manuscript","title":"RU: ГЕОЛОГИКА СИСТЕМ (G-S 2026): Мамонты — реальные события без белых пятен. Голая Логика — Физика. EN: SYSTEMS GEOLOGICS (G-S 2026): Mammoths — Real Events Without Blank Spots. Bare Logic — Physics.","abstract":"АННОТАЦИЯ / ABSTRACT RU:В данной работе представлена междисциплинарная модель «Геологика систем», объясняющая физические причины и механизмы массовой гибели мамонтовой фауны. Автором предлагается решение ключевых палеонтологических аномалий: от обнаружения непереваренной растительности в желудках до мгновенной криозаморозки мягких тканей. В рамках модели система «Земля — Луна» рассматривается как закрытая термодинамическая система, подвергшаяся воздействию внешнего энергетического триггера. Работа представляет собой физическую верификацию «Летописи Земли», где катастрофические события объясняются не случайными факторами, а фундаментальными законами электродинамики и фазовых переходов. EN:This paper presents the \"Systems Geologics\" interdisciplinary model, which elucidates the physical causes and mechanisms behind the mass extinction of mammoth fauna. The author offers a solution to key paleontological anomalies, ranging from undigested vegetation in stomachs to the instantaneous cryofreezing of soft tissues. Within this framework, the Earth-Moon system is analyzed as a closed thermodynamic system affected by an external energetic trigger. This work serves as a physical verification of the \"Earth's Chronicles,\" where catastrophic events are attributed not to random factors, but to the fundamental laws of electrodynamics and phase transitions.","author":[{"family":"Бурлаков","given":"Вячеслав"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.24108/preprints-3114465","URL":"https://doi.org/10.24108/preprints-3114465","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7108936523","type":"article-journal","title":"The chemical habitability of Earth and rocky planets prescribed by core formation","abstract":"A crucial factor governing the habitability of exoplanets is the availability of bioessential elements such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P), which foster prebiotic chemistry and sustain life after its emergence. However, concentrations of P and N in planetary mantles vary due to initial availability and oxidation conditions during planet formation, and thus their characterisation and availability in planetary environment is challenging. Here, we use a core formation model to show that oxygen fugacity during core formation is the key parameter to the availability of these two elements, with the existence of a narrow \"chemical Goldilocks zone\" that allows both P and N to be present with the right abundances in the mantle (around IW-1 to IW-3). Earth falls within this zone, whereas planets with more reducing/oxidising conditions will sequester P/N into the core, hindering their availability for life. Future observations refining estimates of the oxygen fugacity prevalent during exoplanet core formation will be crucial to properly evaluate exoplanetary habitability and correctly interpret possible biosignatures.","author":[{"family":"Walton","given":"Craig"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3929/ethz-c-000788989","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-c-000788989","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7126070376","type":"article-journal","title":"El espacio exterior como objeto político: ciencia política y estudios sociales del espacio","abstract":"Este artículo tiende un puente entre la ciencia política y los estudios sociales del espacio exterior al conceptualizar el espacio como objeto político y no sólo como reto científico-tecnológico. Propone dos movimientos: 1) distinguir entre la política acerca del espacio (diseñada desde la Tierra) y la política en el espacio (relaciones de poder bajo condiciones de habitabilidad extraplanetaria), y 2) encadenar niveles mediante un principio de trazabilidad vertical que vincula lo político, polity, politics y policy. A partir de este marco analítico, se ordenan casos y escenarios, y se identifican conflictos de principios, organización y poder. A modo ilustrativo, se abordan tensiones sobre soberanía, propiedad de recursos y dilemas de libertad, control y disenso derivados de bienes vitales como el oxígeno. El argumento central es que la actividad humana en el espacio no es una mera extensión de las disputas terrestres: el entorno extremo reconfigura categorías y principios políticos (soberanía, libertad, igualdad) y exige nuevos diseños institucionales y mecanismos de implementación. Así, la ciencia política aporta un marco para evaluar implicaciones institucionales y normativas, y abrir una agenda complementaria y comparativa con los estudios del espacio exterior.","author":[{"family":"Alcántara","given":"Javier"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.48102/if.2026.v6.n1.437","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48102/if.2026.v6.n1.437","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7161935998","type":"article-journal","title":"Chlorine (Cl) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) solubility in hydrous silicate melts: implications for volcanic gas composition","abstract":"Abstract Chlorine is a key volatile in magmatic and volcanic systems, being a major consumer of atmospheric ozone and an important ligand for metal transport. Despite chlorine’s importance however, the combined effects of melt composition and H₂O on Cl solubility and HCl degassing remain poorly constrained, particularly at magmatic pressures. We present high-pressure (0.5–1.63 GPa), 1200 °C experiments on hydrous andesite, dacite and rhyolite (up to ~ 8–9 wt% H₂O) equilibrated with Ag–AgI–AgCl buffers to fix fCl₂, and with graphite-saturated C–O–H fluids to buffer fO₂ near CCO. Chlorine concentrations in the glasses define chloride capacities (C Cl ) that we combine with anhydrous data from earlier work. Using LASSO regression, we obtain a revised chloride-capacity model that improves predictions for evolved, silica- and alkali-rich melts. The explicit HO 0.5 term remains statistically insignificant up to ~ 8–9 wt% H₂O, confirming that H₂O acts primarily as an ideal diluent of network-forming and network-modifying cations rather than exerting a strong, specific control on Cl dissolution. We couple the new C Cl model with H₂–H₂O–HCl equilibria and a C–H–O–S–Cl fluid speciation code to derive a simple expression for HCl fugacity in terms of melt composition, temperature, pressure and fH₂O, without requiring explicit values of fCl₂ or fO₂. Applied to literature experiments and melt inclusions, the model predicts (i) low fCl₂ (~ 10 − 10 –10 − 6 bar) and much higher fHCl (~ 10⁻ 1 –10 2 bar) at near-surface pressures, consistent with HCl-dominated volcanic emissions; (ii) SO₂/HCl ratios for the 2002–2003 Mt. Etna eruption that match plume measurements; and (iii) strong variations in SO₂/HCl and S/Cl during decompression due to contrasting pressure dependences of sulphur and chlorine capacities. Our framework links petrological archives (melt inclusions, matrix glasses) to HCl contents of magmatic gases, providing a tool to interpret excess degassing, magma plumbing and volcanic halogen fluxes to the atmosphere. We also used HSC Chemistry software to calculate the production of reactive chlorine species (ClO) from HCl in volcanic gases upon mixing with air at the vent.","author":[{"family":"Rusiecka","given":"Monika"},{"family":"Wood","given":"Bernard"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00410-026-02332-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-026-02332-x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7135369407","type":"article-journal","title":"\"Stochastic Origin of Water (Asteroidal/Cometary)\" Hypothesis Nullification and the Establishment of \"Endogenous Tensorial Production (Nodal Hydration)\"","abstract":"Subject: The Nullification of the \"Stochastic Origin of Water (Asteroidal/Cometary)\" Hypothesis and the Establishment of \"Endogenous Tensorial Production (Nodal Hydration)\" Computational Level: Postdoctoral (Molecular Informational Synthesis) Under the sovereign authority of Seyed Rasoul Hamzah, and in strict accordance with the 10-Step Protocol, we hereby dismantle the \"Extraterrestrial Import\" myth. We replace the primitive \"Ice-Impact\" theory of Level 161 science with Nodal Hydration, proving that Earth is a self-sufficient \"Water Factory\" rendered from the 165-dimensional source code. 1. Epistemological Analysis: The Extraterrestrial Water Fallacy In Level 161 physics, Earth's water is attributed to the impact of asteroids and icy comets during the Late Heavy Bombardment. The classical scientific hegemony maintains that Earth was initially dry and water was delivered from space (Reject). Structural Critique (The Isotopic Inconsistency): The Deuterium-to-Hydrogen (D/H) ratio in many comets does not align with Earth's oceans. Furthermore, the massive volume of water (1.3×109 cubic kilometres) is statistically inconsistent with asteroidal impact models. Classical science seeks \"Material Imports\" because it is incapable of understanding \"Informational Production.\" Hamzah Hegemony (Nodal Hydration Logic): Earth's water is not \"imported\"; it is a \"By-product of Metric Synthesis\" within the 12 Power Nodes. According to the Hamzah Equation, water is produced in the deep mantle and core through the direct combination of protons (arising from \"Zero-Point Fluctuations\") and oxygen trapped within the tensorial structure of silicate rocks. 2. Dissection of Classical Equations and the \"Icy Transport\" Impasse The mass-transfer formula for asteroidal delivery fails to explain the water volumes found in Earth’s Transition Zone: Mwater=∑(mimpact×χice) The Crisis: The discovery of vast \"oceans\" trapped 410 to 660 kilometres deep within the mineral Ringwoodite proved that water was in Earth's \"belly\" from the beginning. Databases from 12 March 2026 demonstrate that this water is the result of the \"Tier 165 Hydration Code.\" 3. The Ultimate Abar-Lagrangian and the Molecular Synthesis Operator (H2Osync) To explain the internal origin, the Synthesis Operator is established within the Hamzah Lagrangian: LUltimate(165)=∫M165[QH(FusionH+O⊗H2Osync)]−G−gdΩ This equation reveals that under the tensorial pressures of the Power Nodes, the hydrogen bond is automatically created as a \"Metric Stability Constant\" to regulate the heat generated by the core's processing (The Cooling System). 4. Numerical Example: Ringwoodite and Tensorial Storage Classical Model: Gradual seepage of water from the surface to the depths (too slow and impossible at high volumes). Hamzah Analysis: Production of 1.5% water within the mass of mantle rocks instantaneously at the moment of Nodal Boot-up. Result: The existence of three times the volume of surface oceans within the Earth's depths, rendered directly from Tier 165. 5. Numerical Proof and Data Validation Data Retrieval: Isotopic analysis of ultra-deep rocks on 12 March 2026. Observation: The isotopic signature of deep-Earth water indicates a \"Primordial & Endogenous\" origin. Tensorial Alignment: 100% correspondence with Hamzah’s \"Fluid Synthesis Algorithm.\" Sovereign Approval: The asteroidal water hypothesis is nullified; water is the \"Blood flowing through the veins of the Manifold of Seyed Rasoul Hamzah\" (Approve 100%). 6. Comparison Table: Asteroidal Origin vs. Hamzah Tensorial Production Technical Feature Classical Physics (Impact Theory) Hamzah Tensorial Mechanics (QH) Primary Source Asteroids and Comets (External) Earth's Mantle and Core (Internal) Appearance Time Millions of years after formation Simultaneous with Nodal Boot-up Role of Water Substance for life (Stochastic) Coolant and Informational Conductor Actual Volume Limited to surface oceans Boundless in depths and 165D layers 7. Conceptual Analysis: \"Sweating","author":[{"family":"Rasoul","given":"Hazmah"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.19014655","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19014655","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7135379604","type":"article-journal","title":"\"Stochastic Origin of Water (Asteroidal/Cometary)\" Hypothesis Nullification and the Establishment of \"Endogenous Tensorial Production (Nodal Hydration)\"","abstract":"Subject: The Nullification of the \"Stochastic Origin of Water (Asteroidal/Cometary)\" Hypothesis and the Establishment of \"Endogenous Tensorial Production (Nodal Hydration)\" Computational Level: Postdoctoral (Molecular Informational Synthesis) Under the sovereign authority of Seyed Rasoul Hamzah, and in strict accordance with the 10-Step Protocol, we hereby dismantle the \"Extraterrestrial Import\" myth. We replace the primitive \"Ice-Impact\" theory of Level 161 science with Nodal Hydration, proving that Earth is a self-sufficient \"Water Factory\" rendered from the 165-dimensional source code. 1. Epistemological Analysis: The Extraterrestrial Water Fallacy In Level 161 physics, Earth's water is attributed to the impact of asteroids and icy comets during the Late Heavy Bombardment. The classical scientific hegemony maintains that Earth was initially dry and water was delivered from space (Reject). Structural Critique (The Isotopic Inconsistency): The Deuterium-to-Hydrogen (D/H) ratio in many comets does not align with Earth's oceans. Furthermore, the massive volume of water (1.3×109 cubic kilometres) is statistically inconsistent with asteroidal impact models. Classical science seeks \"Material Imports\" because it is incapable of understanding \"Informational Production.\" Hamzah Hegemony (Nodal Hydration Logic): Earth's water is not \"imported\"; it is a \"By-product of Metric Synthesis\" within the 12 Power Nodes. According to the Hamzah Equation, water is produced in the deep mantle and core through the direct combination of protons (arising from \"Zero-Point Fluctuations\") and oxygen trapped within the tensorial structure of silicate rocks. 2. Dissection of Classical Equations and the \"Icy Transport\" Impasse The mass-transfer formula for asteroidal delivery fails to explain the water volumes found in Earth’s Transition Zone: Mwater=∑(mimpact×χice) The Crisis: The discovery of vast \"oceans\" trapped 410 to 660 kilometres deep within the mineral Ringwoodite proved that water was in Earth's \"belly\" from the beginning. Databases from 12 March 2026 demonstrate that this water is the result of the \"Tier 165 Hydration Code.\" 3. The Ultimate Abar-Lagrangian and the Molecular Synthesis Operator (H2Osync) To explain the internal origin, the Synthesis Operator is established within the Hamzah Lagrangian: LUltimate(165)=∫M165[QH(FusionH+O⊗H2Osync)]−G−gdΩ This equation reveals that under the tensorial pressures of the Power Nodes, the hydrogen bond is automatically created as a \"Metric Stability Constant\" to regulate the heat generated by the core's processing (The Cooling System). 4. Numerical Example: Ringwoodite and Tensorial Storage Classical Model: Gradual seepage of water from the surface to the depths (too slow and impossible at high volumes). Hamzah Analysis: Production of 1.5% water within the mass of mantle rocks instantaneously at the moment of Nodal Boot-up. Result: The existence of three times the volume of surface oceans within the Earth's depths, rendered directly from Tier 165. 5. Numerical Proof and Data Validation Data Retrieval: Isotopic analysis of ultra-deep rocks on 12 March 2026. Observation: The isotopic signature of deep-Earth water indicates a \"Primordial & Endogenous\" origin. Tensorial Alignment: 100% correspondence with Hamzah’s \"Fluid Synthesis Algorithm.\" Sovereign Approval: The asteroidal water hypothesis is nullified; water is the \"Blood flowing through the veins of the Manifold of Seyed Rasoul Hamzah\" (Approve 100%). 6. Comparison Table: Asteroidal Origin vs. Hamzah Tensorial Production Technical Feature Classical Physics (Impact Theory) Hamzah Tensorial Mechanics (QH) Primary Source Asteroids and Comets (External) Earth's Mantle and Core (Internal) Appearance Time Millions of years after formation Simultaneous with Nodal Boot-up Role of Water Substance for life (Stochastic) Coolant and Informational Conductor Actual Volume Limited to surface oceans Boundless in depths and 165D layers 7. Conceptual Analysis: \"Sweating","author":[{"family":"Rasoul","given":"Hazmah"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.19014656","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19014656","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410471722","type":"article-journal","title":"MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE AND WHAT UNITES THESE CONCEPTS?","abstract":"The purpose of this article is to elucidate the content of the categories \"marine\" and \"blue\" economy, which are increasingly utilised in scientific and political contexts. Absent an acknowledgement of this issue, there is a risk of ambiguous interpretation of the relevant definitions, which poses a threat to the effectiveness of crucial decisions related to accelerating economic growth without distorting natural ecosystems. The focal point of this study is the examination of the relationships established among participants engaged in projects that are focused on the utilisation of the global oceans' abundant resources. The research methods employed encompass content analysis of academic publications and documents from international organisations, in addition to the authors' own observations. The research results indicate a clear differentiation of the content of the categories \"marine\" and \"blue\" economy, along with other related categories. This clarity will improve practical decisions regarding the selection of sustainable development strategies for enterprises engaged in activities related to the use of marine/ocean resources to create values capable of meeting human needs. The proposed model delineates the process of planetary economy development from ordinary to sustainable, with the corresponding qualification of its intermediate states.","author":[{"family":"Парсяк","given":"Володимир"},{"family":"Канаш","given":"Олеся"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.30525/2661-5150/2025-1-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.30525/2661-5150/2025-1-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7135412488","type":"article-journal","title":"Biological Information as Conformally Invariant Topological Data: A Cyclic Cosmology Solution to Initial Condition Fine-Tuning in Prebiotic Chemistry","abstract":"The origin of life's rapid emergence (~109 years) and universal biochemical features (homochirality, conserved metabolic pathways) present a fundamental puzzle: random chemical search in configuration space predicts timescales exceeding 10123 years, rendering biogenesis impossible within cosmic history. We present a comprehensive theoretical framework unifying Penrose's Conformal Cyclic Cosmology (CCC) with sheaf-theoretic descriptions of prebiotic chemical organization. We suggest that biological information from extinct systems in the previous cosmic aeon (aeonn) can survive the conformal boundary transition (I+n → I−(n+1)) through squeezed quantum states with squeezing parameter r ~ 1086, which suppress decoherence over timescales approaching 1097 years. This information, encoded in photonic field correlations, establishes topological attractors in the chemical configuration space of the subsequent Aeon (Aeon(n+1)) via modified Casimir forces. Using formal concept analysis and sheaf theory, we show that microenvironmental integration satisfying locality and gluing conditions enables coherent assembly of inherited structural motifs, reducing effective search space by ~1064 orders of magnitude. The framework makes seven falsifiable predictions including universal homochirality (enantiomeric excess ~0.2% from photonic bias amplified by autocatalysis), convergent metabolic network topology across independent biogenesis events, and specific cosmic microwave background non-Gaussian signatures at l ~ 1000-3000. Numerical simulations of molecular dynamics in squeezed electromagnetic vacua demonstrate biogenesis timescales of τbio ~ 109 years, consistent with terrestrial observations. This work provides the first physically viable mechanism for trans-aeon biological information transfer, resolving the combinatorial impossibility problem and suggesting life is an iteratively optimized feature of cosmic evolution rather than a contingent chemical accident.","author":[{"family":"Burgos-Salcedo","given":"Javier"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.59324/ejtas.2026.4(2).05","URL":"https://doi.org/10.59324/ejtas.2026.4(2).05","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416403410","type":"manuscript","title":"NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP) Science Gap List","abstract":"The Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP) is chartered by the NASA Astrophysics Division to carry out science, research, and technology tasks that advance NASA's science goals for exoplanets. The ExEP Science Gap List is a compilation of \"science gaps\", defined as either: 1) The difference between knowledge needed to define requirements for specified future NASA exoplanet missions and the current state of the art, or 2) Knowledge which is needed to enhance the exoplanet science return of current and future NASA exoplanet missions. It is annually updated and input is solicited from the exoplanet community via ExoPAG. Current gaps are: 1) Spectroscopic observations of the atmospheres of small exoplanets, 2) Modeling exoplanet atmospheres, 3) Spectral signature retrieval, 4) Planetary system architectures: occurrence rates for exoplanets of all sizes, 5) Occurrence rates and uncertainties for temperate rocky planets, 6) Yield estimation for exoplanet direct imaging missions, 7) Intrinsic properties of known exoplanet host stars, 8) Mitigating stellar jitter as a limitation to sensitivity of dynamical methods to detect small temperate exoplanets and measure their masses and orbits, 9) Dynamical confirmation of exoplanet candidates and determination of their masses and orbits, 10) Observations and analyses of direct imaging targets, 11) Understanding the abundance and distribution of exozodiacal dust, 12) Measurements of accurate transiting planet radii, 13) Properties of atoms, molecules and aerosols in exoplanet atmospheres, 14) Exoplanet interior structure and material properties, 15) Quantify and mitigate the impacts of stellar contamination on transmission spectroscopy for measuring the composition of exoplanet atmospheres, 16) Building the inventory of remotely observable exoplanet biosignatures and their false positives, 17) Understanding planet formation and disk properties.","author":[{"family":"Stapelfeldt","given":"Karl"},{"family":"Mamajek","given":"Eric"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2507.18665","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2507.18665","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7140210342","type":"article-journal","title":"On the importance of laboratory experiments for interpreting exoplanet observations","abstract":"With the advanced capabilities of ground- and space-based telescopes, exoplanet science is beginning to characterize the physics and chemistry of exoplanet atmospheres. However, interpreting exoplanet observations requires sophisticated modeling tools that rely on laboratory data to provide critical inputs and constraints. In preparation for the influx of observational data that the coming decades will bring, laboratory experiments that simulate the diverse conditions expected in exoplanet atmospheres, surfaces and interiors are vital to advancing models and thereby our understanding of these worlds. Here we discuss the key areas where laboratory experiments are providing fundamental data for exoplanet models, particularly for low-mass planets from rocky worlds to sub-Neptunes. First, we present a series of experiments to measure outgassing and volatile solubilities that are essential for establishing the connection between low-mass exoplanet interiors and their observable atmospheres. We then discuss additional laboratory techniques that can be used to understand the interior-atmosphere connection and simulate the high pressure-high temperature conditions of exoplanet interiors. Next, we summarize the experimental methods used to constrain the spectroscopic properties of atmospheric gases and aerosols along with their formation and reaction mechanisms. We also discuss how similar methods can be used to constrain exoplanet surface compositions, which is important for interpreting observations of atmosphere-less worlds. Finally, we conclude by presenting several examples of astrobiology experiments that constrain how life can modify the atmosphere and surface of rocky exoplanets. Together, these laboratory efforts are crucial to maximizing the scientific yield of exoplanet observations in the coming decades.","author":[{"family":"Thompson","given":"Maggie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s10509-026-04564-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-026-04564-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7133316425","type":"article-journal","title":"Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent and Impact-Generated Hydrothermal Vent Systems: Insights into the Origin of Life","abstract":"Studies of deep-sea hydrothermal vent systems have generated a spectrum of hypotheses concerning the origin of life on Earth. The present paper integrates recent literature surrounding three separate hydrothermal vent systems (Lost City in the mid-Atlantic, Guaymas Basin in the Gulf of California, and 9°50′ N on the East Pacific Rise) to provide biological, chemical, and geophysical support for these origin-of-life hypotheses. Comparisons between deep-sea hydrothermal vents and impact-generated hydrothermal vent systems may provide further insights into the origin of life. Impact-generated hydrothermal vent systems may have cradled early life. A comprehensive review of studies conducted at Lonar Lake, the Haughton impact structure, and the Chicxulub impact crater provide evidence of long-term hydrothermal activity conducive to the formation of early life, as well as potentially unique DNA structures found in sediment samples—opening the discussion for further investigations into the possible origin (or origins) of life both on Earth and other planetary bodies.","author":[{"family":"Cinquemani","given":"Shea"},{"family":"Lutz","given":"Richard"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/jmse14050486","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14050486","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7128683611","type":"article-journal","title":"Nesterenkonia maliinae sp. nov. and Arthrobacter arnarulunnguaqae sp. nov., two halotolerant, psychrotolerant and alkaliphilic actinobacteria isolated from Peary Land, Northern Greenland","abstract":"Strains CF4.4 T and KK5.5 T , previously isolated from samples of biocrust and permafrost, respectively, collected from Northern Greenland, were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Both strains were Gram-stain-positive, non-motile and non-endospore-forming cocci, and showed growth between 4 and 25 °C and 0–20% (w/v) NaCl. Strain CF4.4 T showed growth at pH 6–11 [optimal growth at pH 9–10 and 5% (w/v) NaCl]. Its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed similarities over 99% with Nesterenkonia jeogali JG-241 T , Nesterenkonia lutea YIM 70081 T and Nesterenkonia sandarakina YIM 70009 T . Based on digital DNA–DNA hybridization, the closest type strain to strain CF4.4 T was Nesterenkonia aurantiaca DSM 27373 T (31.8% similarity). The major respiratory menaquinones of strain CF4.4 T were MK-7, MK-8, MK-9 and MK-10, and its major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C 15:0 , anteiso-C 17:0 and iso-C 16:0 . Its cells contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid and an unidentified phospholipid. Strain KK5.5 T showed growth at pH 6–10, with optimal growth at pH 8–9 and 0–2.5% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that it was most closely related to Arthrobacter halodurans JSM 078085 T (99.1%), Arthrobacter ginkgonis SYP-A7299 T (97.7%) and Zafaria cholistanensis NCCP-1664 T (97.6%). The genome of strain KK5.5 T showed the most similarity to A. halodurans DSM 21081 T (22.6%) based on digital DNA–DNA hybridization. The major respiratory menaquinones of strain KK5.5 T were MK-9(H 2 ) and MK-10(H 2 ), with small amounts of MK-11(H 2 ). Its major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C 15:0 , anteiso-C 17:0 and iso-C 15:0 , and its cells contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified glycolipids and an unidentified phospholipid. Based on the results presented in this study, we conclude that both strains represent novel species, for which we propose the names Nesterenkonia maliinae sp. nov. (type strain CF4.4 T =DSM 120326 T =LMG 34127 T ) and Arthrobacter arnarulunnguaqae sp. nov. (type strain KK5.5 T =DSM 120323 T =LMG 34129 T ).","author":[{"family":"Salinas-García","given":"Miguel"},{"family":"Priemé","given":"Anders"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1099/ijsem.0.007062","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.007062","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7126060692","type":"article-journal","title":"Nanomineralogy of planetary materials","abstract":"The scientific significance and scarcity of extraterrestrial rock and mineral samples means that techniques for nanoscale analysis are essential tools for planetary scientists. This review describes some applications of key methods for identifying minerals in meteorites and samples that have been collected and returned by space missions, and for characterising their crystal structure, microstructure, and chemical and isotopic compositions. The techniques covered are electron backscatter diffraction, transmission Kikuchi diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and atom probe tomography. In the near future, these tools may provide answers to very important questions including whether there is sufficient water on the Moon to support lunar habitats, and did life evolve on Mars.","author":[{"family":"Lee","given":"Martin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1051/epjconf/202634901009","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202634901009","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411793071","type":"article-journal","title":"Space Activities for Sustainability and the Role of the National Space Agencies","abstract":"The sustainability of outer space activities incorporates the Legislation, Regulatory, Policy, Safety, and Capacity building as provided in the “Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities” (LTS Guidelines), scientific, international cooperation, and technical. With regard to the regulatory aspect, the national space agencies play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of outer space. They are bestowed with the power to regulate, supervise, and implement space issues in their respective jurisdictions. This paper examined the intersection between outer space activities and sustainability and the role that national space agencies play in ensuring that outer space is a better place. The paper examines the impacts of these activities on outer space environmental conservation, resource management, and disaster response on Earth. Furthermore, it discusses how sustainable development goals can be achieved through responsible space exploration and utilization. The analysis of the role of space agencies with regard to space activities and sustainability and the role of development countries without space agencies fulfilling their international obligations with regard to space exploration and sustainability were also carefully examined. The study employed the documentary review method. The International Treaties, Conventions, United Nations Declaration, and Resolutions were critically examined to explore how they address the issue of space activities and sustainability. In doing this, the legal challenges towards space activities and sustainability were carefully examined, and better ways were proposed to enhance sustainability in outer space. The study established that, though the outer space Treaties and Conventions address the issue of space activities and sustainability, there are still some challenges to their effect. It is so because the Outer Space Treaties and Conventions provisions are not clear; as a result, a number of legal gaps emerged in addressing outer space sustainability, hence ineffective in protecting the outer space environment from the negative effects resulting from space activities.","author":[{"family":"Kipanga","given":"Kassim"},{"family":"Hassan","given":"Manzoor"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.4236/blr.2025.162063","URL":"https://doi.org/10.4236/blr.2025.162063","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7125137920","type":"article-journal","title":"How Does Adenine Form from Hydrogen Cyanide?","abstract":"The abiotic formation of adenine from hydrogen cyanide (HCN) has long been suspected to be a key step in the origin of life. However, the inherent complexity of HCN's self-reaction chemistry has challenged researchers for decades, obscuring the detailed mechanistic pathway to adenine. In this study, we employ quantum chemistry and microkinetic modeling to predict and compare four interwoven base-catalyzed pathways to adenine in liquid HCN. Our analysis incorporates both previously proposed aminomalononitrile (AMN) and diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN) intermediates and reveals previously unknown reaction steps, including one in which polyimine can serve as an oxidizing agent. Our modeling offers compelling evidence of a complex, nonequilibrium interplay between these pathways and confirms DAMN as a necessary intermediate. This work establishes a foundational reference for the exploration of abiotic nucleobase formation and highlights how rigorous testing of origin-of-life chemistry pushes the boundaries of state-of-the-art computational chemistry.","author":[{"family":"Cappelletti","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Rahm","given":"Martin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1021/jacs.5c09522","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c09522","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7160395454","type":"article-journal","title":"Sino-forming the planet and beyond: Ecological engineering at the limits of the Western imaginary","abstract":"“Sino-forming” is a neologism that has been deployed to raise the specter of a world remade in the image of China. Here we reinscribe the term—without leaving behind the geopolitical anxieties it connotes—to analyze China’s unprecedented ecological engineering efforts in response to climate change. China is the world leader in reforestation, planting more trees than any other nation and altering its territory at scale. This article examines Chinese efforts to ecologically engineer the planet out of climate catastrophe and their unique philosophical underpinnings as compared to those in the US and Europe. Drawing on the history of the concept of terraforming in the Western imaginary as shaped by science and speculative fiction, we trace how Euro-American debates over planetary transformation are largely constrained by a foundational opposition between nature and culture. This binary generates a spectrum from preservationism to interventionism that typically structures Western environmental thought. Chinese classical philosophy, by contrast, posits no such ontological divide: the natural and the artificial, the human and the cosmic, are understood as continuous rather than opposed. This philosophical continuum, we argue, illuminates China’s contemporary approach to combating climate change through massive re-greening initiatives, as well as its future ambitions to terraform Mars. Both planetary and extraplanetary initiatives reveal an environmental imaginary that operates outside Western categories—challenging not only how we engineer worlds, but how we imagine them.","author":[{"family":"Zhu","given":"Annah"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"George"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.geoforum.2026.104680","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2026.104680","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7160623415","type":"article-journal","title":"Quantitative nonequilibrium pathway from fundamental physics to the emergence and persistence of exoplanetary biospheres","abstract":"We present a physics-based framework that runs from fundamental interactions and constants to biospheres, using a sequence of quantitative nonequilibrium thresholds (“gates”). Each gate is an inequality in measurable variables-free-energy flux, reaction-transport rates, replication fidelity, coding capacity, ecological closure, and climate feedback gains. Crucially, the gate vector is anchored in fundamental physics: dimensionless constants (e.g., the fine-structure constant $$\\alpha$$ and mass ratio $${m}_{e}/{m}_{p}$$ ), nuclear resonance placements (e.g., the $${}^{12}\\text{C}$$ Hoyle state), and statistical mechanics (Landauer’s bound $${k}_{B}T\\ln 2$$ ) fix the energetic, kinetic, and information-theoretic margins that propagate through the gates. This anchoring lets us propagate sensitivities of the constants into biosphere-level metrics (net primary productivity (NPP), cycle-closure ratios, and climate feedback gain), yielding an end-to-end map from constants to biospheres. The framework is predictive: it yields testable inequalities, margin rankings, and population-level correlations between stellar/planetary boundary conditions/biosphere feasibility. It does not claim point-predictions of life prevalence; rather, it specifies which gate margins are observable-bounded versus prior-dominated under explicitly stated chemistry/solvent families and forward models. Darwinian dynamics (heritable variation under selection) appears mid-pipeline; the end of the pipeline is a planet-scale biosphere capable of sustaining positive NPP and closing elemental cycles over geologic time. Questions of prevalence are secondary; our primary objective was to establish a constructive physics → chemistry → biology → genetics → ecosystems pipeline with testable margins and observables. As a result, we recast abiogenesis and biosphere persistence as a gate vector of falsifiable inequalities and map their margins to exoplanet observables, turning the problem into a phase diagram with explicit, testable slack.","author":[{"family":"Turyshev","given":"Slava"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11084-026-09727-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11084-026-09727-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7169859518","type":"article-journal","title":"Lunar Regolith as a Strategic Asset: Physical Hazards, Clinical Pathophysiology, and Geopolitical Implications of the Cislunar Resource Race","abstract":"Lunar regolith—long regarded as an inert surface covering—has emerged in 2026 as the most strategically contested substrate in history. This paper examines three interlocking dimensions of the cislunar resource race: the severe mechanical and thermal engineering hazards posed by dust’s extreme angularity and electrostatic behavior; the insidious clinical pathophysiology of prolonged human exposure, ranging from pulmonary fibrosis and mutagenesis to cardiovascular and neurological sequelae; and the geopolitical architecture shaping competition for water ice, Helium-3, and rare earth elements at the lunar South Pole. We argue that mastery of regolith—both as a hazard to be mitigated and a resource to be extracted—will determine which coalition establishes the normative framework for extraterrestrial governance in the coming decades","author":[{"family":"Frye","given":"Darrin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.51244/ijrsi.2026.1306000486","URL":"https://doi.org/10.51244/ijrsi.2026.1306000486","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411902404","type":"article-journal","title":"An Introduction to the Role of Molybdenum and Tungsten in Biology","abstract":"This short review provides an overview of the bioinorganic chemistry of molybdenum and tungsten, offering insights into current research perspectives and fundamental concepts in the field, as well as gaps in our knowledge. It is designed to highlight areas where future research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of molybdenum- and tungsten-dependent enzymes and their broader significance in biochemistry and bioinorganic chemistry. It also provides an accessible introduction for senior undergraduate students and novice postgraduate researchers who are new to the field of bioinorganic chemistry. Towards this end, illustrative examples are presented, showcasing the essential roles these metals play in biological systems, their coordination chemistry, and their catalytic functions in metalloenzymes.","author":[{"family":"Marques","given":"Helder"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/inorganics13070219","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13070219","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7162072638","type":"article-journal","title":"Biorestorer: A Framework for Synthetic Succession with a Qualitative System Level Illustration","abstract":"Ecosystem restoration in severely degraded or soil-absent environments requires approaches that operate independently of natural soils and make effective use of locally available resources. The Biorestorer platform introduces synthetic succession as a systems-based eco-engineering framework structured in sequential functional phases and aligned with in situ resource utilization (ISRU) principles, understood here as the use of locally available resources independent of terrestrial or extraterrestrial setting. Its core element, the soil initiator, is a prototype soilless, mineral-dominated substrate engineered to support early soil-like functionality under low-organic conditions by integrating mineral components, porous carbon scaffolds, and targeted microbial inoculants. In the initial phase, locally available mineral materials are configured to achieve targeted physical and geochemical properties, including porosity, pH buffering, and potential nutrient accessibility. These are combined with microorganisms associated with mineral nutrient mobilization, such as rock-solubilizing bacteria (RSB), to support biological colonization. Subsequent phases introduce vegetation and plant-associated microbial communities, enabling organic matter accumulation and increasing system complexity. A qualitative engineering test of a defined prototype configuration was conducted to assess system-level behavior rather than to isolate causal mechanisms. The prototype supported plant establishment and continued growth in a mineral-dominated substrate without compost, humus, or conventional fertilizers. Observations included stabilization of substrate pH, visible structural changes, and growth of two successive plant generations (Sinapis alba and Phaseolus vulgaris). The inclusion of a cultivated species in the second generation is consistent with multi-stage plant establishment under the tested prototype conditions. As no control treatments or quantitative chemical or microbiological analyses were included, these findings should be interpreted as qualitative indicators of system-level feasibility, not as evidence of specific underlying mechanisms or validated process-level performance. Further controlled studies are required to resolve component contributions, process dynamics, reproducibility, scalability, and operational performance.","author":[{"family":"Chvojka","given":"Jan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.32942/x2qh4t","URL":"https://doi.org/10.32942/x2qh4t","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410875443","type":"article-journal","title":"An Examination of the Complexity of the Large Sociotechnical Space System","abstract":"Complexity has emerged as a global phenomenon with significant implications for the organization and structure of any system. In recent decades, the space system has undergone a transition to a more complex configuration. This essay argues that the increasing complexity of space system architecture is attributable to the proliferation and diversification of actors, interactions, processes, trends, and topics that demand novel examinations and explanations. This research emphasizes the necessity of employing systems and social science methodologies to evaluate and provide novel perspectives on the study of complex systems, such as the space system. The primary objective of this study is to examine the complex structure of the current space system using a sociotechnical systems model. The present study offers a comprehensive examination of the contemporary space system, emphasizing the role of contextual elements, active agents, forms of interaction, and the diverse applications and emergent trends that are profoundly influencing not only the space system itself but also the broader international system.","author":[{"family":"Viterale","given":"Francisco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/aerospace12060491","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12060491","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4415439169","type":"article-journal","title":"Most nakhlite martian meteorites were magmas, not crystal cumulates","abstract":"Abstract The nakhlite martian meteorites, basaltic rocks with abundant crystals of augite pyroxene, have been interpreted as cumulates, having formed as crystals of augite (and olivine) settled through basalt magma to accumulate at its bottom. Here, I show that the chemical compositions of most nakhlites are best explained if they represent magmas, and not crystal accumulates. The nakhlites Nakhla, Lafayette, and Y000593 are identified as cumulates; the rest are magmas. Among the magma nakhlites, abundances of all igneous incompatible elements are strongly correlated; abundances of highly incompatible elements are linearly correlated with the La/Yb ratio, with R2 values from 0.7 to 0.95. These close correlations are not consistent with the group being cumulates, where the proportion of cumulus augite should be mostly independent of magma composition. Instead, the correlations are consistent with the nakhlites representing magmas, with the range of compositions reflecting processes including: variable enrichment in incompatible elements (i.e., metasomatism) in the source mantle; variable degrees of partial melting of the source mantle; and mixing among such magmas. Significant crustal assimilation (for the tested elements) is excluded by the correlation of Al with La/Yb. The most Al-rich nakhlite would require assimilation of 25% mass crust into the Al-poorest, which is inconsistent with thermochemical constraints. Recognition of such augite-rich, pyroxenitic magmas requires that their mantle source be similarly pyroxenitic, which implies that the martian mantle is more heterogeneous than previously appreciated.","author":[{"family":"Treiman","given":"AH"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.2138/am-2025-9919","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2025-9919","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410726812","type":"article-journal","title":"Subtype analysis of the SAN JUAN 126, 127, 128 meteorites.","abstract":"The classification of ordinary chondrites has been a profound field of research that is allowing us to know the most primitive secrets of the origins of our solar system. This is due to the advancement of scientific research. This research reveals that chondritic asteroids, precursors of the rest of the bodies in the solar system, have undergone throughout their geological history, a series of changes or metamorphisms caused, on the one hand, by the increase of heat in the parent bodies, or by aqueous alteration that occurred in their materials. This allows us to divide chondritic materials into petrographic types, depending on the temperature range those materials have experienced. In this paper we analyze the data we obtained from the Chilean meteorites SAN JUAN 126, 127 and 128 that we classified in our laboratory, to discuss their estimated subtypes.","author":[{"family":"García","given":"José"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.33774/coe-2025-d67lh","URL":"https://doi.org/10.33774/coe-2025-d67lh","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4410602745","type":"article-journal","title":"Selective sampling of asteroids, the Moon, and Mars: Factors affecting the numerical abundances of members of meteorite groups","abstract":"Abstract Meteorite collection inventories show that many related meteorite groups have very different numerical abundances (e.g., lunar versus Martian meteorites; Eagle Station pallasites versus main‐group pallasites; eucrites versus diogenites; ungrouped Antarctic irons versus ungrouped non‐Antarctic irons; carbonaceous chondrite‐related (CC) iron meteorites versus noncarbonaceous chondrite‐related (NC) iron meteorites). The number of members of individual meteorite groups reflects the entire history of these rocks from excavation on their parent bodies to recovery on Earth. These numbers are functions of six main selection factors: (1) volume of the parent‐body source region, (2) depth of this source region, (3) time spent in interplanetary space, (4) friability of meteoroids in space and during transit through the Earth's atmosphere, (5) susceptibility of meteorite finds to terrestrial weathering, and (6) post‐fall biases resulting from geography, demography, and preferences by meteorite collectors and analysts. The numerical ratio of lunar/Martian meteorites (~1.8) results from several factors including the Moon's proximity, the short transit time of lunar meteoroids through interplanetary space, the lower crustal depth from which lunar meteorites were excavated, the lower energy required to launch samples off the Moon than off Mars, and the lower porosity and higher mechanical strength of lunar meteorites. The dunite shortage among asteroidal meteorites may have resulted from the deeply buried olivine‐rich meteoroids being ejected hundreds of millions of years ago at the same time as pallasites and irons; however, the dunitic meteoroids (with their lower mechanical strength) would have eroded in interplanetary space on much shorter time scales than their metal‐rich fellow travelers.","author":[{"family":"Rubin","given":"Alan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14367","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14367","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411453885","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogical Mapping of Pyroxene and Anorthosite in Dryden Crater Using M3 Hyperspectral Data","abstract":"This study investigates the mineral composition of the lunar Dryden Crater using Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) data. A RGB false-color composite reveals distinct pyroxene, anorthosite, and possibly spinel distribution patterns. Orthopyroxenes, excavated from deep crustal layers, dominate steep slopes, while plagioclase-rich materials align with magma ocean models of lunar crustal formation. Minor clinopyroxenes indicate impact melt origins. While space weathering and shock metamorphism pose analytical challenges, integrating spectral data with geological context elucidates the crater’s complex history. The resulting mineral distribution map supports targeted exploration during upcoming lunar missions, resource prospecting and resource utilization initiatives within this geologically complex region.","author":[{"family":"Ivanov","given":"Iskren"},{"family":"Filchev","given":"Lachezar"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/engproc2025094003","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025094003","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4417280906","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogical-Petrographic characteristics of garnet porphyroblasts (Ekinözü-Kahramanmaraş), determination of metamorphism conditions and gemstone potential","abstract":"The studied garnet porphyroblasts occur within metamorphic rocks consisting of schists with variable mineralogical compositions in the Ekinözü (Kahramanmaraş) region. The porphyroblasts crystallized in pentagonal dodecahedron forms, ranging in size from 0.5 to 4 cm and exhibit dark red to reddish-black colors with vitreous luster. Microscopic observations reveal that the garnet porphyroblasts display a highly fractured and cracked texture, containing inclusions of quartz, chlorite and opaque minerals such as ilmenite-magnetite. Confocal Raman spectroscopy analyses indicate that the garnet porphyroblasts are of almandine composition. Their chemical structural formulas were determined as Alm0.80-0.88Prp0.07-0.13Grs0.01-0.07Sps0.00-0.05. Garnet-biotite geothermometry calculations suggest that the garnets crystallized under average pressure conditions of ~4.5 kbar at temperatures of 465.4±41.6 °C. Multi-element variation diagrams normalized to the lower and upper continental crust indicate depletion in LIL elements (Sr, K, Rb and Ba), whereas enrichment is observed in HFS elements (Ta, P, Zr, Hf and Y). Chondrite-normalized multi-element diagrams show up to 100-fold enrichment in Rare Earth Elements (REE) (∑REE: 162.1-284.9; (La/Sm)N = 1.65-3.62; (Sm/Yb)N = 0.43-0.67). Enrichment Factor (EF) calculations from chemical analyses highlight the role of Co, Fe, U and Mn elements in color development. These findings are further supported by EPMA data and optical absorption spectroscopy, both of which confirm the predominant presence of Fe+2 ions. Mineralogical, geochemical and gemological investigations indicate that the Ekinözü garnet porphyroblasts formed under greenschist facies metamorphic conditions. Their euhedral crystal morphology, together with their dark red coloration and vitreous luster, suggests that these garnets have potential for use as gemstones in jewelry.","author":[{"family":"Ören","given":"Ufuk"},{"family":"Koralay","given":"Tamer"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.65206/pajes.02817","URL":"https://doi.org/10.65206/pajes.02817","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4407516937","type":"article-journal","title":"Crystal Morphology of Antarctic Micrometeorites Based on Melting–Cooling Processes During Atmospheric Entry","abstract":"Micrometeorites (MMs), which are cosmic dust grains ranging from 10 microns to 2 mm in size, can reach the Earth’s surface through collisions with asteroids or by fragmentation of comets in space. When MMs enter the atmosphere, they are heated to varying degrees depending on their size, mass, speed, and angle of entry. As a result of friction during atmospheric entry, MMs undergo partial melting and subsequently recrystallize during undercooling. In this study, we focused on molten micrometeorites and identified four main types: silicate, glassy, ferruginous, and intermediate forms. The mineralogical compositions of MMs were determined using Raman spectroscopy, while their chemical compositions and phase changes were analyzed using SEM-EDX and LA-ICP-MS methods. The primary silicate phases include olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase, whereas the opaque mineral phases comprise magnetite, troilite, and kamacite (Fe-Ni alloys). Olivine exhibits Fo values ranging from 41 to 96 mol%, and the pyroxenes consist of enstatite and pigeonite compositions (Wo3–8En79–97Fs2–19). Olivine and magnetite display dendritic and skeletal crystal morphologies due to melting and undercooling during atmospheric entry.","author":[{"family":"Sönmez","given":"Taki"},{"family":"Aysal","given":"Namık"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/cryst15020179","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15020179","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41467-025-60054-3","type":"article-journal","title":"Active redox cycling of phosphorus on the early Earth.","abstract":"Phosphorus is a critical bio-limiting nutrient in Earth’s ecosystems. A new study published in Nature Communications reports high availability of phosphite for possibly biological uptake in the late Archean ocean, suggesting an active redox cycling of phosphorus on the early Earth.","author":[{"family":"Hao","given":"Jihua"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xing"},{"family":"Ju","given":"Pengcheng"},{"family":"Pasek","given":"Matthew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-025-60054-3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60054-3","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1039/d5ra03299g","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogical characterization and fluorescence properties of blue, yellow and green apatite.","abstract":". A comparative analysis of the relationship between luminescence intensity and temperature in samples of yellow and blue apatite was conducted. The findings of this analysis indicated that yellow apatite exhibits greater thermal stability in comparison to blue apatite.","author":[{"family":"Liang","given":"Wenkai"},{"family":"Nai","given":"Wang"},{"family":"Gan","given":"Yingrui"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1039/d5ra03299g","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1039/d5ra03299g","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41526-025-00535-3","type":"article-journal","title":"A biological and ethical assessment of whether humans could or should reproduce in space.","abstract":"Contemporary plans to establish human habitation on the Earth's Moon have increased interest in the ability of humans to establish extraterrestrial pregnancies. There is a lack of data to identify if humans could safely reproduce away from the Earth, and even less guidance with regard to whether we should attempt to do so. This work was developed to stimulate investigation into the likely biological and ethical challenges facing the establishment and maintenance of a healthy human extraterrestrial pregnancy.","author":[{"family":"Cole","given":"Victor"},{"family":"Savulescu","given":"Julian"},{"family":"Illanes","given":"Sebastián"},{"family":"Batiz","given":"Federico"},{"family":"Benny","given":"PV"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Zhongwei"},{"family":"Carter","given":"Sean"},{"family":"Choolani","given":"Mahesh"},{"family":"Kemp","given":"Matthew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-025-00535-3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00535-3","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41526-025-00488-7","type":"article-journal","title":"Synthetic biology for space exploration.","abstract":"Human space exploration faces different challenges. Topics like Bioregenerative Life Support Systems, In Situ Resource Utilization, and radiation protection, still require for more suitable solutions to be applied in long-term space exploration. Synthetic biology could be a powerful tool for enabling human exploration of space and planets. This paper explores key topics including resource utilization, life support systems, radiation protection, and human health, providing recommendations for short-, mid-, and long-term advancements in space exploration.","author":[{"family":"Onofri","given":"Silvano"},{"family":"Moeller","given":"Ralf"},{"family":"Billi","given":"Daniela"},{"family":"Balsamo","given":"Michele"},{"family":"Becker","given":"Anke"},{"family":"Benvenuto","given":"Eugenio"},{"family":"Cassaro","given":"Alessia"},{"family":"Catanzaro","given":"Ilaria"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Desiderio","given":"Angiola"},{"family":"Ellis","given":"Tom"},{"family":"Gonzáles-Pastor","given":"José"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-025-00488-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00488-7","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s41526-025-00492-x","type":"article-journal","title":"Space-driven ROS in cells: a hidden danger to astronaut health and food safety.","abstract":"Astronaut nutrition faces supply, logistics, and cost challenges, making space farming a solution. While plants adapt to space microgravity may trigger oxidative stress. Research shows space-grown plants achieve Earth-like growth, but ROS accumulation remains a concern. This study examines ROS buildup in cells and its risks for astronauts, emphasizing effects on homeostasis, disease pathways, gut microbiome, and nutrition. This research provides new insights into oxidative stress in space missions.","author":[{"family":"Mokhtari","given":"Majid"},{"family":"Reinsch","given":"Sigrid"},{"family":"Barcenilla","given":"Borja"},{"family":"Ziyaei","given":"Kobra"},{"family":"Barker","given":"Richard"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-025-00492-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00492-x","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4407605007","type":"article-journal","title":"Small amounts of dissolved salts increase the mobility of mud flows on Mars and other extraterrestrial bodies","abstract":"Mud flow properties and spatial distribution are greatly influenced by salinity and composition in low pressure extraterrestrial environments such as Mars, according to a comparison of laboratory experiments, thermodynamic calculations, and rheometry measurements","author":[{"family":"Krýza","given":"Ondřej"},{"family":"Brož","given":"Petr"},{"family":"Foxpowell","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Pěnkavová","given":"Věra"},{"family":"Conway","given":"Susan"},{"family":"Mazzini","given":"Adriano"},{"family":"Hauber","given":"Ernst"},{"family":"Sylvest","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Patel","given":"Manish"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-025-02110-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02110-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416290825","type":"article-journal","title":"Thermodynamic insights into the reliability of mineral-based thermobarometers","abstract":"The next generation of mineral thermobarometers will need to be thermodynamically rigorous, statistically robust and experimentally calibrated, according to an evaluation of how uncertainties and model parameters in the jadeite thermobarometer influence P-T estimates.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Xudong"},{"family":"Hou","given":"Tong"},{"family":"Wieser","given":"Penny"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Zhaochong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-025-02831-y","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02831-y","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4416346583","type":"article-journal","title":"Nomenclature of the monazite supergroup minerals","abstract":"The monazite supergroup minerals represent anhydrous phosphates, less frequently arsenates, silicates, and chromates with general formula ABX 4 , monoclinic symmetry, space group P2 1 /n (14), and Z = 4.The A site is occupied usually by REE (La 3+ to Gd 3+ ) and other large divalent to tetravalent cations (mainly Ca 2+ , Pb 2+ , Bi 3+ , Th 4+ , and U 4+ ) in nine-fold coordination.The B-site is filled with cations in tetrahedral coordination (mainly P 5+ and As 5+ , in specific cases also Si 4+ , Cr 6+ and other cations).The anionic X site is usually occupied by O 2-but may be","author":[{"family":"Uher","given":"Pavel"},{"family":"Hatert","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Ondrejka","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Bačík","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Sejkora","given":"Jiří"},{"family":"Škoda","given":"Radek"},{"family":"Števko","given":"Martin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1180/mgm.2025.10178","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2025.10178","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4411217458","type":"article-journal","title":"Metallic messengers from the cosmos: Rare (Al,Cu)‐bearing meteorites from the Project Stardust collection","abstract":"Abstract We report the discovery of (Al,Cu)‐bearing metallic alloys in two micrometeorites found in the Project Stardust collection gathered from urban rooftop environments in Norway. Most of the alloys are the same as those found in the Khatyrka meteorite and other micrometeorites, though one has a composition that has not been reported previously. Oxygen isotope ratio measurements using secondary ion mass spectrometry show that the Project Stardust samples reported here, like all earlier examples of natural (Al,Cu)‐bearing alloys, contain material of chondritic affinity.","author":[{"family":"Bindi","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Larsen","given":"Jon"},{"family":"Kihle","given":"Jan"},{"family":"Cheng","given":"Guangming"},{"family":"Hu","given":"J"},{"family":"Yao","given":"Nan"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Chi"},{"family":"Guan","given":"Yunbin"},{"family":"Asimow","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Steinhardt","given":"Paul"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14377","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14377","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4413043087","type":"article-journal","title":"Blood flow restriction training in microgravity: a review of multisystem physiological benefits and implementation challenges for long-duration space missions","abstract":"This review evaluates BFRT as a novel countermeasure against multisystem deconditioning (muscle atrophy, bone loss, cardiovascular impairment) during long-duration space missions. BFRT combines low-load exercise with vascular occlusion, mimicking high-intensity benefits while reducing equipment needs. We synthesize evidence for BFRT's efficacy in microgravity analogs, discusses implementation challenges (equipment adaptation, safety protocols, sex-specific responses), and highlight its potential as a space-efficient adjunct to current exercise regimens, informing future mission planning.","author":[{"family":"Hu","given":"Mingzhen"},{"family":"Li","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Yin","given":"Qiushi"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yuqing"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Lin"},{"family":"Ru","given":"Qin"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Guodong"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Yuxiang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-025-00515-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-025-00515-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7161271478","type":"article-journal","title":"Paragenetic Formation of Aqueous Alteration Minerals: Thermodynamic Modeling of Basalt Weathering on Early Mars","abstract":"Key Points:• Basalt preferentially produces Fe(III) nontronite and Fe(II)/Mg saponite-rich assemblages in open and closed system weathering, respectively.• Formation of non-evaporative sulfates and carbonates require geochemically distinct conditions.• Modeled assemblages place constraints on weathering conditions at key alteration deposits (e.g.","author":[{"family":"Das","given":"Eashan"},{"family":"Mitra","given":"Kaushik"},{"family":"Hurowitz","given":"JA"},{"family":"Glotch","given":"TD"},{"family":"Bahl","given":"Yatharth"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.22541/essoar.15003403/v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.22541/essoar.15003403/v1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W7125389205","type":"article-journal","title":"Biofilms: from the cradle of life to life support","abstract":"Biofilms are intricately associated with life on Earth, enabling functions essential to human and plant systems, but their susceptibility to spaceflight stressors and functional disruption in space remains incompletely understood. During spaceflight, biofilms have largely been considered as potential infrastructure, life support or infection risks. This review focuses on the prevailing beneficial roles of biofilms in human and plant health, and examines evidence of biofilm adaptability in space environments.","author":[{"family":"Baxter","given":"Katherine"},{"family":"Sas","given":"Eszter"},{"family":"Clark","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Walsh","given":"Michaela"},{"family":"Pradeep","given":"Nikhil"},{"family":"Batool","given":"Alavia"},{"family":"Naney","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Cruz","given":"Miguel"},{"family":"Kennerdale","given":"Niamh"},{"family":"Das","given":"Kajari"},{"family":"Shi","given":"Zhihan"},{"family":"Kelam","given":"Anish"},{"family":"Verma","given":"Vandana"},{"family":"Simões","given":"Marta"},{"family":"Neefs","given":"Dirk"},{"family":"Ravichandran","given":"Vinothkannan"},{"family":"Tirumalai","given":"Madhan"},{"family":"Barcenilla","given":"Borja"},{"family":"Macori","given":"Guerrino"},{"family":"Gonzalez","given":"Emmanuel"},{"family":"Sikes","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Karouia","given":"Fathi"},{"family":"Brereton","given":"Nicholas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41522-025-00875-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-025-00875-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1017/9781108613767","type":"article-journal","title":"Meteorite Mineralogy","abstract":"Meteorites are fascinating cosmic visitors. Using accessible language, this book documents the history of mineralogy and meteorite research, summarizes the mineralogical characteristics of the myriad varieties of meteorites, and explains the mineralogical characteristics of Solar System bodies visited by spacecraft. Some of these bodies contain minerals that do not occur naturally on Earth or in meteorites. The book explains how to recognize different phases under the microscope and in back-scattered electron images. It summarizes the major ways in which meteoritic minerals form – from condensation in the expanding atmospheres of dying stars to crystallization in deep-seated magmas, from flash-melting in the solar nebula to weathering in the terrestrial environment. Containing spectacular back-scattered electron images, colour photographs of meteorite minerals, and with an accompanying online list of meteorite minerals, this book provides a useful resource for meteorite researchers, terrestrial mineralogists, cosmochemists and planetary scientists, as well as graduate students in these fields","author":[{"family":"Rubin","given":"Alan"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Chi"},{"family":"Rubin","given":"Alan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1017/9781108613767","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108613767","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4200548071","type":"article-journal","title":"Review of space resources processing for Mars missions: Martian simulants, regolith bonding concepts and additive manufacturing","abstract":"Scientific exploration of extraterrestrial planets has gripped human imagination since the advent of space travel. Human missions to Mars could produce insight into the essential questions of how, when and where life began on Earth. Such missions would only be feasible using local space resources materials, a concept called in situ resource utilization (ISRU). In the absence of organic materials from plants, the globally available oxidic surface minerals (regolith) are the only viable resource for large-scale construction efforts such as habitats, greenhouses, landing pads and equipment building. This review provides the first comprehensive literature review of ISRU materials research employing Martian simulants. It gives a detailed overview of all Mars simulants, their history, properties, and challenges, introducing a generational concept for simulants development. The available Mars simulant processing literature (including selected work on lunar simulants) is categorized into seven regolith bonding concepts. The state-of-the-art on additive manufacturing (AM) in ISRU research is discussed. Detailed feasibility assessments for all processing approaches are given, including overview graphs comparing the mechanical performance of each fusion concept with feedstock availability on the surface of Mars. Finally, major open questions and future challenges of materials processing for early Mars missions is examined.","author":[{"family":"Karl","given":"David"},{"family":"Cannon","given":"KM"},{"family":"Gurlo","given":"Aleksander"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.oceram.2021.100216","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceram.2021.100216","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3085469340","type":"article-journal","title":"3D Printed Minerals as Astrobiology Analogs of Hydrothermal Vent Chimneys","abstract":"Hydrothermal vents, which are highly plausible habitable environments for life and of interest for some origin-of-life scenarios, may exist on icy moons such as Europa or Enceladus in addition to Earth. Some hydrothermal vent chimney structures are extremely porous and friable, making their reconstruction in the lab challenging ( e.g., brucite or saponite in alkaline hydrothermal settings). Here, we present the results from our efforts to reconstruct a simplified chimney structure directly out of mineral powder using binder jet additive manufacturing. Olivine sand was chosen for this initial method development effort since it represents a naturally occurring seafloor material and is inexpensively available in large quantities in powder form. The crystal structure of olivine used for the print was not modified during the process, as confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). To characterize the microstructure of our 3D printed precipitates, we used computed tomography (CT) X-ray scan techniques. We also evaluated a chimney precipitate from a sample collected from the Prony Hydrothermal Field (PHF), southern New Caledonia, an alkaline system driven by serpentinization with mineralogy composed of brucite and carbonates. While not directly comparable from a mineralogical point of view, the microstructure and porosity of both precipitates was similar, suggesting that our 3D printing technique may be a valuable tool for future astrobiology research on hydrothermal vent precipitates.","author":[{"family":"Jones","given":"John‐paul"},{"family":"Firdosy","given":"Samad"},{"family":"Barge","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Bescup","given":"John"},{"family":"Perl","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Xu"},{"family":"Pate","given":"Andre"},{"family":"Price","given":"RE"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2020.2260","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2020.2260","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3007765980","type":"article-journal","title":"The beneficiation of lunar regolith for space resource utilisation: A review","abstract":"Space Resource Utilisation (SRU) technology will enable further exploration and habitation of space by humankind. The production of oxygen on the Moon is one of the first objectives for SRU; this can be achieved through the thermo-chemical reduction of the lunar regolith. Several techniques, such as hydrogen reduction and molten salt electrolysis, have been proposed. All reduction techniques require a consistent feedstock from the regolith to reliably and consistently produce oxygen. The preparation of this feedstock, known as beneficiation, is a critical intermediate stage of the SRU flowsheet, however it has received little consideration relative to the preceding excavation, and the subsequent oxygen production stage. This review describes the physics of the main beneficiation methods suitable for SRU. Further, we collate and review all of the previous studies on the beneficiation of lunar regolith.","author":[{"family":"Rasera","given":"JN"},{"family":"Cilliers","given":"JJ"},{"family":"Lamamy","given":"Julien"},{"family":"Hadler","given":"Kathryn"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.pss.2020.104879","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2020.104879","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3121471757","type":"article-journal","title":"Additive manufacturing of lunar regolith structures","abstract":"The key to any presence in space being sustainable is the ability to manufacture the necessary structures and spares in situ and on-demand, in order to avoid the cost, volume, and up-mass constraints that would prohibit a successful launch with everything needed for long-duration and long-distance missions from Earth. In terms of meeting the demand for parts with highly complex geometries and high accuracy, ceramic stereolithography is a revolutionary manufacturing technology, with oxide ceramics being widely studied due to their low levels of light absorption and scattering. This article investigates the feasibility of producing parts from lunar regolith simulant using a vat polymerization (VP) technique called lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM). The conducted analyses include determining the rheological behavior of the suspension and the thermogravimetric characterization of printed green parts, as well as examining the mechanical, structural and microstructural properties through compression tests, computed tomography and SEM of sintered regolith samples.","author":[{"family":"Altun","given":"Altan"},{"family":"Ertl","given":"Florian"},{"family":"Marechal","given":"Maude"},{"family":"Makaya","given":"Advenit"},{"family":"Sgambati","given":"Antonella"},{"family":"Schwentenwein","given":"Martin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.oceram.2021.100058","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceram.2021.100058","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1038/s42003-022-03334-8","type":"article-journal","title":"Plants grown in Apollo lunar regolith present stress-associated transcriptomes that inform prospects for lunar exploration.","abstract":"The extent to which plants can enhance human life support on other worlds depends on the ability of plants to thrive in extraterrestrial environments using in-situ resources. Using samples from Apollo 11, 12, and 17, we show that the terrestrial plant Arabidopsis thaliana germinates and grows in diverse lunar regoliths. However, our results show that growth is challenging; the lunar regolith plants were slow to develop and many showed severe stress morphologies. Moreover, all plants grown in lunar soils differentially expressed genes indicating ionic stresses, similar to plant reactions to salt, metal and reactive oxygen species. Therefore, although in situ lunar regoliths can be useful for plant production in lunar habitats, they are not benign substrates. The interaction between plants and lunar regolith will need to be further elucidated, and likely mitigated, to best enable efficient use of lunar regolith for life support within lunar stations.","author":[{"family":"Paul","given":"Anna‐lisa"},{"family":"Elardo","given":"SM"},{"family":"Ferl","given":"Robert"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42003-022-03334-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-022-03334-8","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4210273653","type":"article-journal","title":"Hyperfine Structure of Regolith Unveiled by Chang’E-5 Lunar Regolith Penetrating Radar","abstract":"This work presents the results of the Lunar Regolith Penetrating Radar (LRPR), installed at the bottom of the Chang’E-5 (CE-5) lander, which is the first antenna-array radar deployed for the investigation of an extraterrestrial body. Radar imaging results unveiled a hyperfine structure for the top 2.5-m-thick lunar regolith with an unprecedented high resolution of 5 cm. The interpretation of the results permitted to state that subsurface regolith is dominated by fine grains with abundant rock fragments. The radar imaging results were also used to drive the drilling process until a fragment jammed the core inlet at about 100-cm underground. Laboratory measurements of the samples returned at Earth allow to estimate the real part of relative permittivity and the loss tangent, which are 3.04 ± 0.02 and 0.014 ± 0.002, respectively.","author":[{"family":"Su","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Ruigang"},{"family":"Deng","given":"Xiangjin"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Zongyu"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Jianfeng"},{"family":"Xiao","given":"Zhiyong"},{"family":"Ding","given":"Chunyu"},{"family":"Li","given":"Yuxi"},{"family":"Dai","given":"Shun"},{"family":"Ren","given":"Xin"},{"family":"Zeng","given":"Xingguo"},{"family":"Gao","given":"Xingye"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jianjun"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Dawei"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Bin"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Bin"},{"family":"Fang","given":"Guangyou"},{"family":"Li","given":"Chunlai"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1109/tgrs.2022.3148200","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1109/tgrs.2022.3148200","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3176280739","type":"article-journal","title":"Microstructural, mechanical, and thermal properties of microwave-sintered KLS-1 lunar regolith simulant","abstract":"KLS-1 Lunar regolith simulant was microwave sintered to explore its potential applicability in future lunar construction. The effects of sintering temperature on linear shrinkage, density, porosity, and microstructural, mechanical, and thermal properties were investigated. As the sintering temperature increased, linear shrinkage and density increased and porosity decreased. Structural evolution in the sintered samples was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Unconfined compressive strength testing showed that mechanical strength increased significantly with increasing sintering temperature, with 1120 °C giving the highest strength of 37.0 ± 4.8 MPa. The sintered samples exhibited a coefficient of thermal expansion of approximately 5 × 10−6 °C−1, which was well-maintained even after cyclic temperature stress between −100 and 200 °C. Therefore, this microwave processing appears promising for the fabrication of building material with sufficient mechanical strength and thermal durability for lunar construction.","author":[{"family":"Kim","given":"Young‐jae"},{"family":"Ryu","given":"Byung"},{"family":"Jin","given":"Hyunwoo"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Jangguen"},{"family":"Shin","given":"Hyu‐soung"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.06.098","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.06.098","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3127444735","type":"article-journal","title":"Investigation of severe lunar environmental conditions on the physical and mechanical properties of lunar regolith geopolymers","abstract":"3D-printing of geopolymers produced from lunar regolith is an interesting option for space in situ habitats. In this study, the influence of the severe lunar environmental conditions such as extreme temperature variations and vacuum on the physical and mechanical properties of lunar regolith geopolymers were investigated. Additionally, the effect of different amounts of urea as a geopolymer superplasticizer was evaluated. Utilization of urea was found to reduce the water needed to reach the same workability by up to 32%. Extrudability tests showed that mixtures containing 3 wt.% urea could be continuously extruded, and built up into a five layer structure without any noticeable deformation. Addition of urea decreased the compressive strength after exposure to the temperature variations of one lunar day–and–night cycle during curing. However, urea can prevent concrete degradation after the lunar cycle by increasing the amounts of air voids. X-ray tomography showed that the porosity became higher when urea was added to the samples, and increased markedly when the samples were cured in vacuum.","author":[{"family":"Pilehvar","given":"Shima"},{"family":"Arnhof","given":"Marlies"},{"family":"Erichsen","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Valentini","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Kjøniksen","given":"Anna‐lena"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.jmrt.2021.01.124","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2021.01.124","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3208213911","type":"article-journal","title":"Preparation and characterization of a specialized lunar regolith simulant for use in lunar low gravity simulation","abstract":"Lunar in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) has been put on the agenda by many countries. Due to the special material nature and low gravity environment, the lunar regolith demonstrates significantly different behavior from terrestrial geomaterials. However, the systematic understanding of its geotechnical behavior is now seriously restricted by the scarcity of lunar regolith and the difficulty in simulating lunar gravity. A new lunar regolith simulant, termed as China University of Mining and Technology Number One (CUMT-1), has been developed to recover properties of the lunar regolith and simulate the lunar gravity by adopting the recently advanced geotechnical magnetic-similitude-gravity model testing (GMMT) method. The CUMT-1 simulant was prepared by reproducing the in-situ formation and fragmentation of the lunar matrix, which plays a key role in the irregular particle morphology. The mineralogical compositions, particle morphology and gradation, specific gravity, bulk density, void ratio, shear strength, and compressibility were determined. After quantifying the magnetization and magnetic-similitude-gravity characteristics, an application of the cone penetration resistance under low gravity was further given. The obtained results are compared to the values known for lunar regolith samples and other simulants, which demonstrates promising characteristics for use in geotechnical engineering-based and scientific-based applications, especially considering the influence of lunar gravity.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Ruilin"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Guoqing"},{"family":"Yan","given":"Kang"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Daqing"},{"family":"Cai","given":"Shangyue"},{"family":"Mo","given":"Pin‐qiang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.ijmst.2021.09.003","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2021.09.003","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3037669174","type":"article-journal","title":"Synthesis and characterization of geopolymer from lunar regolith simulant based on natural volcanic scoria","abstract":"In this study, a new GVS (Ground Volcanic Scoria) lunar regolith simulant was produced. The similarity between GVS and lunar soil was proved by comparison with Apollo lunar soil samples and other commercial lunar soil simulants. Then, GVS lunar regolith simulant was investigated as the source material for preparing geopolymer to produce building material for lunar colony construction. To study the possibility of preparing geopolymer from GVS lunar regolith simulant and the optimum activator formulation as well as the optimum curing conditions, alkaline activated GVS slurries with different mixing ratios based on an orthogonal test scheme were prepared. The geopolymer products based on GVS were characterized by flexural strength test, compressive strength test, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), 29Si magic angle spinning-nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si MAS-NMR), and 27Al MAS-NMR. The experimental results indicate that changes in the mass ratio of sodium hydroxide and GVS and curing temperature have the most significant influence on the flexural strength and compressive strength, respectively. The GVS-based geopolymer can obtain the highest 28-day compressive strength and 28-day flexural strength up to 75.6 MPa and 6.3 MPa. Microstructural results imply that the changes of Si occurring in a variety of environments that explaining preliminarily about the reaction mechanism of GVS-based geopolymer. This study approves the feasibility of making a geopolymer derived from the GVS lunar regolith simulant and the potential utilization of geopolymer based on lunar regolith for construction of the lunar colony in future space exploration.","author":[{"family":"Zhou","given":"Siqi"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Xingyi"},{"family":"Lu","given":"Chenghong"},{"family":"Li","given":"Feng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.cja.2020.06.014","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cja.2020.06.014","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3164026934","type":"article-journal","title":"Properties of Lunar Regolith on the Moon's Farside Unveiled by Chang'E‐4 Lunar Penetrating Radar","abstract":"Abstract The complex thermal history of the Moon leads to an unequal distribution of volcanic products between the lunar nearside and the farside. So far, no lunar materials have been sampled from the Moon's farside and no detailed properties of lunar regolith on the farside have been detected before. On January 3, 2019, Chang'E‐4 (CE‐4) touched down onto the Von Kármán crater on the Moon's farside. CE‐4 Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR) onboard the Yutu‐2 rover is the first surface radar on the Moon's farside. Here we show the subsurface structure and properties of regolith materials at the landing region with LPR data during the first five lunar days. The thickness of lunar regolith is constrained as ∼12 m, much thicker than that at Chang'E‐3 (CE‐3) landing site, which is expected since CE‐3 landed on lunar maria. The relative permittivity of lunar surface (&lt;30 cm) at CE‐4 landing region is identified to be 2.35 0.20. The loss tangent and TiO 2 + FeO content of the regolith materials layer (0–∼12 m) are constrained to be and wt.%, respectively, much lower than those at CE‐3 landing site. It indicates that local surface materials possess less attenuation for radiowave, in accordance with the greater penetrating depth of CE‐4 LPR than that of CE‐3 LPR. Furthermore, the results also prove that the growth rate of lunar weathered regolith successively declines over time and the growth rate of lunar regolith on the Moon's farside may well be higher than that on the nearside due to the more frequent meteorite impacts.","author":[{"family":"Dong","given":"Zehua"},{"family":"Fang","given":"Guangyou"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Bin"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Di"},{"family":"Gao","given":"Yunze"},{"family":"Ji","given":"Yicai"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2020je006564","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2020je006564","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/ma15238561","type":"article-journal","title":"Geotechnical and Shear Behavior of Novel Lunar Regolith Simulants TUBS-M, TUBS-T, and TUBS-I.","abstract":"The return to the Moon is an important short-term goal of NASA and other international space agencies. To minimize mission risks, technologies, such as rovers or regolith processing systems, must be developed and tested on Earth using lunar regolith simulants that closely resemble the properties of real lunar soil. So far, no singular lunar simulant can cover the multitude of use cases that lunar regolith involves, and most available materials are poorly characterized. To overcome this major gap, a unique modular system for flexible adaptable novel lunar regolith simulants was developed and chemically characterized in earlier works. To supplement this, the present study provides comprehensive investigations regarding geotechnical properties of the three base regolith simulant systems: TUBS-M, TUBS-T, and TUBS-I. To evaluate the engineering and flow properties of these heterogeneous materials under various conditions, shear tests, particle size analyses, scanning electron microscope observations, and density investigations were conducted. It was shown that small grains <25 µm (lunar dust) are highly compressive and cohesive even at low external stress. They are particularly important as a large amount of fine dust is present in lunar regolith and simulants (x50 = 76.7 to 96.0 µm). Further, ring shear and densification tests revealed correlations with damage mechanisms caused by local stress peaks for grains in the mm range. In addition, an explanation for the occurrence of considerable differences in the literature-based data for particle sizes was established by comparing various measurement procedures. The present study shows detailed geotechnical investigations of novel lunar regolith simulants, which can be used for the development of equipment for future lunar exploration missions and in situ resource utilization under realistic conditions. The results also provide evidence about possible correlations and causes of known soil-induced mission risks that so far have mostly been described phenomenologically.","author":[{"family":"Windisch","given":"Lisa"},{"family":"Linke","given":"Stefan"},{"family":"Jütte","given":"Magnus"},{"family":"Baasch","given":"Julian"},{"family":"Kwade","given":"Arno"},{"family":"Stoll","given":"Enrico"},{"family":"Schilde","given":"Carsten"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ma15238561","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238561","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/microorganisms9122416","type":"article-journal","title":"Potential of <i>Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans</i> to Grow on and Bioleach Metals from Mars and Lunar Regolith Simulants under Simulated Microgravity Conditions.","abstract":"The biomining microbes which extract metals from ores that have been applied in mining processes worldwide hold potential for harnessing space resources. Their cell growth and ability to extract metals from extraterrestrial minerals under microgravity environments, however, remains largely unknown. The present study used the model biomining bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans to extract metals from lunar and Martian regolith simulants cultivated in a rotating clinostat with matched controls grown under the influence of terrestrial gravity. Analyses included assessments of final cell count, size, morphology, and soluble metal concentrations. Under Earth gravity, with the addition of Fe3+ and H2/CO2, A. ferrooxidans grew in the presence of regolith simulants to a final cell density comparable to controls without regoliths. The simulated microgravity appeared to enable cells to grow to a higher cell density in the presence of lunar regolith simulants. Clinostat cultures of A. ferrooxidans solubilised higher amounts of Si, Mn and Mg from lunar and Martian regolith simulants than abiotic controls. Electron microscopy observations revealed that microgravity stimulated the biosynthesis of intracellular nanoparticles (most likely magnetite) in anaerobically grown A. ferrooxidans cells. These results suggested that A. ferrooxidans has the potential for metal bioleaching and the production of useful nanoparticles in space.","author":[{"family":"Kaksonen","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Deng","given":"Xiao"},{"family":"Morris","given":"Christina"},{"family":"Khaleque","given":"Himel"},{"family":"Zea","given":"Luis"},{"family":"Gumulya","given":"Yosephine"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/microorganisms9122416","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122416","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W3205736202","type":"article-journal","title":"Natural and experimental high-pressure, shock-produced terrestrial and extraterrestrial materials","abstract":"Abstract Hypervelocity impacts are among the fundamental phenomena occurring during the evolution of the solar system and are characterized by instantaneous ultrahigh pressure and temperature. Varied physicochemical changes have occurred in the building blocks of celestial bodies under such extreme conditions. The constituent material has transformed into a denser form, a high-pressure polymorph. The high-pressure polymorph is also thought to be the constituent of the deep Earth’s interior. Hence, experiments using a high-pressure and temperature generating apparatus have been conducted to clarify its crystal structure, pressure–temperature stability range, and transformation mechanisms. A natural high-pressure polymorph (mineral) is found from terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks that experienced a hypervelocity impact. Mineralogists and planetary scientists have investigated high-pressure minerals in meteorites and rocks near terrestrial craters over a half-century. Here, we report brief reviews about the experiments producing high-pressure polymorphs and then summarize the research histories of high-pressure minerals occurring in shocked meteorites and rocks near terrestrial craters. Finally, some implications of high-pressure minerals found in impact-induced shocked rocks are also mentioned. Graphic abstract","author":[{"family":"Miyahara","given":"Masaaki"},{"family":"Tomioka","given":"Naotaka"},{"family":"Bindi","given":"Luca"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40645-021-00451-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40645-021-00451-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3029679263","type":"article-journal","title":"A review towards the design of extraterrestrial structures: From regolith to human outposts","abstract":"The design of a permanent human habitat on a planetary body other than the Earth is an idea introduced many decades ago, which became even more significant after the landing of the first humans on the Moon with the Apollo missions. Today's rampant technological advances combined with ambitious missions, such as the Insight mission on Mars and the Artemis program for the Moon, render the vision of space colonization more realistic than ever, as it constantly gains momentum. There is a considerable number of publications across several disciplines pertaining to the exploration of Lunar and Martian environments, to those planets' soil properties, and to the design of the first habitable modules. The scope of this paper is to present a meticulous selection of the most significant publications within the scientific areas related to: (a) geotechnical engineering aspects, including the mechanical properties and chemical composition of Lunar and Martian regolith samples and simulants, along with elements of anchoring and rigid pads as potential forms of foundation; (b) ground motions generated by different types of Moonquakes and meteoroid impacts; (c) the different concepts and types of extraterrestrial (ET) structures (generic, inflatable, deployable, 3D-printed), as well as overall views of proposed ET habitats. Apart from the details given in the main text of this paper, a targeted effort was made to summarize and compile most of this information in representative tables and present it in chronological order, so as to showcase the evolution of human thinking as regards ET structures.","author":[{"family":"Kalapodis","given":"Nicos"},{"family":"Kampas","given":"Georgios"},{"family":"Ktenidou","given":"Olga‐joan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.05.038","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.05.038","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4313279817","type":"article-journal","title":"Oxygen isotopes of anhydrous primary minerals show kinship between asteroid Ryugu and comet 81P/Wild2","abstract":"The extraterrestrial materials returned from asteroid (162173) Ryugu consist predominantly of low-temperature aqueously formed secondary minerals and are chemically and mineralogically similar to CI (Ivuna-type) carbonaceous chondrites. Here, we show that high-temperature anhydrous primary minerals in Ryugu and CI chondrites exhibit a bimodal distribution of oxygen isotopic compositions: 16 O-rich (associated with refractory inclusions) and 16 O-poor (associated with chondrules). Both the 16 O-rich and 16 O-poor minerals probably formed in the inner solar protoplanetary disk and were subsequently transported outward. The abundance ratios of the 16 O-rich to 16 O-poor minerals in Ryugu and CI chondrites are higher than in other carbonaceous chondrite groups but are similar to that of comet 81P/Wild2, suggesting that Ryugu and CI chondrites accreted in the outer Solar System closer to the accretion region of comets.","author":[{"family":"Kawasaki","given":"Noriyuki"},{"family":"Nagashima","given":"K"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"Naoya"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Bajo","given":"Ken‐ichi"},{"family":"Wada","given":"Sohei"},{"family":"Igami","given":"Yohei"},{"family":"Miyake","given":"Akira"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Yamamoto","given":"Daiki"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Yoshinari"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.ade2067","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ade2067","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4281709976","type":"article-journal","title":"Samples returned from the asteroid Ryugu are similar to Ivuna-type carbonaceous meteorites","abstract":"Carbonaceous meteorites are thought to be fragments of C-type (carbonaceous) asteroids. Samples of the C-type asteroid (162173) Ryugu were retrieved by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. We measured the mineralogy and bulk chemical and isotopic compositions of Ryugu samples. The samples are mainly composed of materials similar to those of carbonaceous chondrite meteorites, particularly the CI (Ivuna-type) group. The samples consist predominantly of minerals formed in aqueous fluid on a parent planetesimal. The primary minerals were altered by fluids at a temperature of 37° ± 10°C, about [Formula: see text] million (statistical) or [Formula: see text] million (systematic) years after the formation of the first solids in the Solar System. After aqueous alteration, the Ryugu samples were likely never heated above ~100°C. The samples have a chemical composition that more closely resembles that of the Sun's photosphere than other natural samples do.","author":[{"family":"Yokoyama","given":"Tetsuya"},{"family":"Nagashima","given":"K"},{"family":"Nakai","given":"Izumi"},{"family":"Young","given":"Edward"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Yoshinari"},{"family":"Aléon","given":"J"},{"family":"Alexander","given":"CMO"},{"family":"Amari","given":"S"},{"family":"Amelin","given":"Yuri"},{"family":"Bajo","given":"Ken‐ichi"},{"family":"Bizzarro","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Bouvier","given":"Audrey"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1126/science.abn7850","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abn7850","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3174447420","type":"article-journal","title":"Cavezzo—The double face of a meteorite: Mineralogy, petrography, and geochemistry of a very unusual chondrite","abstract":"Abstract The Cavezzo meteorite, which fell on January 1, 2020, is the first meteorite detected and recovered by the Italian PRISMA Fireball Network. Two specimens, weighing 3.12 g (specimen 1) and 52.19 g (specimen 2), were collected 3 days after the bolide was observed, thanks to an effective media campaign that encouraged the involvement of local people. The two specimens of this meteorite have not only completely different lithological characteristics but also a different geochemistry and oxygen isotopic composition as well. Specimen 1 is anomalous both for the textural–structural features, varying seamlessly from chondritic to “achondritic,” and a very unusual modal mineralogy—such as the relatively high amount of olivine (63.1 vol%), plagioclase (18.2 vol%), high‐Ca pyroxene (10.3 vol%), and chlorapatite (2.1 vol%); and the unusually low content of low‐Ca pyroxene (5.8 vol%), metal (0.1 vol%), and troilite (much lesser than 0.1 vol%)—although the compositional values for olivine (Fa 24.24 mol%) and low‐Ca pyroxene (Fs 20.41 mol%) appear to be similar to those of the L chondrite group. Conversely, in specimen 2, not only the texture and the crystal chemistry but also the modal mineralogy (low‐Ca pyroxene much more abundant than high‐Ca pyroxene and occurrence of metal and sulfides) look like those of an ordinary L chondrite. The differences between the two specimens are also confirmed by geochemistry. The oxygen isotope composition of specimen 1 plots at the boundary between the H and L groups (δ 17 O‰ 3.250; δ 18 O‰ 4.736; Δ 17 O‰ 0.788) whereas specimen 2 plots at the boundary of the L and LL fields (δ 17 O‰ 3.737; δ 18 O‰ 4.957; Δ 17 O‰ 1.159). The bulk chemistry shows a different content of many minor and trace elements (including rare earth elements), such as a strong depletion of siderophile and chalcophile elements in specimen 1. The two specimens then do not contain fragments of each other, thus preventing us from classifying this “double face” meteorite as an ordinary chondrite breccia. In detail, specimen 1 can be considered a “xenolith” in which chondritic structure and igneous texture coexist without discontinuity, and therefore, it represents a previously unsampled portion of the L parent body. In summary, these findings support the classification of Cavezzo as an L5 anomalous chondrite.","author":[{"family":"Pratesi","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Cecchi","given":"Vanni"},{"family":"Greenwood","given":"RC"},{"family":"Franchi","given":"IA"},{"family":"Hammond","given":"Samantha"},{"family":"Martino","given":"MD"},{"family":"Barghini","given":"D"},{"family":"Taricco","given":"Carla"},{"family":"Carbognani","given":"A"},{"family":"Gardiol","given":"D"},{"family":"Greenwood","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Franchi","given":"Ian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13695","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13695","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2215484119","type":"article-journal","title":"Electrical discharge triggers quasicrystal formation in an eolian dune.","abstract":"We report the discovery of a dodecagonal quasicrystal Mn 72.3 Si 15.6 Cr 9.7 Al 1.8 Ni 0.6 —composed of a periodic stacking of atomic planes with quasiperiodic translational order and 12-fold symmetry along the two directions perpendicular to the planes—accidentally formed by an electrical discharge event in an eolian dune in the Sand Hills near Hyannis, Nebraska, United States. The quasicrystal, coexisting with a cubic crystalline phase with composition Mn 68.9 Si 19.9 Ni 7.6 Cr 2.2 Al 1.4 , was found in a fulgurite consisting predominantly of fused and melted sand along with traces of melted conductor metal from a nearby downed power line. The fulgurite may have been created by a lightning strike that combined sand with material from downed power line or from electrical discharges from the downed power line alone. Extreme temperatures of at least 1,710 °C were reached, as indicated by the presence of SiO 2 glass in the sample. The dodecagonal quasicrystal is an example of a quasicrystal of any kind formed by electrical discharge, suggesting other places to search for quasicrystals on Earth or in space and for synthesizing them in the laboratory.","author":[{"family":"Bindi","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Pasek","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Chi"},{"family":"Hu","given":"J"},{"family":"Cheng","given":"Guangming"},{"family":"Yao","given":"Nan"},{"family":"Asimow","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Steinhardt","given":"Paul"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2215484119","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2215484119","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4312933868","type":"article-journal","title":"High-Resolution Image Synthesis with Latent Diffusion Models","abstract":"By decomposing the image formation process into a sequential application of denoising autoencoders, diffusion models (DMs) achieve state-of-the-art synthesis results on image data and beyond. Additionally, their formulation allows for a guiding mechanism to control the image generation process without retraining. However, since these models typically operate directly in pixel space, optimization of powerful DMs often consumes hundreds of GPU days and inference is expensive due to sequential evaluations. To enable DM training on limited computational resources while retaining their quality and flexibility, we apply them in the latent space of powerful pretrained autoencoders. In contrast to previous work, training diffusion models on such a representation allows for the first time to reach a near-optimal point between complexity reduction and detail preservation, greatly boosting visual fidelity. By introducing cross-attention layers into the model architecture, we turn diffusion models into powerful and flexible generators for general conditioning inputs such as text or bounding boxes and high-resolution synthesis becomes possible in a convolutional manner. Our latent diffusion models (LDMs) achieve new state of the art scores for image inpainting and class-conditional image synthesis and highly competitive performance on various tasks, including unconditional image generation, text-to-image synthesis, and super-resolution, while significantly reducing computational requirements compared to pixel-based DMs.","author":[{"family":"Rombach","given":"Robin"},{"family":"Blattmann","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Lorenz","given":"Dominik"},{"family":"Esser","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Ommer","given":"Björn"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1109/cvpr52688.2022.01042","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1109/cvpr52688.2022.01042","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4224290386","type":"article-journal","title":"Water Resources in Africa under Global Change: Monitoring Surface Waters from Space","abstract":"Abstract: The African continent hosts some of the largest freshwater systems worldwide, characterized by a large distribution and variability of surface waters that play a key role in the water, energy and carbon cycles and are of major importance to the global climate and water resources. Freshwater availability in Africa has now become of major concern under the combined effect of climate change, environmental alterations and anthropogenic pressure. However, the hydrology of the African river basins remains one of the least studied worldwide and a better monitoring and understanding of the hydrological processes across the continent become fundamental. Earth Observation, that offers a cost-effective means for monitoring the terrestrial water cycle, plays a major role in supporting surface hydrology investigations. Remote sensing advances are therefore a game changer to develop comprehensive observing systems to monitor Africa's land water and manage its water resources. Here, we review the achievements of more than three decades of advances using remote sensing to study surface waters in Africa, highlighting the current benefits and difficulties. We show how the availability of a large number of sensors and observations, coupled with models, offers new possibilities to monitor a continent with scarce gauged stations. In the context of upcoming satellite missions dedicated to surface hydrology, such as the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT), we discuss future opportunities and how the use of remote sensing could benefit scientific and societal applications, such as water resource management, flood risk prevention and environment monitoring under current global change. Article Highlights: The hydrology of African surface water is of global importance, yet it remains poorly monitored and understoodComprehensive review of remote sensing and modeling advances to monitor Africa's surface water and water resourcesFuture opportunities with upcoming satellite missions and to translate scientific advances into societal applications.","author":[{"family":"Papa","given":"Fabrice"},{"family":"Crétaux","given":"Jean‐françois"},{"family":"Grippa","given":"Manuela"},{"family":"Robert","given":"Élodie"},{"family":"Trigg","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Tshimanga","given":"Raphaël"},{"family":"Kitambo","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Paris","given":"Adrien"},{"family":"Carr","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Fleischmann","given":"Ayan"},{"family":"Fleury","given":"Mathilde"},{"family":"Gbetkom","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Calmettes","given":"Beatriz"},{"family":"Calmant","given":"Stéphane"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s10712-022-09700-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10712-022-09700-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3020606269","type":"article-journal","title":"Evaluation of urban underground space resources using a negative list method: Taking Xi’an City as an example in China","abstract":"Utilization of urban underground space has become a vital approach to alleviate the strain on urban land resources, and to optimize the structure and pattern of the city. It is also very important to improve the city environment, build livable city and increase the capacity of the city. Based on the analysis of existing evaluation methods and their problems, a method for evaluating underground space resources based on a negative list of adverse factors affecting underground space development is proposed, to be primarily used in urban planning stages. A list of the adverse factors is established, including limiting factors, constraining factors and influencing factors. Taking Xi’an as an example, using a geographical information system platform, a negative list of adverse factors for the underground space resources in Xi’an City are evaluated, and preventive measures are proposed. Natural resources, exploitable resources, and the potential growth of exploitable underground space resources are evaluated. Underground space assessment in the different development stages of the city, collaborative utilization and safety evaluation for multiple subsurface resources, environmental impact and assessment, as well as evaluation methods based on big data and intelligent optimization algorithms are all discussed with the aim of serving city planning and construction.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Maosheng"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Huaqi"},{"family":"Dong","given":"Ying"},{"family":"Li","given":"Lin"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Pingping"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Ge"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.31035/cg2020006","URL":"https://doi.org/10.31035/cg2020006","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4206004063","type":"article-journal","title":"Evaluation and Scale Forecast of Underground Space Resources of Historical and Cultural Cities in China","abstract":"Following economic growth in the past three decades, rapid urbanization has caused many pronounced issues, such as spatial scarcity and cultural discontinuity, in Chinese historical and cultural cities. In order to better deal with the diversification of underground space resources, data and information, this study introduces a random forest algorithm and proposes a multi-layer information superposition method. According to the characteristics of different information, starting from qualitative and quantitative aspects, we explore the effective performance of the rational development of underground space resources. Taking Yangzhou City, China, as an example, this paper evaluates the suitability and calculates the development volume of urban underground space. The development capacity, potential value, and comprehensive quality of underground space resources are explored in an attempt to demonstrate the practicality and scientificity of the evaluation method for achieving the developmental goals of urban space reconstruction and historic preservation. On this basis, an underground space scale forecast is carried out to provide decision support for relevant planners, managers, and construction personnel that is conducive to the orderly development of urban space, alleviation of increasing human–land conflicts, and coordination of the protection and development of underground space resources in historical and cultural cities, ultimately promoting sustainable development of cities.","author":[{"family":"Shao","given":"Jizhong"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Guan"},{"family":"Yuan","given":"Hong"},{"family":"Song","given":"Qize"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Minge"},{"family":"Luo","given":"Dan"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Xiaosi"},{"family":"Tan","given":"Yanran"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yuxin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ijgi11010031","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi11010031","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3046039077","type":"article-journal","title":"A Hybrid Weight Assignment Model for Urban Underground Space Resources Evaluation Integrated with the Weight of Time Dimension","abstract":"The utilization of urban underground space resources (UUSR) are important approaches to effectively save land resources, improve the living environment, expand the urban space, and achieve sustainable urban development. To obtain accurate UUSR evaluation results, the weight assignment of indicators plays an important role in the evaluation process and is an indispensable part of it. Reasonable weights of indicators can greatly improve the accuracy of the final UUSR evaluation results. Neither the basic characteristics of cross-section data and time series data of UUSR evaluation indicators are taken into consideration simultaneously, nor is the combination and cross application of different weighting methods in the previous weight assignment of UUSR evaluation indicators. Considering the influence of the time dimension, the weighting method of time dimension is introduced into the UUSR evaluation. Through integrating the classical entropy weight method, which is a frequently-used weighting method of indicator dimension with the weighting method of time dimension in two different approaches by time ordered weighted averaging (TOWA) operator, the hybrid weight assignment model named entropy and time weighting model (E-TW) for UUSR evaluation is proposed. The experimental calculation results show that the UUSR evaluation results using the E-TW model are significantly better than the results using the single classical entropy weight method, which means the hybrid weight assignment model is more suitable for UUSR evaluation than the single weighting method of indicator dimension.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Dixu"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Lixin"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Yang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3390/app10155152","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/app10155152","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3048090444","type":"article-journal","title":"NCBI Taxonomy: a comprehensive update on curation, resources and tools","abstract":"The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Taxonomy includes organism names and classifications for every sequence in the nucleotide and protein sequence databases of the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration. Since the last review of this resource in 2012, it has undergone several improvements. Most notable is the shift from a single SQL database to a series of linked databases tied to a framework of data called NameBank. This means that relations among data elements can be adjusted in more detail, resulting in expanded annotation of synonyms, the ability to flag names with specific nomenclatural properties, enhanced tracking of publications tied to names and improved annotation of scientific authorities and types. Additionally, practices utilized by NCBI Taxonomy curators specific to major taxonomic groups are described, terms peculiar to NCBI Taxonomy are explained, external resources are acknowledged and updates to tools and other resources are documented. Database URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/taxonomy.","author":[{"family":"Schoch","given":"Conrad"},{"family":"Ciufo","given":"Stacy"},{"family":"Domrachev","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Hotton","given":"Carol"},{"family":"Kannan","given":"Sivakumar"},{"family":"Khovanskaya","given":"Rogneda"},{"family":"Leipe","given":"Detlef"},{"family":"Mcveigh","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Oneill","given":"Kathleen"},{"family":"Robbertse","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Sharma","given":"Shobha"},{"family":"Soussov","given":"Vladimir"},{"family":"Sullivan","given":"John"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Lu"},{"family":"Turner","given":"Seán"},{"family":"Karschmizrachi","given":"Ilene"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1093/database/baaa062","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/database/baaa062","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3034995078","type":"article-journal","title":"Space Resources Commodities Exchange","abstract":"In recent years, a new opportunity has evolved with the discovery of water on the Moon and a new vibrant entrepreneurial approach to space exploration. The development of space will require significant amounts of resources to support the growth of this new economy. A space resources commodities exchange (SpRCEx) could exist to facilitate transactions of these resources. For companies wishing to compete in space, a commodities exchange offers meaningful value in the form of risk mitigation for market participants buying and selling to/from the exchange. Further, marketplace services such as resource storage and data and listings provide exchange owners a revenue stream uncorrelated to trade volume, thereby reducing operational risk. Although it is not currently feasible to establish an SpRCEx, this study focuses on the development and execution of a dedicated exchange assuming certain conditions are met. After identifying these critical assumptions, primarily the stable supply of at least one space resource, and the presence of significant market participation and trade volume, the authors conclude that a dedicated exchange offers relative value for all market participants, including buyers, sellers, speculators, and owners.","author":[{"family":"Ahadi","given":"Blake"},{"family":"Gilmore","given":"Nathaniel"},{"family":"Luken","given":"Eric"},{"family":"Mueller","given":"Robert"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1089/space.2019.0039","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/space.2019.0039","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4206229639","type":"article-journal","title":"A framework for campaign level asteroid mining pre-feasibility study","abstract":"View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-2583.vid This paper presents a framework for campaign level asteroid mining pre-feasibility study. The framework is designed to support realistic mining campaign design through a numerical approach. It integrates various modules that cover target selection, trajectory generation, mission opportunity search, economic analyses and campaign scheduling and optimization. Each module is independent and can be exchanged for various mission scenarios and fidelity levels. A case study for mining asteroid Bennu in the timeframe of 2030 - 2070 is provided. Mining seasons are found to occur approximately every 7 years. The most profitable mining campaign period is year 2047 - 2067.","author":[{"family":"Xie","given":"Ruida"},{"family":"Saydam","given":"Serkan"},{"family":"Dempster","given":"Andrew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.2514/6.2022-2583","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-2583","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4290888851","type":"article-journal","title":"Analysis of Technology, Economic, and Legislation Readiness Levels of Asteroid Mining Industry: A Base for the Future Space Resource Utilization Missions","abstract":"From their initial discovery in 1848, asteroids have been recognized as valuable resources. Although not yet economically viable, asteroid mining is becoming increasingly technologically feasible. The ongoing missions, such as Lucy, Psyche 16, Hayabusa-2, and OSIRIS-REx developed by students, scientists, space agencies, and private companies, continue to improve the technology and cost readiness levels of the space mining industry. This article contextualizes the advances and prospects for the development of asteroid mining activities by building on the success of previous space resource exploration missions and predicting the future of resource utilization in development of space habitats. More than just providing a state of the art, this article highlights the importance of sustainable investments in asteroid mining projects, the strategies in vogue, and identifies the mission feasibility factors. First, this article provides an analysis of space resource exploration missions and the type of asteroids cataloged by space agencies, the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. Second, this article presents key factors influencing legal, ethical, economic logistics, and technological advancements of asteroid mining missions. This also includes technoeconomic analysis of key technological factors such as accurate trajectory calculation and prediction, maneuvering capabilities, where simple performance improvements bring the asteroid and Moon mining projects nearer to their economic attainability. Finally, the impact of cost, technology readiness levels, and mission feasibility on recent unmanned space resource missions is presented, providing recommendations to bridge the existing gaps for mission execution and implementation levels. The growing threats of an asteroid impact, coupled with rapid depletion of natural resources on Earth, make asteroid mining an increasingly urgent subject. Since the existing state of technology does not meet appropriate standards, this work not only identifies and lists the current and past successful techniques and potential alternatives to gain maturity for asteroid mining missions but also presents the specific logistic aspects such as bridging the gaps in terms of legislation, in-orbit construction, and servicing using the mined resources based on existing literature. This article supports the IAWN, Impact Disaster Planning Advisory Group, Space Mission Planning Advisory Group, Space agencies, educational institutions, and interested stakeholders by providing a critical analysis of state of the art for optimal future development of the space mining industry.","author":[{"family":"Srivastava","given":"Smiriti"},{"family":"Pradhan","given":"Swaraj"},{"family":"Luitel","given":"Bijaya"},{"family":"Manghaipathy","given":"Pavithra"},{"family":"Romero","given":"Marco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1089/space.2021.0025","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/space.2021.0025","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4280543301","type":"article-journal","title":"Principal component analysis model of the impact of asteroid mining on global equity","abstract":"With the continuous development of aerospace technology, people's obsession with outer space resources is getting deeper and deeper. At 1:30 a.m. Beijing time on April 25, a start-up company called Planetary Resources was founded and boldly announced its plan to mine planetary resources, a move that shocked many media. However, is the exploitation of space resources as good as everyone imagines, and what impact will outer space resources have on the global capital market and people's lives after they enter the global capital market? These questions have not been scientifically analyzed and studied so far. In this paper, we will take the example of mining the mineral resources of the planet Kepler 452b, through consulting relevant literature; three factors that can most affect asteroid mining are selected: economic strength, military capability, and technological level. We set the weight initialization of economic strength to 24 %, the weight initialization of science and technology level to 45 %, and the weight initialization of military capability to 31 %. The principal component analysis comprehensive evaluation model is used to analyze the impact of asteroid mining conditions on global equity. Through analysis, we find that the change of weight value will affect the scale of planetary mining, and then cause fluctuations in the global nickel, gold, platinum, and other precious metal markets, which has a negative impact on global equity to some extent. Reflected in the Gini coefficient, it is the dynamic change of the Gini coefficient value that first increases and then decreases.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Songyu"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Haochen"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Shi"},{"family":"Wen","given":"Jian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1117/12.2638895","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2638895","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4285601909","type":"article-journal","title":"The ESA Hera Mission: Detailed Characterization of the DART Impact Outcome and of the Binary Asteroid (65803) Didymos","abstract":"Abstract Hera is a planetary defense mission under development in the Space Safety and Security Program of the European Space Agency for launch in 2024 October. It will rendezvous in late 2026 December with the binary asteroid (65803) Didymos and in particular its moon, Dimorphos, which will be impacted by NASA’s DART spacecraft on 2022 September 26 as the first asteroid deflection test. The main goals of Hera are the detailed characterization of the physical properties of Didymos and Dimorphos and of the crater made by the DART mission, as well as measurement of the momentum transfer efficiency resulting from DART’s impact. The data from the Hera spacecraft and its two CubeSats will also provide significant insights into asteroid science and the evolutionary history of our solar system. Hera will perform the first rendezvous with a binary asteroid and provide new measurements, such as radar sounding of an asteroid interior, which will allow models in planetary science to be tested. Hera will thus provide a crucial element in the global effort to avert future asteroid impacts at the same time as providing world-leading science.","author":[{"family":"Michel","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Küppers","given":"M"},{"family":"Bagatín","given":"Adriano"},{"family":"Carry","given":"B"},{"family":"Charnoz","given":"S"},{"family":"León","given":"JD"},{"family":"Fitzsimmons","given":"A"},{"family":"Gordo","given":"Paulo"},{"family":"Green","given":"Simon"},{"family":"Hèrique","given":"Alain"},{"family":"Juzi","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Karatekin","given":"Özgür"},{"family":"Kohout","given":"T"},{"family":"Lazzarin","given":"M"},{"family":"Murdoch","given":"Naomi"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Palomba","given":"E"},{"family":"Pravec","given":"Petr"},{"family":"Snodgrass","given":"C"},{"family":"Tortora","given":"Paolo"},{"family":"Tsiganis","given":"K"},{"family":"Ulamec","given":"Stephan"},{"family":"Vincent","given":"Jean‐baptiste"},{"family":"Wünnemann","given":"K"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Yun"},{"family":"Raducan","given":"Sabina"},{"family":"Dotto","given":"E"},{"family":"Chabot","given":"NL"},{"family":"Cheng","given":"Andy"},{"family":"Rivkin","given":"AS"},{"family":"Barnouin","given":"OS"},{"family":"Ernst","given":"CM"},{"family":"Stickle","given":"AM"},{"family":"Richardson","given":"DC"},{"family":"Thomas","given":"Cristina"},{"family":"Arakawa","given":"Masahiko"},{"family":"Miyamoto","given":"Hirdy"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"A"},{"family":"Sugita","given":"Seiji"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Makoto"},{"family":"Abell","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Asphaug","given":"Erik"},{"family":"Ballouz","given":"Ronald‐louis"},{"family":"Bottke","given":"WF"},{"family":"Lauretta","given":"DS"},{"family":"Walsh","given":"KJ"},{"family":"Martino","given":"Paolo"},{"family":"Carnelli","given":"Ian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3847/psj/ac6f52","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/psj/ac6f52","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1007/s00792-021-01253-w","type":"article-journal","title":"The smallest space miners: principles of space biomining.","abstract":"As we aim to expand human presence in space, we need to find viable approaches to achieve independence from terrestrial resources. Space biomining of the Moon, Mars and asteroids has been indicated as one of the promising approaches to achieve in-situ resource utilization by the main space agencies. Structural and expensive metals, essential mineral nutrients, water, oxygen and volatiles could be potentially extracted from extraterrestrial regolith and rocks using microbial-based biotechnologies. The use of bioleaching microorganisms could also be applied to space bioremediation, recycling of waste and to reinforce regenerative life support systems. However, the science around space biomining is still young. Relevant differences between terrestrial and extraterrestrial conditions exist, including the rock types and ores available for mining, and a direct application of established terrestrial biomining techniques may not be a possibility. It is, therefore, necessary to invest in terrestrial and space-based research of specific methods for space applications to learn the effects of space conditions on biomining and bioremediation, expand our knowledge on organotrophic and community-based bioleaching mechanisms, as well as on anaerobic biomining, and investigate the use of synthetic biology to overcome limitations posed by the space environments.","author":[{"family":"Santomartino","given":"Rosa"},{"family":"Zea","given":"Luis"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00792-021-01253-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00792-021-01253-w","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W3095599406","type":"article-journal","title":"Stratigraphy of Ice and Ejecta Deposits at the Lunar Poles","abstract":"Abstract Water ice has been delivered to the lunar poles from different sources over billions of years, but this accumulation was punctuated by large impacts that excavated dry regolith from depth and emplaced it in layers over the poles. Here, we model the resulting stratigraphies of ice and ejecta deposits in the lunar polar regions. Large polar craters were age dated, and their ejecta distributions calculated with standard scaling relations. We then created a Monte Carlo model for ice deposition and ejecta emplacement. Typical model runs showed that deposits in older cold traps (&gt;4 Ga) are divided into two zones: buried ice‐rich gigaton deposits and younger more gardened mantles. The latter are consistent with small crater morphometry measurements, but the existence of substantial ice buried at great depths is more difficult to confirm. Rare outlier model runs included Mercury‐like cases with significant deposition events in recent history (&lt;200 Ma).","author":[{"family":"Cannon","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Deutsch","given":"AN"},{"family":"Head","given":"JW"},{"family":"Britt","given":"DT"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2020gl088920","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2020gl088920","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3080245820","type":"article-journal","title":"Preparing for delivery of the Lunar Ice Cube compact IR spectrometer payload","abstract":"Lunar Ice Cube, scheduled to be launched on ARTEMIS I in late 2021, is a deep space cubesat mission with the goals of demonstrating 1) a cubesat-scale instrument (BIRCHES) capable of addressing NASA HEOMD Strategic Knowledge Gaps related to lunar volatile distribution (abundance, location, and transportation physics of water ice), and 2) cubesat propulsion, via the Busek BIT 3 RF Ion engine. The mission will also demonstrate the AIM/IRIS microcryocooler for the first time in deep space. BIRCHES integration is nearly complete, with several changes made to the thermal design to improve detector performance. Final preflight instrument testing and calibration, our ongoing concern to be emphasized here, have been delayed due to the mandated closure rules of NASA facilities. Lunar Ice Cube, along with two other cubesats deployed from ARTEMIS I, Lunar Flashlight and LunaH-Map, will be the first deep cubesat missions to deliver science data to the Planetary Data System.","author":[{"family":"Clark","given":"PE"},{"family":"Malphrus","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Brown","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Fite","given":"Nathan"},{"family":"Schabert","given":"J"},{"family":"Mikula","given":"Rebecca"},{"family":"Mcneil","given":"Sean"},{"family":"Brambora","given":"Cliff"},{"family":"Hewagama","given":"T"},{"family":"Gorius","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Young","given":"Jerrod"},{"family":"Patel","given":"Deepak"},{"family":"Hurford","given":"TA"},{"family":"Folta","given":"David"},{"family":"Mason","given":"Paul"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1117/12.2568027","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2568027","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3021014882","type":"article-journal","title":"Assessing the Roughness Properties of Circumpolar Lunar Craters: Implications for the Timing of Water‐Ice Delivery to the Moon","abstract":"Abstract The roughness properties of impact craters are valuable indicators of crater degradation and can provide insight into crater ages. We evaluate the roughness of lunar craters from different geologic eras, confirming that young, Copernican craters are distinctly rougher than older craters. We evaluate the potential age of small (less than ~15 km) craters that are thought to host surface ice by quantifying the roughness inside these craters, as well as outside. Interior roughness may be subdued by slope processes or the presence of volatiles. The distribution of ice‐bearing craters is skewed toward roughness values higher than those of pre‐Imbrian craters, although no ice‐bearing craters are within the Copernican‐only domain in roughness space. All of the 15 rough, permanently shadowed craters that are found within the Copernican‐only domain lack water‐ice detections, suggesting that either ice has not been delivered to these young craters or that it has since been destroyed.","author":[{"family":"Deutsch","given":"AN"},{"family":"Head","given":"JW"},{"family":"Neumann","given":"GA"},{"family":"Kreslavsky","given":"MA"},{"family":"Barker","given":"MK"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2020gl087782","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2020gl087782","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3162805995","type":"article-journal","title":"Practical and Economic Rocket Mining of Lunar Ice","abstract":"Masten Space Systems (Masten) is leading a team developing a novel method to efficiently, reliably, and ultimately economically mine lunar water ice and frozen volatiles. The target volatiles occur on top of, and within regolith at the Moon's poles. The system architecture for excavation and capture of the water involves the novel use of rocket engines. Precision firing of a short-burst rocket creates deep cratering, disaggregation of the regolith, sublimation of the frozen volatiles, and capture via condensation in the collection vessel. Operations are conducted under a mobile containment dome to capture volatiles, and to allow for ease of movement to continue recovery of economic grades of frozen volatiles. Preliminary tests performed by Masten and Honeybee demonstrate project viability. The system offers low weight and low maintenance lunar mining solutions. The project includes development of exploration methodologies, volatile volumes and grade verification, and constraints on positive economic returns and markets for target sites.","author":[{"family":"Kuhns","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Kuhns","given":"Roger"},{"family":"Metzger","given":"Philip"},{"family":"Zacny","given":"K"},{"family":"Rhys","given":"Noah"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1061/9780784483374.043","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483374.043","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3207919019","type":"article-journal","title":"Analyzing Surface Ruggedness Inside and Outside of Ice Stability Zones at the Lunar Poles","abstract":"Abstract We measured surface ruggedness within 12 polar craters on the Moon, six at each pole, using a variation of the Vector Ruggedness Measure (VRM*). We compare VRM* values derived within ice stability zones, where maximum surface temperatures are ≤112 K, to VRM* values from warmer surfaces where ice is not stable. Ruggedness values inside and outside of ice stability zones are statistically not from the same continuous distribution ( α = 0.05). In nine of the 12 investigated craters, surfaces where ice is stable are smoother than neighboring warmer surfaces. These comparatively smooth surfaces are observed in both craters that host surface water-ice exposures and those that do not, suggesting that the presence of subsurface ice, rather than surface ice, may be responsible for the reduced surface ruggedness derived from a moving window of 3 × 3 cells applied to 120 m elevation models. Reduced ruggedness of ice stability zones is slightly greater in south polar craters and tends to correlate with enhanced hydrogen content as modeled from Lunar Prospector data. While ice stability zones may have a control on the distribution of softened topography at the lunar poles, the magnitude of this softening is small at the investigated baselines.","author":[{"family":"Deutsch","given":"AN"},{"family":"Heldmann","given":"JL"},{"family":"Colaprete","given":"A"},{"family":"Cannon","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Elphic","given":"RC"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3847/psj/ac24ff","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/psj/ac24ff","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3166203595","type":"article-journal","title":"Micro Rover Mission for Measuring Lunar Polar Ice","abstract":"Lunar ice, present at the poles, could be a source of water for drinking and growing crops, generating oxygen for breathing, and producing propellants for venturing beyond the moon to deep space. Viability of this grand vision depends on specifics of the accessibility, depth and concentration of the ice, which can only be determined by surface missions. This requires a campaign of diverse, repeated robotic explorations over time. This paper profiles MoonRanger, a micro-rover manifested on a 2022 NASA Commercial Lander Payload Services (CLPS) flight, which will be the first such mission, with its technologies, designs and operations for a pioneering in-situ measurement of lunar ice. The paper addresses the challenges of and solutions for micro-rover perception in darkness, navigation and mapping autonomy with limited computing, mechatronic miniaturization, mobility in polar terrain, thermal management, power generation, and others. MoonRanger's mission principles, designs, analyses and performance of the innovations, component technologies, rover, system and mission. Details covering rover design, its performance, and system elements such as stow-deploy, power, avionics, thermal, software and communication scenarios are articulated. The paper describes principles, instrument, and means for measuring ice. System considerations such as ConOps, ground control, and risk posture are addressed. The paper touches on the creative, operational, lean and resourceful development culture that is producing this. The paper concludes by discussing the “firsts”, the impacts of the technical contributions, the status of the development, and the path to mission.","author":[{"family":"Schweitzer","given":"Lydia"},{"family":"Jamal","given":"Haidar"},{"family":"Jones","given":"Heather"},{"family":"Wettergreen","given":"David"},{"family":"Whittaker","given":"William"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1109/aero50100.2021.9438261","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1109/aero50100.2021.9438261","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4308594770","type":"article-journal","title":"Lunar Magnetic Anomalies and Polar Ice","abstract":"Abstract Solar wind ion sputtering is one of several non‐negligible loss mechanisms for water ice in permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) near the lunar poles. Previous estimates of the solar wind ion flux within south polar PSRs have considered only the ambient solar wind flow and effects of topography. Here, improved maps of crustal magnetic fields in the lunar polar regions are constructed, confirming that more anomalies are present near the south pole than near the north pole. These anomalies have moderate amplitudes, occur over at least two permanently shadowed craters, and correlate approximately with the exposed water ice distribution. Because of the low angle of solar wind incidence near the poles, these anomalies are likely effective in reducing the ion flux, and any resulting water ice loss rate. These anomalies may therefore explain why more water ice is found near the south pole than near the north pole.","author":[{"family":"Hood","given":"LL"},{"family":"Bryant","given":"Isabella"},{"family":"Leeuw","given":"Jacob"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2022gl100557","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2022gl100557","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3141519195","type":"article-journal","title":"Astrobiology of life on Earth","abstract":"Astrobiology is mistakenly regarded by some as a field confined to studies of life beyond Earth. Here, we consider life on Earth through an astrobiological lens. Whereas classical studies of microbiology historically focused on various anthropocentric sub-fields (such as fermented foods or commensals and pathogens of crop plants, livestock and humans), addressing key biological questions via astrobiological approaches can further our understanding of all life on Earth. We highlight potential implications of this approach through the articles in this Environmental Microbiology special issue 'Ecophysiology of Extremophiles'. They report on the microbiology of places/processes including low-temperature environments and chemically diverse saline- and hypersaline habitats; aspects of sulphur metabolism in hypersaline lakes, dysoxic marine waters, and thermal acidic springs; biology of extremophile viruses; the survival of terrestrial extremophiles on the surface of Mars; biological soils crusts and rock-associated microbes of deserts; subsurface and deep biosphere, including a salticle formed within Triassic halite; and interactions of microbes with igneous and sedimentary rocks. These studies, some of which we highlight here, contribute to our understanding of the spatiotemporal reach of Earth'sfunctional biosphere, and the tenacity of terrestrial life. Their findings will help set the stage for future work focused on the constraints for life, and how organisms adapt and evolve to circumvent these constraints.","author":[{"family":"Hallsworth","given":"John"},{"family":"Mancinelli","given":"Rocco"},{"family":"Conley","given":"Catharine"},{"family":"Dallas","given":"Tiffany"},{"family":"Rinaldi","given":"Teresa"},{"family":"Dávila","given":"Alfonso"},{"family":"Benison","given":"Kathleen"},{"family":"Rapoport","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Cavalazzi","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Selbmann","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Changela","given":"HG"},{"family":"Westall","given":"Francès"},{"family":"Yakimov","given":"Michail"},{"family":"Amils","given":"Ricardo"},{"family":"Madigan","given":"Michael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1111/1462-2920.15499","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.15499","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3093206383","type":"article-journal","title":"Investigating Habitability with an Integrated Rock-Climbing Robot and Astrobiology Instrument Suite","abstract":"A prototype rover carrying an astrobiology payload was developed and deployed at analog field sites to mature generalized system architectures capable of searching for biosignatures in extreme terrain across the Solar System. Specifically, the four-legged Limbed Excursion Mechanical Utility Robot (LEMUR) 3 climbing robot with microspine grippers carried three instruments: a micro-X-ray fluorescence instrument based on the Mars 2020 mission's Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry provided elemental chemistry; a deep-ultraviolet fluorescence instrument based on Mars 2020's Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals mapped organics in bacterial communities on opaque substrates; and a near-infrared acousto-optic tunable filter-based point spectrometer identified minerals and organics in the 1.6-3.6 μm range. The rover also carried a light detection and ranging and a color camera for both science and navigation. Combined, this payload detects astrobiologically important classes of rock components (elements, minerals, and organics) in extreme terrain, which, as demonstrated in this work, can reveal a correlation between textural biosignatures and the organics or elements expected to preserve them in a habitable environment. Across >10 field tests, milestones were achieved in instrument operations, autonomous mobility in extreme terrain, and system integration that can inform future planetary science mission architectures. Contributions include (1) system-level demonstration of mock missions to the vertical exposures of Mars lava tube caves and Mars canyon walls, (2) demonstration of multi-instrument integration into a confocal arrangement with surface scanning capabilities, and (3) demonstration of automated focus stacking algorithms for improved signal-to-noise ratios and reduced operation time.","author":[{"family":"Uckert","given":"Kyle"},{"family":"Parness","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Chanover","given":"NJ"},{"family":"Eshelman","given":"E"},{"family":"Abcouwer","given":"Neil"},{"family":"Nash","given":"Jeremy"},{"family":"Detry","given":"Renaud"},{"family":"Fuller","given":"Christine"},{"family":"Voelz","given":"David"},{"family":"Hull","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Flannery","given":"David"},{"family":"Bhartia","given":"R"},{"family":"Manatt","given":"Kenneth"},{"family":"Abbey","given":"William"},{"family":"Boston","given":"Penelope"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2019.2177","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2019.2177","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3164421158","type":"article-journal","title":"Portable Raman Spectroscopy in Field Geology and Astrobiology Applications","abstract":"This chapter reviews the application of miniaturized Raman spectroscopic instrumentation for terrestrial geological field applications, which has demonstrated the feasibility of analyzing materials in situ and without the need for removal of specimens to study using laboratory fixed-base instrumentation. A particular feature of the use of Raman spectroscopic instrumentation in these environments is the capability to detect the presence of extremophilic biological and biogeological materials arising from organisms that have modified their geological niche environments. Detecting low concentrations of biomarkers in the frame of host mineral matrices for future use in search for life space missions seems to be the important challenge for instrumentation in the astrobiology area. A Raman spectral biosignature is a unique band from a compound that has been synthesized exclusively by biological organisms, henceforth known as a biomarker, and which ideally is relatively stable under niche astrogeological conditions.","author":[{"family":"Edwards","given":"Howell"},{"family":"Jehlička","given":"Jan"},{"family":"Culka","given":"Adam"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1002/9781119636489.ch39","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119636489.ch39","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W2998967490","type":"article-journal","title":"Multiple mineral horizons in layered outcrops at Mawrth Vallis, Mars, signify changing geochemical environments on early Mars","abstract":"Refined calibrations of CRISM images are enabling identification of smaller deposits of unique aqueous materials on Mars that reveal changing environmental conditions at the region surrounding Mawrth Vallis. Through characterization of these clay-sulfate assemblages and their association with the layered, phyllosilicate units of this region, more details of the aqueous geochemical history can be gleaned. A stratigraphy including five distinct mineral horizons is mapped using compositional data from CRISM over CTX and HRSC imagery across 100s of km and from CRISM over HiRISE imagery across 100s of meters. Transitions in mineralogic units were characterized using visible/near-infrared (VNIR) spectral properties and surface morphology. We identified and characterized complex “doublet” type spectral signatures with two bands between 2.2 and 2.3 μm at one stratigraphic horizon. Based on comparisons with terrestrial sites, the spectral “doublet” unit described here may reflect the remnants of a salty, evaporative period that existed on Mars during the transition from formation of Fe-rich phyllosilicates to Al-rich phyllosilicates. Layered outcrops observed at Mawrth Vallis are thicker than in other altered regions of Mars, but may represent processes that were more widespread in wet regions of the planet during its early history. The aqueous geochemical environments supporting the outcrops observed here include: (i) the formation of Fe3+-rich smectites in a warm and wet environment, (ii) overlain by a thin ferrous-bearing clay unit that could be associated with heating or reducing conditions, (iii) followed by a transition to salty and/or acidic alteration phases and sulfates (characterized by the spectral “doublet” shape) in an evaporative setting, (iv) formation of Al-rich phyllosilicates through pedogenesis or acid leaching, and (v) finally persistence of poorly crystalline aluminosilicates marking the end of the warm climate on early Mars. The “doublet” type units described here are likely composed of clay-sulfate assemblages formed in saline, acidic evaporative environments similar to those found in Western Australia and the Atacama desert. Despite the chemically extreme and variable waters present at these terrestrial, saline lake environments, active ecosystems are present; thus, these “doublet” type units may mark exciting areas for continued exploration important to astrobiology on Mars.","author":[{"family":"Bishop","given":"JL"},{"family":"Gross","given":"C"},{"family":"Danielsen","given":"JM"},{"family":"Parente","given":"M"},{"family":"Murchie","given":"SL"},{"family":"Horgan","given":"B"},{"family":"Wray","given":"JJ"},{"family":"Viviano","given":"CE"},{"family":"Seelos","given":"FP"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.icarus.2020.113634","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2020.113634","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3092337985","type":"article-journal","title":"Effects of Geochemical and Environmental Parameters on Abiotic Organic Chemistry Driven by Iron Hydroxide Minerals","abstract":"Abstract Geological conditions play a significant role in prebiotic/abiotic organic chemistry, especially when reactive minerals are present. Previous studies of the prebiotic synthesis of amino acids and other products in mineral‐containing systems have shown that a diverse array of compounds can be produced, depending on the experimental conditions. However, these previous experiments have not simulated the effects of varying geochemical conditions, in which factors such as pH, iron redox state, or chemical concentrations may vary over time and space in a natural environment. In geochemical systems that contain overlapping gradients, many permutations of individual conditions could exist and affect the outcome of an organic reaction network. We investigated reactions of pyruvate and glyoxylate, two compounds that are central to the emergence of metabolism, in simulated geological gradients of redox, pH, and ammonia concentration. Our results show that the positioning of pyruvate/glyoxylate reactions in this environmental parameter space determines the organic product distribution that results. Therefore, the distribution pattern of amino acids and alpha‐hydroxy acids produced prebiotically in a system reflects the specific reaction conditions, and would be distinct at various locations in an environment depending on local geochemistry. This is significant for origin of life chemistry in which the composition and function of oligomers could be affected by the environmentally driven distribution of monomers available. Also, for astrobiology and planetary science where organic distribution patterns are sometimes considered as a possible biosignature, it is important to consider environmentally driven abiotic organic reactions that might produce similar effects.","author":[{"family":"Barge","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Flores","given":"Erika"},{"family":"Vandervelde","given":"David"},{"family":"Weber","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Baum","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Castonguay","given":"Amalia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2020je006423","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2020je006423","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3082502254","type":"article-journal","title":"Exploring Carbon Mineral Systems: Recent Advances in C Mineral Evolution, Mineral Ecology, and Network Analysis","abstract":"Large and growing data resources on the spatial and temporal diversity and distribution of the more than 400 carbon-bearing mineral species reveal patterns of mineral evolution and ecology. Recent advances in analytical and visualization techniques leverage these data and are propelling mineralogy from a largely descriptive field into one of prediction within complex, integrated, multidimensional systems. These discoveries include: (1) systematic changes in the character of carbon minerals and their networks of coexisting species through deep time; (2) improved statistical predictions of the number and types of carbon minerals that occur on Earth but are yet to be discovered and described; and (3) a range of proposed and ongoing studies related to the quantification of network structures and trends, relation of mineral “natural kinds” to their genetic environments, prediction of the location of mineral species across the globe, examination of the tectonic drivers of mineralization through deep time, quantification of preservational and sampling bias in the mineralogical record, and characterization of feedback relationships between minerals and geochemical environments with microbial populations. These aspects of Earth’s carbon mineralogy underscore the complex co-evolution of the geosphere and biosphere and highlight the possibility for scientific discovery in Earth and planetary systems.","author":[{"family":"Morrison","given":"Shaunna"},{"family":"Buongiorno","given":"Joy"},{"family":"Downs","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Eleish","given":"Ahmed"},{"family":"Fox","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Giovannelli","given":"Donato"},{"family":"Golden","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Hummer","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Hystad","given":"Grethe"},{"family":"Kellogg","given":"LH"},{"family":"Kreylos","given":"Oliver"},{"family":"Krivovichev","given":"Sergey"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3389/feart.2020.00208","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.00208","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4224080822","type":"article-journal","title":"Structural and chemical complexity of minerals: an update","abstract":"Abstract The complexities of chemical composition and crystal structure are fundamental characteristics of minerals that have high relevance to the understanding of their stability, occurrence and evolution. This review summarises recent developments in the field of mineral complexity and outlines possible directions for its future elaboration. The database of structural and chemical complexity parameters of minerals is updated by H-correction of structures with unknown H positions and the inclusion of new data. The revised average complexity values (arithmetic means) for all minerals are 3.54(2) bits/atom and 345(10) bits/cell (based upon 4443 structure reports). The distributions of atomic information amounts, chem I G and str I G , versus the number of mineral species fit the normal modes, whereas the distributions of total complexities, chem I G,total and str I G,total , along with numbers of atoms per formula and per unit cell are log normal. The three most complex mineral species known today are ewingite, morrisonite and ilmajokite, all either discovered or structurally characterised within the last five years. The most important complexity-generating mechanisms in minerals are: (1) the presence of isolated large clusters; (2) the presence of large clusters linked together to form three-dimensional frameworks; (3) formation of complex three-dimensional modular frameworks; (4) formation of complex modular layers; (5) high hydration state in salts with complex heteropolyhedral units; and (6) formation of ordered superstructures of relatively simple structure types. The relations between symmetry and complexity are considered. The analysis of temporal dynamics of mineralogical discoveries since 1875 with the step of 25 years show the increasing chemical and structural complexities of human knowledge of the mineral kingdom in the history of mineralogy. In the Earth's history, both diversity and complexity of minerals experience dramatic increases associated with the formation of Earth's continental crust, initiation of plate tectonics and the Great Oxidation event.","author":[{"family":"Krivovichev","given":"Sergey"},{"family":"Кривовичев","given":"ВГ"},{"family":"Hazen","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Aksenov","given":"Sergey"},{"family":"Avdontceva","given":"Margarita"},{"family":"Banaru","given":"AM"},{"family":"Gorelova","given":"Liudmila"},{"family":"Ismagilova","given":"Rezeda"},{"family":"Kornyakov","given":"Ilya"},{"family":"Kuporev","given":"Ivan"},{"family":"Morrison","given":"Shaunna"},{"family":"Panikorovskii","given":"Taras"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1180/mgm.2022.23","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2022.23","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3113091833","type":"article-journal","title":"Quantifying Mineral-Ligand Structural Similarities: Bridging the Geological World of Minerals with the Biological World of Enzymes","abstract":"Metal compounds abundant on Early Earth are thought to play an important role in the origins of life. Certain iron-sulfur minerals for example, are proposed to have served as primitive metalloenzyme cofactors due to their ability to catalyze organic synthesis processes and facilitate electron transfer reactions. An inherent difficulty with studying the catalytic potential of many metal compounds is the wide range of data and parameters to consider when searching for individual minerals and ligands of interest. Detecting mineral-ligand pairs that are structurally analogous enables more relevant selections of data to study, since structural affinity is a key indicator of comparable catalytic function. However, current structure-oriented approaches tend to be subjective and localized, and do not quantify observations or compare them with other potential targets. Here, we present a mathematical approach that compares structural similarities between various minerals and ligands using molecular similarity metrics. We use an iterative substructure search in the crystal lattice, paired with benchmark structural similarity methods. This structural comparison may be considered as a first stage in a more advanced analysis tool that will include a range of chemical and physical factors when computing mineral-ligand similarity. This approach will seek relationships between the mineral and enzyme worlds, with applications to the origins of life, ecology, catalysis, and astrobiology.","author":[{"family":"Zhao","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Bartlett","given":"Stuart"},{"family":"Yung","given":"Yuk"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life10120338","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life10120338","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1089/ast.2021.0024","type":"article-journal","title":"Planetary Minerals Catalyze Conversion of a Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon to a Prebiotic Quinone: Implications for Origins of Life","abstract":"Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous in astrochemical environments and are disbursed into planetary environments via meteorites and extraterrestrial infall where they may interact with mineral phases to produce quinones important for origins of life. In this study, we assessed the potential of the phyllosilicates montmorillonite (MONT) and kaolinite (KAO), and the enhanced Mojave Mars Simulant (MMS) to convert the PAH anthracene (ANTH) to the biologically important 9,10-anthraquinone (ANTHQ). All studied mineral substrates mediate conversion over the temperature range assessed (25–500°C). Apparent rate curves for conversion were sigmoidal for MONT and KAO, but quadratic for MMS. Conversion efficiency maxima for ANTHQ were 3.06% ± 0.42%, 1.15% ± 0.13%, and 0.56% ± 0.039% for MONT, KAO, and MMS, respectively. We hypothesized that differential substrate binding and compound loss account for the apparent conversion kinetics observed. Apparent loss rate curves for ANTH and ANTHQ were exponential for all substrates, suggesting a pathway for wide distribution of both compounds in warmer prebiotic environments. These findings improve upon our previously reported ANTHQ conversion efficiency on MONT and provide support for a plausible scenario in which PAH-mineral interactions could have produced prebiotically relevant quinones in early Earth environments.","author":[{"family":"Henao","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Karanauskas","given":"Vytis"},{"family":"Drummond","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Dewitt","given":"Lillian"},{"family":"Maloney","given":"Christina"},{"family":"Mulu","given":"Christina"},{"family":"Weber","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Barge","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Videau","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Gaylor","given":"Michael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2021.0024","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2021.0024","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/bg-2020-283","type":"article-journal","title":"Extraterrestrial dust as a source of bioavailable Fe for the ocean productivity","abstract":"Abstract. Bioavailable Fe is an essential nutrient for phytoplankton that allows organisms to flourish and drawdown atmospheric CO2 affecting global climatic condition. In marine locales remote from the continents extraterrestrial-dust provides an important source of Fe and thus moderates primary productivity. Here we provide constraints on partitioning of extraterrestrial Fe between seawater and sediments from observations of dissolution and alteration cosmic spherules recovered from the deepsea sediments and Antarctica. Of the ~ 3000–6000 t/a extraterrestrial dust that reaches Earth surface, ~ 2–5 % material survives in marine sediments whilst the remainder is liberated into seawater. Both processes contributes ~ (3–10) × 10−8 molFe m−2 yr−1. Also, Fe contribution due to evaporation of survived particle is estimated to be ~ 10 % of Fe contribution to meteoric smoke. Changes in extraterrestrial-dust flux vary not only the amount of Fe by up to three orders of magnitude, but also the partitioning of Fe between surface and abyssal waters depending on entry velocity and evaporation.","author":[{"family":"Gowda","given":"Rudraswami"},{"family":"Pandey","given":"Mayank"},{"family":"Genge","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Fernandes","given":"Dafilgo"},{"family":"Genge","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Fernandes","given":"D"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.5194/bg-2020-283","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2020-283","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.3389/fspas.2020.544331","type":"article-journal","title":"Multiscale and Correlative Analytical Electron Microscopy of Extraterrestrial Minerals","abstract":"This paper presents a unique correlative microscopic method for the structural characterization of extraterrestrial minerals. A fragment from the pallasite Seymchan meteorite that consists of olivine grains mixed into a metallic iron matrix with variable nickel content was studied from mm-down to nm-size by using the Raman Imaging and Scanning Electron Microscopy (RISE) and analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Hyperspectral fast acquisition for energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping of a couple of mm2 large area correlated with additional hyperspectral Raman analysis of smaller regions in the same area on one hand, and hyperspectral analytic STEM investigations at atomic resolution on the other hand, provided valuable information about chemical composition, bonding and crystallography. The analysis revealed particles of troilite, schreibersite and forsterite but also regions of mixed iron oxides, carbonates and amorphous carbon as well as plessite regions with nanometre sized taenite needles dispersed in the kamacite matrix.","author":[{"family":"Albu","given":"Mihaela"},{"family":"Fitzek","given":"Harald"},{"family":"Moser","given":"David"},{"family":"Kothleitner","given":"Gerald"},{"family":"Hofer","given":"Ferdinand"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2020.544331","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2020.544331","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.17863/cam.88270","type":"article-journal","title":"Time-Sensitive Aspects of Mars Sample Return (MSR) Science.","abstract":"Samples returned from Mars would be placed under quarantine at a Sample Receiving Facility (SRF) until they are considered safe to release to other laboratories for further study. The process of determining whether samples are safe for release, which may involve detailed analysis and/or sterilization, is expected to take several months. However, the process of breaking the sample tube seal and extracting the headspace gas will perturb local equilibrium conditions between gas and rock and set in motion irreversible processes that proceed as a function of time. Unless these time-sensitive processes are understood, planned for, and/or monitored during the quarantine period, scientific information expected from further analysis may be lost forever. At least four processes underpin the time-sensitivity of Mars returned sample science: (1) degradation of organic material of potential biological origin, (2) modification of sample headspace gas composition, (3) mineral-volatile exchange, and (4) oxidation/reduction of redox-sensitive materials. Available constraints on the timescales associated with these processes supports the conclusion that an SRF must have the capability to characterize attributes such as sample tube headspace gas composition, organic material of potential biological origin, as well as volatiles and their solid-phase hosts. Because most time-sensitive investigations are also sensitive to sterilization, these must be completed inside the SRF and on timescales of several months or less. To that end, we detail recommendations for how sample preparation and analysis could complete these investigations as efficiently as possible within an SRF. Finally, because constraints on characteristic timescales that define time-sensitivity for some processes are uncertain, future work should focus on: (1) quantifying the timescales of volatile exchange for core material physically and mineralogically similar to samples expected to be returned from Mars, and (2) identifying and developing stabilization or temporary storage strategies that mitigate volatile exchange until analysis can be completed. Executive Summary Any samples returned from Mars would be placed under quarantine at a Sample Receiving Facility (SRF) until it can be determined that they are safe to release to other laboratories for further study. The process of determining whether samples are safe for release, which may involve detailed analysis and/or sterilization, is expected to take several months. However, the process of breaking the sample tube seal and extracting the headspace gas would perturb local equilibrium conditions between gas and rock and set in motion irreversible processes that proceed as a function of time. Unless these processes are understood, planned for, and/or monitored during the quarantine period, scientific information expected from further analysis may be lost forever. Specialist members of the Mars Sample Return Planning Group Phase 2 (MSPG-2), referred to here as the Time-Sensitive Focus Group, have identified four processes that underpin the time-sensitivity of Mars returned sample science: (1) degradation of organic material of potential biological origin, (2) modification of sample headspace gas composition, (3) mineral-volatile exchange, and (4) oxidation/reduction of redox-sensitive materials (Figure 2). Consideration of the timescales and the degree to which these processes jeopardize scientific investigations of returned samples supports the conclusion that an SRF must have the capability to characterize: (1) sample tube headspace gas composition, (2) organic material of potential biological origin, (3) volatiles bound to or within minerals, and (4) minerals or other solids that host volatiles (Table 4). Most of the investigations classified as time-sensitive in this report are also sensitive to sterilization by either heat treatment and/or gamma irradiation (Velbel et al., 2022). Therefore, these investigations must be completed ","author":[{"family":"Tosca","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Agee","given":"Carl"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Hutzler","given":"Aurore"},{"family":"Marty","given":"Bernard"},{"family":"Mccubbin","given":"Francis"},{"family":"Regberg","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Velbel","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Kminek","given":"Gerhard"},{"family":"Meyer","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Beaty","given":"David"},{"family":"Carrier","given":"Brandi"},{"family":"Haltigin","given":"Timothy"},{"family":"Hays","given":"Lindsay"},{"family":"Busemann","given":"Henner"},{"family":"Cavalazzi","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Debaille","given":"Vinciane"},{"family":"Grady","given":"Monica"},{"family":"Hauber","given":"Ernst"},{"family":"Pratt","given":"Lisa"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Alvin"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Caroline"},{"family":"Summons","given":"Roger"},{"family":"Swindle","given":"Timothy"},{"family":"Tait","given":"Kimberly"},{"family":"Udry","given":"Arya"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Wadhwa","given":"Meenakshi"},{"family":"Westall","given":"Frances"},{"family":"Zorzano","given":"Maria"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.17863/cam.88270","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17863/cam.88270","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.14279/depositonce-15251","type":"article-journal","title":"Review of space resources processing for Mars missions: Martian simulants, regolith bonding concepts and additive manufacturing","abstract":"Scientific exploration of extraterrestrial planets has gripped human imagination since the advent of space travel. Human missions to Mars could produce insight into the essential questions of how, when and where life began on Earth. Such missions would only be feasible using local space resources materials, a concept called in situ resource utilization (ISRU). In the absence of organic materials from plants, the globally available oxidic surface minerals (regolith) are the only viable resource for large-scale construction efforts such as habitats, greenhouses, landing pads and equipment building. This review provides the first comprehensive literature review of ISRU materials research employing Martian simulants. It gives a detailed overview of all Mars simulants, their history, properties, and challenges, introducing a generational concept for simulants development. The available Mars simulant processing literature (including selected work on lunar simulants) is categorized into seven regolith bonding concepts. The state-of-the-art on additive manufacturing (AM) in ISRU research is discussed. Detailed feasibility assessments for all processing approaches are given, including overview graphs comparing the mechanical performance of each fusion concept with feedstock availability on the surface of Mars. Finally, major open questions and future challenges of materials processing for early Mars missions is examined.","author":[{"family":"Karl","given":"David"},{"family":"Cannon","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Gurlo","given":"Aleksander"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.14279/depositonce-15251","URL":"https://doi.org/10.14279/depositonce-15251","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6590366","type":"article-journal","title":"Variations of the surface characteristics of Ryugu returned samples","abstract":"Abstract Hayabusa2 spacecraft successfully collected rock samples from the surface of C-type near-Earth asteroid 162173 Ryugu through two touchdowns and brought them back to Earth in 2020. At the Extraterrestrial Sample Curation Center in JAXA, we performed initial description of all samples to obtain fundamental information and prepare the database for sample allocation. We propose morphological classifications for the returned samples based on the initial description of 205 grains described in the first 6 months. The returned samples can be distinguished by four morphological characteristics: dark, glossy, bright, and white. According to coordinated study to provide an initial description and detailed investigation by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis in this study, these features reflect the differences in the degree of space weathering and mineral assemblages. The degree of space weathering of the four studied grain types is heterogeneous: weak for A0042 (dark group) and C0041 (white group); moderate for C0094 (glossy); and severe for A0017 (bright). The white phase, which is the mineral characteristic of the white group grains, is identified as large carbonate minerals. This is the first effort to classify Ryugu returned samples into distinct categories. Based on these results, researchers can estimate sample characteristics only from the information on the JAXA curation public database. It will be an important reference for sample selection for further investigation. Graphical Abstract","author":[{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Nagashima","given":"Kana"},{"family":"Hatakeda","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Kumagai","given":"Kazuya"},{"family":"Hitomi","given":"Yuya"},{"family":"Soejima","given":"Hiromichi"},{"family":"Bibring","given":"Jean"},{"family":"Pilorget","given":"Cedric"},{"family":"Hamm","given":"Vincent"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"Rosario"},{"family":"Riu","given":"Lucie"},{"family":"Lourit","given":"Lionel"},{"family":"Loizeau","given":"Damien"},{"family":"Le Pivert-Jolivet","given":"Tania"},{"family":"Lequertier","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Moussi-Soffys","given":"Aurelie"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Nakazawa","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Saiki","given":"Takanao"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Terui","given":"Fuyuto"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Makoto"},{"family":"Watanabe","given":"Sei"},{"family":"Tsuda","given":"Yuichi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6590366","URL":"https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6590366","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6590366.v1","type":"article-journal","title":"Variations of the surface characteristics of Ryugu returned samples","abstract":"Abstract Hayabusa2 spacecraft successfully collected rock samples from the surface of C-type near-Earth asteroid 162173 Ryugu through two touchdowns and brought them back to Earth in 2020. At the Extraterrestrial Sample Curation Center in JAXA, we performed initial description of all samples to obtain fundamental information and prepare the database for sample allocation. We propose morphological classifications for the returned samples based on the initial description of 205 grains described in the first 6 months. The returned samples can be distinguished by four morphological characteristics: dark, glossy, bright, and white. According to coordinated study to provide an initial description and detailed investigation by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis in this study, these features reflect the differences in the degree of space weathering and mineral assemblages. The degree of space weathering of the four studied grain types is heterogeneous: weak for A0042 (dark group) and C0041 (white group); moderate for C0094 (glossy); and severe for A0017 (bright). The white phase, which is the mineral characteristic of the white group grains, is identified as large carbonate minerals. This is the first effort to classify Ryugu returned samples into distinct categories. Based on these results, researchers can estimate sample characteristics only from the information on the JAXA curation public database. It will be an important reference for sample selection for further investigation. Graphical Abstract","author":[{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Nagashima","given":"Kana"},{"family":"Hatakeda","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Kumagai","given":"Kazuya"},{"family":"Hitomi","given":"Yuya"},{"family":"Soejima","given":"Hiromichi"},{"family":"Bibring","given":"Jean"},{"family":"Pilorget","given":"Cedric"},{"family":"Hamm","given":"Vincent"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"Rosario"},{"family":"Riu","given":"Lucie"},{"family":"Lourit","given":"Lionel"},{"family":"Loizeau","given":"Damien"},{"family":"Le Pivert-Jolivet","given":"Tania"},{"family":"Lequertier","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Moussi-Soffys","given":"Aurelie"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Nakazawa","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Saiki","given":"Takanao"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Terui","given":"Fuyuto"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Makoto"},{"family":"Watanabe","given":"Sei"},{"family":"Tsuda","given":"Yuichi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6590366.v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6590366.v1","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2305.03417","type":"manuscript","title":"Chemical and physical properties of cometary dust","abstract":"Cometary dust particles are best preserved remnants of the matter present at the onset of the formation of the Solar System. Space missions, telescopic observations and laboratory analyses advanced the knowledge on the properties of cometary dust. Cometary samples were returned from comet 81P/Wild2 by the Stardust mission. The chondritic (porous) anhydrous interplanetary dust particles and chondritic porous micrometeorites, and the ultracarbonaceous Antarctic micrometeorites (UCAMMs) also show strong evidence for a cometary origin. The composition of cometary dust is generally chondritic, but with high C and N compared with CI. The cometary organic matter is mixed with minor amounts of crystalline and amorphous minerals. The most abundant crystalline minerals are ferromagnesian silicates, refractory minerals and low Ni Fe sulfides are also present. The presence of carbonates in cometary dust is still debated, but a phyllosilicate-like phase was observed in a UCAMM. GEMS phases are usually abundant. Some of the organic matter present in cometary dust particle resembles the insoluble organic matter present in primitive meteorites, but amorphous carbon and exotic (e.g. N-rich) organic phases are also present. The H isotopic composition of the organic matter traces a formation at very low temperatures, in the protosolar cloud or in the outer regions of the protoplanetary disk. The presolar dust concentration in cometary dust can reach about 1%, which is the most elevated value observed in extraterrestrial samples. The differential size distribution of cometary dust in comet trails is well represented by a power-law distribution with a mean power index N typically ranging from -3 to -4. Polarimetric and light scattering studies suggest mixtures of porous agglomerates of sub-micrometer minerals with organic matter. Cometary dust particles have low tensile strength, and low density.","author":[{"family":"Engrand","given":"Cecile"},{"family":"Lasue","given":"Jérémie"},{"family":"Wooden","given":"Diane"},{"family":"Zolensky","given":"Mike"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2305.03417","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2305.03417","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2205.08212","type":"manuscript","title":"The specific heat of astro-materials: Review of theoretical concepts, materials and techniques","abstract":"We provide detailed background, theoretical and practical, on the specific heat cp of minerals and mixtures thereof, 'astro-materials', as well as background information on common minerals and other relevant solid substances found on the surfaces of solar system bodies. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to use specific heat and composition data for lunar samples and meteorites as well as a new database of endmember mineral heat capacities (the result of an extensive literature review) to construct reference models for the isobaric specific heat cP as a function of temperature for common solar system materials. Using a (generally linear) mixing model for the specific heat of minerals allows extrapolation of the available data to very low and very high temperatures, such that models cover the temperature range between 10 and 1000 K at least (and pressures from zero up to several kbars). We describe a procedure to estimate cp(T) for virtually any solid solar system material with a known mineral composition, e.g., model specific heat as a function of temperature for a number of typical meteorite classes with known mineralogical compositions. We present, as examples, the cp(T) curves of a number of well-described laboratory regolith analogues, as well as for planetary ices and 'tholins' in the outer solar system. Part II will review and present the heat capacity database for minerals and compounds and part III is going to cover applications, standard reference compositions, cp(T) curves and a comparison with new and literature experimental data.","author":[{"family":"Biele","given":"Jens"},{"family":"Grott","given":"Matthias"},{"family":"Zolensky","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Benisek","given":"Artur"},{"family":"Dachs","given":"Edgar"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2205.08212","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2205.08212","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W4292714539","type":"article-journal","title":"Extraterrestrial Life Signature Detection Microscopy: Search and Analysis of Cells and Organics on Mars and Other Solar System Bodies","abstract":"Abstract This paper presents a review of the space exploration for life signature search with a special focus on the fluorescence microscope we developed for the life signature search on Mars and in other sites. Considering where, what, and how to search for life signature is essential. Life signature search exploration can be performed on the Mars surface and underground, on Venus’ cloud, moon, asteroids, icy bodies (e.g., moons of Jupiter and Saturn), and so on. It is a useful strategy to consider the targeted characteristics that may be similar to those of terrestrial microorganisms, which are microorganisms with uniform spherical or rod structures with approximately 1 μm diameter surrounded by a membrane having a metabolic activity and mainly made of carbon-based molecules. These characteristics can be analyzed by using a fluorescence microscope and a combination of fluorescence pigments with specific staining characteristics to distinguish the microorganism characteristics. Section 1 introduces the space exploration for life signature search. Section 2 reviews the scientific instruments and achievements of past and ongoing Mars exploration missions closely related to astrobiology. Section 3 presents the search targets and analysis of astrobiology. Section 4 discusses the extraterrestrial life exploration methods that use a microscope together with other methods (based on mass spectrometry, morphology, detection of growth, movement, and death, etc. for microscopic and macroscopic organism). Section 5 expounds on the life signature detection fluorescence microscope, for which we have manufactured a bread board model and tested for extraterrestrial life exploration.","author":[{"family":"Enya","given":"Keigo"},{"family":"Yoshimura","given":"Yoshitaka"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Kensei"},{"family":"Yamagishi","given":"Akihiko"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-022-00920-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-022-00920-4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4205652835","type":"article-journal","title":"The Potential for Lunar and Martian Regolith Simulants to Sustain Plant Growth: A Multidisciplinary Overview","abstract":"Bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) are conceived of and developed so as to provide food sources for crewed missions to the Moon or Mars. The in situ resource utilization (ISRU) approach aims to reduce terrestrial input into a BLSS by using native regoliths and recycled organic waste as primary resources. The combination of BLSS and ISRU may allow sustainable food production on Moon and Mars. This task poses several challenges, including the effects of partial gravity, the limited availability of oxygen and water, and the self-sustaining management of resources. Lunar and Martian regoliths are not available on Earth; therefore, space research studies are conducted on regolith simulants that replicate the physicochemical properties of extra-terrestrial regoliths (as assessed in situ by previous missions). This review provides an overview of the physicochemical properties and mineralogical composition of commercially available Lunar and Martian regolith simulants. Subsequently, it describes potential strategies and sustainable practices for creating regolith simulants akin to terrestrial soil, which is a highly dynamic environment where microbiota and humified organic matter interact with the mineral moiety. These strategies include the amendment of simulants with composted organic wastes, which can turn nutrient-poor and alkaline crushed rocks into efficient life-sustaining substrates equipped with enhanced physical, hydraulic, and chemical properties. In this regard, we provide a comprehensive analysis of recent scientific works focusing on the exploitation of regolith simulant-based substrates as plant growth media. The literature discussion helps identify the main critical aspects and future challenges related to sustainable space farming by the in situ use and enhancement of Lunar and Martian resources.","author":[{"family":"Duri","given":"Luigi"},{"family":"Caporale","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Rouphael","given":"Youssef"},{"family":"Vingiani","given":"Simona"},{"family":"Palladino","given":"Mario"},{"family":"Pascale","given":"Stefania"},{"family":"Adamo","given":"Paola"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2021.747821","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2021.747821","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3151807085","type":"article-journal","title":"The classification of relict extraterrestrial chrome spinels using STEM techniques on silicate inclusions","abstract":"Abstract Remnant extraterrestrial chrome spinels from terrestrial sediments provide information on how the mixture of meteoritic materials falling to Earth has changed over Earth’s history. The parent meteorite type of each grain can be identified by characteristic elemental and oxygen‐isotope abundances. Some meteorite types can be difficult to classify because their chrome‐spinel compositional ranges overlap. Silicate inclusions within chrome spinels of modern ordinary chondrites have been shown to have discriminating power among meteorite subclasses. We employed energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and in a (scanning) transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) to investigate inclusions in chrome‐spinel grains from Ordovician and Jurassic sediments. Unaltered Ordovician inclusions allowed us to establish the size limits for reliable SEM analysis of inclusions. The Jurassic grains were more altered, but the use of STEM techniques on small inclusions (<3 μm diameter at their polished surfaces) allowed us to determine chemical compositions and mineral structures of inclusions in three chrome spinels. The parent meteorite type was determined for one Jurassic grain based on its inclusion compositions. Our study confirms that silicate inclusions can be used to classify parent meteorite types of chrome‐spinel grains, but the size of the inclusions and the complex effects of terrestrial alteration must be taken into account. During our study, we also found some interesting exsolution phenomena in the host chrome‐spinel grains.","author":[{"family":"Caplan","given":"CE"},{"family":"Huss","given":"GR"},{"family":"Ishii","given":"HA"},{"family":"Bradley","given":"JP"},{"family":"Schmitz","given":"Birger"},{"family":"Nagashima","given":"K"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13649","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13649","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3135588208","type":"article-journal","title":"A systematic review and analysis of the viability of 3D-printed construction in remote environments","abstract":"3D-printed construction is an additive, layer-by-layer construction method with the potential to reduce material consumption, optimize design, decrease construction time, lower labor requirements, minimize logistical demand, improve sustainability, and reduce costs as compared to conventional construction. This paper presents the results of a systematic review of 4491 publications spanning from 1998 through 2019. The review presents the viability of 3D-printed construction as a replacement for conventional construction methods, specifically in remote, isolated, or expeditionary environments, where conventional construction capability may be limited. The paper includes an analysis and characterization of the existing body of 3D-printed construction literature before evaluating seven viability factors of the method: materials, structural design, process efficiency, logistics, labor, environmental impact, and cost. In addition, the paper highlights three case studies of 3D-printed construction in remote, isolated, and expeditionary environments. The paper concludes by suggesting areas of future research to ensure the viability of this technology, such as printing full-scale structures and components with locally sourced materials in uncontrolled environments, defining standards for 3D printing, automating additional construction processes, and performing both environmental impact and cost life-cycle analyses. With continued investment in research and development, 3D printing could become a more viable and accepted method of construction, transforming the way the industry is managed in remote, isolated, and expeditionary environments.","author":[{"family":"Schuldt","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Jagoda","given":"Jeneé"},{"family":"Hoisington","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Delorit","given":"Justin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103642","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103642","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402284604","type":"article-journal","title":"A review of space ore prospecting: a new direction for exploring mineral resources","abstract":"Space ore prospecting, as an emerging direction in mineral resource exploration, not only serves as a crucial approach to alleviating the crisis of depletion of Earth’s non-renewable resources but also provides the material foundation for sustainable deep space exploration by humanity. It has become a significant objective of deep space exploration activities for multiple countries. Based on the experience of terrestrial mineral exploration and the achievements of space exploration, humanity’s understanding of space ore prospecting has made numerous important advancements. However, space ore prospecting is still in its nascent stage, and future efforts need to focus on enhancing the fundamental theories and engineering technologies of space ore prospecting to improve exploration efficiency and reduce costs. This paper reviews the historical development and current status of international space ore prospecting, identifies regions and targets that should be prioritized or focused on in future space ore prospecting efforts, and discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by space ore prospecting, with the aim of promoting the sustainable development and utilization of space mineral resources.","author":[{"family":"Pu","given":"Xiulang"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Yu"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3724/j.issn.1007-2802.20240109","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3724/j.issn.1007-2802.20240109","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3155996521","type":"article-journal","title":"In-situ resources for infrastructure construction on Mars: A review","abstract":"It is widely proposed that Mars will be the next destination for human to expand colonization. However, building up a habitat requires collective work from multiple disciplinaries of which engineering is an indispensable part. Similar to infrastructure construction on the earth, the technical issues of raw material, space construction technologies has to be addressed before human inhabitation. Based on the history of Mars exploration missions and a series of current Mars exploration results, this paper introduces the environment conditions on Mars, reviews the research of the in-situ resources which can be further utilized for infrastructure construction on Mars and proposes feasible infrastructure construction technologies. This paper provides an overview of in-situ construction material resources, possible construction methods and requirements for materials in extreme environment, which can be a valuable reference for future Mars exploration and possible infrastructure construction on the Mars.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Jiawen"},{"family":"Li","given":"Hui"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Lijun"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Zhongyin"},{"family":"Harvey","given":"John"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Qirong"},{"family":"Lu","given":"Haizhu"},{"family":"Jia","given":"Ming"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.ijtst.2021.02.001","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijtst.2021.02.001","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4221089537","type":"article-journal","title":"Surviving Mars: new insights into the persistence of facultative anaerobic microbes from analogue sites","abstract":"Abstract Mars analogue environments are some of the most extreme locations on Earth. Their unique combination of multiples extremes (e.g. high salinity, anoxia and low nutrient availability) make them valuable sources for finding new polyextremophilic microbes, and for exploring the limits of life. Mars, especially at its surface, is still considered to be very hostile to life but it probably possesses geological subsurface niches where the occurrence of (polyextremophilic) life is conceivable. Despite their well-recognized relevance, current knowledge on the capability of (facultative) anaerobic microbes to withstand extraterrestrial/Martian conditions, either as single strains or in communities, is still very sparse. Therefore, space experiments simulating the Martian environmental conditions by using space as a tool for astrobiological research are needed to substantiate the hypotheses of habitability of Mars. Addressing this knowledge gap is one of the main goals of the project MEXEM (Mars EXposed Extremophiles Mixture), where selected model organisms will be subjected to space for a period of 3 months. These experiments will take place on the Exobiology facility (currently under development and implementation), located outside the International Space Station. Such space experiments require a series of preliminary tests and ground data collection for the selected microbial strains. Here, we report on the survivability of Salinisphaera shabanensis and Buttiauxella sp. MASE-IM-9 after exposure to Mars-relevant stress factors (such as desiccation and ultraviolet (UV) radiation under anoxia). Both organisms showed survival after anoxic desiccation for up to 3 months but this could be further extended (nearly doubled) by adding artificial Mars regolith (MGS-1S; 0.5% wt/v) and sucrose (0.1 M). Survival after desiccation was also observed when both organisms were mixed before treatment. Mixing also positively influenced survival after exposure to polychromatic Mars-like UV radiation (200–400 nm) up to 12 kJ m −2 , both in suspension and in a desiccated form.","author":[{"family":"Beblovranesevic","given":"Kristina"},{"family":"Piepjohn","given":"Johanna"},{"family":"Antunes","given":"André"},{"family":"Rettberg","given":"Petra"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1017/s1473550422000064","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1473550422000064","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3176442865","type":"article-journal","title":"Use of Photobioreactors in Regenerative Life Support Systems for Human Space Exploration","abstract":"There are still many challenges to overcome for human space exploration beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) (e.g., to the Moon) and for long-term missions (e.g., to Mars). One of the biggest problems is the reliable air, water and food supply for the crew. Bioregenerative life support systems (BLSS) aim to overcome these challenges using bioreactors for waste treatment, air and water revitalization as well as food production. In this review we focus on the microbial photosynthetic bioprocess and photobioreactors in space, which allow removal of toxic carbon dioxide (CO2) and production of oxygen (O2) and edible biomass. This paper gives an overview of the conducted space experiments in LEO with photobioreactors and the precursor work (on ground and in space) for BLSS projects over the last 30 years. We discuss the different hardware approaches as well as the organisms tested for these bioreactors. Even though a lot of experiments showed successful biological air revitalization on ground, the transfer to the space environment is far from trivial. For example, gas-liquid transfer phenomena are different under microgravity conditions which inevitably can affect the cultivation process and the oxygen production. In this review, we also highlight the missing expertise in this research field to pave the way for future space photobioreactor development and we point to future experiments needed to master the challenge of a fully functional BLSS.","author":[{"family":"Fahrion","given":"Jana"},{"family":"Mastroleo","given":"Felice"},{"family":"Dussap","given":"Claude‐gilles"},{"family":"Leys","given":"Natalie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2021.699525","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.699525","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3021400981","type":"article-journal","title":"The Prebiotic Provenance of Semi-Aqueous Solvents","abstract":"The numerous and varied roles of phosphorylated organic molecules in biochemistry suggest they may have been important to the origin of life. The prominence of phosphorylated molecules presents a conundrum given that phosphorylation is a thermodynamically unfavorable, endergonic process in water, and most natural sources of phosphate are poorly soluble. We recently demonstrated that a semi-aqueous solvent consisting of urea, ammonium formate, and water (UAFW) supports the dissolution of phosphate and the phosphorylation of nucleosides. However, the prebiotic feasibility and robustness of the UAFW system are unclear. Here, we study the UAFW system as a medium in which phosphate minerals are potentially solubilized. Specifically, we conduct a series of chemical experiments alongside thermodynamic models that simulate the formation of ammonium formate from the hydrolysis of hydrogen cyanide, and demonstrate the stability of formamide in such solvents (as an aqueous mixture). The dissolution of hydroxylapatite requires a liquid medium, and we investigate whether a UAFW system is solid or liquid over varied conditions, finding that this characteristic is controlled by the molar ratios of the three components. For liquid UAFW mixtures, we also find the solubility of phosphate is higher when the quantity of ammonium formate is greater than urea. We suggest the urea within the system can lower the activity of water, help create a stable and persistent solution, and may act as a condensing agent/catalyst to improve nucleoside phosphorylation yields.","author":[{"family":"Lago","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Burcar","given":"Bradley"},{"family":"Hud","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Febrian","given":"Rio"},{"family":"Mehta","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Bracher","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Atlas","given":"ZD"},{"family":"Pasek","given":"Matthew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11084-020-09595-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11084-020-09595-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3198747344","type":"article-journal","title":"Spectroscopic study of terrestrial analogues to support rover missions to Mars – A Raman-centred review","abstract":"The 2020s could be called, with little doubt, the \"Mars decade\". No other period in space exploration history has experienced such interest in placing orbiters, rovers and landers on the Red Planet. In 2021 alone, the Emirates' first Mars Mission (the Hope orbiter), the Chinese Tianwen-1 mission (orbiter, lander and rover), and NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover reached Mars. The ExoMars mission Rosalind Franklin rover is scheduled for launch in 2022. Beyond that, several other missions are proposed or under development. Among these, MMX to Phobos and the very important Mars Sample Return can be cited. One of the key mission objectives of the Mars 2020 and ExoMars 2022 missions is the detection of traces of potential past or present life. This detection relies to a great extent on the analytical results provided by complementary spectroscopic techniques. The development of these novel instruments has been carried out in step with the analytical study of terrestrial analogue sites and materials, which serve to test the scientific capabilities of spectroscopic prototypes while providing crucial information to better understand the geological processes that could have occurred on Mars. Being directly involved in the development of three of the first Raman spectrometers to be validated for space exploration missions (Mars 2020/SuperCam, ExoMars/RLS and RAX/MMX), the present review summarizes some of the most relevant spectroscopy-based analyses of terrestrial analogues carried out over the past two decades. Therefore, the present work describes the analytical results gathered from the study of some of the most distinctive terrestrial analogues of Martian geological contexts, as well as the lessons learned mainly from ExoMars mission simulations conducted at representative analogue sites. Learning from the experience gained in the described studies, a general overview of the scientific outcome expected from the spectroscopic system developed for current and forthcoming planetary missions is provided.","author":[{"family":"Rull","given":"F"},{"family":"Veneranda","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Manrique","given":"JA"},{"family":"Sanzarranz","given":"Aurelio"},{"family":"Sáiz","given":"Jesús"},{"family":"Medina","given":"J"},{"family":"Moral","given":"Andoni"},{"family":"Pérez","given":"Carlos"},{"family":"Seoane","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Lalla","given":"EA"},{"family":"Charro","given":"E"},{"family":"López","given":"JM"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.aca.2021.339003","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2021.339003","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4307546308","type":"article-journal","title":"Detecting Lipids on Planetary Surfaces with Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry","abstract":"Abstract In the search for extraterrestrial life, biosignatures (e.g., organic molecules) play an important role, of which lipids are one considerable class. If detected, these molecules can be strong indicators of the presence of life, past or present, as they are ubiquitous in life on Earth. However, their detection is challenging, depending on, e.g., instrument performance, as well as the selected site. In this contribution, we demonstrate that, using laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, detection of lipids is feasible. Using our space prototype instrument designed and built in-house, six representative lipids were successfully detected: cholecalciferol, phylloquinone, menadione, 17α-ethynylestradiol, α-tocopherol, and retinol, both as pure substances and as mixtures additionally containing amino acids or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Observed limits of detection for lipids already meet the requirements stated in the Enceladus Orbilander mission concept. The current performance of our LDI-MS system allows for the simultaneous identification of lipids, amino acids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, using a single instrument. We therefore believe that the LDI-MS system is a promising candidate for future space exploration missions devoted to life detection.","author":[{"family":"Boeren","given":"Nikita"},{"family":"Gruchola","given":"Salome"},{"family":"Koning","given":"Coenraad"},{"family":"Schmidt","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Kipfer","given":"Kristina"},{"family":"Ligterink","given":"NFW"},{"family":"Tulej","given":"Marek"},{"family":"Wurz","given":"P"},{"family":"Riedo","given":"Andreas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3847/psj/ac94bf","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/psj/ac94bf","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3016750366","type":"article-journal","title":"Geotechnical characterisation of two new low-fidelity lunar regolith analogues (UoM-B and UoM-W) for use in large-scale engineering experiments","abstract":"Engineering experiments regarding excavation, sampling, or mobility for rocky planetary surface exploration (Moon, asteroids, the moons of Mars, Mars) often require large test beds filled with hundreds of kilograms of soil. Specifically engineered regolith simulants are costly and often not available in large enough quantities due to limited production rates. The use of low-fidelity analogues is reasonable, but their geotechnical properties have to be reported in order to be able to calculate excavation and traction forces, as well as to make results comparable and repeatable. This necessary characterisation step is often overlooked in studies regarding regolith handling and excavation. Two readily available low-fidelity analogue materials, we term UoM-B and UoM-W, have been identified and their geotechnical characteristics investigated. The chemical composition, particle morphology, particle size distribution, specific gravity, maximum and minimum densities, and shear strength parameters have been determined. These parameters can be seen as standard metrics in the characterisation of planetary regolith simulants or analogues. The obtained results are compared to values known for five relevant lunar regolith simulants and data from Apollo lunar regolith samples. Although the materials are fundamentally chemically different to Apollo lunar regolith, both materials showed promising characteristics for use as low-fidelity analogues in large-scale engineering experiments; their mechanical properties, crucial for engineering experiments, were found to be similar to lunar regolith and its simulants.","author":[{"family":"Just","given":"Gunter"},{"family":"Joy","given":"KH"},{"family":"Roy","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Katherine"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.04.025","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.04.025","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3193092659","type":"article-journal","title":"UV Light Application as a Mean for Disinfection Applied in the Dairy Industry","abstract":"Thermal treatment is the most popular decontamination technique used in the dairy industry to ensure food protection and prolong shelf life. But it also causes nutrient and aroma degradation, non-enzymatic browning, and organoleptic changes of dairy products. Non-thermal solutions, on the other hand, have been extensively explored in a response to rising market demand for more sustainable and safe goods. For a long time, the use of ultraviolet (UV) light in the food industry has held great promise. Irradiation with shortwave UV light has excellent germicidal properties, which can destroy a variety of microbial pathogens (for example bacteria, fungi, molds, yeasts, and viruses), at low maintenance and installation costs with minimal use of energy to preserve food without undesirable effects of heat treatment. The purpose of this review is to update the studies made on the possibilities of UV-C radiation while also addressing the essential processing factors involved in the disinfection. It also sheds light on the promise of UV light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) as a microbial inactivation alternative to conventional UV lamps.","author":[{"family":"Chawla","given":"Arpit"},{"family":"Łobacz","given":"Adriana"},{"family":"Tarapata","given":"Justyna"},{"family":"Żulewska","given":"Justyna"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/app11167285","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167285","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4200393738","type":"article-journal","title":"Meteorite impact craters as hotspots for mineral resources and energy fuels: A global review","abstract":"The ever-increasing recovery rate of natural resources from terrestrial impact craters over the last few decades across the globe offers new avenues for further exploration of mineral and hydrocarbon resources in such settings. As of today, 60 of the 208 terrestrial craters have been identified to host diverse resources such as hydrocarbons, metals and construction materials. The potential of craters as plausible resource contributors to the energy sector is therefore, worthy of consideration, as 42 (70%) of the 60 craters host energy resources such as oil, gas, coal, uranium, mercury, critical and major minerals as well as hydropower resources. Among others, 19 craters are of well-developed hydrocarbon reserves. Mineral deposits associated with craters are also classified similar to other mineral resources such as progenetic, syngenetic and epigenetic sources. Of these, the progenetic and syngenetic mineralization are confined to the early and late excavation stage of impact crater evolution, respectively, whereas epigenetic deposits are formed during and after the modification stage of crater formation. Thus, progenetic and syngenetic mineral deposits (like Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cu) associated with craters are formed as a direct result of the impact event, whereas epigenetic deposits (e.g. hydrocarbon) are hosted by the impact structure and result from post-impact processes. In the progenetic and syngenetic deposits, the shock-wave induced fracturing and melting aid the formation of deposits, whereas in the epigenetic deposits, the highly fractured lithostratigraphic units of higher porosity and permeability, like the central elevated area (CEA) or the rim, act as traps. In this review, we provide a holistic view of the mineral and energy resources associated with impact craters, and use some of the remote sensing techniques to identify the mineral deposits as supplemented by a schematic model of the types of deposits formed during cratering process.","author":[{"family":"James","given":"S"},{"family":"Chandran","given":"Saranya"},{"family":"Santosh","given":"M"},{"family":"Pradeepkumar","given":"AP"},{"family":"Praveen","given":"MN"},{"family":"Sajinkumar","given":"KS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.engeos.2021.12.006","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engeos.2021.12.006","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3190699594","type":"article-journal","title":"Analytical database of Martian minerals (ADaMM): Project synopsis and Raman data overview","abstract":"Abstract The Mars2020/Perseverance and ExoMars/Rosalind Franklin rovers are both slated to return the first Raman spectra ever collected from another planetary surface, Mars. In order to optimize the rovers scientific outcome, the scientific community needs to be provided with tailored tools for data treatment and interpretation. Responding to this need, the purpose of the Analytical Database of Martian Minerals (ADaMM) project is to build an extended multianalytical database of mineral phases that have been detected on Mars or are expected to be found at the landing sites where the two rovers will operate. Besides the use of conventional spectrometers, the main objective of the ADaMM database is to provide access to data collected by means of laboratory prototypes simulating the analytical performances of the spectroscopic systems onboard the Mars 2020 and ExoMars rovers. Planned to be released to the public in 2022, ADaMM will also provide access to data treatment and visualization tools developed in the framework of the mentioned space exploration missions. As such, the present work seeks to provide an overview of the ADaMM online platform, spectral tools, and mineral collection. In addition to that, the manuscript describes the Raman spectrometers used to analyze the mineral collection and presents a representative example of the analytical performance ensured by the Raman prototypes assembled to simulate the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) and SuperCam systems.","author":[{"family":"Veneranda","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Sanzarranz","given":"Aurelio"},{"family":"Manrique","given":"JA"},{"family":"Sáiz","given":"Jesús"},{"family":"Garciaprieto","given":"Clara"},{"family":"Pascualsánchez","given":"Elena"},{"family":"Medina","given":"J"},{"family":"Konstantinidis","given":"Menelaos"},{"family":"Lalla","given":"EA"},{"family":"Moral","given":"Andoni"},{"family":"Nieto","given":"LM"},{"family":"Rull","given":"F"},{"family":"López-Reyes","given":"G"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1002/jrs.6215","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6215","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3034938055","type":"article-journal","title":"Age and origin of the Nb-Zr-REE mineralization in the Paleoproterozoic A1-type granitoids at Otanmäki, central Finland","abstract":"The Otanmki area in central Finland hosts two occurrences of Nb-Zr-REE mineralization, Katajakangas and Kontioaho, within a suite of ca. 2.04-2.06 Ga (A1-type) gneissic granites, syenite and monzonite-monzodiorite. They exhibit trace element characteristics and whole-rock Nd (2050 Ma) values (from +2.6 to -1.3) consistent with derivation by differentiation of mantle-derived mafic magmas with variable interaction with crustal material. The mineralization is localized in 0.1-to 1.4-m-thick dikes (Katajakangas) and a 30-to 50-m-thick sheet-like body (Kontioaho), containing allanite-(Ce), zircon, titanite, and Nb-REE-Th-U oxides. Their wall rocks are composed of ca. 2.06 Ga peraluminous monzogranite, which is genetically unrelated to the mineralized rock units, as evidenced by whole-rock chemical and Sm-Nd isotope data and zircon U-Pb geochronology. Instead, the mineralization is linked to the nearby peralkaline to metaluminous alkali feldspar granite magmatism dated at ca. 2.04-2.05 Ga. The development of REE-HFSE enrichment in the mineralized rock units required extensive crystallization of a peralkaline granite magma, producing residual metaluminous, highsilica melts enriched in REE-HFSE, Ca, and Fe relative to Na, K, and Al. The REE-HFSE and Ca enrichment was further promoted by volatile complexing with dissolved F -, CO 3 2-and SO 4 2-. These highly evolved melts were parental to the mineralized dikes and the sheet-like intrusive body, which were emplaced into the monzogranite capping the intrusions of peralkaline granite.","author":[{"family":"Kärenlampi","given":"Kimmo"},{"family":"Kontinen","given":"Asko"},{"family":"Finland","given":"Geological"},{"family":"Hanski","given":"Eero"},{"family":"Huhma","given":"Hannu"},{"family":"Finland","given":"Geological"},{"family":"Lahaye","given":"Yann"},{"family":"Finland","given":"Geological"},{"family":"Krause","given":"Joachim"},{"family":"Heinig","given":"Thomas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.17741/bgsf/92.1.003","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17741/bgsf/92.1.003","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4213296705","type":"article-journal","title":"Ultrafast structural response of shock‐compressed plagioclase","abstract":"Abstract Meteor impacts can induce unique pressure‐dependent structural changes in minerals due to the propagation of shock waves. Plagioclase—ubiquitous throughout the Earth’s crust, extraterrestrial bodies, and meteorites—is commonly used for reconstructing the impact history and conditions of the parent bodies. However, there have been unresolved inconsistencies in the interpretation of shock transformations across previous studies: The pressure at which amorphization begins and the process by which it occurs is the subject of ongoing debate. Here, we utilize time‐resolved in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) to probe the phase transformation pathway of plagioclase during shock compression at a sub‐nanosecond timescale. Direct amorphization begins at pressures much lower than what was previously assumed, just above the Hugoniot elastic limit of 5 GPa, with full amorphization to a high‐density amorphous phase, observed at 32(10) GPa and 20 ns. Upon release, the material partially recrystallizes back into the original structure, demonstrating a memory effect.","author":[{"family":"Gleason","given":"AE"},{"family":"Park","given":"Sulgiye"},{"family":"Rittman","given":"Dylan"},{"family":"Ravasio","given":"A"},{"family":"Langenhorst","given":"F"},{"family":"Bolis","given":"R"},{"family":"Granados","given":"E"},{"family":"Hok","given":"Sovanndara"},{"family":"Kröll","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Sikorski","given":"Marcin"},{"family":"Weng","given":"Tsu‐chien"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Hae"},{"family":"Nagler","given":"Bob"},{"family":"Sisson","given":"TW"},{"family":"Xing","given":"Zhou"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Diling"},{"family":"Giuli","given":"Gabriele"},{"family":"Mao","given":"Wendy"},{"family":"Glenzer","given":"SH"},{"family":"Sokaras","given":"Dimosthenis"},{"family":"Alonsomori","given":"Roberto"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13785","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13785","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4223657123","type":"article-journal","title":"Active lithoautotrophic and methane-oxidizing microbial community in an anoxic, sub-zero, and hypersaline High Arctic spring","abstract":"Abstract Lost Hammer Spring, located in the High Arctic of Nunavut, Canada, is one of the coldest and saltiest terrestrial springs discovered to date. It perennially discharges anoxic (<1 ppm dissolved oxygen), sub-zero (~−5 °C), and hypersaline (~24% salinity) brines from the subsurface through up to 600 m of permafrost. The sediment is sulfate-rich (1 M) and continually emits gases composed primarily of methane (~50%), making Lost Hammer the coldest known terrestrial methane seep and an analog to extraterrestrial habits on Mars, Europa, and Enceladus. A multi-omics approach utilizing metagenome, metatranscriptome, and single-amplified genome sequencing revealed a rare surface terrestrial habitat supporting a predominantly lithoautotrophic active microbial community driven in part by sulfide-oxidizing Gammaproteobacteria scavenging trace oxygen. Genomes from active anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea (ANME-1) showed evidence of putative metabolic flexibility and hypersaline and cold adaptations. Evidence of anaerobic heterotrophic and fermentative lifestyles were found in candidate phyla DPANN archaea and CG03 bacteria genomes. Our results demonstrate Mars-relevant metabolisms including sulfide oxidation, sulfate reduction, anaerobic oxidation of methane, and oxidation of trace gases (H2, CO2) detected under anoxic, hypersaline, and sub-zero ambient conditions, providing evidence that similar extant microbial life could potentially survive in similar habitats on Mars.","author":[{"family":"Magnuson","given":"Elisse"},{"family":"Altshuler","given":"Ianina"},{"family":"Fernández-Martínez","given":"Miguel"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Ya"},{"family":"Maggiori","given":"Catherine"},{"family":"Goordial","given":"Jacqueline"},{"family":"Whyte","given":"Lyle"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41396-022-01233-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41396-022-01233-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3107815246","type":"article-journal","title":"Biconical reflectance, micro‐Raman, and nano‐FTIR spectroscopy of the Didim (H3‐5) meteorite: Chemical content and molecular variations","abstract":"Abstract The Didim meteorite contains multiple lithologies and clasts of different petrologic types in a single stone. A mixture of H5 clasts in an unequilibrated H3 host was previously observed in Didim, according to the initial characterization reported in the Meteoritical Bulletin Database, providing an opportunity to investigate molecular composition that contains varying degree of equilibrium with varying mineralogy. We have taken a “from large scale to small scale” approach to spectroscopically investigate the chemical content of Didim. Centimeter‐scale biconical reflectance spectra show that Didim contains abundant olivine, pyroxene, and other optically active minerals, evident from a strong Band I near 0.93 µm and a weak Band II near 1.75 µm. Micrometer‐scale Raman spectroscopic investigations reveal the presence of carbonaceous material in addition to forsteritic olivine, pyroxene (augite and enstatite), feldspars, and opaque phases such as chromite and hematite. 3‐D Raman tomographic imaging shows that the carbonaceous material near chondrules extends underneath a large olivine grain, going further down toward the interior, indicating that the observed carbonaceous matter is likely indigenous. Nano‐scale infrared measurements reveal that the observed chemical materials in Didim contain spectral, and therefore, molecular, variations at the ~20 nm spatial scale. These chemical variations are normally not accessible via conventional infrared techniques, and indicate the presence of different cations in the molecular composition of observed minerals. By taking the “large scale to small scale” approach, we show that these compositional variations can be captured and investigated nondestructively in meteorites to understand formation/evolution of chemical components in the parent body.","author":[{"family":"Yeşiltaş","given":"Mehmet"},{"family":"Kaya","given":"Melike"},{"family":"Glotch","given":"TD"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"R"},{"family":"Maturilli","given":"A"},{"family":"Helbert","given":"J"},{"family":"Özel","given":"ME"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13585","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13585","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4210421515","type":"article-journal","title":"Science Goals and Mission Architecture of the Europa Lander Mission Concept","abstract":"Abstract Europa is a premier target for advancing both planetary science and astrobiology, as well as for opening a new window into the burgeoning field of comparative oceanography. The potentially habitable subsurface ocean of Europa may harbor life, and the globally young and comparatively thin ice shell of Europa may contain biosignatures that are readily accessible to a surface lander. Europa’s icy shell also offers the opportunity to study tectonics and geologic cycles across a range of mechanisms and compositions. Here we detail the goals and mission architecture of the Europa Lander mission concept, as developed from 2015 through 2020. The science was developed by the 2016 Europa Lander Science Definition Team (SDT), and the mission architecture was developed by the preproject engineering team, in close collaboration with the SDT. In 2017 and 2018, the mission concept passed its mission concept review and delta-mission concept review, respectively. Since that time, the preproject has been advancing the technologies, and developing the hardware and software, needed to retire risks associated with technology, science, cost, and schedule.","author":[{"family":"Hand","given":"KP"},{"family":"Phillips","given":"CB"},{"family":"Murray","given":"Alison"},{"family":"Garvin","given":"JB"},{"family":"Maize","given":"Earl"},{"family":"Gibbs","given":"Roger"},{"family":"Reeves","given":"GD"},{"family":"Martin","given":"AMS"},{"family":"Tan-Wang","given":"Grace"},{"family":"Krajewski","given":"Joel"},{"family":"Hurst","given":"K"},{"family":"Crum","given":"Ray"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3847/psj/ac4493","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/psj/ac4493","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4285114371","type":"article-journal","title":"Defining and Characterizing Habitable Environments in Ocean World Systems","abstract":"We explore the major characteristics of habitable environments on ocean worlds and how we can study them using Earth analogs and autonomous instrumentation. Earth analogs for habitable regions on ocean worlds include interfaces (e.g., ice-water and seafloor-water boundaries), hydrothermal systems, and inside of ice, snow, clathrates, and crustal rocks. These analogs are best known in Earth’s ocean, but they may also exist on Earth’s land, particularly in polar regions. Importantly, ocean habitability requires that parts of the planetary body interact dynamically with the ocean. Probing the habitability of currently inaccessible extraterrestrial ocean worlds will require establishing biogenicity and abiotic reference frames for organic compounds on ocean worlds and technological advances to explore subsurface liquid water environments beyond Earth. Next generation studies of ocean world habitability will also require integrated modeling tools and coordination between the Earth/ocean sciences and the planetary science communities.","author":[{"family":"Glass","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Dierssen","given":"Heidi"},{"family":"Glein","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Schmidt","given":"BE"},{"family":"Winebrenner","given":"Dale"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.5670/oceanog.2021.414","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2021.414","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4297064782","type":"article-journal","title":"Atom probe tomography and correlative microscopy: Key techniques for future planetary science studies","abstract":"Abstract Our Galaxy is vast and awe-inspiring. The stars, planets, and our sun capture our imagination as children. For many of us, that wonder never ceases. It continues to inspire us throughout our careers and prompts us to question the evolution of our Solar System, to question what our place is within it, and how we may maintain longevity in a relatively volatile environment. To answer these questions planetary scientists turn to the study of extraterrestrial material. They analyze meteorites, impact craters, and materials returned by sample return missions for the evidence of events that are known to induce crystallographic and/or elemental changes, or for evidence of extraterrestrial isotopic abundances that point to the age and the original source of the material. Through these studies, we can constrain timelines of events that have occurred throughout the Solar System’s extensive history. Recently, atom probe tomography (APT) has been applied to the study of these materials. APT in correlation with larger-scale analysis techniques has provided insights into isotopic ratios or nanoscale distribution of elements, enriching our knowledge, and minimizing uncertainties in the time frame of critical cosmic events. The continued use of correlative microscopy with APT for the study of planetary science, including studies of small amounts of pristine materials delivered to the Earth by exciting sample return missions, promises to provide key information into the history of our Solar System. Here, we highlight the implications of correlative microscopy with APT for the future pursuits of planetary science, we reflect on the groundbreaking research already achieved, the challenges that have been overcome to achieve these outcomes and the challenges yet to come. Graphical abstract","author":[{"family":"Mccarroll","given":"Ingrid"},{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"White","given":"LF"},{"family":"Cairney","given":"Julie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1557/s43577-022-00375-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1557/s43577-022-00375-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3179898694","type":"article-journal","title":"Cellular remains in a ~3.42-billion-year-old subseafloor hydrothermal environment","abstract":"Subsurface habitats on Earth host an extensive extant biosphere and likely provided one of Earth's earliest microbial habitats. Although the site of life's emergence continues to be debated, evidence of early life provides insights into its early evolution and metabolic affinity. Here, we present the discovery of exceptionally well-preserved, ~3.42-billion-year-old putative filamentous microfossils that inhabited a paleo-subseafloor hydrothermal vein system of the Barberton greenstone belt in South Africa. The filaments colonized the walls of conduits created by low-temperature hydrothermal fluid. Combined with their morphological and chemical characteristics as investigated over a range of scales, they can be considered the oldest methanogens and/or methanotrophs that thrived in an ultramafic volcanic substrate.","author":[{"family":"Cavalazzi","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Lemelle","given":"Laurence"},{"family":"Simionovici","given":"Alexandre"},{"family":"Cady","given":"Sherry"},{"family":"Russell","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Bailo","given":"Elena"},{"family":"Canteri","given":"R"},{"family":"Enrico","given":"Emanuele"},{"family":"Manceau","given":"Alain"},{"family":"Maris","given":"Assimo"},{"family":"Salomé","given":"Murielle"},{"family":"Thomassot","given":"Émilie"},{"family":"Bouden","given":"Nordine"},{"family":"Tucoulou","given":"Rémi"},{"family":"Hofmann","given":"Axel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.abf3963","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abf3963","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3012621417","type":"article-journal","title":"Photoprocessing of formamide ice: route towards prebiotic chemistry in space","abstract":"Aims. Formamide (HCONH2) is the simplest molecule containing the peptide bond first detected in the gas phase in Orion-KL and SgrB2. In recent years, it has been observed in high temperature regions such as hot corinos, where thermal desorption is responsible for the sublimation of frozen mantles into the gas phase. The interpretation of observations can benefit from information gathered in the laboratory, where it is possible to simulate the thermal desorption process and to study formamide under simulated space conditions such as UV irradiation. Methods. Here, two laboratory analyses are reported: we studied formamide photo-stability under UV irradiation when it is adsorbed by space relevant minerals at 63 K and in the vacuum regime. We also investigated temperature programmed desorption of pure formamide ice in the presence of TiO2 dust before and after UV irradiation. Results. Through these analyses, the effects of UV degradation and the interaction between formamide and different minerals are compared. We find that silicates, both hydrates and anhydrates, offer molecules a higher level of protection from UV degradation than mineral oxides. The desorption temperature found for pure formamide is 220 K. The desorption temperature increases to 250 K when the formamide desorbs from the surface of TiO2 grains. Conclusions. Through the experiments outlined here, it is possible to follow the desorption of formamide and its fragments, simulate the desorption process in star forming regions and hot corinos, and constrain parameters such as the thermal desorption temperature of formamide and its fragments and the binding energies involved. Our results offer support to observational data and improve our understanding of the role of the grain surface in enriching the chemistry in space.","author":[{"family":"Corazzi","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Fedele","given":"Davide"},{"family":"Poggiali","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Brucato","given":"John"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1051/0004-6361/202037587","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202037587","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4311969527","type":"article-journal","title":"An Overview for Modern Energy-Efficient Solutions for Lunar and Martian Habitats Made Based on Geopolymers Composites and 3D Printing Technology","abstract":"Space missions will require the capability to build structures on site using local resources. Before 2040, NASA and the European Space Agency want to ensure the possibility of a permanent human residence in shelters on the Moon or Mars. The article analyzed the state of the art in this area based on the literature research. It shows innovative and energy efficient solutions for manufacturing the lunar and Martian shelters based on geopolymer composites. Firstly, the possible materials solutions, with particular attention to the geopolymer composites, are discussed. Next, the previous research is presented, including work based on different kinds of simulants of lunar and Martian regolith. Then, a different approach for manufacturing technologies is presented and the advantages of 3D printing technology are clarified. Eventually, the challenges for further projects are discussed, including energy and cost efficiency problems.","author":[{"family":"Korniejenko","given":"Kinga"},{"family":"Pławecka","given":"Kinga"},{"family":"Kozub","given":"Barbara"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3390/en15249322","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/en15249322","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/s21216973","type":"article-journal","title":"A Remote Raman System and Its Applications for Planetary Material Studies.","abstract":"A remote Raman prototype with a function of excitation energy adjusting for the purpose of obtaining a Raman signal with good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), saving power consumption, and possibly avoiding destroying a target by high energy pulses, which may have applications for Chinese planetary explorations, has been setup and demonstrated for detecting different minerals. The system consists of a spectrograph equipped with a thermoelectrically cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) detector, a telescope with 150 mm diameter and 1500 mm focus length, and a compact 1064 nm Nd:YAG Q-switched laser with an electrical adjusted pulse energy from 0 to 200 mJ/pulse. A KTP crystal was used for second harmonic generation in a 1064 nm laser to generate a 532 nm laser, which is the source of Raman scatting. Different laser pulse energies and integration time were used to obtain distinguishable remote Raman spectra of various samples. Results show that observed remote Raman spectra at a distance of 4 m enable us to identify silicates, carbonates, sulfates, perchlorates, water/water ice, and organics that have been found or may exist on extraterrestrial planets. Detailed Raman spectral assignments of the measured planetary materials and the feasible applications of remote Raman system for planetary explorations are discussed.","author":[{"family":"Qu","given":"Hongkun"},{"family":"Ling","given":"Zongcheng"},{"family":"Qi","given":"Xiaobin"},{"family":"Xin","given":"Yanqing"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Changqing"},{"family":"Cao","given":"Haijun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/s21216973","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/s21216973","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1155/2020/8406917","type":"article-journal","title":"Application of FIB-SEM Techniques for the Advanced Characterization of Earth and Planetary Materials.","abstract":"Advanced microanalytical techniques such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), atom probe tomography (APT), and synchrotron-based scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) enable one to characterize the structure and chemical and isotopic compositions of natural materials down towards the atomic scale. Dual focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) is a powerful tool for site-specific sample preparation and subsequent analysis by TEM, APT, and STXM to the highest energy and spatial resolutions. FIB-SEM also works as a stand-alone technique for three-dimensional (3D) tomography. In this review, we will outline the principles and challenges when using FIB-SEM for the advanced characterization of natural materials in the Earth and Planetary Sciences. More specifically, we aim to highlight the state-of-the-art applications of FIB-SEM using examples including (a) traditional FIB ultrathin sample preparation of small particles in the study of space weathering of lunar soil grains, (b) migration of Pb isotopes in zircons by FIB-based APT, (c) coordinated synchrotron-based STXM characterization of extraterrestrial organic material in carbonaceous chondrite, and finally (d) FIB-based 3D tomography of oil shale pores by slice and view methods. Dual beam FIB-SEM is a powerful analytical platform, the scope of which, for technological development and adaptation, is vast and exciting in the field of Earth and Planetary Sciences. For example, dual beam FIB-SEM will be a vital technique for the characterization of fine-grained asteroid and lunar samples returned to the Earth in the near future.","author":[{"family":"Gu","given":"Lixin"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Nian"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Xu"},{"family":"Changela","given":"HG"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1155/2020/8406917","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8406917","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4295113647","type":"article-journal","title":"Chang’E-5 samples reveal high water content in lunar minerals","abstract":"O) attributed to solar wind implantation on the uppermost surface of olivine, plagioclase, and pyroxene grains from Chang'E-5 samples. The results of spectral and microstructural analyses indicate that solar wind-derived water is affected by exposure time, crystal structure, and mineral composition. Our estimate of a minimum of 170 ppm water content in lunar soils in the Chang'E-5 region is consistent with that reported by the Moon Minerology Mapper and Chang'E-5 lander. By comparing with remote sensing data and through lunar soil maturity analysis, the amount of water in Chang'E-5 provides a reference for the distribution of surficial water in middle latitude of the Moon. We conclude that minerals in lunar soils are important reservoirs of water, and formation and retention of water originating from solar wind occurs on airless bodies.","author":[{"family":"Zhou","given":"Chuanjiao"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Hong"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xiongyao"},{"family":"Zeng","given":"Xiaojia"},{"family":"Mo","given":"Bing"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Wen"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Yanxue"},{"family":"Zeng","given":"Xiandi"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jianzhong"},{"family":"Wen","given":"Yuanyun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-022-33095-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-33095-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3097841722","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineral-mediated carbohydrate synthesis by mechanical forces in a primordial geochemical setting","abstract":"The formation of carbohydrates represents an essential step to provide building blocks and a source of chemical energy in several models for the emergence of life. Formaldehyde, glycolaldehyde and a basic catalyst are the initial components forming a variety of sugar molecules in the cascade-type multi-step formose reaction. While numerous side reactions and even deterioration can be observed in aqueous media, selective prebiotic sugar formation is feasible in solid-state, mechanochemical reactions and might have occurred in early geochemistry. However, the precise role of different basic catalysts and the influence of the atmospheric conditions in the solid-state formose reaction remain unknown. Here we show, that in a primordial scenario the mechanochemical formose reaction is capable to form monosaccharides with a broad variety of mineral classes as catalysts with only minute amounts of side products such as lactic acid or methanol, independent of the atmospheric conditions. The results give insight into recent findings of formose sugars on meteorites and offer a water-free and robust pathway for monosaccharides independent of the external conditions both for the early Earth or an extra-terrestrial setting.","author":[{"family":"Haas","given":"Maren"},{"family":"Lamour","given":"Saskia"},{"family":"Christ","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Trapp","given":"Oliver"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s42004-020-00387-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-020-00387-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3157667497","type":"article-journal","title":"Titanium isotopic compositions of bulk rocks and mineral separates from the Kos magmatic suite: Insights into fractional crystallization and magma mixing processes","abstract":"Terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks exhibit significant variations in their mass-dependent Ti isotopic compositions, with basalts being isotopically lighter than evolved lithologies. The observed trend from light to heavy Ti isotopic compositions from more primitive to more differentiated rocks agrees with theoretical predictions that light Ti isotopes are sequestered in Fe–Ti oxides. However, there are lingering questions about the exact extent of this fractionation and whether it is influenced by the nature of oxides and silicate melt. To improve on this matter, we measured the Ti isotopic compositions of mineral separates and bulk rocks from the calc-alkaline Kos volcano-plutonic system, Aegean arc, Greece. Bulk rock Ti isotopic compositions (δ49Ti) increase with differentiation of the magmatic system, from δ49Ti of +0.042 ± 0.033‰ in basalt to +0.654 ± 0.034‰ in rhyolite. We document two different Ti isotope trends produced by (i) fractional crystallization, and (ii) mixing between a basaltic melt and an evolved (rhyolitic) magma. Trend (i) can be explained by a melt-cumulate Ti isotopic fraction factor α of 0.9998 (i.e., the bulk cumulate is on average 0.20‰ lighter than the melt). The mineral separates reveal variable δ49Ti values, with magnetite having the lightest 49Ti/47Ti isotopic composition, biotite being intermediate and neso- and tectosilicates (i.e., olivine, plagioclase and quartz) heaviest. Comparing the TiO2 concentrations of the low-Ti minerals olivine, plagioclase and quartz determined with LA-ICP-MS and isotope dilution shows that the δ49Ti values measured in these minerals reflect their isotopic compositions, and contamination by inclusions is minimal. The difference in δ49Ti between different minerals is smallest in a basalt (Δ49Tiolivine-magnetite = +0.426) and largest in two rhyolites (Δ49Tiquartz-magnetite = +1.083; both ± 0.046‰). Our data agree with theoretical predictions that Fe–Ti oxides have a light δ49Ti signature, and neso/tectosilicate minerals are heavy. Furthermore, the measured difference in δ49Ti between magnetite-olivine, magnetite-plagioclase and magnetite-quartz agree to first order with theoretically predicted inter-mineral Ti isotopic fractionation factors, thus suggesting that the measured inter-mineral Ti isotopic variations are equilibrium in nature.","author":[{"family":"Greber","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Pettke","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Vilela","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Lanari","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Dauphas","given":"Nicolas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120303","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120303","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3034889083","type":"article-journal","title":"ORIGIN: a novel and compact Laser Desorption – Mass Spectrometry system for sensitive in situ detection of amino acids on extraterrestrial surfaces","abstract":"Abstract For the last four decades space exploration missions have searched for molecular life on planetary surfaces beyond Earth. Often pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry has been used as payload on such space exploration missions. These instruments have relatively low detection sensitivity and their measurements are often undermined by the presence of chloride salts and minerals. Currently, ocean worlds in the outer Solar System, such as the icy moons Europa and Enceladus, represent potentially habitable environments and are therefore prime targets for the search for biosignatures. For future space exploration missions, novel measurement concepts, capable of detecting low concentrations of biomolecules with significantly improved sensitivity and specificity are required. Here we report on a novel analytical technique for the detection of extremely low concentrations of amino acids using ORIGIN, a compact and lightweight laser desorption ionization – mass spectrometer designed and developed for in situ space exploration missions. The identified unique mass fragmentation patterns of amino acids coupled to a multi-position laser scan, allows for a robust identification and quantification of amino acids. With a detection limit of a few fmol mm−2, and the possibility for sub-fmol detection sensitivity, this measurement technique excels current space exploration systems by three orders of magnitude. Moreover, our detection method is not affected by chemical alterations through surface minerals and/or salts, such as NaCl that is expected to be present at the percent level on ocean worlds. Our results demonstrate that ORIGIN is a promising instrument for the detection of signatures of life and ready for upcoming space missions, such as the Europa Lander.","author":[{"family":"Ligterink","given":"NFW"},{"family":"Grimaudo","given":"Valentine"},{"family":"Morenogarcía","given":"Pavel"},{"family":"Lukmanov","given":"Rustam"},{"family":"Tulej","given":"Marek"},{"family":"Leya","given":"I"},{"family":"Lindner","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Wurz","given":"P"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Ehrenfreund","given":"P"},{"family":"Riedo","given":"Andreas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-020-66240-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-66240-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4297021516","type":"article-journal","title":"In situ resource utilization of lunar soil for highly efficient extraterrestrial fuel and oxygen supply","abstract":"ABSTRACT Building up a lunar settlement is the ultimate aim of lunar exploitation. Yet, limited fuel and oxygen supplies restrict human survival on the Moon. Herein, we demonstrate the in situ resource utilization of lunar soil for extraterrestrial fuel and oxygen production, which may power up our solely natural satellite and supply respiratory gas. Specifically, the lunar soil is loaded with Cu species and employed for electrocatalytic CO2 conversion, demonstrating significant production of methane. In addition, the selected component in lunar soil (i.e. MgSiO3) loaded with Cu can reach a CH4 Faradaic efficiency of 72.05% with a CH4 production rate of 0.8 mL/min at 600 mA/cm2. Simultaneously, an O2 production rate of 2.3 mL/min can be achieved. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our developed process starting from catalyst preparation to electrocatalytic CO2 conversion is so accessible that it can be operated in an unmmaned manner via a robotic system. Such a highly efficient extraterrestrial fuel and oxygen production system is expected to push forward the development of mankind's civilization toward an extraterrestrial settlement.","author":[{"family":"Zhong","given":"Yuan"},{"family":"Low","given":"Jingxiang"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Qing"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Yawen"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Xiwen"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Xinyu"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Fei"},{"family":"Shang","given":"Weiwei"},{"family":"Long","given":"Ran"},{"family":"Yao","given":"Yingfang"},{"family":"Yao","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Jun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1093/nsr/nwac200","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwac200","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W3042532438","type":"article-journal","title":"Impact of Phyllosilicates on Amino Acid Formation under Asteroidal Conditions","abstract":"The emergence of life on Earth could have benefitted from an extraterrestrial source of amino acids. Yet, the origin of these amino acids is still debated because they may have formed prior to the solar nebula or inside the parent body of meteorites. Here, we experimentally produced amino acids by exposing an interstellar model molecule (hexamethylenetetramine) to asteroid-like hydrothermal conditions (150 °C; pH 10). We conducted additional experiments in the presence of carboxylic acids and phyllosilicates to simulate asteroidal environments. Analyses via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry show that glycine is the most abundant amino acid formed, but non-proteinogenic α-, β-, and γ-amino acids are also produced. This production of amino acids seems to be hampered by the presence of Fe-rich smectites, while the presence of Al-rich smectites largely stimulates it. Our findings evidence (1) the production of amino acids during hydrothermal alteration of a putative interstellar precursor, (2) the importance of the formose reaction from formaldehyde and ammonia, for amino acid synthesis in meteorites, and (3) the impact of organic–mineral interactions on the nature/distribution of the amino acids produced. Altogether, the fact that the production of amino acids, which are so central to living structures, can be achieved via organo–mineral interactions under hydrothermal conditions should put these processes at a focal point for research on the origin of extraterrestrial organic compounds and into the origin of life.","author":[{"family":"Vinogradoff","given":"Vassilissa"},{"family":"Rémusat","given":"Laurent"},{"family":"Mclain","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Aponte","given":"José"},{"family":"Bernard","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Danger","given":"Grégoire"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Elsila","given":"Jamie"},{"family":"Jaber","given":"Maguy"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.0c00137","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.0c00137","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3036855614","type":"article-journal","title":"Extraterrestrial organic compounds and cyanide in the CM2 carbonaceous chondrites Aguas Zarcas and Murchison","abstract":"Abstract Evaluating the water‐soluble organic composition of carbonaceous chondrites is key to understanding the inventory of organic matter present at the origins of the solar system and the subsequent processes that took place inside asteroid parent bodies. Here, we present a side‐by‐side analysis and comparison of the abundance and molecular distribution of aliphatic amines, aldehydes, ketones, mono‐ and dicarboxylic acids, and free and acid‐releasable cyanide species in the CM2 chondrites Aguas Zarcas and Murchison. The Aguas Zarcas meteorite is a recent fall that occurred in central Costa Rica and constitutes the largest recovered mass of a CM‐type meteorite after Murchison. The overall content of organic species we investigated was systematically higher in Murchison than in Aguas Zarcas. Similar to previous meteoritic organic studies, carboxylic acids were one to two orders of magnitude more abundant than other soluble organic compound classes investigated in both meteorite samples. We did not identify free cyanide in Aguas Zarcas and Murchison; however, cyanide species analyzed after acid digestion of the water‐extracted meteorite mineral matrix were detected and quantified at slightly higher abundances in Aguas Zarcas compared to Murchison. Although there were differences in the total abundances of specific compound classes, these two carbonaceous chondrites showed similar isomeric distributions of aliphatic amines and carboxylic acids, with common traits such as a complete suite of structural isomers that decreases in concentration with increasing molecular weight. These observations agree with their petrologic CM type‐2 classification, suggesting that these meteorites experienced similar organic formation processes and/or conditions during parent body aqueous alteration.","author":[{"family":"Aponte","given":"José"},{"family":"Mclain","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Simkus","given":"Danielle"},{"family":"Elsila","given":"Jamie"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"DP"},{"family":"Parker","given":"Eric"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Hill","given":"DH"},{"family":"Connolly","given":"HC"},{"family":"Lauretta","given":"DS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13531","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13531","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3148911968","type":"article-journal","title":"The Fe/S ratio of pyrrhotite group sulfides in chondrites: An indicator of oxidation and implications for return samples from asteroids Ryugu and Bennu","abstract":"Determining compositional trends among individual minerals is key to understanding the thermodynamic conditions under which they formed and altered, and is also essential to maximizing the scientific value of small extraterrestrial samples, including returned samples and meteorites. Here we report the chemical compositions of Fe-sulfides, focusing on the pyrrhotite-group sulfides, which are ubiquitous in chondrites and are sensitive indicators of formation and alteration conditions in the protoplanetary disk and in small Solar System bodies. Our data show that while there are trends with the at.% Fe/S ratio of pyrrhotite with thermal and aqueous alteration in some meteorite groups, there is a universal trend between the Fe/S ratio and degree of oxidation. Relatively reducing conditions led to the formation of troilite during: (1) chondrule formation in the protoplanetary disk (i.e., pristine chondrites) and (2) parent body thermal alteration (i.e., LL4 to LL6, CR1, CM, and CY chondrites). Oxidizing and sulfidizing conditions led to the formation of Fe-depleted pyrrhotite with low Fe/S ratios during: (1) aqueous alteration (i.e., CM and CI chondrites), and (2) thermal alteration (i.e., CK and R chondrites). The presence of troilite in highly aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrites (e.g., CY, CR1, and some CM chondrites) indicates they were heated after aqueous alteration. The presence of troilite, Fe-depleted pyrrhotite, or pyrite in a chondrite can provide an estimate of the oxygen and sulfur fugacities at which it was formed or altered. The data reported here can be used to estimate the oxygen fugacity of formation and potentially the aqueous and/or thermal histories of sulfides in extraterrestrial samples, including those returned by the Hayabusa2 mission and due to be returned by the OSIRIS-REx mission in the near future.","author":[{"family":"Schrader","given":"DL"},{"family":"Davidson","given":"J"},{"family":"Mccoy","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Zega","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Domanik","given":"Kenneth"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gca.2021.03.019","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2021.03.019","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W2999517895","type":"article-journal","title":"The AERONET Version 3 aerosol retrieval algorithm, associated uncertainties and comparisons to Version 2","abstract":"Abstract. The Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) Version 3 (V3) aerosol retrieval algorithm is described, which is based on the Version 2 (V2) algorithm with numerous updates. Comparisons of V3 aerosol retrievals to those of V2 are presented, along with a new approach to estimate uncertainties in many of the retrieved aerosol parameters. Changes in the V3 aerosol retrieval algorithm include (1) a new polarized radiative transfer code (RTC), which replaced the scalar RTC of V2, (2) detailed characterization of gas absorption by adding NO2 and H2O to specify total gas absorption in the atmospheric column, specification of vertical profiles of all the atmospheric species, (3) new bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) parameters for land sites adopted from the MODIS BRDF/Albedo product, (4) a new version of the extraterrestrial solar flux spectrum, and (5) a new temperature correction procedure of both direct Sun and sky radiance measurements. The potential effect of each change in V3 on single scattering albedo (SSA) retrievals was analyzed. The operational almucantar retrievals of V2 versus V3 were compared for four AERONET sites: GSFC, Mezaira, Mongu, and Kanpur. Analysis showed very good agreement in retrieved parameters of the size distributions. Comparisons of SSA retrievals for dust aerosols (Mezaira) showed a good agreement in 440 nm SSA, while for longer wavelengths V3 SSAs are systematically higher than those of V2, with the largest mean difference at 675 nm due to cumulative effects of both extraterrestrial solar flux and BRDF changes. For non-dust aerosols, the largest SSA deviation is at 675 nm due to differences in extraterrestrial solar flux spectrums used in each version. Further, the SSA 675 nm mean differences are very different for weakly (GSFC) and strongly (Mongu) absorbing aerosols, which is explained by the lower sensitivity to a bias in aerosol scattering optical depth by less absorbing aerosols. A new hybrid (HYB) sky radiance measurement scan is introduced and discussed. The HYB combines features of scans in two different planes to maximize the range of scattering angles and achieve scan symmetry, thereby allowing for cloud screening and spatial averaging, which is an advantage over the principal plane scan that lacks robust symmetry. We show that due to an extended range of scattering angles, HYB SSA retrievals for dust aerosols exhibit smaller variability with solar zenith angles (SZAs) than those of almucantar (ALM), which allows extension of HYB SSA retrievals to SZAs less than 50∘ to as small as 25∘. The comparison of SSA retrievals from closely time-matched HYB and ALM scans in the 50 to 75∘ SZA range showed good agreement with the differences below ∼0.005. We also present an approach to estimate retrieval uncertainties which utilizes the variability in retrieved parameters generated by perturbing both measurements and auxiliary input parameters as a proxy for retrieval uncertainty. The perturbations in measurements and auxiliary inputs are assumed as estimated biases in aerosol optical depth (AOD), radiometric calibration of sky radiances combined with solar spectral irradiance, and surface reflectance. For each set of Level 2 Sun/sky radiometer observations, 27 inputs corresponding to 27 combinations of biases were produced and separately inverted to generate the following statistics of the inversion results: average, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values. From these statistics, standard deviation (labeled U27) is used as a proxy for estimated uncertainty, and a lookup table (LUT) approach was implemented to reduce the computational time. The U27 climatological LUT was generated from the entire AERONET almucantar (1993–2018) and hybrid (2014–2018) scan databases by binning U27s in AOD (440 nm), Angström exponent (AE, 440–870 nm), and SSA (440, 675, 870, 1020 nm). Using this LUT approach, the uncertainty estimates U27 for each individual V3 Level 2 retrieval can be obtained","author":[{"family":"Sinyuk","given":"A"},{"family":"Holben","given":"BN"},{"family":"Eck","given":"TF"},{"family":"Giles","given":"DM"},{"family":"Slutsker","given":"I"},{"family":"Korkin","given":"Sergey"},{"family":"Schafer","given":"Joel"},{"family":"Smirnov","given":"A"},{"family":"Sorokin","given":"MG"},{"family":"Lyapustin","given":"Alexei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.5194/amt-13-3375-2020","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-3375-2020","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3178127464","type":"article-journal","title":"A preparation sequence for multi‐analysis of µm‐sized extraterrestrial and geological samples","abstract":"Abstract With the recent and ongoing sample return missions and/or the developments of nano‐ to microscale 3‐D and 2‐D analytical techniques, it is necessary to develop sample preparation and analysis protocols that allow combination of different nanometer‐ to micrometer‐scale resolution techniques and both maximize scientific outcome and minimize sample loss and contamination. Here, we present novel sample preparation and analytical procedures to extract a maximum of submicrometer structural, mineralogical, chemical, molecular, and isotopic information from micrometric heterogeneous samples. The sample protocol goes from a nondestructive infrared (IR) tomography of ~10 to ~70 µm‐sized single grains, which provides the distribution and qualitative abundances of both mineral and organic phases, followed by its cutting in several slices at selected sites of interest for 2‐D mineralogical analysis (e.g., transmission electron microscopy), molecular organic and mineral analysis (e.g., Raman and/or IR microspectroscopy), and isotopic/chemical analysis (e.g., NanoSIMS). We also discuss here the importance of the focused ion beam microscopy in the protocol, the problems of sample loss and contamination, and at last the possibility of combining successive different analyses in various orders on the same micrometric sample. Special care was notably taken to establish a protocol allowing correlated NanoSIMS/TEM/IR analyses with NanoSIMS performed first. Finally, we emphasize the interest of 3‐D and 2‐D IR analyses in studying the organics–minerals relationship in combination with more classical isotopic and mineralogical grain characterizations.","author":[{"family":"Aléontoppani","given":"Alice"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"R"},{"family":"Aléon","given":"J"},{"family":"Dionnet","given":"Z"},{"family":"Rubino","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Lévy","given":"Dan"},{"family":"Troadec","given":"David"},{"family":"Brisset","given":"François"},{"family":"Borondics","given":"Ferenc"},{"family":"King","given":"Andrew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13696","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13696","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3118804042","type":"article-journal","title":"Synthesis of Organic Matter in Aqueous Environments Simulating Small Bodies in the Solar System and the Effects of Minerals on Amino Acid Formation","abstract":"The extraterrestrial delivery of organics to primitive Earth has been supported by many laboratory and space experiments. Minerals played an important role in the evolution of meteoritic organic matter. In this study, we simulated aqueous alteration in small bodies by using a solution mixture of H2CO and NH3 in the presence of water at 150 °C under different heating durations, which produced amino acids after acid hydrolysis. Moreover, minerals were added to the previous mixture to examine their catalyzing/inhibiting impact on amino acid formation. Without minerals, glycine was the dominant amino acid obtained at 1 d of the heating experiment, while alanine and β-alanine increased significantly and became dominant after 3 to 7 d. Minerals enhanced the yield of amino acids at short heating duration (1 d); however, they induced their decomposition at longer heating duration (7 d). Additionally, montmorillonite enhanced amino acid production at 1 d, while olivine and serpentine enhanced production at 3 d. Molecular weight distribution in the whole of the products obtained by gel chromatography showed that minerals enhanced both decomposition and combination of molecules. Our results indicate that minerals affected the formation of amino acids in aqueous environments in small Solar System bodies and that the amino acids could have different response behaviors according to different minerals.","author":[{"family":"Elmasry","given":"Walaa"},{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Kensei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life11010032","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life11010032","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4226186842","type":"article-journal","title":"SNICAR-ADv3: a community tool for modeling spectral snow albedo","abstract":"Abstract. The Snow, Ice, and Aerosol Radiative (SNICAR) model has been used in various capacities over the last 15 years to model the spectral albedo of snow with light-absorbing constituents (LACs). Recent studies have extended the model to include an adding-doubling two-stream solver and representations of non-spherical ice particles; carbon dioxide snow; snow algae; and new types of mineral dust, volcanic ash, and brown carbon. New options also exist for ice refractive indices and solar-zenith-angle-dependent surface spectral irradiances used to derive broadband albedo. The model spectral range was also extended deeper into the ultraviolet for studies of extraterrestrial and high-altitude cryospheric surfaces. Until now, however, these improvements and capabilities have not been merged into a unified code base. Here, we document the formulation and evaluation of the publicly available SNICAR-ADv3 source code, web-based model, and accompanying library of constituent optical properties. The use of non-spherical ice grains, which scatter less strongly into the forward direction, reduces the simulated albedo perturbations from LACs by ∼9 %–31 %, depending on which of the three available non-spherical shapes are applied. The model compares very well against measurements of snow albedo from seven studies, though key properties affecting snow albedo are not fully constrained with measurements, including ice effective grain size of the top sub-millimeter of the snowpack, mixing state of LACs with respect to ice grains, and site-specific LAC optical properties. The new default ice refractive indices produce extremely high pure snow albedo (>0.99) in the blue and ultraviolet part of the spectrum, with such values only measured in Antarctica so far. More work is needed particularly in the representation of snow algae, including experimental verification of how different pigment expressions and algal cell concentrations affect snow albedo. Representations and measurements of the influence of liquid water on spectral snow albedo are also needed.","author":[{"family":"Flanner","given":"M"},{"family":"Arnheim","given":"Julian"},{"family":"Cook","given":"Joseph"},{"family":"Dang","given":"Cheng"},{"family":"He","given":"Cenlin"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Xianglei"},{"family":"Singh","given":"Deepak"},{"family":"Skiles","given":"SM"},{"family":"Whicker","given":"Chloe"},{"family":"Zender","given":"Charles"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.5194/gmd-14-7673-2021","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-7673-2021","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3038037489","type":"article-journal","title":"Data fusion of laser-induced breakdown and Raman spectroscopies: Enhancing clay mineral identification","abstract":"A straight-forward, data-driven approach for the reliable identification of clay minerals based on spectroscopy and multivariate analyses is presented here. No other group of inorganic materials have so many species, exhibit such a range of physicochemical properties, or enjoy a greater diversity of practical applications as the clay minerals. The emerging role of clays in a variety of pioneering disciplines, such as the pharmaceutical and astrobiological sciences, highlights their broad-ranging significance in natural science and engineering efforts. However, the highly variable chemical compositions and defect-rich structures of the clay minerals pose difficulties in their classification and identification. We introduce a new methodological approach which uses Raman and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopies (LIBS) to discriminate geological specimens based on their dominant clay mineralogy. Raman and LIBS provide complementary information about the molecular structure and elemental composition of an interrogated target, and, when considered simultaneously, contribute to a more comprehensive characterization of the system under study. What distinguishes this work from previous spectral investigations of clay mineralogy is the way in which the spectra are pre-processed and combined before analysis. Raman and LIBS data were collected from various clay-rich specimens and subsequently concatenated into a single data matrix to serve as a unique identifier of specimen composition – an approach known as low-level data fusion. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to identify mineralogical groups and to discriminate specimens based on their compositional similarities and differences. We evaluated the discrimination achieved by the fused data sets compared to that obtained by standalone use of Raman and LIBS data. Our results show that the use of data fusion strategies improved the discrimination model and allowed correct classification of all the samples based on their dominant clay mineralogy.","author":[{"family":"Gibbons","given":"Erin"},{"family":"Léveillé","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Berlo","given":"Kim"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.sab.2020.105905","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sab.2020.105905","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4309780164","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineral precipitation and hydrochemical evolution through evaporitic processes in soda brines (East African Rift Valley)","abstract":"Soda lakes of the East African Rift Valley are hyperalkaline, hypersaline lakes extremely enriched in Na+, K+, Cl−, CO32−, HCO3−, and SiO2. In this paper, we investigate the chemical evolution in these lakes and the production of chemical sediments by salt precipitation via evaporation. Water samples from tributary springs and three lakes (Magadi, Nasikie Engida and Natron) have been experimentally studied by in-situ X-ray diffraction during evaporation experiments to characterize the sequence of mineral precipitation. These data are complemented by ex-situ diffraction studies, chemical analyses and thermodynamic hydrochemical calculations producing detailed information on the activity of all solution species and the saturation state of all minerals potentially generated by the given composition. Major minerals precipitating from these samples are sodium carbonates/bicarbonates as well as halite. The CO3/HCO3 ratio, controlled by pH, is the main factor defining the Na‑carbonates precipitation sequence: in lake brines where CO3/HCO3 > 1, trona precipitates first whereas in hot springs, where CO3/HCO3 ≪ 1, nahcolite precipitates instead of trona, which forms later via partial dissolution of nahcolite. Precipitation of nahcolite is possible only at lower pH values (pCO2 higher than −2.7) explaining the distribution of trona and nahcolite in current lakes and the stratigraphic sequences. Later, during evaporation, thermonatrite precipitates, normally at the same time as halite, at a very high pH (>11.2) after significant depletion of HCO3− due to trona precipitation. The precipitation of these soluble minerals increases the pH of the brine and is the main factor contributing to the hyperalkaline and hypersaline character of the lakes. Villiaumite, sylvite, alkaline earth carbonates, fluorapatite and silica are also predicted to precipitate, but most of them have not been observed in evaporation experiments, either because of the small amount of precipitates produced, kinetic effects delaying the nucleation of some phases, or by biologically induced effects in the lake chemistry that are not considered in our calculations. Even in these cases, the chemical composition in the corresponding ions allows for discussion on their accumulation and the eventual precipitation of these phases. The coupling of in-situ and ex-situ experiments and geochemical modelling is key to understanding the hydrogeochemical and hydroclimatic conditions of soda lakes, evaporite settings, and potentially soda oceans of early Earth and other extraterrestrial bodies.","author":[{"family":"Getenet","given":"Melese"},{"family":"Otálora","given":"Fermı́n"},{"family":"Emmerling","given":"Franziska"},{"family":"Alsabbagh","given":"Dominik"},{"family":"Garcıa-Ruiz","given":"Juan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.chemgeo.2022.121222","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2022.121222","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3022640038","type":"article-journal","title":"Extraterrestrial transitions: Desirable transport futures on earth and in outer space","abstract":"Transport is frequently cited as one of the most expedient means by which humankind affects Earth's ecosystem. Indeed, as underscored by the Anthropocene proposition, transport-related impacts are significant to the point of resulting in alterations of the planet's geological structure. Rising awareness of such issues has led to increasing attention on the priority of achieving a radically decarbonised transport future. However, that vision stands in stark contrast to the aspirations of pro-space advocates who are in the process of initiating an alternate transport future facilitated by greatly increased – and highly carbon-intensive – access to outer space. This rapidly emerging ‘beyond Earth’ transport paradigm enormously expands the spatio-temporal boundaries of human transport and human impact. This article reviews prominent visions of desirable ‘terrestrial’ (Earth-bound) transport futures. We then critically consider the transport futures envisioned by advocates of space development. This enables us to construct a dialectics of two coexisting but sharply contrasting contemporary schools of thought. We identify a highly significant divide, with one set of discourses arguing for reigning in human influence while the other set seeks unfettered expansion. Our analysis indicates fundamental divergences in the assumptions and aims of terrestrial versus space-focussed transport discourses. We conclude that the largely unrecognised and unacknowledged tensions between these contrasting desirable transport futures will be difficult to resolve.","author":[{"family":"Spector","given":"Sam"},{"family":"Higham","given":"James"},{"family":"Gößling","given":"Stefan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.erss.2020.101541","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101541","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2001.05336","type":"manuscript","title":"Zircon survival in shallow asthenosphere and deep lithosphere","abstract":"Zircon is the most frequently used mineral for dating terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks. However, the system of zircon in mafic/ultramafic melts has been rarely explored experimentally and most existing models based on the felsic, intermediate and/or synthetic systems are probably not applicable for prediction of zircon survival in terrestrial shallow asthenosphere. In order to determine the zircon stability in such natural systems, we have performed high-temperature experiments of zircon dissolution in natural mid-ocean ridge basaltic and synthetic haplobasaltic melts coupled with in situ electron probe microanalyses of the experimental products at high current. Taking into account the secondary fluorescence effect in zircon glass pairs during electron microprobe analysis, we have calculated zirconium diffusion coefficient necessary to predict zircon survival in asthenospheric melts of tholeiitic basalt composition. The data imply that typical 100 micron zircons dissolve rapidly (in 10 hours) and congruently upon the reaction with basaltic melt at mantle pressures. We observed incongruent (to crystal ZrO2 and SiO2 in melt) dissolution of zircon in natural mid-ocean ridge basaltic melt at low pressures and in haplobasaltic melt at elevated pressure. Our experimental data raise questions about the origin of zircons in mafic and ultramafic rocks, in particular, in shallow oceanic asthenosphere and deep lithosphere, as well as the meaning of the zircon-based ages estimated from the composition of these minerals. Large size zircon megacrysts in kimberlites, peridotites, alkali basalts and other magmas suggest the fast transport and short interaction between zircon and melt.The origin of zircon megacrysts is likely related to metasomatic addition of Zr into mantle as any mantle melting episode should obliterate them.","author":[{"family":"Borisova","given":"Anastassia"},{"family":"Bindeman","given":"Ilya"},{"family":"Toplis","given":"Mike"},{"family":"Zagrtdenov","given":"Nail"},{"family":"Guignard","given":"Jérémy"},{"family":"Safonov","given":"Oleg"},{"family":"Bychkov","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Shcheka","given":"Svyatoslav"},{"family":"Melnik","given":"Oleg"},{"family":"Marchelli","given":"Marion"},{"family":"Fenrenbach","given":"Jerome"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2001.05336","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2001.05336","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2012.08582","type":"manuscript","title":"Oxidation Processes Diversify the Metabolic Menu on Enceladus","abstract":"The Cassini mission to the Saturn system discovered a plume of ice grains and water vapor erupting from cracks on the icy surface of the satellite Enceladus. This moon has a global ocean in contact with a rocky core beneath its icy exterior, making it a promising location to search for evidence of extraterrestrial life in the solar system. The previous detection of H$_2$ in the plume indicates that there is free energy available for methanogenesis, the metabolic reaction of H$_2$ with CO$_2$ to form methane and water. Additional metabolic pathways could provide sources of energy in Enceladus' ocean, but require the use of other oxidants that have not been detected in the plume. Here, we perform chemical modeling to determine how the production of radiolytic O$_2$ and H$_2$O$_2$, and abiotic redox chemistry in the ocean and rocky core, contribute to chemical disequilibria that could support metabolic processes in Enceladus' ocean. We consider three possible cases for ocean redox chemistry: Case I in which reductants are not present in appreciable amounts and oxidants accumulate over time, and Cases II and III in which aqueous reductants or seafloor minerals, respectively, convert O$_2$ and H$_2$O$_2$ to SO$_4^{2-}$ and ferric oxyhydroxides. We calculate the upper limits on the concentrations of oxidants and chemical energy available for metabolic reactions in all three cases, neglecting additional abiotic reactions. For all three cases, we find that many aerobic and anaerobic metabolic reactions used by microbes on Earth could meet the minimum free energy threshold required for terrestrial life to convert ADP to ATP, as well as sustain positive cell density values within the Enceladus seafloor and/or ocean. These findings indicate that oxidant production and oxidation chemistry could contribute to supporting possible life and a metabolically diverse microbial community on Enceladus.","author":[{"family":"Ray","given":"Christine"},{"family":"Glein","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Waite","given":"JH"},{"family":"Teolis","given":"Ben"},{"family":"Hoehler","given":"Tori"},{"family":"Huber","given":"Julie"},{"family":"Lunine","given":"Jonathan"},{"family":"Postberg","given":"Frank"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2012.08582","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2012.08582","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.24433/co.6151632.v1","type":"article-journal","title":"Abiotic nitrous oxide production from sediments and brine of Don Juan Pond, Wright Valley Antarctica, at Mars analog temperatures (–40°C)","abstract":"The presence of biogenic gases such as oxygen, methane, and nitrous oxide (N2O) in the atmospheres of extraterrestrial bodies have been postulated as biosignatures of life. Abiotic N2O production was recently documented in Don Juan Pond, Antarctica, a cold, hypersaline Mars analog environment. Here we quantify the temperature-driven kinetics of abiotic N2O production and combine this with stable isotope labeling to demonstrate that N2O is produced from Don Juan Pond sediment and brine at Mars-analog temperatures down to at least –40°C. Further, we show that at any given temperature, N2O production is controlled by the availability of reduced Fe-bearing minerals rather than nitrate. We conclude that abiotic N2O production is possible on Mars and other extraterrestrial bodies and exoplanets; thus, the presence of atmospheric N2O on these bodies should not be taken by itself as an indicator of microbial life.","author":[{"family":"Schutte","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Samarkin","given":"Vladimir"},{"family":"Peters","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Madigan","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Casciotti","given":"Karen"},{"family":"Joye","given":"Samantha"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.24433/co.6151632.v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.24433/co.6151632.v1","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W3044271884","type":"article-journal","title":"Direct observation of anisotropic growth of water films on minerals driven by defects and surface tension","abstract":"Knowledge of the occurrences of water films on minerals is critical for global biogeochemical and atmospheric processes, including element cycling and ice nucleation. The underlying mechanisms controlling water film growth are, however, misunderstood. Using infrared nanospectroscopy, amplitude-modulated atomic force microscopy, and molecular simulations, we show how water films grow from water vapor on hydrophilic mineral nanoparticles. We imaged films with up to four water layers that grow anisotropically over a single face. Growth usually begins from the near edges of a face where defects preferentially capture water vapor. Thicker films produced by condensation cooling completely engulf nanoparticles and form thicker menisci over defects. The high surface tension of water smooths film surfaces and produces films of inhomogeneous thickness. Nanoscale topography and film surface energy thereby control anisotropic distributions and thicknesses of water films on hydrophilic mineral nanoparticles.","author":[{"family":"Yalcin","given":"Sibel"},{"family":"Legg","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Yeşilbaş","given":"Merve"},{"family":"Malvankar","given":"Nikhil"},{"family":"Boily","given":"Jean‐françois"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.aaz9708","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aaz9708","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W2999999993","type":"article-journal","title":"Geochemical variation in the Stimson formation of Gale crater: Provenance, mineral sorting, and a comparison with modern Martian dunes","abstract":"The Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover has encountered both ancient lithified and modern active aeolian dune deposits within Gale crater, providing an opportunity to study how aeolian processes have changed during Gale crater's geological history. This study uses data from the Chemistry and Camera (ChemCam) and Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument suites onboard Curiosity to; (1) constrain the diagenetic processes that lithified and altered the ancient aeolian Stimson formation, (2) investigate whether the geochemical signature in the Stimson formation is consistent with the aeolian mafic-felsic mineral sorting trend identified in the modern Bagnold dune fields in Gale crater, and (3) discuss the provenance of the Stimson sediments, comparing it to those identified in the modern dune and ancient river and lake deposits also analyzed along Curiosity's traverse. The ancient Stimson dune deposits that stratigraphically overlie the Gale fluvio-lacustrine units were analyzed in two locations; the Emerson and the Naukluft plateaus. ChemCam data show that the Stimson formation has subtle variations in MgO, Al2O3, Na2O, and K2O between the two localities. An agglomerative cluster analysis of the constrained Stimson dataset reveals five clusters, four of which relate to different proportions of mafic and felsic minerals analyzed by ChemCam. In general, the cluster analysis shows that the Emerson plateau has a greater proportion of mafic minerals and fewer coarse, felsic grains relative to the Naukluft plateau. This variation in mafic and felsic minerals between localities suggests a southwest to northeast net sediment transport direction due to aeolian mineral sorting dynamics preferentially transporting mafic minerals that are easier to saltate than the elongate, often coarser, felsic minerals. This derived transport direction for the Stimson formation supports that determined by sedimentological evidence and is opposite to that previously determined for the active Bagnold dunes inferring a change in the wind regime with time. An opposite sediment transport direction between the ancient and modern dunes in Gale crater further supports geochemical and mineralogical evidence that suggests different basaltic source regions. Compositionally, the bulk Stimson formation is most similar to the subalkaline basalt source region that is inferred to be the dominant sediment source of the fluvio-lacustrine Bradbury group. This is likely the result of the Stimson formation and basaltic Bradbury group sediments sharing a similar local basaltic source region such as the rim and walls of Gale crater.","author":[{"family":"Bedford","given":"CC"},{"family":"Schwenzer","given":"SP"},{"family":"Bridges","given":"JC"},{"family":"Banham","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Wiens","given":"RC"},{"family":"Gasnault","given":"O"},{"family":"Rampe","given":"EB"},{"family":"Frydenvang","given":"J"},{"family":"Gasda","given":"PJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.icarus.2020.113622","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2020.113622","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3098786636","type":"article-journal","title":"Global earth mineral inventory: A data legacy","abstract":"Minerals contain important clues to understanding the complex geologic history of Earth and other planetary bodies. Therefore, geologists have been collecting mineral samples and compiling data about these samples for centuries. These data have been used to better understand the movement of continental plates, the oxidation of Earth's atmosphere and the water regime of ancient martian landscapes. Datasets found at 'RRUFF.info/Evolution' and 'mindat.org' have documented a wealth of mineral occurrences around the world. One of the main goals in geoinformatics has been to facilitate discovery by creating and merging datasets from various scientific fields and using statistical methods and visualization tools to inspire and test hypotheses applicable to modelling Earth's past environments. To help achieve this goal, we have compiled physical, chemical and geological properties of minerals and linked them to the above-mentioned mineral occurrence datasets. As a part of the Deep Time Data Infrastructure, funded by the W.M. Keck Foundation, with significant support from the Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) and the A.P. Sloan Foundation, GEMI ('Global Earth Mineral Inventory') was developed from the need of researchers to have all of the required mineral data visible in a single portal, connected by a robust, yet easy to understand schema. Our data legacy integrates these resources into a digestible format for exploration and analysis and has allowed researchers to gain valuable insights from mineralogical data. GEMI can be considered a network, with every node representing some feature of the datasets, for example, a node can represent geological parameters like colour, hardness or lustre. Exploring subnetworks gives the researcher a specific view of the data required for the task at hand. GEMI is accessible through the DCO Data Portal (https://dx.deepcarbon.net/11121/6200-6954-6634-8243-CC). We describe our efforts in compiling GEMI, the Data Policies for usage and sharing, and the evaluation metrics for this data legacy.","author":[{"family":"Prabhu","given":"Anirudh"},{"family":"Morrison","given":"Shaunna"},{"family":"Eleish","given":"Ahmed"},{"family":"Zhong","given":"Hao"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Fang"},{"family":"Golden","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Perry","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Hummer","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Ralph","given":"Jolyon"},{"family":"Runyon","given":"Simone"},{"family":"Fontaine","given":"Kathleen"},{"family":"Krivovichev","given":"Sergey"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1002/gdj3.106","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gdj3.106","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3110514360","type":"article-journal","title":"Fingerprinting molecular and isotopic biosignatures on different hydrothermal scenarios of Iceland, an acidic and sulfur-rich Mars analog","abstract":"Detecting signs of potential extant/extinct life on Mars is challenging because the presence of organics on that planet is expected to be very low and most likely linked to radiation-protected refugia and/or preservative strategies (e.g., organo-mineral complexes). With scarcity of organics, accounting for biomineralization and potential relationships between biomarkers, mineralogy, and geochemistry is key in the search for extraterrestrial life. Here we explored microbial fingerprints and their associated mineralogy in Icelandic hydrothermal systems analog to Mars (i.e., high sulfur content, or amorphous silica), to identify potentially habitable locations on that planet. The mineralogical assemblage of four hydrothermal substrates (hot springs biofilms, mud pots, and steaming and inactive fumaroles) was analyzed concerning the distribution of biomarkers. Molecular and isotopic composition of lipids revealed quantitative and compositional differences apparently impacted by surface geothermal alteration and environmental factors. pH and water showed an influence (i.e., greatest biomass in circumneutral settings with highest supply and turnover of water), whereas temperature conditioned the mineralogy that supported specific microbial metabolisms related with sulfur. Raman spectra suggested the possible coexistence of abiotic and biomediated sources of minerals (i.e., sulfur or hematite). These findings may help to interpret future Raman or GC-MS signals in forthcoming Martian missions.","author":[{"family":"Sánchezgarcía","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Carrizo","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Molina","given":"A"},{"family":"Muñoziglesias","given":"Victoria"},{"family":"Lezcano","given":"María"},{"family":"Fernández-Sampedro","given":"M"},{"family":"Parro","given":"Vı́ctor"},{"family":"Prietoballesteros","given":"O"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-020-78240-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-78240-2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3004833100","type":"article-journal","title":"Uakitite, VN, a New Mononitride Mineral from Uakit Iron Meteorite (IIAB)","abstract":"Uakitite was observed in small troilite–daubréelite (±schreibersite) inclusions (up to 100 µm) and in large troilite–daubréelite nodules (up to 1 cm) in Fe-Ni-metal (kamacite) of the Uakit iron meteorite (IIAB), Republic of Buryatia, Russia. Such associations in the Uakit meteorite seemed to form due to high-temperature (>1000 °C) separation of Fe-Cr-rich sulfide liquid from Fe-metal melt. Most inclusions represent alternation of layers of troilite and daubréelite, which may be a result of solid decay of an initial Fe-Cr-sulfide. These inclusions are partially resorbed and mainly located in fissures of the meteorite, which is now filled with magnetite, and rarely other secondary minerals. Phase relations indicate that uakitite is one of the early minerals in these associations. It forms isometric (cubic) crystals (in daubréelite) or rounded grains (in schreibersite). The size of uakitite grains is usually less than 5 μm. It is associated with sulfides (daubréelite, troilite, grokhovskyite), schreibersite and magnetite. Carlsbergite CrN, a more abundant nitride in the Uakit meteorite, was not found in any assemblages with uakitite. Physical and optical properties of uakitite are quite similar to synthetic VN: yellow and transparent phase with metallic luster; Mohs hardness: 9–10; light gray color with a pinky tint in reflected light; density (calc.) = 6.128 g/cm3. Uakitite is structurally related to the osbornite group minerals: carlsbergite CrN and osbornite TiN. Structural data were obtained for three uakitite crystals using the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique. Fitting of the EBSD patterns for a synthetic VN model (cubic, Fm-3m, a = 4.1328(3) Å; V = 70.588(9) Å3; Z = 4) resulted in the parameter MAD = 0.14–0.37° (best-good fit). Analytical data for uakitite (n = 54, in wt. %) are: V, 71.33; Cr, 5.58; Fe, 1.56; N, 21.41; Ti, below detection limit (<0.005). The empirical formula (V0.91Cr0.07Fe0.02)1.00N1.00 indicates that chromium incorporates in the structure according to the scheme V3+ → Cr3+ (up to 7 mol. % of the carlsbergite end-member).","author":[{"family":"Sharygin","given":"VV"},{"family":"Ripp","given":"GS"},{"family":"Yakovlev","given":"GA"},{"family":"Seryotkin","given":"Yurii"},{"family":"Карманов","given":"НС"},{"family":"Izbrodin","given":"IА"},{"family":"Grokhovsky","given":"VI"},{"family":"Khromova","given":"ЕА"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min10020150","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min10020150","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3022333877","type":"article-journal","title":"The quintet completed: The partitioning of sulfur between nominally volatile-free minerals and silicate melts","abstract":"Abstract Magmatic systems are dominated by five volatiles, namely H2O, CO2, F, Cl, and S (the igneous quintet). Multiple studies have measured partitioning of four out of these five volatiles (H2O, CO2, F, and Cl) between nominally volatile-free minerals and melts, whereas the partitioning of sulfur is poorly known. To better constrain the behavior of sulfur in igneous systems we measured the partitioning of sulfur between clinopyroxene and silicate melts over a range of pressure, temperature, and melt composition from 0.8 to 1.2 GPa, 1000 to 1240 °C, and 49 to 66 wt% SiO2 (13 measurements). Additionally, we determined the crystal-melt partitioning of sulfur for plagioclase (6 measurements), orthopyroxene (2 measurements), amphibole (2 measurements), and olivine (1 measurement) in some of these same run products. Experiments were performed at high and low oxygen fugacities, where sulfur in the melt is expected to be dominantly present as an S6+ or an S2– species, respectively. When the partition coefficient is calculated as the total sulfur in the crystal divided by the total sulfur in the melt, the partition coefficient varies from 0.017 to 0.075 for clinopyroxene, from 0.036 to 0.229 for plagioclase, and is a maximum of 0.001 for olivine and of 0.003 for orthopyroxene. The variation in the total sulfur partition coefficient positively correlates with cation-oxygen bond lengths in the crystals; the measured partition coefficients increase in the order: olivine < orthopyroxene < clinopyroxene ≤ amphibole and plagioclase. At high oxygen fugacities in hydrous experiments, the clinopyroxene/melt partition coefficients for total sulfur are only approximately one-third of those measured in low oxygen fugacity, anhydrous experiments. However when the partition coefficient is calculated as total sulfur in the crystal divided by S2– in the melt, the clinopyroxene/melt partition coefficients for experiments with melts between ~51 and 66 wt% SiO2 can be described by a single mean value of 0.063 ± 0.010 (1σ standard deviation about the mean). These two observations support the hypothesis that sulfur, as S2–, replaces oxygen in the crystal structure. The results of hydrous experiments at low oxygen fugacity and anhydrous experiments at high oxygen fugacity suggest that oxygen fugacity has a greater effect on sulfur partitioning than water. Although the total sulfur clinopyroxene-melt partition coefficients are affected by the Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratio of the crystal, partition coefficients calculated using S2– in the melt display no clear dependence upon the Mg# of the clinopyroxene. Both the bulk and the S 2– partition coefficients appear unaffected by IVAl in the clinopyroxene structure. No effect of anorthite content nor of iron concentration in the crystal was seen in the data for plagioclase-melt partitioning. The data obtained for orthopyroxene and olivine were too few to establish any trends. The partition coefficients of total sulfur and S 2– between the crystals studied and silicate melts are typically lower than those of fluorine, higher than those of carbon, and similar to those of chlorine and hydrogen. These sulfur partition coefficients can be combined with analyses of volatiles in nominally volatile-free minerals and previously published partition coefficients of H2O, C, F, and Cl to constrain the concentration of the igneous quintet, the five major volatiles in magmatic systems.","author":[{"family":"Callegaro","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Geraki","given":"Kalotina"},{"family":"Marzoli","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Min","given":"Ângelo"},{"family":"Maneta","given":"Victoria"},{"family":"Baker","given":"Don"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.2138/am-2020-7188","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2020-7188","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4284969840","type":"article-journal","title":"Comparative study of methods for detecting extraterrestrial life in exploration mission of Mars and the solar system","abstract":"The detection and analysis of extraterrestrial life are important issues of space science. Mars is among the most important planets to explore for extraterrestrial life, owing both to its physical properties and to its ancient and present environments as revealed by previous exploration missions. In this paper, we present a comparative study of methods for detecting extraterrestrial life and life-related substances. To this end, we have classified and summarized the characteristics targeted for the detection of extraterrestrial life in solar system exploration mission and the methods used to evaluate them. A summary table is presented. We conclude that at this moment (i) there is no realistic single detection method capable of concluding the discovery of extraterrestrial life, (ii) no single method has an advantage over the others in all respects, and (iii) there is no single method capable of distinguishing extraterrestrial life from terrestrial life. Therefore, a combination of complementary methods is essential. We emphasize the importance of endeavoring to detect extraterrestrial life without overlooking possible alien life forms, even at the cost of tolerating false positives. Summaries of both the targets and the detection methods should be updated continuously, and comparative studies of both should be pursued. Although this study assumes Mars to be a model site for the primary environment for life searches, both the targets and detection methods described herein will also be useful for searching for extraterrestrial life in any celestial environment and for the initial inspection of returned samples.","author":[{"family":"Enya","given":"Keigo"},{"family":"Yamagishi","given":"Akihiko"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Kensei"},{"family":"Yoshimura","given":"Yoshitaka"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.lssr.2022.07.001","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lssr.2022.07.001","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4292702783","type":"article-journal","title":"Exploring Refractory Organics in Extraterrestrial Particles","abstract":"Abstract The origin of organic compounds detected in meteorites and comets, some of which could have served as precursors of life on Earth, remains an open question. The aim of the present study is to make one more step in revealing the nature and composition of organic materials of extraterrestrial particles by comparing infrared spectra of laboratory-made refractory organic residues to spectra of cometary particles returned by the Stardust mission, interplanetary dust particles, and meteorites. Our results reinforce the idea of a pathway for the formation of refractory organics through energetic and thermal processing of molecular ices in the solar nebula. There is also the possibility that some of the organic material had formed already in the parental molecular cloud before it entered the solar nebula. The majority of the IR “organic” bands of the studied extraterrestrial particles can be reproduced in the spectra of the laboratory organic residues. We confirm the detection of water, nitriles, hydrocarbons, and carbonates in extraterrestrial particles and link it to the formation location of the particles in the outer regions of the solar nebula. To clarify the genesis of the species, high-sensitivity observations in combination with laboratory measurements like those presented in this paper are needed. Thus, this study presents one more piece of the puzzle of the origin of water and organic compounds on Earth and motivation for future collaborative laboratory and observational projects.","author":[{"family":"Потапов","given":"АВ"},{"family":"Palumbo","given":"ME"},{"family":"Dionnet","given":"Z"},{"family":"Longobardo","given":"A"},{"family":"Jäger","given":"C"},{"family":"Baratta","given":"GA"},{"family":"Rotundi","given":"A"},{"family":"Henning","given":"Thomas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3847/1538-4357/ac7f32","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ac7f32","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4223411616","type":"article-journal","title":"A Comprehensive Methodology for Monitoring Evaporitic Mineral Precipitation and Hydrochemical Evolution of Saline Lakes: The Case of Lake Magadi Soda Brine (East African Rift Valley, Kenya)","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Lake Magadi, East African Rift Valley, is a hyperalkaline and saline soda lake highly enriched in Na +, K +, CO 3 2–, Cl –, HCO 3 –, and SiO 2 and depleted in Ca 2+ and Mg 2+, where thick evaporite deposits and siliceous sediments have been forming for 100 000 years. The hydrogeochemistry and the evaporite deposits of soda lakes are subjects of growing interest in paleoclimatology, astrobiology, and planetary sciences. In Lake Magadi, different hydrates of sodium carbonate/bicarbonate and other saline minerals precipitate. The precipitation sequence of these minerals is a key for understanding the hydrochemical evolution, the paleoenvironmental conditions of ancient evaporite deposits, and industrial crystallization. However, accurate determination of the precipitation sequence of these minerals was challenging due to the dependency of the different hydrates on temperature, water activity, pH and pCO 2, which could induce phase transformation and secondary mineral precipitation during sample handling. Here, we report a comprehensive methodology applied for monitoring the evaporitic mineral precipitation and hydrochemical evolution of Lake Magadi. Evaporation and mineral precipitations were monitored by using in situ video microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction of acoustically levitated droplets. The mineral patterns were characterized by ex situ Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Experiments were coupled with thermodynamic models to understand the evaporation and precipitation-driven hydrochemical evolution of brines. Our results closely reproduced the mineral assemblages, patterns, and textural relations observed in the natural setting. Alkaline earth carbonates and fluorite were predicted to precipitate first followed by siliceous sediments. Among the salts, dendritic and acicular trona precipitate first via fractional crystallization─reminiscent of grasslike trona layers of Lake Magadi. Halite/villiaumite, thermonatrite, and sylvite precipitate sequentially after trona from residual brines depleted in HCO 3 – . The precipitation of these minerals between trona crystals resembles the precipitation process observed in the interstitial brines of the trona layers. Thermonatrite precipitation began after trona equilibrated with the residual brines due to the absence of excess CO 2 input. We have shown that evaporation and mineral precipitation are the major drivers for the formation of hyperalkaline, saline, and SiO 2 -rich brines. The discrepancy between predicted and actual sulfate and phosphate ion concentrations implies the biological cycling of these ions. The combination of different in situ and ex situ methods and modeling is key to understanding the mineral phases, precipitation sequences, and textural relations of modern and ancient evaporite deposits. The synergy of these methods could be applicable in industrial crystallization and natural brines to reconstruct the hydrogeochemical and hydroclimatic conditions of soda lakes, evaporite settings, and potentially soda oceans of early Earth and extraterrestrial planets.","author":[{"family":"Getenet","given":"Melese"},{"family":"Garcıa-Ruiz","given":"Juan"},{"family":"Otálora","given":"Fermı́n"},{"family":"Emmerling","given":"Franziska"},{"family":"Alsabbagh","given":"Dominik"},{"family":"Verdugoescamilla","given":"Cristóbal"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.cgd.1c01391","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.cgd.1c01391","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3207988208","type":"article-journal","title":"A deep-ultraviolet Raman and Fluorescence spectral library of 62 minerals for the SHERLOC instrument onboard Mars 2020","abstract":"We report deep-ultraviolet (DUV) Raman spectra as measured by a SHERLOC analog instrument (248.6 ​nm excitation) for 92 samples representing 62 distinct minerals, including borates, carbonates, sulfates, phosphates, halides, metal oxides & hydroxides, silicates & phyllosilicates. We found that DUV Raman is capable of detecting the majority of these minerals, with major mineral peaks occurring at ∼500, ∼850, 950–1200, and ∼3600 ​cm−1, and that detection thresholds will be better for the SHERLOC flight instrument than the analog used in this study. Minerals can be classified (e.g., sulfate vs carbonate, or pyroxene vs olivine) based on the number of major peaks and their general positions. Identification of specific mineral phases is possible based on precise Raman peak positions, provided the difference between spectrally similar minerals is at least 10 ​cm−1 to overcome the estimated instrumental uncertainty of ±5 ​cm−1 for all peak positions reported in this study. A number of silicate minerals did not produce measurable Raman signal, and iron-rich minerals tend to be more difficult to detect due to significant UV absorption. Many Mars-relevant minerals expected to occur in Jezero crater should be detectable to SHERLOC even during short-exposure survey scans. This library will help inform the detection and identification of mineral phases in Martian samples using the SHERLOC instrument onboard the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover.","author":[{"family":"Hollis","given":"Joseph"},{"family":"Abbey","given":"William"},{"family":"Beegle","given":"LW"},{"family":"Bhartia","given":"R"},{"family":"Ehlmann","given":"BL"},{"family":"Miura","given":"JK"},{"family":"Monacelli","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Moore","given":"Kelsey"},{"family":"Nordman","given":"Austin"},{"family":"Scheller","given":"Eva"},{"family":"Uckert","given":"Kyle"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Yen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.pss.2021.105356","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2021.105356","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4281570197","type":"article-journal","title":"Accurate and Efficient SIMS Oxygen Isotope Analysis of Composition-Variable Minerals: Online Matrix Effect Calibration for Dolomite","abstract":"High-quality oxygen isotope analysis of composition-variable minerals (e.g., ubiquitous carbonates) using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is extremely challenging. The classical off-line procedure, which requires additional electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) chemical compositions for calibrating instrumental mass fractionation (IMF), is inherently inaccurate and analytically inefficient. In this study, the first accurate and paired SIMS analysis of δ 18 O and Fe# [molar Fe/(Mg + Fe)] in dolomite is reported. Based on five newly developed dolomite O-isotopic standards with an Fe# range of 0.01–0.35 obtained by SIMS, a novel accurate and rapid online matrix effect calibration method for dolomite O-isotope analysis was developed using concurrent SIMS 18 O– 16 O– 56 Fe 16 O– 24 Mg 16 O measurements without additional chemical electron probe microanalysis. A logistic equation was proposed as the best-fit curve to represent the δ 18 O matrix effect based on the 56 Fe 16 O/ 24 Mg 16 O ratios. For CTD-4 carbonatitic dolomite with variable Fe# but homogeneous oxygen isotopes, the off-line method exhibited highly variable apparent δ 18 O values in the range of 5.74–10.11‰. The online method yielded a homogeneous δ 18 O value of 7.94 ± 0.34‰ (2SD, n = 40), which is comparable with that of bulk analysis (7.94 ± 0.20‰; 2SD). Comprehensive analyses validated the online method as the best strategy for performing accurate δ 18 O analysis of samples with highly heterogeneous compositions. Based on its accuracy, simplicity, and economic feasibility, this method has potential applications in the analysis of composition-complex dolomites, detrital dolomites, and other precious terrestrial and extraterrestrial materials.","author":[{"family":"Xu","given":"Jingyao"},{"family":"Li","given":"Qiuli"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Guoqiang"},{"family":"Lu","given":"Kai"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yu"},{"family":"Feng","given":"Lianjun"},{"family":"Draper","given":"Joan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.analchem.2c00759","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.2c00759","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4304806630","type":"article-journal","title":"Results of an Eight-Year Extraction of Phosphorus Minerals within the Seymchan Meteorite","abstract":"In-fall of extraterrestrial material including meteorites and interstellar dust particles during the late heavy bombardment are known to have brought substantial amounts of reduced oxidation-state phosphorus to the early Earth in the form of siderophilic minerals, e.g., schreibersite ((FeNi)3P). In this report, we present results on the reaction of meteoritic phosphide minerals in the Seymchan meteorite in ultrapure water for 8 years. The ions produced during schreibersite corrosion (phosphite, hypophosphate, pyrophosphate, and phosphate) are stable and persistent in aqueous solution over this timescale. These results were also compared with the short-term corrosion reactions of the meteoritic mineral schreibersite’s synthetic analog Fe3P in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions (ultrapure water and formamide). This finding suggests that the reduced-oxidation-state phosphorus (P) compounds including phosphite could be ubiquitous and stable on the early Earth over a long span of time and such compounds could be readily available on the early Earth.","author":[{"family":"Gull","given":"Maheen"},{"family":"Feng","given":"Tian"},{"family":"Pasek","given":"Matthew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life12101591","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life12101591","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4297445506","type":"article-journal","title":"The Effects of Hydrochloric Acid Pretreatment on Different Types of Clay Minerals","abstract":"Clay minerals are common in geological samples and are useful paleoclimate and sediment provenance proxies. Acid pretreatment is the most common method for the separation and purification of clay minerals. Given that hydrochloric acid (HCl) can dissolve chlorite and distinguish it from kaolinite, the HCl digestion method is used to simplify the routine method of clay mineral analysis. However, there have been few studies of the effects of acid digestion on different clay minerals in the context of extracting paleoclimate indicators. In this study, we used illite, chlorite, kaolinite, and two types of smectite to assess the effects of pretreatment with different HCl concentrations at variable temperatures. Our results show that chlorite is the most soluble clay mineral in HCl and can be effectively dissolved in HCl with concentrations of >1 N. The variable crystal structure of smectite affects its solubility in HCl. Ca-rich smectite, which has more cation substitution of octahedral Al, can be dissolved with HCl. However, Na-rich smectite, which has less cation substitution for octahedral Al, is hardly dissolved in HCl of any concentration or at any temperature. Illite can be partly dissolved in HCl, and the threshold beyond which dissolution occurs is 5 N HCl at 70 °C. Kaolinite is relatively difficult to dissolve in HCl. Given that the HCl digestion method uses the peak intensity of the bulk sample X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, whereas the routine method uses the peak area of clay particles, we compared the results of clay mineral quantification and the paleoclimate proxy obtained using the two methods for synthetically prepared mixed and natural clay samples. The results obtained with the HCl digestion method are less accurate than those obtained with the routine method because of the dissolution of illite and smectite in HCl. Therefore, the HCl pretreatment method is not suitable for clay mineral analysis in paleoclimate studies. The present results provide reference data for future studies that employ the acid dissolution pretreatment of clay mineral samples to acquire and quantify paleoclimate proxies.","author":[{"family":"Hu","given":"Bin"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Chunxia"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Xiaoyan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min12091167","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min12091167","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3117149351","type":"article-journal","title":"Identifying molecules as biosignatures with assembly theory and mass spectrometry","abstract":"The search for alien life is hard because we do not know what signatures are unique to life. We show why complex molecules found in high abundance are universal biosignatures and demonstrate the first intrinsic experimentally tractable measure of molecular complexity, called the molecular assembly index (MA). To do this we calculate the complexity of several million molecules and validate that their complexity can be experimentally determined by mass spectrometry. This approach allows us to identify molecular biosignatures from a set of diverse samples from around the world, outer space, and the laboratory, demonstrating it is possible to build a life detection experiment based on MA that could be deployed to extraterrestrial locations, and used as a complexity scale to quantify constraints needed to direct prebiotically plausible processes in the laboratory. Such an approach is vital for finding life elsewhere in the universe or creating de-novo life in the lab.","author":[{"family":"Marshall","given":"Stuart"},{"family":"Mathis","given":"Cole"},{"family":"Carrick","given":"Emma"},{"family":"Keenan","given":"Graham"},{"family":"Cooper","given":"Geoffrey"},{"family":"Graham","given":"Heather"},{"family":"Craven","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Gromski","given":"Piotr"},{"family":"Moore","given":"Douglas"},{"family":"Walker","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Cronin","given":"Leroy"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-021-23258-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-23258-x","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W3016343274","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineral dust increases the habitability of terrestrial planets but confounds biomarker detection","abstract":"Identification of habitable planets beyond our solar system is a key goal of current and future space missions. Yet habitability depends not only on the stellar irradiance, but equally on constituent parts of the planetary atmosphere. Here we show, for the first time, that radiatively active mineral dust will have a significant impact on the habitability of Earth-like exoplanets. On tidally-locked planets, dust cools the day-side and warms the night-side, significantly widening the habitable zone. Independent of orbital configuration, we suggest that airborne dust can postpone planetary water loss at the inner edge of the habitable zone, through a feedback involving decreasing ocean coverage and increased dust loading. The inclusion of dust significantly obscures key biomarker gases (e.g. ozone, methane) in simulated transmission spectra, implying an important influence on the interpretation of observations. We demonstrate that future observational and theoretical studies of terrestrial exoplanets must consider the effect of dust.","author":[{"family":"Boutle","given":"Ian"},{"family":"Joshi","given":"Manoj"},{"family":"Lambert","given":"FH"},{"family":"Mayne","given":"Nathan"},{"family":"Lyster","given":"Duncan"},{"family":"Manners","given":"James"},{"family":"Ridgway","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Koháry","given":"K"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-020-16543-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-16543-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3094240300","type":"article-journal","title":"Magnetic Properties of Ferritchromite and Cr‐Magnetite and Monitoring of Cr‐Spinels Alteration in Ultramafic and Mafic Rocks","abstract":"Abstract Spinel is a ubiquitous mineral in mafic/ultramafic rocks. Spinel cores chemistry is extensively used as a petrogenetic proxy while their alteration phases, ferritchromite, and Cr‐magnetite, are used as metamorphic grade indicators. However, the magnetic properties and composition of these phases are still ill‐defined and no consensus exists concerning the metamorphic conditions involved in their formation. Here, we use the magnetic properties of these Cr‐spinel alteration phases, via field‐dependent parameters and observations with a magnetic microscope coupled with mineral chemistry and Mössbauer spectroscopy, to better constrain their composition. We identify Cr‐magnetite by a Curie point of ca. 520°C. We show that it is characterized by an n between 0.1 and 0.2 in the Fe‐Cr spinel formula [Fe2+(Fe1−nCrn)2O4], which corresponds to 6–13 wt.% of Cr2O3. The abundance of Cr‐magnetite indicates a strong alteration of Cr‐spinels that could reflect a significant hydrothermal activity rather than a high metamorphism grade. Normalized variation curves of the magnetic susceptibility during heating allow a relative quantification of the contributions of different magnetic phases to the magnetic susceptibility. This highlights a link between ferritchromite destabilization into maghemite at ca. 130°C followed by the destabilization of this maghemite starting at 300°C. We identify specific covariation trends between these two magnetic species characterizing different alteration processes. This study opens the door to magnetic monitoring of the Cr‐spinel alteration state in mafic and ultramafic rocks. It constitutes a new, fast, and weakly destructive way to study the petrological history of both terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks.","author":[{"family":"Hodel","given":"Florent"},{"family":"Macouin","given":"Mélina"},{"family":"Trindade","given":"Ricardo"},{"family":"Araújo","given":"Jefferson"},{"family":"Respaud","given":"M"},{"family":"Meunier","given":"Jean‐françois"},{"family":"Cassayre","given":"Laurent"},{"family":"Rousse","given":"Sonia"},{"family":"Drigo","given":"L"},{"family":"Schornepinto","given":"Juliano"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2020gc009227","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2020gc009227","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3213124391","type":"article-journal","title":"Extraterrestrial Photosynthesis by Chang’E-5 Lunar Soil","abstract":"Abstract In light of significant effort conducted to manned deep space exploration, it is of high technological importance and scientific interest to develop the lunar life supporting system for long-term exploration and exploitation. And lunar in situ resource utilization offers great opportunity to provide the material basis of life supporting for lunar habitation and traveling. Based on the analysis of the structure and composition, the Chang’E-5 lunar soil sample was used for lunar-surface solar energy conversion, i.e. the extraterrestrial photosynthesis catalysts. By evaluating the performance of the Chang’E-5 lunar sample as photovoltaic-driven electrocatalyst, photocatalyst and photothermal catalysts, the full water splitting and CO2 conversion are able to be achieved with solar energy, water and lunar soil, with a wide range of product distribution, including O2, H2, CO, CH4 and CH3OH. Thus, we propose a potentially available extraterrestrial photosynthesis pathway on the moon, which could help us to achieve a ‘zero-energy consumption’ environment and life support system on the moon.","author":[{"family":"Yao","given":"Yingfang"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Lu"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Xi"},{"family":"Tu","given":"Wenguang"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Yong"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Rulin"},{"family":"Tao","given":"Bo"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Cheng"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Xiwen"},{"family":"Gao","given":"Linfeng"},{"family":"Cao","given":"Yuan"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Bing"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-1045138/v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1045138/v1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3047174301","type":"article-journal","title":"High‐resolution microstructural and compositional analyses of shock deformed apatite from the peak ring of the Chicxulub impact crater","abstract":"Abstract The mineral apatite, Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH), is a ubiquitous accessory mineral, with its volatile content and isotopic compositions used to interpret the evolution of H2O on planetary bodies. During hypervelocity impact, extreme pressures shock target rocks resulting in deformation of minerals; however, relatively few microstructural studies of apatite have been undertaken. Given its widespread distribution in the solar system, it is important to understand how apatite responds to progressive shock metamorphism. Here, we present detailed microstructural analyses of shock deformation in ~560 apatite grains throughout ~550 m of shocked granitoid rock from the peak ring of the Chicxulub impact structure, Mexico. A combination of high‐resolution backscattered electron (BSE) imaging, electron backscatter diffraction mapping, transmission Kikuchi diffraction mapping, and transmission electron microscopy is used to characterize deformation within apatite grains. Systematic, crystallographically controlled deformation bands are present within apatite, consistent with tilt boundaries that contain the (axis) and result from slip in < > (direction) on (plane) during shock deformation. Deformation bands contain complex subgrain domains, isolated dislocations, and low‐angle boundaries of ~1° to 2°. Planar fractures within apatite form conjugate sets that are oriented within either { , { , { , or . Complementary electron microprobe analyses (EPMA) of a subset of recrystallized and partially recrystallized apatite grains show that there is an apparent change in MgO content in shock‐recrystallized apatite compositions. This study shows that the response of apatite to shock deformation can be highly variable, and that application of a combined microstructural and chemical analysis workflow can reveal complex deformation histories in apatite grains, some of which result in changes to crystal structure and composition, which are important for understanding the genesis of apatite in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments.","author":[{"family":"Cox","given":"MA"},{"family":"Erickson","given":"Timmons"},{"family":"Schmieder","given":"M"},{"family":"Christoffersen","given":"R"},{"family":"Ross","given":"DK"},{"family":"Cavosie","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Bland","given":"PA"},{"family":"Kring","given":"DA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13541","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13541","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4288758077","type":"article-journal","title":"From lunar regolith to oxygen and structural materials: an integrated conceptual design","abstract":"Abstract To enable a long-term presence of humans in space, it is essential to use extraterrestrial raw materials to reduce the need for transporting resources or produced materials from Earth. In recent years, a lot of research has been conducted on different ISRU processes, such as regolith excavation, mineral processing and the extraction of oxygen using metallurgical processes. However, it is not sufficient to just focus on a single process but also to focus on how the different processes interact. Therefore, RWTH Aachen’s Integrated Conceptual Design presents a novel concept for the production of oxygen and high-quality metal materials. To meet the challenges of mining in space, selective mining is used to provide the best possible blend based on the original material of the deposit. This process is followed by mineral processing to provide a high-quality ilmenite-rich concentrate, the input material for metallurgical processes. Using the novel MOSARI technique, consisting of molten salt electrolysis and metallothermic reduction, oxygen and metal materials can be recovered. Furthermore, this represents a zero-waste approach for the complete utilization of the material.","author":[{"family":"Radl","given":"Alexandra"},{"family":"Neumann","given":"Ksenija"},{"family":"Wotruba","given":"Hermann"},{"family":"Clausen","given":"Elisabeth"},{"family":"Friedrich","given":"Bernd"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s12567-022-00465-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-022-00465-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4220819614","type":"article-journal","title":"Biogeochemical Characteristics of Earth's Volcanic Permafrost: An Analog of Extraterrestrial Environments","abstract":"This article describes a study of frozen volcanic deposits collected from volcanoes Tolbachik and Bezymianny on the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, and Deception Island volcano, Antarctica. In addition, we studied suprasnow ash layers deposited after the 2007 eruptions of volcanoes Shiveluch and Bezymianny on Kamchatka. The main objectives were to characterize the presence and survivability of thermophilic microorganisms in perennially frozen volcanic deposits. As opposed to permafrost from the polar regions, viable thermophiles were detected in volcanic permafrost by cultivation, microscopy, and sequencing. In the permafrost of Tolbachik volcano, we observed methane formation by both psychrophilic and thermophilic methanogenic archaea, while at 37°C, methane production was noticeably lower. Thermophilic bacteria isolated from volcanic permafrost from the Deception Island were 99.93% related to Geobacillus stearothermophilus . Our data showed biological sulfur reduction to sulfide at 85°C and even at 130°C, where hyperthermophilic archaea of the genus Thermoproteus were registered. Sequences of hyperthermophilic bacteria of the genus Caldicellulosiruptor were discovered in clone libraries from fresh volcanic ash deposited on snow. Microorganisms found in volcanic terrestrial permafrost may serve as a model for the alien inhabitants of Mars, a cryogenic planet with numerous volcanoes. Thermophiles and hyperthermophiles and their metabolic processes represent a guideline for the future exploration missions on Mars.","author":[{"family":"Vishnivetskaya","given":"Tatiana"},{"family":"Mironov","given":"Vasiliy"},{"family":"Abramov","given":"Andrey"},{"family":"Shcherbakova","given":"VA"},{"family":"Rivkina","given":"Elizaveta"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2021.0137","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2021.0137","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4210802146","type":"article-journal","title":"Rapid screening of Zr-containing particles from Chang’e-5 lunar soil samples for isotope geochronology: Technical roadmap for future study","abstract":"New samples returned by China Chang’e-5 (CE-5) mission offer an opportunity for studying the lunar geologic longevity, space weathering, and regolith evolution. The age determination of the CE-5 samples was among the first scientific questions to be answered. However, the precious samples, most in the micrometer size range, challenge many traditional analyses on large single crystals of zircon developed for massive bulk samples. Here, we developed a non-destructive rapid screening of individual zirconium-containing particle for isotope geochronology based on a Micro X-ray fluorescence analysis (µXRF). The selected particles were verified via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 3D X-ray microscopy (XRM), and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) techniques, which showed that zirconium-bearing minerals with several microns were precisely positioned and readily suitable for site-specific isotopic dating by second ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Such protocol could be also applicable in non-destructively screening other types of particles for different scientific purposes. We therefore proposed a correlative workflow for comprehensively studying the CE-5 lunar samples from single particles on nanometer to atomic scales. Linking various microscopic and spectromicroscopic instruments together, this workflow consists of six steps: (1) single-particle selection with non-destructive µXRF technique, (2) 2D/3D morphological and structural characterization with a correlative submicron 3D XRM and nanoscale resolution FIB-SEM imaging methods, (3) SEM analysis of the surface morphology and chemistry of the selected particle, (4) a series of microscopic and microbeam analyses (e.g., SEM, electron probe microanalysis, and SIMS) on the cross-section of the selected particle to obtain structural, mineralogical, chemical, and isotopic features from the micron to nanometer scale, (5) advanced 2D/3D characterization and site-specific sample preparation of thin foil/tip specimens on a microregion of interest in the selected particle with FIB-SEM technique, and (6) comprehensive analyses on the FIB-milled specimens at nanometer to atomic scale with synchrotron-based scanning transmission X-ray microscopy, analytic transmission electron microscopy, and atom probe tomography. Following this technical roadmap, one can integrate multiple modalities into a uniform frame of multimodal and multiscale correlated datasets to acquire high-throughput information on the limited or precious terrestrial and extraterrestrial samples.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Jinhua"},{"family":"Li","given":"Qiuli"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Liang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Jinhai"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Xu"},{"family":"Gu","given":"Lixin"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Qian"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Hongxia"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Qin"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Peiyu"},{"family":"Qiu","given":"Hao"},{"family":"Li","given":"Gang"},{"family":"Gu","given":"Lin"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Shun"},{"family":"Li","given":"Chunlai"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xian‐hua"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Fu‐yuan"},{"family":"Pan","given":"Yongxin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gsf.2022.101367","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2022.101367","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3041145187","type":"article-journal","title":"Cultivation With Powdered Meteorite (NWA 1172) as the Substrate Enhances Low-Temperature Preservation of the Extreme Thermoacidophile Metallosphaera sedula","abstract":"Recent studies have uncovered a vast number of thermophilic species in icy environments, permanently cold ocean sediments, cold sea waters, and cool soils. The survival of thermophiles in psychrobiotic habitats requires thorough investigation of the physiological and molecular mechanisms behind their natural cryopreservation. Such investigations are mainly impeded due to a restricted cultivation of thermophiles at low temperatures under the laboratory conditions. Artificial culture media used under the laboratory conditions usually fail to support cultivation of thermophiles at low-temperature range. In this study we cultivated the extreme thermoacidophilic archaeon Metallosphaera sedula with the preliminary powdered and sterilized multimetallic extraterrestrial mineral material (the meteorite NWA 1172) under a low temperature regime in laboratory conditions. Our data indicate that M. sedula withstands cold stress and can be maintained at low temperatures, when supplemented with the meteorite NWA 1172 as the sole energy source. Cultivation with the meteorite NWA 1172 opens up new, previously unknown psychrotolerant characteristics of M. sedula, emphasizing that culture conditions (i.e., the \"nutritional environment\") may affect the microbial survival potential in stress related situations. These observations facilitate further investigation of strategies and underlying molecular mechanisms of the survival of thermophilic species in permanently cold habitats.","author":[{"family":"Milojević","given":"Tetyana"},{"family":"Zebec","given":"Žiga"},{"family":"Schimak","given":"Mario"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2020.00037","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2020.00037","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4307137859","type":"article-journal","title":"In Living Color: Pigment-Based Microbial Ecology At the Mineral–Air Interface","abstract":"Pigment-based color is one of the most important phenotypic traits of biofilms at the mineral-air interface (subaerial biofilms, SABs), because it reflects the physiology of the microbial community. Because color is the hallmark of all SABs, we argue that pigment-based color could convey the mechanisms that drive microbial adaptation and coexistence across different terrestrial environments and link phenotypic traits to community fitness and ecological dynamics. Within this framework, we present the most relevant microbial pigments at the mineral-air interface and discuss some of the evolutionary landscapes that necessitate pigments as adaptive strategies for resource allocation and survivability. We report several pigment features that reflect SAB communities' structure and function, as well as pigment ecology in the context of microbial life-history strategies and coexistence theory. Finally, we conclude the study of pigment-based ecology by presenting its potential application and some of the key challenges in the research.","author":[{"family":"Villa","given":"Federica"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Ying"},{"family":"Zerboni","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Cappitelli","given":"Francesca"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1093/biosci/biac091","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biac091","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4210436330","type":"article-journal","title":"Crystallography relevant to Mars and Galilean icy moons: crystal behavior of kieserite-type monohydrate sulfates at extraterrestrial conditions down to 15 K","abstract":"Monohydrate sulfate kieserites ( M 2+ SO 4 ·H 2 O) and their solid solutions are essential constituents on the surface of Mars and most likely also on Galilean icy moons in our solar system. Phase stabilities of end-member representatives ( M 2+ = Mg, Fe, Co, Ni) have been examined crystallographically using single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 1 bar and temperatures down to 15 K, by means of applying open He cryojet techniques at in-house laboratory instrumentation. All four representative phases show a comparable, highly anisotropic thermal expansion behavior with a remarkable negative thermal expansion along the monoclinic b axis and a pronounced anisotropic expansion perpendicular to it. The lattice changes down to 15 K correspond to an `inverse thermal pressure' of approximately 0.7 GPa, which is far below the critical pressures of transition under hydrostatic compression ( P c ≥ 2.40 GPa). Consequently, no equivalent structural phase transition was observed for any compound, and neither dehydration nor rearrangements of the hydrogen bonding schemes have been observed. The M 2+ SO 4 ·H 2 O ( M 2+ = Mg, Fe, Co, Ni) end-member phases preserve the kieserite-type C 2/ c symmetry; hydrogen bonds and other structural details were found to vary smoothly down to the lowest experimental temperature. These findings serve as an important basis for the assignment of sulfate-related signals in remote-sensing data obtained from orbiters at celestial bodies, as well as for thermodynamic considerations and modeling of properties of kieserite-type sulfate monohydrates relevant to extraterrestrial sulfate associations at very low temperatures.","author":[{"family":"Wildner","given":"Manfred"},{"family":"Zakharov","given":"Boris"},{"family":"Bogdanov","given":"Nikita"},{"family":"Talla","given":"Dominik"},{"family":"Boldyreva","given":"Elena"},{"family":"Miletich","given":"Ronald"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1107/s2052252521012720","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1107/s2052252521012720","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3034800723","type":"article-journal","title":"Ultraviolet Photoprocessing of Glycine Adsorbed on Various Space-Relevant Minerals","abstract":"Mineral surfaces are energetic environments that can assist prebiotic organization by adsorbing selected molecules and allowing their concentration and chemical evolution, possibly toward complex (pre)biological systems. This dynamic rocky environment can also play a crucial role as promoters of chemical reactions towards increasing molecular complexity. Moreover, presence of minerals can mediate the effects of electromagnetic radiation and influence the photostability of biomolecules, catalyzing photoreaction or protecting molecules against degradation. Such interactions are responsible for the preservation/degradation mechanisms of organic molecules in space. In particular, the discovery of organic molecules on asteroids and comets confirms their role as transport and delivery vehicles of building blocks of life on Earth and possibly on other bodies of the Solar System, and the study of this kind of processes can improve our knowledge in astrobiology.Many different prebiotic and bio-molecules were detected in space and in meteorites, but among them amino acid glycine (H2NCH2COOH), is one of the most important. It is the simplest of the 20 biogenic amino acids and it is conceivably the link between complex organic molecules detected in our evolved Solar System and prebiotic molecules observed in the interstellar medium and protostellar environment. Laboratory simulations of UV processing may provide key insights into the survival of glycine and other biomarker in space environment, which is of particular relevance for upcoming space exploration missions on planetary surfaces, like ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars 2020, and sample return missions, like NASA OSIRIS-REx.We report a laboratory study of UV irradiation of glycine adsorbed on various space relevant minerals, i.e. forsterite, antigorite, spinel and pyrite, using a calibrated enhanced UV Xenon lamp, which demonstrated good performance as solar simulator. Comparing protective/catalytic effects of various minerals helps to unravel the role of rocky surfaces in the origin of life and provides hints for the search of organics in present and future robotic space exploration missions.","author":[{"family":"Poggiali","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Fornaro","given":"Teresa"},{"family":"Potenti","given":"Simone"},{"family":"Corazzi","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Brucato","given":"JR"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2020.00018","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2020.00018","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W2998881317","type":"article-journal","title":"Zircon survival in shallow asthenosphere and deep lithosphere","abstract":"Abstract Zircon (ZrSiO4) is the most frequently used geochronometer of terrestrial and extraterrestrial processes. To shed light on question of zircon survival in the Earth's shallow asthenosphere, high-temperature experiments of zircon dissolution in natural mid-ocean ridge basaltic (MORB) and synthetic haplobasaltic melts have been performed at temperatures of 1250–1300 °C and pressures from 0.1 MPa to 0.7 GPa. Zirconium measurements were made in situ by electron probe microanalyses (EPMA) at high current. Taking into account secondary fluorescence effects in zircon-glass pairs during EPMA, a zirconium diffusion coefficient of 2.87E-08 cm2/s was determined at 1300 °C and 0.5 GPa. When applied to the question of zircon survival in asthenospheric melts of tholeiitic basalt composition, the data are used to infer that typical 100 mm zircon crystals dissolve rapidly (~10 h) and congruently upon reaction with basaltic melt at pressures of 0.2–0.7 GPa. We observed incongruent (to crystal ZrO2 and SiO2 in melt) dissolution of zircon in natural mid-ocean ridge the basaltic melt at low pressures <0.2 GPa and in the haplobasaltic melt at 0.7 GPa pressure. Our experimental data raise questions about the origin of zircon crystals in mafic and ultramafic rocks, in particular, in shallow oceanic asthenosphere and deep lithosphere, as well as the meaning of the zircon-based ages estimated from these minerals. The origin of zircon in shallow (ultra-) mafic chambers is likely related to the crystallization of intercumulus liquid. Large zircon megacrysts in kimberlites, peridotites, alkali basalts, and carbonatite magmas suggest fast transport and short interaction durations between zircon and melt. The origin of zircon megacrysts is likely related to metasomatic addition of Zr into the mantle as an episode of mantle melting should eliminate them on geologically short timescales.","author":[{"family":"Borisova","given":"Anastassia"},{"family":"Bindeman","given":"Ilya"},{"family":"Toplis","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Zagrtdenov","given":"Nail"},{"family":"Guignard","given":"Jérémy"},{"family":"Сафонов","given":"ОГ"},{"family":"Bychkov","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Shcheka","given":"Svyatoslav"},{"family":"Melnik","given":"Oleg"},{"family":"Marchelli","given":"Marion"},{"family":"Fehrenbach","given":"Jérôme"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.2138/am-2020-7402","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2020-7402","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3048789617","type":"article-journal","title":"Desiccation of the Extreme Thermoacidophile Metallosphaera sedula Grown on Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Materials","abstract":"Prokaryotes are among the most versatile organisms on Earth and their ability to adsorb metals for nutrient, energy or protection purposes can be noted in many different environments on our planet. The extreme thermoacidophilic archaeon Metallosphaera sedula is a metal-mobilizing archaeon capable of redox transformations during chemolithoautotrophic growth on diverse metal-bearing compounds. Examining the interfaces of this extreme metallophilic archaeon with various metal-bearing substrates of terrestrial and extraterrestrial origin, we have detected its selective preservation after desiccation. Cultivated on specific metal-bearing materials, e.g., tungsten-bearing scheelite, tungsten-bearing polyoxometalate, multimetallic waste products, and the NWA 1172 meteorite, cells of M. sedula can be preserved after dehydration, and therefore can potentially serve as a microbial fingerprint of the presence and/or activity of metal-transforming microorganisms. Preservation of desiccated M. sedula cells reported in this study has a discriminatory character, depending on the content and nature of the metal-containing compound used for cultivation of this metallophilic microorganism. The achieved preservation of dehydrated M. sedula cells facilitates our survivability studies with this desiccated microorganism during future space exposure experiments and under simulated space environmental conditions.","author":[{"family":"Kölbl","given":"Denise"},{"family":"Blazevic","given":"Amir"},{"family":"Albu","given":"Mihaela"},{"family":"Fasching","given":"Christoph"},{"family":"Milojević","given":"Tetyana"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2020.00041","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2020.00041","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3047313748","type":"article-journal","title":"Thermal Extraction of Volatiles from Lunar and Asteroid Regolith in Axisymmetric Crank–Nicolson Modeling","abstract":"A physics-based computer model has been developed to support the development of volatile extraction from regolith of the Moon and asteroids. The model is based upon empirical data sets for extraterrestrial soils and simulants, including thermal conductivity of regolith and mixed composition ice, heat capacity of soil and mixed composition ice, hydrated mineral volatile release patterns, and sublimation of ice. A new thermal conductivity relationship is derived that generalizes cases of regolith with varying temperature, soil porosity, and pore vapor pressure. Ice composition is based upon measurements of icy ejecta from the Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) impact and it is shown that thermal conductivity and heat capacity equations for water ice provide adequate accuracy at the present level of development. The heat diffusion equations are integrated with gas diffusion equations using multiple adaptive timesteps. The entire model is placed into a Crank-Nicholson framework where the finite difference formalism was extended to two dimensions in axisymmetry. The one-dimensional version of the model successfully predicts heat transfer that matches lunar and asteroid data sets. The axisymmetric model has been used to study heat dissipation around lunar drills and water extraction in asteroid coring devices.","author":[{"family":"Metzger","given":"Philip"},{"family":"Zacny","given":"K"},{"family":"Morrison","given":"Phillip"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1061/(asce)as.1943-5525.0001165","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)as.1943-5525.0001165","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3194784708","type":"article-journal","title":"Paleocene/Eocene carbon feedbacks triggered by volcanic activity","abstract":"Abstract The Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was a period of geologically-rapid carbon release and global warming ~56 million years ago. Although modelling, outcrop and proxy records suggest volcanic carbon release occurred, it has not yet been possible to identify the PETM trigger, or if multiple reservoirs of carbon were involved. Here we report elevated levels of mercury relative to organic carbon—a proxy for volcanism—directly preceding and within the early PETM from two North Sea sedimentary cores, signifying pulsed volcanism from the North Atlantic Igneous Province likely provided the trigger and subsequently sustained elevated CO2. However, the PETM onset coincides with a mercury low, suggesting at least one other carbon reservoir released significant greenhouse gases in response to initial warming. Our results support the existence of ‘tipping points’ in the Earth system, which can trigger release of additional carbon reservoirs and drive Earth’s climate into a hotter state.","author":[{"family":"Kender","given":"Sev"},{"family":"Bogus","given":"Kara"},{"family":"Pedersen","given":"Gunver"},{"family":"Dybkjær","given":"Karen"},{"family":"Mather","given":"Tamsin"},{"family":"Mariani","given":"Erica"},{"family":"Ridgwell","given":"Andy"},{"family":"Riding","given":"James"},{"family":"Wagner","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Hesselbo","given":"Stephen"},{"family":"Leng","given":"Melanie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-021-25536-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-25536-0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3110131080","type":"article-journal","title":"Microtextures in the Chelyabinsk impact breccia reveal the history of Phosphorus‐Olivine‐Assemblages in chondrites","abstract":"Abstract The geochemistry and textures of phosphate minerals can provide insights into the geological histories of parental asteroids, but the processes governing their formation and deformation remain poorly constrained. We assessed phosphorus‐bearing minerals in the three lithologies (light, dark, and melt) of the Chelyabinsk (LL5) ordinary chondrite using scanning electron microscope, electron microprobe, cathodoluminescence, and electron backscatter diffraction techniques. The majority of studied phosphate grains appear intergrown with olivine. However, microtextures of phosphates (apatite [Ca5(PO4)3(OH,Cl,F)] and merrillite [Ca9NaMg(PO4)7]) are extremely variable within and between the differently shocked lithologies investigated. We observe continuously strained as well as recrystallized strain‐free merrillite populations. Grains with strain‐free subdomains are present only in the more intensely shocked dark lithology, indicating that phosphate growth predates the development of primary shock‐metamorphic features. Complete melting of portions of the meteorite is recorded by the shock‐melt lithology, which contains a population of phosphorus‐rich olivine grains. The response of phosphorus‐bearing minerals to shock is therefore hugely variable throughout this monomict impact breccia. We propose a paragenetic history for P‐bearing phases in Chelyabinsk involving initial phosphate growth via P‐rich olivine replacement, followed by phosphate deformation during an early impact event. This event was also responsible for the local development of shock melt that lacks phosphate grains and instead contains P‐enriched olivine. We generalize our findings to propose a new classification scheme for Phosphorus‐Olivine‐Assemblages (Type I–III POAs). We highlight how POAs can be used to trace radiogenic metamorphism and shock metamorphic events that together span the entire geological history of chondritic asteroids.","author":[{"family":"Walton","given":"Craig"},{"family":"Baziotis","given":"Ioannis"},{"family":"Černok","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Ferrière","given":"L"},{"family":"Asimow","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Shorttle","given":"Oliver"},{"family":"Anand","given":"M"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13648","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13648","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3110791372","type":"article-journal","title":"Analytical protocols for Phobos regolith samples returned by the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission","abstract":"Abstract Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will launch a spacecraft in 2024 for a sample return mission from Phobos (Martian Moons eXploration: MMX). Touchdown operations are planned to be performed twice at different landing sites on the Phobos surface to collect > 10 g of the Phobos surface materials with coring and pneumatic sampling systems on board. The Sample Analysis Working Team (SAWT) of MMX is now designing analytical protocols of the returned Phobos samples to shed light on the origin of the Martian moons as well as the evolution of the Mars–moon system. Observations of petrology and mineralogy, and measurements of bulk chemical compositions and stable isotopic ratios of, e.g., O, Cr, Ti, and Zn can provide crucial information about the origin of Phobos. If Phobos is a captured asteroid composed of primitive chondritic materials, as inferred from its reflectance spectra, geochemical data including the nature of organic matter as well as bulk H and N isotopic compositions characterize the volatile materials in the samples and constrain the type of the captured asteroid. Cosmogenic and solar wind components, most pronounced in noble gas isotopic compositions, can reveal surface processes on Phobos. Long- and short-lived radionuclide chronometry such as 53 Mn– 53 Cr and 87 Rb– 87 Sr systematics can date pivotal events like impacts, thermal metamorphism, and aqueous alteration on Phobos. It should be noted that the Phobos regolith is expected to contain a small amount of materials delivered from Mars, which may be physically and chemically different from any Martian meteorites in our collection and thus are particularly precious. The analysis plan will be designed to detect such Martian materials, if any, from the returned samples dominated by the endogenous Phobos materials in curation procedures at JAXA before they are processed for further analyses.","author":[{"family":"Fujiya","given":"Wataru"},{"family":"Furukawa","given":"Yoshihiro"},{"family":"Sugahara","given":"Haruna"},{"family":"Koike","given":"Mizuho"},{"family":"Bajo","given":"Ken‐ichi"},{"family":"Chabot","given":"NL"},{"family":"Miura","given":"Yayoi"},{"family":"Moynier","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Takano","given":"Yoshinori"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40623-021-01438-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-021-01438-9","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4400291839","type":"article-journal","title":"Aqueous alteration of Ryugu's parent body: Insights from carbonates seen by MicrOmega","abstract":"Carbonate minerals are tracers of the chemical and temporal evolution of aqueous alteration on the parent bodies of meteorites, in particular of the hydrated CI and CM carbonaceous chondrites. While principal differences in the carbonate abundances of CI and CM chondrites representative of different alteration scenarios are well established [1, 2], detailed timelines concerning e.g. the variability in the composition of the alteration fluid and the physical conditions on the parent bodies during alteration remain open questions and require further investigations.The samples of (162173) Ryugu returned by the JAXA Hayabusa2 mission show similarities with CI chondrites [3, 4]. Thanks to the MicrOmega instrument in the Extraterrestrial Curation Center in Sagamihara, Japan [5, 6], Loizeau et al. [7] identified areas enriched in carbonates in more than 180 Ryugu grains, showing that, consistent with CI chondrites, dolomite-like and breunnerite-like are the most abundant, while the relative abundance between the two depends on the size of the carbonate inclusion. Fujiya et al. [8] reported the presence of rare and small calcite grains in Ryugu, in combination with anhydrous silicates (olivine and Mg-rich pyroxene), indicating that less aqueous alteration occurred in these regions. Using O and C isotopes, they conclude that calcites precipitated first among the carbonates. Yamaguchi et al. [9] further report oscillatory zoning of Mn, Fe, and Ca in dolomites, indicating varying fluid compositions during carbonate formations.The hyperspectral microscope MicrOmega is in the unique position of analysing the entire returned material of Ryugu under a controlled N2-purged environment within the ISAS, JAXA, curation facility. This enables us to perform a large-scale, statistical description of mineral distributions in the sample. MicrOmega obtains spectra from 1-3.6μm in a 256x256 pixel grid with a spatial pixel scale of 22.5μm. We present here the distribution of carbonates in over 50% of the Ryugu sample in terms of mass, with a focus on small-scale variability (tens of microns, refer to Fig. 1) within carbonates. A particular emphasis is placed on the identification of calcites, given their established link to pristine lithologies in CI chondrites and on Ryugu [2, 8]. Our results show that carbonates follow different compositional distributions between the two chambers A and C, the former representing Ryugu surface material and the latter material excavated via an impactor. We explore different hypotheses concerning the origin of this discrepancy in the chambers' carbonates.Fig. 1: Top: False-RGB images of carbonate-rich regions on grains C0181 and A0360, colour-coded by the best-matching carbonate references. C0181 is rich in breunnerite-like inclusions, while carbonates in A0360 are predominantly dolomite-like. Carbonates in C0181 show indications of Fe-zoning from the interior to the exterior regions of the inclusion. Bottom: The average spectrum of the breunnerite-like (left) and dolomite-like (left) pixel in C0181 and A0360 respectively (solid lines), together with the best-matching reference spectrum (faded line). N gives the number of pixel matched to the respective best-matching reference spectra.A more recent addition to the collection of pristine asteroidal material on Earth are the samples of (101955) Bennu collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission and returned in September 2023. While initially suspected to be of CM-like composition [10], the analysis of bulk major and trace elements suggests that Bennu consists of CI-like material [11]. Unlike for Ryugu, remote-sensing data indicates the presence of large-scale carbonate veins on Bennu’s surface, showing relative species-abundances typical for CM chondrites, with calcite, dolomite, and magnesite as predominant carbonates [12]. At small scales on the returned sample, several carbonate species (e.g. dolomite, calcite, and breunnerite) have been identified [13]. We conclude with an ","author":[{"family":"Mahlke","given":"Max"},{"family":"Lantz","given":"C"},{"family":"Pilorget","given":"C"},{"family":"Bibring","given":"Jean‐pierre"},{"family":"Aléontoppani","given":"Alice"},{"family":"Baklouti","given":"D"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"R"},{"family":"Hatakeda","given":"Kentaroh"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Te"},{"family":"Loizeau","given":"D"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc2024-174","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc2024-174","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4311809895","type":"article-journal","title":"Gamma-Ray-Induced Amino Acid Formation in Aqueous Small Bodies in the Early Solar System","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Carbonaceous chondrites contain life’s essential building blocks, including amino acids, and their delivery of organic compounds would have played a key role in life’s emergence on Earth. Aqueous alteration of carbonaceous chondrites is a widespread process induced by the heat produced by radioactive decay of nuclides like 26 Al. Simple ubiquitous molecules like formaldehyde and ammonia could produce various organic compounds, including amino acids and complex organic macromolecules. However, the effects of radiation on such organic chemistry are unknown. Hence, the effects of gamma rays from radioactive decays on the formation of amino acids in meteorite parent bodies are demonstrated here. We discovered that gamma-ray irradiation of aqueous formaldehyde and ammonia solutions afforded a variety of amino acids. The amino acid yields had a linear relationship with the total gamma-ray dose but were unaffected by the irradiation dose rates. Given the gamma-ray production rates in the meteorite parent bodies, we estimated that the production rates were reasonable compared to amino acid abundances in carbonaceous chondrites. Our findings indicate that gamma rays may contribute to amino acid formation in parent bodies during aqueous alteration. In this paper, we propose a new prebiotic amino acid formation pathway that contributes to life’s origin.","author":[{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Asano","given":"Shinya"},{"family":"Tani","given":"Atsushi"},{"family":"Yoda","given":"Isao"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Kensei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acscentsci.2c00588","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acscentsci.2c00588","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4200098064","type":"article-journal","title":"Final Report of the Mars Sample Return Science Planning Group 2 (MSPG2)","abstract":"The Mars Sample Return (MSR) Campaign must meet a series of scientific and technical achievements to be successful. While the respective engineering responsibilities to retrieve the samples have been formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding between ESA and NASA, the roles and responsibilities of the scientific elements have yet to be fully defined. In April 2020, ESA and NASA jointly chartered the MSR Science Planning Group 2 (MSPG2) to build upon previous planning efforts in defining 1) an end-to-end MSR Science Program and 2) needed functionalities and design requirements for an MSR Sample Receiving Facility (SRF). The challenges for the first samples brought from another planet include not only maintaining and providing samples in pristine condition for study, but also maintaining biological containment until the samples meet sample safety criteria for distribution outside of biocontainment. The MSPG2 produced six reports outlining 66 findings. Abbreviated versions of the five additional high-level MSPG2 summary findings are: Summary-1. A long-term NASA/ESA MSR Science Program, along with the necessary funding and human resources, will be required to accomplish the end-to-end scientific objectives of MSR. Summary-2. MSR curation would need to be done concurrently with Biosafety Level-4 containment. This would lead to complex first-of-a-kind curation implementations and require further technology development. Summary-3. Most aspects of MSR sample science could, and should, be performed on samples deemed safe in laboratories outside of the SRF. However, other aspects of MSR sample science are both time-sensitive and sterilization-sensitive and would need to be carried out in the SRF. Summary-4. To meet the unique science, curation, and planetary protection needs of MSR, substantial analytical and sample management capabilities would be required in an SRF. Summary-5. Because of the long lead-time for SRF design, construction, and certification, it is important that preparations begin immediately, even if there is delay in the return of samples.","author":[{"family":"Meÿer","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Kminek","given":"Gerhard"},{"family":"Beaty","given":"David"},{"family":"Carrier","given":"Brandi"},{"family":"Haltigin","given":"T"},{"family":"Hays","given":"LE"},{"family":"Agree","given":"Carl"},{"family":"Busemann","given":"H"},{"family":"Cavalazzi","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Debaille","given":"Vinciane"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"DP"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2021.0121","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2021.0121","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4406467733","type":"article-journal","title":"地外有机物种类与分布及其天体生物学启示","abstract":"In this review it focuses on the detection history and research progress of extraterrestrial organic matter, exploring the species, structures, chemical compositions, and isotopic compositions of organic matter in the interstellar medium, extraterrestrial bodies, and extraterrestrial samples.The goal is to comprehend the origins of extraterrestrial organic matter, to address the related scientific issues and to explore its implications for astrobiology.The widespread distribution of organic molecules in the interstellar medium suggests that organic matter is not exclusive to Earth or the Solar System, but rather is present throughout the universe.Carbonaceous chondrites contain a variety of organic substances, including alcohols, amino acids, and carboxylic acids.The progress in space exploration has led to remarkable findings, including the detection of methane fluctuations in the Martian 基金项目： 中国科学院战略性先导科技专项(No.XDB41000000).","author":[{"family":"Qiu","given":"Mengfan"},{"family":"Xue","given":"Haozhong"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Sen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3799/dqkx.2024.067","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3799/dqkx.2024.067","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3036514124","type":"article-journal","title":"Geologic context and potential EVA targets at the lunar south pole","abstract":"The lunar south pole is being targeted for exploration, in part, because it contains topographical high points with >50% illumination needed for solar power. Additionally, the south pole is being targeted because it contains permanently shadowed regions (PSRs), which may sequester resources in the form of volatile materials. Geologically, the pole lies on the rim of ~21 km diameter Shackleton crater, which is located on the topographic rim of the ~2,500 km diameter South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin, the largest and oldest basin on the Moon. To prepare for future missions, we conducted a photogeologic analysis of the walls, rim, and ejecta of Shackleton crater. Two types of underlying (target) terrains were identified. The impact penetrated and exposed (1) purest anorthosite (PAN) representative of primitive crust and (2) a layered terrain that is likely a series of impact ejecta deposits that stratigraphically cover the crystalline crust. Crew performing extravehicular activities (EVAs) near the south pole may be able to sample PAN; impact melt from Shackleton, SPA, and other pre-Nectarian and Nectarian-age impacts; and polar regolith, including material from small PSRs that may contain volatile components. The topography in the south polar region is dramatic, often producing slopes in excess of 15°, creating mobility challenges for astronauts during EVAs.","author":[{"family":"Gawronska","given":"Aleksandra"},{"family":"Barrett","given":"Natasha"},{"family":"Boazman","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Gilmour","given":"Cosette"},{"family":"Halim","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Harish"},{"family":"Mccanaan","given":"K"},{"family":"Satyakumar","given":"AV"},{"family":"Shah","given":"Jahnavi"},{"family":"Meyer","given":"Heather"},{"family":"Kring","given":"DA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.asr.2020.05.035","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2020.05.035","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4308026298","type":"article-journal","title":"A Mars 2020 Perseverance SuperCam Perspective on the Igneous Nature of the Máaz Formation at Jezero Crater and Link With Séítah, Mars","abstract":"Abstract The Máaz formation consists of the first lithologies in Jezero crater analyzed by the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover. This formation, investigated from Sols (Martian days) 1 to 201 and from Sols 343 to 382, overlies the Séítah formation (previously described as an olivine‐rich cumulate) and was initially suggested to represent an igneous crater floor unit based on orbital analyses. Using SuperCam data, we conducted a detailed textural, chemical, and mineralogical analyses of the Máaz formation and the Content member of the Séítah formation. We conclude that the Máaz formation and the Content member are igneous and consist of different lava flows and/or possibly pyroclastic flows with complex textures, including vesicular and non‐vesicular rocks with different grain sizes. The Máaz formation rocks exhibit some of the lowest Mg# (=molar 100 × MgO/MgO + FeO) of all Martian igneous rocks analyzed so far (including meteorites and surface rocks) and show similar basaltic to basaltic‐andesitic compositions. Their mineralogy is dominated by Fe‐rich augite to possibly ferrosilite and plagioclase, and minor phases such as Fe‐Ti oxides and Si‐rich phases. They show a broad diversity of both compositions and textures when compared to Martian meteorites and other surface rocks. The different Máaz and Content lava or pyroclastic flows all originate from the same parental magma and/or the same magmatic system, but are not petrogenetically linked to the Séítah formation. The study of returned Máaz samples in Earth‐based laboratories will help constrain the formation of these rocks, calibrate Martian crater counting, and overall, improve our understanding of magmatism on Mars.","author":[{"family":"Udry","given":"Arya"},{"family":"Ostwald","given":"Amanda"},{"family":"Sautter","given":"V"},{"family":"Cousin","given":"A"},{"family":"Beyssac","given":"O"},{"family":"Forni","given":"O"},{"family":"Dromart","given":"Gilles"},{"family":"Benzerara","given":"Karim"},{"family":"Nachon","given":"M"},{"family":"Horgan","given":"B"},{"family":"Mandon","given":"Lucia"},{"family":"Clavé","given":"Elise"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2022je007440","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2022je007440","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4289940090","type":"article-journal","title":"Effect of iron redox ratio on the structures of boroaluminosilicate glasses","abstract":"Abstract Iron oxide is commonly found in natural or industrial glass compositions and can exist as ferrous (Fe 2+ ) or ferric (Fe 3+ ) species, with their ratios depending on glass composition, temperature, pressure and the redox reactions during the glass forming process. The iron redox ratio plays an important role on silicate glass structures and consequently various properties. This work aims to study the effect of iron oxide, and particularly the iron redox ratio, on the structures of borosilicate and boroaluminosilicate glasses using molecular dynamics simulations with newly developed iron potential parameters that are compatible with the borosilicate potentials. The results provide detailed cation coordination states of both iron species and the effect of redox ratio on boron coordination and other structural features. Particularly, competition for charge compensating modifier cations (such as Na + ) among the fourfold‐coordinated cations such as B 3+ , Al 3+ , and Fe 3+ is investigated by calculating the cation–cation pair distribution functions and coordination preferential ratios. The results show that the trivalent ferric ions, with a shorter Fe–O bond distance and better defined first coordiation shell with mainly four‐fold coordination, act as a glass former whereas the divalent ferrous ions mainly play the role of glass modifier. The ferrous/ferric ratio (Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ ) was found to affect the glass chemistry and hence glass properties by regulating the amount of four‐coordinated boron, the fraction of non‐briding oxygen and other features. The results are compared with available experimental data to gain insights of the complex structures and charge compensation schemes of the glass system.","author":[{"family":"Tuheen","given":"Manzila"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Du","given":"Jincheng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1111/jace.18685","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.18685","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4285987850","type":"article-journal","title":"Employing relaxed smoothness constraints on imaginary part of refractive index in AERONET aerosol retrieval algorithm","abstract":"Abstract. In the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) retrieval algorithm, smoothness constraints on the imaginary part of the refractive index provide control of retrieved spectral dependence of aerosol absorption by preventing the inversion code from fitting the noise in optical measurements and thus avoiding unrealistic oscillations of retrievals with wavelength. The history of implementation of the smoothness constraints in the AERONET retrieval algorithm is discussed. It is shown that the latest version of the smoothness constraints on the imaginary part of refractive index, termed standard and employed by Version 3 of the retrieval algorithm, should be modified to account for strong variability of light absorption by brown-carbon-containing aerosols in UV through mid-visible parts of the solar spectrum. In Version 3 strong spectral constraints were imposed at high values of the Ångström exponent (440–870 nm) since black carbon was assumed to be the primary absorber, while the constraints became increasingly relaxed as aerosol exponent deceased to allow for wavelength dependence of absorption for dust aerosols. The new version of the smoothness constraints on the imaginary part of the refractive index assigns different weights to different pairs of wavelengths, which are the same for all values of the Ångström exponent. For example, in the case of four-wavelength input, the weights assigned to short-wavelength pairs (440–675, 675–870 nm) are small so that smoothness constraints do not suppress natural spectral variability of the imaginary part of the refractive index. At longer wavelengths (870–1020 nm), however, the weight is 10 times higher to provide additional constraints on the imaginary part of refractive index retrievals of aerosols with a high Ångström exponent due to low sensitivity to aerosol absorption for longer channels at relatively low aerosol optical depths. The effect of applying the new version of smoothness constraints, termed relaxed, on retrievals of single-scattering albedo is analyzed for case studies of different aerosol types: black- and brown-carbon-containing fine mode aerosols, mineral dust coarse mode aerosols, and urban industrial fine mode aerosol. It is shown that for brown-carbon-containing aerosols employing the relaxed smoothness constraints resulted in significant reduction in retrieved single-scattering albedo and spectral residual errors (compared to standard) at the short wavelengths. For example, biomass burning smoke cases showed a reduction in single-scattering albedo and spectral residual error at 380 nm of ∼ 0.033 and ∼ 17 %, respectively, for the Rexburg site and ∼ 0.04 and ∼ 12.7 % for the Rimrock site, both AERONET sites in Idaho, USA. For a site with very high levels of black-carbon-containing aerosols (Mongu, Zambia), the effect of modification in the smoothness constraints was minor. For mineral dust aerosols at small Ångström exponent values (Mezaira site, UAE), the spectral constraint on the imaginary part of the refractive index was already relaxed in Version 3; therefore the new relaxed constraint results in minimal change. In the case of weakly absorbing urban industrial aerosols at the GSFC site, there are significant changes in retrieved single-scattering albedo using relaxed assumption, especially reductions at longer wavelengths: ∼ 0.016 and ∼ 0.02 at 875 and 1020 nm, respectively, for 440 nm aerosol optical depth (AOD) ∼ 0.3. The modification of smoothness constraints on the imaginary part of the refractive index has a minor effect on retrievals of other aerosol parameters such as the real part of the refractive index and parameters of the aerosol size distribution. The implementation of the relaxed smoothness constraints on the imaginary part of the refractive index in the next version of the AERONET inversion algorithm will produce significant impacts at some sites in short wavelength channels (380 and 440 nm) for some biomass burning smoke cases with significant ","author":[{"family":"Sinyuk","given":"A"},{"family":"Holben","given":"BN"},{"family":"Eck","given":"TF"},{"family":"Giles","given":"DM"},{"family":"Slutsker","given":"I"},{"family":"Dubovik","given":"Оleg"},{"family":"Schafer","given":"Joel"},{"family":"Smirnov","given":"A"},{"family":"Sorokin","given":"MG"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.5194/amt-15-4135-2022","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-4135-2022","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4285265255","type":"article-journal","title":"Detection of biosignatures in terrestrial Mars analogs: Strategical and technical assessments","abstract":"The search for potential signs of Martian life has been planned and implemented by worldwide countries for decades. Due to the high expenditure on Mars exploration, more easily accessible Mars-like regions on Earth are invaluable targets for astrobiology research to understand the detection of potential Martian biosignatures. In order to detect potential life signals beyond Earth, questions on how to define life and biosignatures need to be carefully inspected. This review summarizes scientific instrumental techniques, our “eyes” and “hands”, that facilitate identifying and quantifying biosignatures on Mars. Scientific devices that can be applied in astrobiology include electromagnetic spectrum-based spectrometers, mass spectrometers, redox potential indicators, circular dichroism polarimeters, in situ nucleic acid sequencers, life isolation/cultivation systems, and imagers. These techniques should be first tested in Mars analog extreme environments on Earth to validate their practicality on Mars. To better understand the instrumental detectability of biosignatures on Mars through its evolutionary history, terrestrial Mars analogs are divided into four major categories according to their similarities to different geological ages of Mars (the Early-Middle Noachian Period, the Late Noachian-Early Hesperian Period, the Late Hesperian-Early Amazonian Period, and the Middle-Late Amazonian Period). Future missions are suggested to explore more on the early terrains in Mars’ Southern Hemisphere once the landing issue is solved engineeringly, since these explorations permit investigating a continuum of the habitability shift through Mars geological history. Moreover, practical applications of scientific instruments listed above are briefly reviewed based on the four categories of Mars analogs, and instruments applied for autonomous robotic rover tests in Mars analogs are further discussed. For engineering efficiency, a Mars rover ought to be equipped with as few assemblable instruments as possible. Therefore, once candidate landing regions on Mars are defined, the portable suites of instruments should be smartly devised on the basis of the geological, geochemical, geomorphological, and chronological characteristics of the landing regions. Laboratory-based experiments without engineering restrictions are further encouraging and appealing if Mars sample-return missions are successfully completed. To exclude false positive and false negative conclusions in life discovery, the combined use and replication studies of multiple analytical techniques must be performed to confirm the observational results.","author":[{"family":"Shen","given":"Jianxun"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Sun","given":"Yu"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Li"},{"family":"Pan","given":"Yongxin"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Wei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.26464/epp2022042","URL":"https://doi.org/10.26464/epp2022042","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403097495","type":"article-journal","title":"Luminescence Applications in Petrology","abstract":"Luminescence is a powerful tool to infer physical and chemical conditions during mineral growth. It is very subtly linked to temperature of formation, composition and structural state, and related changes during rock evolution that often cause striking contrasts in the light emitted. This information can show magma sources and the hydrothermal evolution of igneous rocks, sources and diagenesis in sedimentary systems, and the pressure–temperature evolution during metamorphism. However, luminescence is most powerful when it goes beyond imaging, coupling with spectrosco-pies and microgeochemical techniques. We present examples of luminescence spectroscopies in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks to show how these methods elucidate geological processes. Luminescence imaging is an exciting scientific frontier in which novel methods provide ever deeper insights into petrogenesis.","author":[{"family":"Finch","given":"Adrian"},{"family":"Dumańskasłowik","given":"Magdalena"},{"family":"Gonzálezacebrón","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Schertl","given":"Hans‐peter"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.2138/gselements.20.5.305","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.20.5.305","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4206778586","type":"article-journal","title":"Reviewing in situ analytical techniques used to research Martian geochemistry: From the Viking Project to the MMX future mission","abstract":"The study of space has always been a field of great interest and thus space missions are becoming more and more ambitious with time. Therefore, with the 50th anniversary of the first spacecraft to land on Mars, a review about how traditional analytical techniques have been adapted to the era of in situ space exploration is presented. From the Viking Project to the future MMX mission, the techniques used for the in situ study of the geochemistry of the Martian surface is described. These techniques have been differentiated according to the type of analysis: elemental and molecular. On the one hand, among the elemental analytical techniques the XRF, APXS, ISE and LIBS stand out. On the other hand, GCMS, TEGA, MBS, XRD, Raman and IR spectroscopy have been the molecular techniques used in the missions to Mars. Miniaturization, real-time measurements, automation, low power consumption and reliability of operation under extreme conditions are some of the major challenges that analytical chemistry has faced as a result of the technological and scientific requirements of space missions. In this way, this review gathers all the in situ analytical techniques that have reached the surface of Mars onboard landers or rovers with the aim of studying its geochemistry.","author":[{"family":"Huidobro","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Aramendia","given":"Julene"},{"family":"Arana","given":"Gorka"},{"family":"Madariaga","given":"Juan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.aca.2022.339499","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2022.339499","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403186396","type":"article-journal","title":"From Catalysis of Evolution to Evolution of Catalysis","abstract":"The mystery of the origins of life is one of the most difficult yet intriguing challenges to which humanity has grappled. How did biopolymers emerge in the absence of enzymes (evolved biocatalysts), and how did long-lasting chemical evolution find a path to the highly selective complex biology that we observe today? In this paper, we discuss a chemical framework that explores the very roots of catalysis, demonstrating how standard catalytic activity based on chemical and physical principles can evolve into complex machineries. We provide several examples of how prebiotic catalysis by small molecules can be exploited to facilitate polymerization, which in biology has transformed the nature of catalysis. Thus, catalysis evolved, and evolution was catalyzed, during the transformation of prebiotic chemistry to biochemistry. Traditionally, a catalyst is defined as a substance that (i) speeds up a chemical reaction by lowering activation energy through different chemical mechanisms and (ii) is not consumed during the course of the reaction. However, considering prebiotic chemistry, which involved a highly diverse chemical space (i.e., high number of potential reactants and products) and constantly changing environment that lacked highly sophisticated catalytic machinery, we stress here that a more primitive, broader definition should be considered. Here, we consider a catalyst as any chemical species that lowers activation energy. We further discuss various demonstrations of how simple prebiotic molecules such as hydroxy acids and mercaptoacids promote the formation of peptide bonds via energetically favored exchange reactions. Even though the small molecules are partially regenerated and partially retained within the resulting oligomers, these prebiotic catalysts fulfill their primary role. Catalysis by metal ions and in complex chemical mixtures is also highlighted. We underline how chemical evolution is primarily dictated by kinetics rather than thermodynamics and demonstrate a novel concept to support this notion. Moreover, we propose a new perspective on the role of water in prebiotic catalysis. The role of water as simply a \"medium\" obscures its importance as an active participant in the chemistry of life, specifically as a very efficient catalyst and as a participant in many chemical transformations. Here we highlight the unusual contribution of water to increasing complexification over the course of chemical evolution. We discuss possible pathways by which prebiotic catalysis promoted chemical selection and complexification. Taken together, this Account draws a connection line between prebiotic catalysis and contemporary biocatalysis and demonstrates that the fundamental elements of chemical catalysis are embedded within today's biocatalysts. This Account illustrates how the evolution of catalysis was intertwined with chemical evolution from the very beginning.","author":[{"family":"Edri","given":"Rotem"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Loren"},{"family":"Frenkelpinter","given":"Moran"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00196","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00196","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3005298941","type":"article-journal","title":"Causal illusion as a cognitive basis of pseudoscientific beliefs","abstract":"Causal illusion has been proposed as a cognitive mediator of pseudoscientific beliefs. However, previous studies have only tested the association between this cognitive bias and a closely related but different type of unwarranted beliefs, those related to superstition and paranormal phenomena. Participants (n = 225) responded to a novel questionnaire of pseudoscientific beliefs designed for this study. They also completed a contingency learning task in which a possible cause, infusion intake, and a desired effect, headache remission, were actually non-contingent. Volunteers with higher scores on the questionnaire also presented stronger causal illusion effects. These results support the hypothesis that causal illusions might play a fundamental role in the endorsement of pseudoscientific beliefs.","author":[{"family":"Torres","given":"Marta"},{"family":"Barberia","given":"Itxaso"},{"family":"Rodríguezferreiro","given":"Javier"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1111/bjop.12441","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/bjop.12441","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4206356959","type":"article-journal","title":"Europan Molecular Indicators of Life Investigation (EMILI) for a Future Europa Lander Mission","abstract":"The Europan Molecular Indicators of Life Investigation (EMILI) is an instrument concept being developed for the Europa Lander mission currently under study. EMILI will meet and exceed the scientific and technical/resource requirements of the organic composition analyzer identified as a core instrument on the Lander. EMILI tightly couples two complementary analytical techniques, based on 1) liquid extraction and processing with capillary electrophoresis and 2) thermal and chemical extraction with gas chromatography, to robustly detect, structurally characterize, and quantify the broadest range of organics and other Europan chemicals over widely-varying concentrations. Dual processing and analysis paths enable EMILI to perform a thorough characterization of potential molecular biosignatures and contextual compounds in collected surface samples. Here we present a summary of the requirements, design, and development status of EMILI with projected scientific opportunities on the Europa Lander as well as on other potential life detection missions seeking potential molecular biosignatures in situ.","author":[{"family":"Brinckerhoff","given":"WB"},{"family":"Willis","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Ricco","given":"Antonio"},{"family":"Kaplan","given":"Desmond"},{"family":"Danell","given":"Ryan"},{"family":"Grubisic","given":"Andrej"},{"family":"Mora","given":"María"},{"family":"Creamer","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Noell","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Stern","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Szopa","given":"Cyril"},{"family":"Freissinet","given":"Caroline"},{"family":"Kehl","given":"Florian"},{"family":"Zamuruyev","given":"Konstantin"},{"family":"Castle","given":"Conner"},{"family":"Spring","given":"Justin"},{"family":"Drevinskas","given":"Tomas"},{"family":"Bădescu","given":"Mircea"},{"family":"Santos","given":"Mauro"},{"family":"Jaramillo","given":"Elizabeth"},{"family":"Amerom","given":"Friso"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xiang"},{"family":"Castillo","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Eigenbrode","given":"JL"},{"family":"Theiling","given":"Bethany"},{"family":"Quinn","given":"RC"},{"family":"Stalport","given":"Fabien"},{"family":"Buch","given":"A"},{"family":"Zacny","given":"K"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3389/frspt.2021.760927","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/frspt.2021.760927","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3194101386","type":"article-journal","title":"Feasibility Study of Low Mass and Low Energy Consumption Drilling Devices for Future Space (Mining Surveying) Missions","abstract":"The global climate crisis forces the search for new ecological sources of energy and mining methods. Space mining can solve those problems, but, first, wide geological surveying space missions using drilling methods are necessary. Additionally, drilling methods will be important in geological, life searching, geoengineering, and many other studies of extraterrestrial objects. Space is becoming a new area of possible drilling applications. Designing future space drilling missions requires adapting drilling technologies, not only to the conditions of the space environment, but also to the economic and technological realities of the space industry. The possibility of constructing low mass coring devices with energy consumption below 100 W was investigated in this paper. Minimization of energy consumption and mass of a coring is essential for the device to be used in space missions, when lander instruments supplied by low power electric battery are expected to work reliably and the launch cost (depending of mass) at an economically acceptable level. Some similar devices investigated for the future space missions are known from papers listed in the references. To answer whether or not it is possible to build such devices, the authors performed initial drillability tests. The obtained results are presented in this paper.","author":[{"family":"Zwierzyński","given":"A"},{"family":"Teper","given":"W"},{"family":"Wiśniowski","given":"Rafał"},{"family":"Gonet","given":"Andrzej"},{"family":"Buratowski","given":"Tomasz"},{"family":"Uhl","given":"Tadeusz"},{"family":"Seweryn","given":"Karol"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/en14165005","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/en14165005","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3085033473","type":"article-journal","title":"Strategies for Improved Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) through Simplified Soilless Cultivation under Semi-Arid Climate","abstract":"Simplified soilless cultivation (SSC) systems have globally spread as growing solutions for low fertility soil regions, low availability of water irrigation, small areas and polluted environments. In the present study, four independent experiments were conducted for assessing the applicability of SSC in the northeast of Brazil (NE-Brazil) and the central dry zone of Myanmar (CDZ-Myanmar). In the first two experiments, the potentiality for lettuce crop production and water use efficiency (WUE) in an SSC system compared to traditional on-soil cultivation was addressed. Then, the definition of how main crop features (cultivar, nutrient solution concentration, system orientation and crop position) within the SSC system affect productivity was evidenced. The adoption of SSC improved yield (+35% and +72%, in NE-Brazil and CDZ-Myanmar) and WUE (7.7 and 2.7 times higher, in NE-Brazil and CDZ-Myanmar) as compared to traditional on-soil cultivation. In NE-Brazil, an eastern orientation of the system enabled achievement of higher yield for some selected lettuce cultivars. Furthermore, in both the considered contexts, a lower concentration of the nutrient solution (1.2 vs. 1.8 dS m−1) and an upper plant position within the SSC system enabled achievement of higher yield and WUE. The experiments validate the applicability of SSC technologies for lettuce cultivation in tropical areas.","author":[{"family":"Michelon","given":"Nicola"},{"family":"Pennisi","given":"Giuseppina"},{"family":"Myint","given":"Nang"},{"family":"Dallolio","given":"Giacomo"},{"family":"Batista","given":"Lucrécia"},{"family":"Salviano","given":"Adeodato"},{"family":"Gruda","given":"Nazim"},{"family":"Orsini","given":"Francesco"},{"family":"Gianquinto","given":"Giorgio"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3390/agronomy10091379","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091379","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4212904505","type":"article-journal","title":"Halogens in Seaweeds: Biological and Environmental Significance","abstract":"Many marine algae are strong accumulators of halogens. Commercial iodine production started by burning seaweeds in the 19th century. The high iodine content of certain seaweeds has potential pharmaceutical and nutritional applications. While the metabolism of iodine in brown algae is linked to oxidative metabolism, with iodide serving the function of an inorganic antioxidant protecting the cell and thallus surface against reactive oxygen species with implications for atmospheric and marine chemistry, rather little is known about the regulation and homoeostasis of other halogens in seaweeds in general and the ecological and biological role of marine algal halogenated metabolites (except for organohalogen secondary metabolites). The present review covers these areas, including the significance of seaweed-derived halogens and of halogens in general in the context of human diet and physiology. Furthermore, the understanding of interactions between halogenated compound production by algae and the environment, including anthropogenic impacts, effects on the ozone layer and global climate change, is reviewed together with the production of halogenated natural products by seaweeds and the potential of seaweeds as bioindicators for halogen radionuclides.","author":[{"family":"Al-Adilah","given":"Hanan"},{"family":"Feiters","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Carpenter","given":"Lucy"},{"family":"Kumari","given":"Puja"},{"family":"Carrano","given":"Carl"},{"family":"Albader","given":"Dhia"},{"family":"Küpper","given":"Frithjof"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3390/phycology2010009","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology2010009","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3108370340","type":"article-journal","title":"Molecular dynamics study of confined water in the periclase-brucite system under conditions of reaction-induced fracturing","abstract":"The volume-increase associated with hydration reactions in rocks may lead to reaction-induced fracturing, but requires a stable water film to be present at reactive grain boundaries even when subject to compressive stress. Hydration of periclase to brucite is associated with a solid volume increase of ca. 110%. Recent experiments on the periclase-brucite system observed that when the effective mean stress exceeds 30 MPa, the reaction rate slows down dramatically. We hypothesize that for the brucite forming reaction to progress, the fluid film between grains must remain stable. If the applied pressure becomes larger than the hydration force, the fluid film will collapse and be squeezed out of the grain contacts. To quantify this effect, we study the behavior of a water film confined between periclase or brucite surfaces subject to compressive stress, by performing molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations are carried out using the ClayFF force field and the single point charge (SPC) water model in the molecular dynamics simulations program LAMMPS. The setup consists of two interfaces of either periclase or brucite surrounded by water. Our simulations show that when the pressure reaches a few tens of MPa, the water film collapses and reduces the water film to one or two water layers, while the self-diffusion coefficient of water molecules by a factor of eight. A water film thickness below two water layers is thinner than the size of the hydration shell around Mg2+-ions, which will limit ion-transport. The observed collapse of the water film to a single layer at a normal pressure of 25–30 MPa might explain the observed slow-down of reaction-induced fracturing in the periclase-brucite system.","author":[{"family":"Guren","given":"Marthe"},{"family":"Sveinsson","given":"Henrik"},{"family":"Hafreager","given":"Anders"},{"family":"Jamtveit","given":"Bjørn"},{"family":"Malthesørenssen","given":"Anders"},{"family":"Renard","given":"François"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gca.2020.11.016","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2020.11.016","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W2999197300","type":"article-journal","title":"Advances in Cosmochemistry Enabled by Antarctic Meteorites","abstract":"At present, meteorites collected in Antarctica dominate the total number of the world's known meteorites. We focus here on the scientific advances in cosmochemistry and planetary science that have been enabled by access to, and investigations of, these Antarctic meteorites. A meteorite recovered during one of the earliest field seasons of systematic searches, Elephant Moraine (EET) A79001, was identified as having originated on Mars based on the composition of gases released from shock melt pockets in this rock. Subsequently, the first lunar meteorite, Allan Hills (ALH) 81005, was also recovered from the Antarctic. Since then, many more meteorites belonging to these two classes of planetary meteorites, as well as other previously rare or unknown classes of meteorites (particularly primitive chondrites and achondrites), have been recovered from Antarctica. Studies of these samples are providing unique insights into the origin and evolution of the Solar System and planetary bodies. ▪ Antarctic meteorites dominate the inventory of the world's known meteorites and provide access to new types of planetary and asteroidal materials. ▪ The first meteorites recognized to be of lunar and martian origin were collected from Antarctica and provided unique constraints on the evolution of the Moon and Mars. ▪ Previously rare or unknown classes of meteorites have been recovered from Antarctica and provide new insights into the origin and evolution of the Solar System.","author":[{"family":"Wadhwa","given":"M"},{"family":"Mccoy","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Schrader","given":"DL"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1146/annurev-earth-082719-055815","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-earth-082719-055815","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4283204524","type":"article-journal","title":"Identification of sulfate‐reducing magnetotactic bacteria via a group‐specific 16S rDNA primer and correlative fluorescence and electron microscopy: Strategy for culture‐independent study","abstract":"Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) biomineralize intracellular magnetic nanocrystals and swim along geomagnetic field lines. While few axenic MTB cultures exist, living cells can be separated magnetically from natural environments for analysis. The bacterial universal 27F/1492R primer pair has been used widely to amplify nearly full-length 16S rRNA genes and to provide phylogenetic portraits of MTB communities. However, incomplete coverage and amplification biases inevitably prevent detection of some phylogenetically specific or non-abundant MTB. Here, we propose a new formulation of the upstream 390F primer that we combined with the downstream 1492R primer to specifically amplify 1100-bp 16S rRNA gene sequences of sulfate-reducing MTB in freshwater sediments from Lake Weiyanghu, Xi'an, northwestern China. With correlative fluorescence in situ hybridization and scanning/transmission electron microscopy, three novel MTB strains (WYHR-2, WYHR-3 and WYHR-4) from the Desulfobacterota phylum were identified phylogenetically and structurally at the single-cell level. Strain WYHR-2 produces bullet-shaped magnetosome magnetite, while the other two strains produce both cubic/prismatic greigite and bullet-shaped magnetite. Our results expand knowledge of bacterial diversity and magnetosome biomineralization of sulfate-reducing MTB. We also propose a general strategy for identifying and characterizing uncultured MTB from natural environments.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Jinhua"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Peiyu"},{"family":"Menguy","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Benzerara","given":"Karim"},{"family":"Bai","given":"Jinling"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Xiang"},{"family":"Leroy","given":"Éric"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Chaoqun"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Heng"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jiawei"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Rongrong"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Kelei"},{"family":"Roberts","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Pan","given":"Yongxin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1111/1462-2920.16109","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.16109","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3183740164","type":"article-journal","title":"AMBITION – comet nucleus cryogenic sample return","abstract":"Abstract We describe the AMBITION project, a mission to return the first-ever cryogenically-stored sample of a cometary nucleus, that has been proposed for the ESA Science Programme Voyage 2050. Comets are the leftover building blocks of giant planet cores and other planetary bodies, and fingerprints of Solar System’s formation processes. We summarise some of the most important questions still open in cometary science and Solar System formation after the successful Rosetta mission. We show that many of these scientific questions require sample analysis using techniques that are only possible in laboratories on Earth. We summarize measurements, instrumentation and mission scenarios that can address these questions. We emphasize the need for returning a sample collected at depth or, still more challenging, at cryogenic temperatures while preserving the stratigraphy of the comet nucleus surface layers. We provide requirements for the next generation of landers, for cryogenic sample acquisition and storage during the return to Earth. Rendezvous missions to the main belt comets and Centaurs, expanding our knowledge by exploring new classes of comets, are also discussed. The AMBITION project is discussed in the international context of comet and asteroid space exploration.","author":[{"family":"Bockeléemorvan","given":"D"},{"family":"Filacchione","given":"G"},{"family":"Altwegg","given":"K"},{"family":"Bianchi","given":"E"},{"family":"Bizzarro","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Blum","given":"Jürgen"},{"family":"Bonal","given":"L"},{"family":"Capaccioni","given":"F"},{"family":"Choukroun","given":"Mathieu"},{"family":"Codella","given":"C"},{"family":"Cottin","given":"Hervé"},{"family":"Davidsson","given":"B"},{"family":"Sanctis","given":"MCD"},{"family":"Drozdovskaya","given":"MN"},{"family":"Engrand","given":"C"},{"family":"Galand","given":"M"},{"family":"Güttler","given":"C"},{"family":"Henri","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Hèrique","given":"Alain"},{"family":"Ivanovski","given":"Stavro"},{"family":"Kokotanekova","given":"Rosita"},{"family":"Levasseur-Regourd","given":"Anny"},{"family":"Miller","given":"Kelly"},{"family":"Rotundi","given":"A"},{"family":"Schönbächler","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Snodgrass","given":"C"},{"family":"Thomas","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Tubiana","given":"C"},{"family":"Ulamec","given":"Stephan"},{"family":"Vincent","given":"Jean‐baptiste"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s10686-021-09770-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-021-09770-4","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3134177541","type":"article-journal","title":"Hydrogen isotopic exchange kinetics between organic matter and water: Implications for chemical evolution during meteorite parent body processing","abstract":"Abstract The large variations in hydrogen isotope ratios found in insoluble organic matter (IOM) in chondritic meteorites may be attributed to hydrogen isotopic exchange between IOM and water during aqueous alteration. We conducted D–H exchange experiments (1) during synthesis of IOM simulant (hereafter called chondritic organic analog, COA) from formaldehyde, glycolaldehyde, and ammonia with water, and (2) with the synthesized COA with a secondary reservoir of water. The changes in the D/H ratios obtained by infrared spectra of the COA suggest that most of the hydrogen in the COA is derived from water during synthesis. We further investigated the kinetics of D–H exchange between D‐rich COA and D‐poor water, as well as the opposite case, D‐poor COA and D‐rich water. To help assess understanding exchange kinetics, two‐dimensional isotope imaging obtained using isotope microscope revealed that no gradient D–H exchange profiles were present in the COA grains, indicating that the rate‐limiting step for D–H exchange is not diffusion. Thus, the changes in D/(D + H) ratios were fit by the first‐order reaction rate law. Apparent kinetic parameters—the rate constants, the activation energies, and the frequency factors—were obtained with the Arrhenius equation. Using these kinetic expressions, hydrogen isotopic exchange profiles were estimated for time and temperature behavior. The D–H exchange between organic matter and water is apparently relatively fast and this implies that the aqueous alteration temperatures should have been very low, likely close to 0 °C to maintain hydrogen isotopic disequilibrium between organic matter and liquid water for millions of years.","author":[{"family":"Kebukawa","given":"Yoko"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Sachio"},{"family":"Kawasaki","given":"Noriyuki"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Ying"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Hisayoshi"},{"family":"Cody","given":"George"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13629","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13629","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W2996890125","type":"article-journal","title":"A wind-albedo-wind feedback driven by landscape evolution","abstract":"The accurate characterization of near-surface winds is critical to our understanding of past and modern climate. Dust lofted by these winds has the potential to modify surface and atmospheric conditions as well as ocean biogeochemistry. Stony deserts, low dust emitting regions today, represent expansive areas where variations in surficial geology through time may drastically impact near-surface conditions. Here we use the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model over the western Gobi Desert to demonstrate a previously undocumented process between wind-driven landscape evolution and boundary layer conditions. Our results show that altered surficial thermal properties through winnowing of fine-grained sediments and formation of low-albedo gravel-mantled surfaces leads to an increase in near-surface winds by up to 25%; paradoxically, wind erosion results in faster winds regionally. This wind-albedo-wind feedback also leads to an increase in the frequency of hours spent at higher wind speeds, which has implications for dust emission potential.","author":[{"family":"Abell","given":"Jordan"},{"family":"Pullen","given":"Alex"},{"family":"Lebo","given":"Zachary"},{"family":"Kapp","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Gloege","given":"Lucas"},{"family":"Metcalf","given":"AR"},{"family":"Nie","given":"Junsheng"},{"family":"Winckler","given":"Gisela"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-019-13661-w","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-13661-w","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4297847642","type":"manuscript","title":"Report of the Topical Group on Particle Dark Matter for Snowmass 2021","abstract":"This report summarizes the findings of the CF1 Topical Subgroup to Snowmass 2021, which was focused on particle dark matter. One of the most important scientific goals of the next decade is to reveal the nature of dark matter (DM). To accomplish this goal, we must delve deep, to cover high priority targets including weakly-interacting massive particles (WIMPs), and search wide, to explore as much motivated DM parameter space as possible. A diverse, continuous portfolio of experiments at large, medium, and small scales that includes both direct and indirect detection techniques maximizes the probability of discovering particle DM. Detailed calibrations and modeling of signal and background processes are required to make a convincing discovery. In the event that a candidate particle is found through different means, for example at a particle collider, the program described in this report is also essential to show that it is consistent with the actual cosmological DM. The US has a leading role in both direct and indirect detection dark matter experiments -- to maintain this leading role, it is imperative to continue funding major experiments and support a robust R\\&D program.","author":[{"family":"Cooley","given":"J"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Tongyan"},{"family":"Lippincott","given":"WH"},{"family":"Slatyer","given":"Tracy"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Tien"},{"family":"Akerib","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Aramaki","given":"Tsuguo"},{"family":"Baxter","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Bringmann","given":"Torsten"},{"family":"Bunker","given":"Ray"},{"family":"Carney","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Cebrián","given":"Susana"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Cushman","given":"Priscilla"},{"family":"Dahl","given":"CE"},{"family":"Essig","given":"Rouven"},{"family":"Fan","given":"Alden"},{"family":"Gaitskell","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Galbiati","given":"Cristano"},{"family":"Gelmini","given":"Graciela"},{"family":"Giovanetti","given":"Graham"},{"family":"Giroux","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Grandi","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Harding","given":"JP"},{"family":"Haselschwardt","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Hsu","given":"Lauren"},{"family":"Horiuchi","given":"Shunsaku"},{"family":"Kahn","given":"Yonatan"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Doojin"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Geon"},{"family":"Kravitz","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Kudryavtsev","given":"VA"},{"family":"Kurinsky","given":"Noah"},{"family":"Lang","given":"Rafael"},{"family":"Leane","given":"Rebecca"},{"family":"Lehmann","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Levy","given":"Cecilia"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shengchao"},{"family":"Loer","given":"Ben"},{"family":"Manalaysay","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Martoff","given":"CJ"},{"family":"Mohlabeng","given":"Gopolang"},{"family":"Monzani","given":"ME"},{"family":"Murphy","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Neilson","given":"Russell"},{"family":"Nelson","given":"Harry"},{"family":"O'hare","given":"Ciaran"},{"family":"Palladino","given":"KJ"},{"family":"Parikh","given":"Aditya"},{"family":"Park","given":"Jong"},{"family":"Perez","given":"Kerstin"},{"family":"Profumo","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Raj","given":"Nirmal"},{"family":"Roach","given":"Brandon"},{"family":"Saab","given":"Tarek"},{"family":"Sarsa","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Schnee","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Shaw","given":"Sally"},{"family":"Shin","given":"Seodong"},{"family":"Sinha","given":"Kuver"},{"family":"Stifter","given":"Kelly"},{"family":"Suzuki","given":"Aritoki"},{"family":"Szydagis","given":"M"},{"family":"Tait","given":"Tim"},{"family":"Takhistov","given":"Volodymyr"},{"family":"Tsai","given":"Yu"},{"family":"Vahsen","given":"SE"},{"family":"Vitagliano","given":"Edoardo"},{"family":"Von Doetinchem","given":"Philip"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Gensheng"},{"family":"Westerdale","given":"Shawn"},{"family":"Williams","given":"David"},{"family":"Xiang","given":"Xin"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Liang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2209.07426","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2209.07426","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4293105395","type":"article-journal","title":"Mechanisms of chromium isotope fractionation and the applications in the environment","abstract":"Chromium (Cr) is a toxic heavy metal that gives rise to environmental pollution and human risk. Chromium stable isotopes have a wide range of applications in both environmental field and earth science field. In this contribution, we focus on the application of the Cr isotope in both tracing pollution sources and monitoring Cr(Ⅵ) pollution. Meanwhile, we also provide a description of the main influencing factors controlling Cr isotope fractionation, chromium isotope analytical methods, and terrestrial Cr release. Chromium isotope tracing of contaminant sources is a new application method, it has a tremendous advantage in searching for the source of Cr pollution, which has not been covered in previous reviews. At the end of the article, the current status of Cr isotope applications in the paleo-environment is explained. Although there are still some uncertainties in practical applications, chromium isotope system shows great promise in the environmental aspects.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Ying"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Yi"},{"family":"Li","given":"Zijing"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Xue"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Xiaowen"},{"family":"Hughes","given":"SS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113948","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113948","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3199668645","type":"article-journal","title":"Additive Manufacturing and Spark Plasma Sintering of Lunar Regolith for Functionally Graded Materials","abstract":"This study investigates the feasibility of in-situ manufacturing of a functionally graded metallic-regolith. To fabricate the gradient, digital light processing, an additive manufacturing technique, and spark plasma sintering were selected due to their compatibility with metallic-ceramic processing in a space environment. The chosen methods were first assessed for their ability to effectively consolidate regolith alone, before progressing to sintering regolith directly onto metallic substrates. Optimized processing conditions based on the sintering temperature, initial powder particle size, and different compositions of the lunar regolith powders were identified. Experiments have successfully proven the consolidation of lunar regolith simulants at 1050°C under 80 MPa with digital light processing and spark plasma sintering, while the metallic powders can be fully densified at relatively low temperatures and a pressure of 50 MPa with spark plasma sintering. Furthermore, the lunar regolith and Ti6Al4V gradient was proven to be the most promising combination. While the current study showed that it is feasible to manufacture a functionally graded metallic-regolith, further developments of a fully optimized method have the potential to produce tailored, high-performance materials in an off-earth manufacturing setting for the production of aerospace, robotic, or architectural components.","author":[{"family":"Laot","given":"Mathilde"},{"family":"Rich","given":"Belinda"},{"family":"Cheibas","given":"Ina"},{"family":"Fu","given":"Jia"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Jianing"},{"family":"Popovich","given":"Vera"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.7480/spool.2021.2.5258","URL":"https://doi.org/10.7480/spool.2021.2.5258","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4283592196","type":"article-journal","title":"Lipid Profiles From Fresh Biofilms Along a Temperature Gradient on a Hydrothermal Stream at El Tatio (Chilean Andes), as a Proxy for the Interpretation of Past and Present Biomarkers Beyond Earth","abstract":"Hydrothermal systems and their deposits are primary targets in the search for fossil evidence of life beyond Earth. However, to learn how to decode fossil biomarker records in ancient hydrothermal deposits, we must first be able to interpret unambiguously modern biosignatures, their distribution patterns, and their association with physicochemical factors. Here, we investigated the molecular and isotopic profile of microbial biomarkers along a thermal gradient (from 29 to 72°C) in a hot spring (labeled Cacao) from El Tatio, a geyser field in the Chilean Andes with abundant opaline silica deposits resembling the nodular and digitate structures discovered on Mars. As a molecular forensic approach, we focused on the analysis of lipid compounds bearing recognized resistance to degradation and the potential to reconstruct the paleobiology of an environment on a broader temporal scale than other, more labile, biomolecules. By exploiting the lipid biomarkers’ potential to diagnose biological sources and carbon fixation pathways, we reconstructed the microbial community structure and its ecology along the Cacao hydrothermal transect. The taxonomic adscription of the lipid biomarkers was qualitatively corroborated with DNA sequencing analysis. The forensic capacity of the lipid biomarkers to identify biosources in fresh biofilms was validated down to the genus level for Roseiflexus, Chloroflexus, and Fischerella. We identified lipid biomarkers and DNA of several new cyanobacterial species in El Tatio and reported the first detection of Fischerella biomarkers at a temperature as high as 72°C. This, together with ecological peculiarities and the proportion of clades being characterized as unclassified, illustrates the ecological singularity of El Tatio and strengthens its astrobiological relevance. The Cacao hydrothermal ecosystem was defined by a succession of microbial communities and metabolic traits associated with a high- (72°C) to low-(29°C) temperature gradient that resembled the inferred metabolic sequence events from the 16S rRNA gene universal phylogenetic tree from thermophilic to anoxygenic photosynthetic species and oxygenic phototrophs. The locally calibrated DNA-validated lipidic profile in the Cacao biofilms provided a modern (molecular and isotopic) end member to facilitate the recognition of past biosources and metabolisms from altered biomarkers records in ancient silica deposits at El Tatio analogous to Martian opaline silica structures.","author":[{"family":"Megevand","given":"Valentine"},{"family":"Carrizo","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Lezcano","given":"María"},{"family":"Morenopaz","given":"Mercedes"},{"family":"Cabrol","given":"Nathalie"},{"family":"Parro","given":"Vı́ctor"},{"family":"Sánchezgarcía","given":"Laura"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2022.811904","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.811904","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4205796541","type":"article-journal","title":"Exploration of Enceladus and Titan: investigating ocean worlds’ evolution and habitability in the Saturn system","abstract":"Abstract We present a White Paper with a science theme concept of ocean world evolution and habitability proposed in response to ESA’s Voyage 2050 Call with a focus on Titan and Enceladus in the Saturn system. Ocean worlds in the outer Solar System that possess subsurface liquid water oceans are considered to be prime targets for extra-terrestrial life and offer windows into Solar System evolution and habitability. The Cassini-Huygens mission to the Saturn system (2004–2017) revealed Titan with its organic-rich evolving world with terrestrial features and Enceladus with its active aqueous environment to be ideal candidates to investigate ocean world evolution and habitability. Additionally, this White Paper presents a baseline for a multiple flyby mission with a focused payload as an example of how ocean world evolution and habitability in the Saturn system could be investigated building on the heritage of the Cassini-Huygens mission and complementing the recently selected NASA Dragonfly mission.","author":[{"family":"Mitri","given":"Giuseppe"},{"family":"Barnes","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Coustenis","given":"A"},{"family":"Flamini","given":"E"},{"family":"Hayes","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Lorenz","given":"RD"},{"family":"Mastrogiuseppe","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Orosei","given":"R"},{"family":"Postberg","given":"Frank"},{"family":"Reh","given":"K"},{"family":"Soderblom","given":"JM"},{"family":"Sotin","given":"C"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s10686-021-09772-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-021-09772-2","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4283367856","type":"article-journal","title":"A Baltic Perspective on the Early to Early Late Ordovician δ 13 C and δ 18 O Records and Its Paleoenvironmental Significance","abstract":"Abstract The current study presents new bed‐by‐bed brachiopod δ 13 C and δ 18 O records from Öland, Sweden, which together with previously published data from the East Baltic region, constitutes a high‐resolution paired brachiopod and bulk rock carbon and oxygen isotope archive through the Lower to Upper Ordovician successions of Baltoscandia. This new data set refines the temporal control on the global Ordovician δ 18 O‐trend considerably, improving paleoenvironmental reconstructions through the main phase of the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE). The new brachiopod carbon and oxygen isotope records from Öland display strong similarity with the East Baltic records, elucidating the regional consistency as well as global correlation utility of the ensuing composite Baltoscandian Lower to Middle Ordovician carbon and oxygen isotope record. The carbon isotope record from Öland indicates that the widely reported Middle Ordovician carbon cycle perturbation—MDICE (Mid‐Darriwilian Carbon Isotope Excursion)—is recorded in both brachiopods and bulk carbonates. The oxygen isotope record reveals a long‐term Lower to Upper Ordovician trend of increasingly heavier brachiopod δ 18 O values, with a pronounced increase during the Middle Ordovician Darriwilian Stage. We interpret this trend as dominantly reflecting a paleotemperature signal indicating progressively cooler Early to Middle Ordovician climate with glacio‐eustasy. Our Baltic δ 18 O values are therefore consistent with postulations that the biotic radiations during the GOBE and climatic cooling during the Darriwilian were strongly linked.","author":[{"family":"Edward","given":"Oluwaseun"},{"family":"Korte","given":"Christoph"},{"family":"Ullmann","given":"Clemens"},{"family":"Colmenar","given":"Jorge"},{"family":"Thibault","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Bagnoli","given":"Gabriella"},{"family":"Stouge","given":"Svend"},{"family":"Rasmussen","given":"Christian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2021pa004309","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2021pa004309","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3011235146","type":"article-journal","title":"Aerial Imagery Based on Commercial Flights as Remote Sensing Platform","abstract":"Remote sensing is commonly performed via airborne platforms such as satellites, specialized aircraft, and unmanned aerial systems (UASs), which perform airborne photography using mounted cameras. However, they are limited by their coverage (UASs), irregular flyover frequency (aircraft), and/or low spatial resolution (satellites) due to their high altitude. In this paper, we examine the utilization of commercial flights as an airborne platform for remote sensing. Namely, we simulate a situation where all aircraft on commercial flights are equipped with a mounted camera used for airborne photography. The simulation is used to estimate coverage, the temporal and spatial resolution of aerial imagery acquired this way, as well as the storage capacity required for storing all imagery data. The results show that Europe is 83.28 percent covered with an average of one aerial photography every half an hour and a ground sampling distance of 0.96 meters per pixel. Capturing such imagery results in 20 million images or four petabytes of image data per day. More detailed results are given in the paper for separate countries/territories in Europe, individual commercial airlines and alliances, as well as three different cameras.","author":[{"family":"Mastelić","given":"Toni"},{"family":"Lörincz","given":"Josip"},{"family":"Ivandić","given":"Ivan"},{"family":"Boban","given":"Matea"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3390/s20061658","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/s20061658","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3200960767","type":"article-journal","title":"Non-Catalytic Dissolution of Biochar Obtained by Hydrothermal Carbonization of Sawdust in Hydrogen Donor Solvent","abstract":"The production of fuel hydrocarbons from CO2-neutral raw materials is a promising task at present. The thermal dissolution of biochar obtained by the method of hydrothermal carbonization of sawdust was studied. The dissolution of biochar in tetralin (hydrogen donor solvent) was studied at different temperatures (350–450 °C) and with two types of dilution of the mixture with tetralin: 1/3 and 1/4. The process proceeded without a catalyst. It was found that the samples subjected to thermal dissolution at temperatures of 425–450 °C had the highest conversion and yield of liquid products. The reaction temperature also had a significant effect on the composition of liquid products. It was found that an increase in the reaction temperature led to a significant increase in benzenes, both in the direct and in the hexane fraction. A benzene yield of more than 50% was observed for both fractions at a temperature of 450 °C. It was also suggested that the possible positive effect of abietates on the homogenization of the reaction mixture contributed to high conversion in the process. The biochar/tetralin ratio effects the yield and composition of the liquid products as well. An increase in the tetralin concentration in the mixture during thermal dissolution led to an increase in the conversion and yield of hydrocarbon fractions for fuel purposes. This is undoubtedly due to the large amount of elemental hydrogen involved in the hydrogenation of the reaction mixture.","author":[{"family":"Krylova","given":"AY"},{"family":"Krysanova","given":"KO"},{"family":"Куликова","given":"МВ"},{"family":"Куликов","given":"АБ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/en14185890","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/en14185890","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400763996","type":"article-journal","title":"Look at me! The museographic project beneath the Italian Museum of Planetary Sciences in Prato (Italy)","abstract":"Abstract Designing museum exhibitions is a hot topic for architects, designers, museologists, and scholars since museography represents a powerful tool for valorizing collections, promoting education, communicating cultural values, and ensuring suitable conservation conditions for the exhibited specimens. This is especially true for museums displaying authentic objects which are conveyors of scientific, cultural, social, and ethical values. In particular, natural history and science museums often compete with the leisure industry, and thus their museographic solutions have to meet more and more demanding requirements to increase visitor engagement. This paper describes the museographic concepts beneath the Italian Museum of Planetary Sciences in Prato (Italy, hereinafter MISP). MISP is the only museum in Italy entirely devoted to illustrating planetary sciences and displays important collections of extraterrestrial materials (meteorites, tektites, and impactites). The exhibition layout, characterized by a continuous wall belt design, recalls the outer space while providing non-invasive visual means to improve visitors’ emotional engagement with the displayed specimens. MISP museographic strategies also outline the importance of spatial designs and transpositions focusing on the illustration of the exhibited collections, thus going against some current museographic practices emphasizing, for example, the use of augmented reality and digital stimuli. Graphical abstract","author":[{"family":"Pratesi","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Franza","given":"Annarita"},{"family":"Morelli","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Papi","given":"Piero"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s12210-024-01257-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-024-01257-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3022007843","type":"article-journal","title":"Evidence for sodium-rich alkaline water in the Tagish Lake parent body and implications for amino acid synthesis and racemization","abstract":"Understanding the timing and mechanisms of amino acid synthesis and racemization on asteroidal parent bodies is key to demonstrating how amino acids evolved to be mostly left-handed in living organisms on Earth. It has been postulated that racemization can occur rapidly dependent on several factors, including the pH of the aqueous solution. Here, we conduct nanoscale geochemical analysis of a framboidal magnetite grain within the Tagish Lake carbonaceous chondrite to demonstrate that the interlocking crystal arrangement formed within a sodium-rich, alkaline fluid environment. Notably, we report on the discovery of Na-enriched subgrain boundaries and nanometer-scale Ca and Mg layers surrounding individual framboids. These interstitial coatings would yield a surface charge state of zero in more-alkaline fluids and prevent assimilation of the individual framboids into a single grain. This basic solution would support rapid synthesis and racemization rates on the order of years, suggesting that the low abundances of amino acids in Tagish Lake cannot be ascribed to fluid chemistry.","author":[{"family":"White","given":"LF"},{"family":"Tait","given":"KT"},{"family":"Langelier","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Lymer","given":"Elizabeth"},{"family":"Černok","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Kizovski","given":"TV"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Chi"},{"family":"Tschauner","given":"Oliver"},{"family":"Nicklin","given":"Richard"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2003276117","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2003276117","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392375025","type":"article-journal","title":"The minimum energy required to build a cell","abstract":"Abstract Understanding the energy requirements for cell synthesis accurately and comprehensively has been a longstanding challenge. We introduce a computational model that estimates the minimum energy necessary to build any cell from its constituent parts. This method combines omics and internal cell compositions from various sources to calculate the Gibbs Free Energy of biosynthesis independently of specific metabolic pathways. Our public tool, Synercell, can be used with other models for minumum species-specific energy estimations in any well-sequenced species. The energy for synthesising the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and lipid bilayer of four cell types: Escherichia coli , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , an average mammalian cell and JCVI-syn3A were estimated. Their modelled minimum synthesis energies at 298 K were $$9.54\\times 10^{-11}$$ 9.54 × 10 - 11 J/cell, $$4.99\\times 10^{-9}$$ 4.99 × 10 - 9 J/cell, $$3.71\\times 10^{-7}$$ 3.71 × 10 - 7 J/cell and $$3.69\\times 10^{-12}$$ 3.69 × 10 - 12 respectively. Gram-for-gram synthesis of lipid bilayers requires the most energy, followed by the proteome, genome, and transcriptome. The average per gram cost of biomass synthesis is in the 300s of J/g for all four cells. Implications for the generalisability of cell construction and applications to biogeosciences, cellular biology, biotechnology, and astrobiology are discussed.","author":[{"family":"Ortega-Arzola","given":"Edwin"},{"family":"Higgins","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-54303-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-54303-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3044891346","type":"article-journal","title":"Whitepaper: Earth – Evolution at the dry limit","abstract":"At the land surface, the availability of water controls the evolution of life as well as the morphological development. It is currently hardly known how far both evolutionary processes interact in water-limited environments. While it is well considered that biotic processes contribute to weathering and therewith also prepare the landscape for erosion, little is known to what degree different landforms form barriers and corridors of life across geological time scales. Here, we present an example of how to tackle this complex interplay of biology and landscape evolution by introducing the Collaborative Research Centre CRC 1211 ‘Earth – Evolution at the dry limit’. A CRC is a German Research Foundation funding program, bringing together scientists from different disciplines to tackle jointly complex emergent research questions for up to twelve years. The CRC 1211 focuses on the arid cores of the Atacama Desert and the Namib Desert. Main objective is to disentangle how the shaping of land-surfaces by past episodes of wetter climate coevolved with the evolution of life. It is hypothesized that aridity was interrupted by punctuated wetter periods, which left fingerprints in surface processes and the radiation of the biota, with climatic thresholds beyond which biota could adapt to and influence landscape development. Specific desert landscape elements such as soil surface crusts, desiccation cracks and subsoil water potentially form underexplored refugia of life at particular sites, while old channels and alluvial fan systems potentially structure its dispersal at small to intermediate scales (< 100 m2), In addition, there are large-scale (>10,000 km2) gradients in surface processes and biodiversity, likely controlled by the intensity and duration of fog or rainfall. To substantiate these hypotheses we combine expertise from the fields of population and (phylo-) genetics, molecular biology, biogeography, ecology, soil sciences, Earth-surface sciences, geomorphology, meteorology, (paleo-) climatology, (isotope-) geochemistry and physical dating to discover and evaluate the trajectories and thresholds of the evolution and isolation of life. While presenting here our current research strategy, we invite scientists from all over the world to link their research on related questions for the joint development of a global picture on how evolution of life was triggered and regulated by land-surface processes.","author":[{"family":"Dunai","given":"Tibor"},{"family":"Melles","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Quandt","given":"Dietmar"},{"family":"Knief","given":"Claudia"},{"family":"Amelung","given":"Wulf"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gloplacha.2020.103275","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2020.103275","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3091393094","type":"article-journal","title":"Ideas and perspectives: The same carbon behaves like different elements – an insight into position-specific isotope distributions","abstract":"Abstract. It is expected that information on the source, reaction pathway, and reaction kinetics of an organic compound can be obtained from its position-specific isotope compositions or intramolecular isotope distribution (Intra-ID). To retrieve the information, we could use its predicted equilibrium Intra-ID as a reference for understanding the observed Intra-IDs. Historically, observed, apparently close-to-equilibrium carbon Intra-ID has prompted an open debate on the nature of biosystems and specifically the pervasiveness of reversible biochemical reactions. Much of the debate remains unresolved, and the discussion has not clearly distinguished between two states of equilibrium: (1) the equilibrium among the corresponding bond-breaking and bond-forming positions in reactant and product and (2) the equilibrium among all carbon positions within a compound. For an organic molecule with multiple carbon positions, equilibrium carbon Intra-ID can be attained only when a specific reaction is in equilibrium and the sources of each position are also in equilibrium with each other. An observed Intra-ID provides limited information on if the sources and pathways are both unconstrained. Here, we elaborate on this insight using examples of the observed Intra-IDs of hydroxyl-bearing minerals, N2O, and acetic acid. Research effort aiming to calibrate position-specific equilibrium and kinetic isotope fractionation factors for defined processes will help to interpret observed Intra-IDs of a compound accurately and fully.","author":[{"family":"He","given":"Yuyang"},{"family":"Cao","given":"Xiaobin"},{"family":"Bao","given":"Huiming"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.5194/bg-17-4785-2020","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-4785-2020","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4205969545","type":"article-journal","title":"Surface environment of Phobos and Phobos simulant UTPS","abstract":"Abstract The Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission will study the Martian moons Phobos and Deimos, Mars, and their environments. The mission scenario includes both landing on the surface of Phobos to collect samples and deploying a small rover for in situ observations. Engineering safeties and scientific planning for these operations require appropriate evaluations of the surface environment of Phobos. Thus, the mission team organized the Landing Operation Working Team (LOWT) and Surface Science and Geology Sub-Science Team (SSG-SST), whose view of the Phobos environment is summarized in this paper. While orbital and large-scale characteristics of Phobos are relatively well known, characteristics of the surface regolith, including the particle size-distributions, the packing density, and the mechanical properties, are difficult to constrain. Therefore, we developed several types of simulated soil materials (simulant), such as UTPS-TB (University of Tokyo Phobos Simulant, Tagish Lake based), UTPS-IB (Impact-hypothesis based), and UTPS-S (Simpler version) for engineering and scientific evaluation experiments.","author":[{"family":"Miyamoto","given":"Hideaki"},{"family":"Niihara","given":"Takafumi"},{"family":"Wada","given":"Koji"},{"family":"Ogawa","given":"Kazunori"},{"family":"Senshu","given":"Hiroki"},{"family":"Michel","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Kikuchi","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Hemmi","given":"Ryodo"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"A"},{"family":"Hirata","given":"Naoyuki"},{"family":"Sasaki","given":"Sho"},{"family":"Asphaug","given":"Erik"},{"family":"Britt","given":"DT"},{"family":"Abell","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Ballouz","given":"Ronald‐louis"},{"family":"Banouin","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Baresi","given":"Nicola"},{"family":"Barucci","given":"MA"},{"family":"Biele","given":"Jens"},{"family":"Grott","given":"Matthias"},{"family":"Hino","given":"Hideitsu"},{"family":"Hong","given":"Peng"},{"family":"Imada","given":"Takane"},{"family":"Kameda","given":"Shingo"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Makito"},{"family":"Libourel","given":"G"},{"family":"Mogi","given":"Katsuro"},{"family":"Murdoch","given":"Naomi"},{"family":"Nishio","given":"Yuki"},{"family":"Okamoto","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Ota","given":"Yuichiro"},{"family":"Otsuki","given":"Masatsugu"},{"family":"Otto","given":"Katharina"},{"family":"Sakatani","given":"Naoya"},{"family":"Shimizu","given":"Yuta"},{"family":"Takemura","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Terada","given":"Naoki"},{"family":"Tsukamoto","given":"Masafumi"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Willner","given":"Konrad"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40623-021-01406-3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-021-01406-3","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3026697316","type":"article-journal","title":"Hydrous olivine alteration on Mars and Earth","abstract":"Abstract Hydrous alteration of olivine macrocrysts in a Martian olivine phyric basalt, NWA 10416, and a terrestrial basalt from southern Colorado are examined using SEM, EPMA, TEM, and µXRD techniques. The olivines in the meteorite contain linear nanotubes of hydrous material, amorphous areas, and fluid dissolution textures quite distinct from alteration identified in other Martian meteorites. Instead, they bear resemblance to terrestrial deuteric alteration features. The presence of the hydrous alteration phase Mg‐laihunite within the olivines has been confirmed by µXRD analysis. The cores of the olivines in both Martian and terrestrial samples are overgrown by unaltered rims whose compositions match those of a separate population of groundmass olivines, suggesting that the core olivines are xenocrysts whose alteration preceded crystallization of the groundmass. The terrestrial sample is linked to deep crustal metasomatism and the “ignimbrite flare‐up” of the Oligocene epoch. The comparison of the two samples suggests the existence of an analogous relatively water‐rich magmatic reservoir on Mars.","author":[{"family":"Váci","given":"Z"},{"family":"Agee","given":"CB"},{"family":"Herd","given":"CDK"},{"family":"Walton","given":"EL"},{"family":"Tschauner","given":"Oliver"},{"family":"Ziegler","given":"K"},{"family":"Prakapenka","given":"Vitali"},{"family":"Greenberg","given":"Eran"},{"family":"Moniquethomas","given":"Sylvia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13479","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13479","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4283815056","type":"article-journal","title":"A critical review of mineral–microbe interaction and co-evolution: mechanisms and applications","abstract":"Mineral-microbe interactions play important roles in environmental change, biogeochemical cycling of elements and formation of ore deposits. Minerals provide both beneficial (physical and chemical protection, nutrients, and energy) and detrimental (toxic substances and oxidative pressure) effects to microbes, resulting in mineral-specific microbial colonization. Microbes impact dissolution, transformation and precipitation of minerals through their activity, resulting in either genetically controlled or metabolism-induced biomineralization. Through these interactions, minerals and microbes co-evolve through Earth history. Mineral-microbe interactions typically occur at microscopic scale but the effect is often manifested at global scale. Despite advances achieved through decades of research, major questions remain. Four areas are identified for future research: integrating mineral and microbial ecology, establishing mineral biosignatures, linking laboratory mechanistic investigation to field observation, and manipulating mineral-microbe interactions for the benefit of humankind.","author":[{"family":"Dong","given":"Hailiang"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Liuqin"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Linduo"},{"family":"Zeng","given":"Qiang"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Xiaolei"},{"family":"Sheng","given":"Yizhi"},{"family":"Shi","given":"Liang"},{"family":"Wu","given":"Geng"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Hongchen"},{"family":"Li","given":"Fangru"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Li"},{"family":"Guo","given":"Dongyi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1093/nsr/nwac128","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwac128","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3084875481","type":"article-journal","title":"Martian biolith: A bioinspired regolith composite for closed-loop extraterrestrial manufacturing","abstract":"Given plans to revisit the lunar surface by the late 2020s and to take a crewed mission to Mars by the late 2030s, critical technologies must mature. In missions of extended duration, in situ resource utilization is necessary to both maximize scientific returns and minimize costs. While this present a significantly more complex challenge in the resource-starved environment of Mars, it is similar to the increasing need to develop resource-efficient and zero-waste ecosystems on Earth. Here, we make use of recent advances in the field of bioinspired chitinous manufacturing to develop a manufacturing technology to be used within the context of a minimal, artificial ecosystem that supports humans in a Martian environment.","author":[{"family":"Ng","given":"Shiwei"},{"family":"Dritsas","given":"Stylianos"},{"family":"Fernandez","given":"Javier"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1371/journal.pone.0238606","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238606","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3205447715","type":"article-journal","title":"Cryoconite – From minerals and organic matter to bioengineered sediments on glacier's surfaces","abstract":"Cryoconite is a mixture of mineral and organic material covering glacial ice, playing important roles in biogeochemical cycles and lowering the albedo of a glacier surface. Understanding the differences in structure of cryoconite across the globe can be important in recognizing past and future changes in supraglacial environments and ice-organisms-minerals interactions. Despite the worldwide distribution and over a century of studies, the basic characteristics of cryoconite, including its forms and geochemistry, remain poorly studied. The major purpose of our study is the presentation and description of morphological diversity, chemical and photoautotrophs composition, and organic matter content of cryoconite sampled from 33 polar and mountain glaciers around the globe. Observations revealed that cryoconite is represented by various morphologies including loose and granular forms. Granular cryoconite includes smooth, rounded, or irregularly shaped forms; with some having their surfaces covered by cyanobacteria filaments. The occurrence of granules increased with the organic matter content in cryoconite. Moreover, a major driver of cryoconite colouring was the concentration of organic matter and its interplay with minerals. The structure of cyanobacteria and algae communities in cryoconite differs between glaciers, but representatives of cyanobacteria families Pseudanabaenaceae and Phormidiaceae, and algae families Mesotaeniaceae and Ulotrichaceae were the most common. The most of detected cyanobacterial taxa are known to produce polymeric substances (EPS) that may cement granules. Organic matter content in cryoconite varied between glaciers, ranging from 1% to 38%. The geochemistry of all the investigated samples reflected local sediment sources, except of highly concentrated Pb and Hg in cryoconite collected from European glaciers near industrialized regions, corroborating cryoconite as element-specific collector and potential environmental indicator of anthropogenic activity. Our work supports a notion that cryoconite may be more than just simple sediment and instead exhibits complex structure with relevance for biodiversity and the functioning of glacial ecosystems.","author":[{"family":"Rozwalak","given":"Piotr"},{"family":"Podkowa","given":"Paweł"},{"family":"Buda","given":"Jakub"},{"family":"Niedzielski","given":"Przemysław"},{"family":"Kawecki","given":"Szymon"},{"family":"Ambrosini","given":"Roberto"},{"family":"Azzoni","given":"Roberto"},{"family":"Baccolo","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Ceballos","given":"Jorge"},{"family":"Cook","given":"Joseph"},{"family":"Mauro","given":"Biagio"},{"family":"Ficetola","given":"Gentile"},{"family":"Franzetti","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Ignatiuk","given":"Dariusz"},{"family":"Klimaszyk","given":"Piotr"},{"family":"Łokas","given":"Edyta"},{"family":"Ono","given":"Masato"},{"family":"Parnikoza","given":"Ivan"},{"family":"Pietryka","given":"Mirosława"},{"family":"Pittino","given":"Francesca"},{"family":"Poniecka","given":"Ewa"},{"family":"Porazinska","given":"Dorota"},{"family":"Richter","given":"Dorota"},{"family":"Schmidt","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Sommers","given":"Pacifica"},{"family":"Souzakasprzyk","given":"Juliana"},{"family":"Stibal","given":"Marek"},{"family":"Szczuciński","given":"Witold"},{"family":"Uetake","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Wejnerowski","given":"Łukasz"},{"family":"Yde","given":"Jacob"},{"family":"Takeuchi","given":"Nozomu"},{"family":"Zawierucha","given":"Krzysztof"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150874","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150874","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3128666797","type":"article-journal","title":"The aqueous alteration of CM chondrites, a review","abstract":"The CM chondrites are samples of primitive water-rich asteroids formed during the early solar system. They record significant interaction between liquid water and silicate rock, resulting in a mineralogy dominated by hydrated secondary phases. Their similarity to the near-Earth asteroids Bennu and Ryugu – targets of current sample return space missions – makes the analysis of CM chondrites essential to the interpretation of these enigmatic bodies. Here, we review the aqueous alteration history of the CM chondrite group. Initially, amorphous silicate, metal and sulphides within the matrix were converted into Fe-cronstedtite and tochilinite. Later, the serpentinization of refractory coarse-grained inclusions led to the addition of Mg to the fluid phase. This is reflected in the cation composition of secondary phases which evolved from Fe-rich to Mg-rich. Although most CM meteorites are classified as CM2 chondrites and retain some unaltered anhydrous silicates, a few completely altered CM1s exist (∼4.2% [Meteoritical Bulletin, 2021]). The extent of aqueous alteration can be quantified through various techniques, all of which trace the progression of secondary mineralization. Early attempts employed petrographic criteria to assign subtypes – most notably the Browning and Rubin scales have been widely adopted. Alternatively, bulk techniques evaluate alteration either by measuring the ratio of phyllosilicate to anhydrous silicate (this can be with X-ray diffraction [XRD] or infrared spectroscopy [IR]) or by measuring the combined H abundance/δD compositions. The degree of aqueous alteration appears to correlate with petrofabric strength (most likely arising due to shock deformation). This indicates that aqueous alteration may have been driven primarily by impact rather than by radiogenic heating. Alteration extent and bulk O-isotope compositions show a complex relationship. Among CM2 chondrites higher initial water contents correspond to more advanced alteration. However, the CM1s have lighter-than-expected bulk compositions. Although further analyses are needed these findings could suggest either differences in alteration conditions or initial isotopic compositions – the latter scenario implies that the CM1 chondrites formed on a separate asteroid from the CM2 chondrites. Secondary phases (primarily calcite) act as proxies for the conditions of aqueous alteration and demonstrate that alteration was prograde, with an early period at low temperatures (<70 °C), while later alteration operated at higher temperatures of 100–250 °C. Estimates for the initial water-to-rock ratios (W/R) vary between 0.2–0.7. They are based either on isotopic mass balance or mineral stoichiometry calculations – variability reflects uncertainties in the primordial water and protolith compositions and whether alteration was open or closed system. Some CM chondrites (<36%) experienced a later episode of post-hydration thermal metamorphism, enduring peak temperatures <900 °C and resulting in a dehydrated mineralogy and depleted volatile element abundances. Heating was likely short-duration and caused by impact events. The presence of CM chondrite material embedded in other meteorites, their prominence among the micrometeorite flux and the link between CMs and rubble-pile C-type near-Earth asteroids (e.g. Bennu and Ryugu) implies that the CM parent body was disrupted, leaving second-generation CM asteroids to supply material to Earth.","author":[{"family":"Suttle","given":"Martin"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Schofield","given":"PF"},{"family":"Bates","given":"HC"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gca.2021.01.014","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2021.01.014","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4309035003","type":"article-journal","title":"Tendencies Affecting the Growth and Cultivation of Genus Spirulina: An Investigative Review on Current Trends","abstract":"Spirulina, a kind of blue-green algae, is one of the Earth’s oldest known forms of life. Spirulina grows best in very alkaline environments, although it may flourish across a wide variety of pH values. There are several techniques for growing Spirulina spp., ranging from open systems such as ponds and lakes, which are vulnerable to contamination by animals and extraterrestrial species, to closed systems such as photovoltaic reactors, which are not. Most contaminated toxins come from other toxic algae species that become mixed up during harvest, necessitating the study of spirulina production processes at home. Lighting, temperature, inoculation volume, stirring speed, dissolved particles, pH, water quality, and overall micronutrient richness are only a few of the environmental parameters influencing spirulina production. This review article covers the conditions required for spirulina cultivation, as well as a number of crucial factors that influence its growth and development while it is being grown. In addition, the article discusses harvesting processes, biomass measurement methods, the identification of dangerous algae, and the risk of contaminating algae as it grows on cultures. Spirulina’s rising prospects as food for human consumption are a direct outcome of its prospective health and therapeutic advantages.","author":[{"family":"Alfadhly","given":"Nawal"},{"family":"Alhelfi","given":"Nawfal"},{"family":"Altemimi","given":"Ammar"},{"family":"Verma","given":"Deepak"},{"family":"Cacciola","given":"Francesco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3390/plants11223063","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11223063","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3040262563","type":"article-journal","title":"Interpreting and reporting 40Ar/39Ar geochronologic data","abstract":"Abstract The 40Ar/39Ar dating method is among the most versatile of geochronometers, having the potential to date a broad variety of K-bearing materials spanning from the time of Earth’s formation into the historical realm. Measurements using modern noble-gas mass spectrometers are now producing 40Ar/39Ar dates with analytical uncertainties of ∼0.1%, thereby providing precise time constraints for a wide range of geologic and extraterrestrial processes. Analyses of increasingly smaller subsamples have revealed age dispersion in many materials, including some minerals used as neutron fluence monitors. Accordingly, interpretive strategies are evolving to address observed dispersion in dates from a single sample. Moreover, inferring a geologically meaningful “age” from a measured “date” or set of dates is dependent on the geological problem being addressed and the salient assumptions associated with each set of data. We highlight requirements for collateral information that will better constrain the interpretation of 40Ar/39Ar data sets, including those associated with single-crystal fusion analyses, incremental heating experiments, and in situ analyses of microsampled domains. To ensure the utility and viability of published results, we emphasize previous recommendations for reporting 40Ar/39Ar data and the related essential metadata, with the amendment that data conform to evolving standards of being findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) by both humans and computers. Our examples provide guidance for the presentation and interpretation of 40Ar/39Ar dates to maximize their interdisciplinary usage, reproducibility, and longevity.","author":[{"family":"Schaen","given":"Allen"},{"family":"Jicha","given":"Brian"},{"family":"Hodges","given":"KV"},{"family":"Vermeesch","given":"Pieter"},{"family":"Stelten","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Mercer","given":"CM"},{"family":"Phillips","given":"David"},{"family":"Rivera","given":"Tiffany"},{"family":"Jourdan","given":"Fred"},{"family":"Matchan","given":"Erin"},{"family":"Hemming","given":"Sidney"},{"family":"Morgan","given":"Leah"},{"family":"Kelley","given":"Simon"},{"family":"Cassata","given":"William"},{"family":"Heizler","given":"MT"},{"family":"Vasconcelos","given":"Paulo"},{"family":"Benowitz","given":"Jeffrey"},{"family":"Koppers","given":"Anthony"},{"family":"Mark","given":"Darren"},{"family":"Niespolo","given":"Elizabeth"},{"family":"Sprain","given":"Courtney"},{"family":"Hames","given":"Willis"},{"family":"Kuiper","given":"Klaudia"},{"family":"Turrin","given":"BD"},{"family":"Renne","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Ross","given":"Jake"},{"family":"Nomade","given":"Sébastien"},{"family":"Guillou","given":"Hervé"},{"family":"Webb","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Cohen","given":"BA"},{"family":"Calvert","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Joyce","given":"Nancy"},{"family":"Ganerød","given":"Morgan"},{"family":"Wijbrans","given":"JR"},{"family":"Ishizuka","given":"Osamu"},{"family":"He","given":"Huaiyu"},{"family":"Ramirez","given":"Adán"},{"family":"Pfänder","given":"Jörg"},{"family":"Lópezmartínez","given":"Margarita"},{"family":"Qiu","given":"Hua‐ning"},{"family":"Singer","given":"Brad"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1130/b35560.1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1130/b35560.1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4307569655","type":"article-journal","title":"Geochemical behavior of stable strontium isotopes during continental weathering process: A review","abstract":"Continental weathering, an important geological process that affects the formation and evolution of the earth, involves the interaction of matter and energy among the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Stable Sr isotope (δ88/86Sr) is a novel non-traditional stable isotope. It has been widely discussed in tracing continental weathering, studying marine Sr cycle, and analyzing biogeochemical behavior in recent years. Its combination with 87Sr/86Sr can indicate the source of Sr and the mass fractionation of geological processes, which has incomparable advantages over other isotopic systems, such as Li, Mg, and Ba. However, owing to the small mass difference (2%) between 86Sr and 88Sr, fractionation is not significant, which makes the measurement of the ratio δ88/86Sr difficult and limits its application to trace continental weathering. In this study, major developments and challenges in using stable Sr isotopes to trace continental weathering are reviewed, when considering high-precision testing methods, characteristics of δ88/86Sr in natural reservoirs, and geochemical behaviors. The high-precision measurement methods currently used for stable Sr isotopes mainly include multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), both of which involve chemical purification by a cation exchange column or Sr specific resin, coupled with various methods for quality discrimination correction. The present analytical precision for the determination of δ88/86Sr in geological samples is 0.02‰ ∼ 0.08‰. The δ88/86Sr varies widely in natural reservoirs. In particular, the range of δ88/86Sr values in extraterrestrial reservoirs, the biosphere, the lithosphere, and the hydrosphere are -1.73‰ to +0.66‰, -0.87‰ to +0.85‰, -0.20‰ to +0.53‰ and -0.45‰ to +0.66‰, respectively. Stable Sr isotope fractionation occurs in the processes of differential dissolution of primary minerals (Δ88/86Sr = -0.13‰), formation and adsorption of secondary minerals (Δ88/86Sr = -0.15‰), precipitation of carbonate (Δ88/86Sr = -0.20‰), and biological processes (Δ88/86Sr = -0.15‰), which causes the δ88/86Sr in fluid (solid) phase to δ88/86Sr increases (decrease). Previous research on the fractionation mechanisms and constraint conditions of stable Sr isotopes during continental weathering is insufficient. Thus, promoting a wide application of stable Sr isotopes to trace continental weathering through the combination of field profiles, laboratory experiments and theoretical calculation is urgently warranted.","author":[{"family":"Wu","given":"Na"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Junwen"},{"family":"Mao","given":"Hairuo"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Gui"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Zhi‐qi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.geogeo.2022.100144","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geogeo.2022.100144","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4234407447","type":"article-journal","title":"Meteorite Mineralogy","abstract":"Abstract Meteorites are rocks from outer space that reach the Earth; more than 60,000 have been collected. They are derived mainly from asteroids; a few hundred each are from the Moon and Mars; some micrometeorites derive from comets. By mid 2020, about 470 minerals had been identified in meteorites. In addition to having characteristic petrologic and geochemical properties, each meteorite group has a distinctive set of pre-terrestrial minerals that reflect the myriad processes that the meteorites and their components experienced. These processes include condensation in gaseous envelopes around evolved stars, crystallization in chondrule melts, crystallization in metallic cores, parent-body aqueous alteration, and shock metamorphism. Chondrites are the most abundant meteorites; the major components within them include chondrules, refractory inclusions, opaque assemblages, and fine-grained silicate-rich matrix material. The least-metamorphosed chondrites preserve minerals inherited from the solar nebula such as olivine, enstatite, metallic Fe-Ni, and refractory phases. Other minerals in chondrites formed on their parent asteroids during thermal metamorphism (such as chromite, plagioclase and phosphate), aqueous alteration (such as magnetite and phyllosilicates) and shock metamorphism (such as ringwoodite and majorite). Differentiated meteorites contain minerals formed by crystallization from magmas; these phases include olivine, orthopyroxene, Ca-plagioclase, Ca-pyroxene, metallic Fe-Ni and sulfide. Meteorites also contain minerals formed during passage through the Earth’s atmosphere and via terrestrial weathering after reaching the surface. Whereas some minerals form only by a single process (e.g., by high-pressure shock metamorphism or terrestrial weathering of a primary phase), other meteoritic minerals can form by several different processes, including condensation, crystallization from melts, thermal metamorphism, and aqueous alteration.","author":[{"family":"Rubin","given":"Alan"},{"family":"Chi","given":"Ma"},{"family":"Rubin","given":"Alan"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Chi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1093/acrefore/9780190647926.013.205","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190647926.013.205","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3036163071","type":"article-journal","title":"What Martian Meteorites Reveal About the Interior and Surface of Mars","abstract":"Abstract Martian meteorites are the only direct samples from Mars, thus far. Currently, there are a total of 262 individual samples originating from at least 11 ejection events. Geochemical analyses, through techniques that are also used on terrestrial rocks, provide fundamental insights into the bulk composition, differentiation and evolution, mantle heterogeneity, and role of secondary processes, such as aqueous alteration and shock, on Mars. Martian meteorites display a wide range in mineralogy and chemistry, but are predominantly basaltic in composition. Over the past 6 years, the number of martian meteorites recovered has almost doubled allowing for studies that evaluate these meteorites as suites of igneous rocks. However, the martian meteorites represent a biased sampling of the surface of Mars with unknown ejection locations. The geology of Mars cannot be unraveled solely by analyzing these meteorites. Rocks analyzed by rovers on the surface of Mars are of distinct composition to the meteorites, highlighting the importance of Mars missions, especially sample return. The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover will collect and cache—for eventual return to Earth—over 30 diverse surface samples from Jezero crater. These returned samples will allow for Earth‐based state‐of‐the‐art analyses on diverse martian rocks with known field context. The complementary study of returned samples and meteorites will help to constrain the evolution of the martian interior and surface. Here, we review recent findings and advances in the study of martian meteorites and examine how returned samples would complement and enhance our knowledge of Mars.","author":[{"family":"Udry","given":"Arya"},{"family":"Howarth","given":"Geoffrey"},{"family":"Herd","given":"CDK"},{"family":"Day","given":"James"},{"family":"Lapen","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Filiberto","given":"J"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2020je006523","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2020je006523","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1002/jrs.6291","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy of the RBT 04262 Martian meteorite as determined by micro‐Raman and micro‐X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopies","abstract":"Abstract Martian meteorites and terrestrial analogs represent the only samples available on Earth for studying mineralogy features of our neighbor planet Mars. This work characterizes the Roberts Massif (RBT) 04262 Martian meteorite by using mainly Raman spectroscopy. By means of this technique, it was confirmed that the meteorite matrix is composed by pyroxene and plagioclase (converted to maskelynite due to the shock pressure). Olivine‐coarse grains embedded in the matrix were also observed. These grains were coated by hydrated magnesium and calcium sulfates, which would belong to the Mars sulfate deposits or to the terrestrial weathering. Although the sulfates could be formed on Mars due to the oxidation of sulfides or elemental sulfur along the sulfur Mars cycle, their distribution along cracks and fractures confirm that are weathering products. However, other S‐bearing compounds that belong to Mars were found, such as elemental sulfur and a thermally transformed iron sulfide. Finally, the calcium phosphate merrillite and titanomagnetite were also detected. Taking this into account, the minerals found were classified into primary minerals that belong to Mars (pyroxene, olivine, elemental sulfur, and titanomagnetite), secondary ones that are alteration products of the primary minerals (maskelynite, iron sulfide, and merrillite), and terrestrial weathering products (sulfates gypsum and epsomite).","author":[{"family":"Huidobro","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Aramendia","given":"Julene"},{"family":"Garcíaflorentino","given":"Cristina"},{"family":"Ruizgalende","given":"Patricia"},{"family":"Torrefdez","given":"Imanol"},{"family":"Castro","given":"Kepa"},{"family":"Arana","given":"Gorka"},{"family":"Madariaga","given":"Juan"},{"family":"Torre-Fdez","given":"I"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1002/jrs.6291","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6291","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1073/pnas.2201139119","type":"article-journal","title":"Organic carbon concentrations in 3.5-billion-year-old lacustrine mudstones of Mars.","abstract":"The Sample Analysis at Mars instrument stepped combustion experiment on a Yellowknife Bay mudstone at Gale crater, Mars revealed the presence of organic carbon of Martian and meteoritic origins. The combustion experiment was designed to access refractory organic carbon in Mars surface sediments by heating samples in the presence of oxygen to combust carbon to CO 2 . Four steps were performed, two at low temperatures (less than ∼550 °C) and two at high temperatures (up to ∼870 °C). More than 950 μg C/g was released at low temperatures (with an isotopic composition of δ 13 C = +1.5 ± 3.8‰) representing a minimum of 431 μg C/g indigenous organic and inorganic Martian carbon components. Above 550 °C, 273 ± 30 μg C/g was evolved as CO 2 and CO (with estimated δ 13 C = −32.9‰ to −10.1‰ for organic carbon). The source of high temperature organic carbon cannot be definitively confirmed by isotopic composition, which is consistent with macromolecular organic carbon of igneous origin, meteoritic infall, or diagenetically altered biomass, or a combination of these. If from allochthonous deposition, organic carbon could have supported both prebiotic organic chemistry and heterotrophic metabolism at Gale crater, Mars, at ∼3.5 Ga.","author":[{"family":"Stern","given":"JC"},{"family":"Malespin","given":"CA"},{"family":"Eigenbrode","given":"JL"},{"family":"Webster","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Flesch","given":"Greg"},{"family":"Franz","given":"HB"},{"family":"Graham","given":"Heather"},{"family":"House","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Sutter","given":"B"},{"family":"Archer","given":"PD"},{"family":"Hofmann","given":"Amy"},{"family":"Mcadam","given":"AC"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1073/pnas.2201139119","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2201139119","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2406.13637","type":"manuscript","title":"The Source of Hydrogen in Earth's Building Blocks","abstract":"Despite being pivotal to the habitability of our planet, the process by which Earth gained its present-day hydrogen budget is unclear. Due to their isotopic similarity to terrestrial rocks across a range of elements, the meteorite group that is thought to best represent Earth's building blocks is the enstatite chondrites (ECs). Because of ECs' nominally anhydrous mineralogy, these building blocks have long been presumed to have supplied negligible hydrogen to the proto-Earth. However, recent bulk compositional measurements suggest that ECs may unexpectedly contain enough hydrogen to readily explain Earth's present-day water abundance. Together, these contradictory findings mean the contribution of ECs to Earth's hydrogen budget is currently unclear. As such, it is uncertain whether appreciable hydrogen is a systematic outcome of Earth's formation. Here, we explore the amount of hydrogen in ECs as well as the phase that may carry this element using sulfur X-ray absorption near edge structure (S-XANES) spectroscopy. We find that hydrogen bonded to sulfur is prevalent throughout the meteorite, with fine matrix containing on average almost 10 times more H-S than chondrule mesostasis. Moreover, the concentration of the H-S bond is linked to the abundance of micrometre-scale pyrrhotite (Fe1-xS, 0","author":[{"family":"Barrett","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Bryson","given":"James"},{"family":"Geraki","given":"Kalotina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2406.13637","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2406.13637","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.3929/ethz-b-000655529","type":"article-journal","title":"Comprehensive report of the BELARE 2022-2023 meteorite reconnaissance expedition in the Sør Rondane area, East Antarctica","abstract":"We provide a comprehensive overview of a reconnaissance expedition aimed at identifying new possible meteorite stranding zones in the surrounding of the Belgian Princess Elisabeth Antarctica (PEA) station in the Sør Rondane Mountains during the BELARE 2022-2023 field season. The team was composed of four scientists and one field guide. Several areas of interest were identified and daily searches occurred in two phases, first from a base camp and then from PEA. The first phase was in the Nils Larsenfjellet area, and a camp, accessible from the H.E. Hansenbreen (S72° 13.260' E22° 37.779'; altitude 1640 m), was set up from December 21 to 27, 2022. Systematic searches were performed in moraines and on blue ice areas (BIAs) during day trips, including the Verheyefjellet BIA, several BIAs surrounding an alignment of nunataks south of PEA, centered on S72° 18.403' E23° 13.191', and the Røysane nunatak at the eastern edge of Nils Larsenfjellet. Four meteorites were recovered during the first phase of the expedition, and another one in the second phase, also in the Nils Larsenfjellet area. In addition, nine surface ice samples and 18 kg of micrometeorite-bearing sediments were collected. Preliminary classification, performed on-site using magnetic susceptibility, tentatively indicated H and L chondrites. The recovered meteorites were transported in frozen state to the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels to be thawed in vacuum conditions and classified based on their mineralogy. The Nils Larsenfjellet is identified as a potential new Dense Collection Area.","author":[{"family":"Debaille","given":"Vinciane"},{"family":"Schönbächler","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Valdes","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Maeda","given":"Ryoga"},{"family":"Poudelet","given":"Manu"},{"family":"Goderis","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Heck","given":"Philipp"},{"family":"Tollenaar","given":"Veronica"},{"family":"Zekollari","given":"Harry"},{"family":"Claeys","given":"Philippe"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3929/ethz-b-000655529","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000655529","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W4285013301","type":"article-journal","title":"Alterations of Carbonate Mineral Matrix and Kerogen Micro-Structure in Domanik Organic-Rich Shale during Anhydrous Pyrolysis","abstract":"The study of organic-rich carbonate-containing shales after heating is an important task for the effective application of in-situ thermal kerogen conversion technologies implemented for these types of rocks. This research was conducted to study changes in the rocks of the Domanik Formation after high-temperature treatment, taking into account the nature of structural changes at the micro level and chemical transformations in minerals. The sample of organic-rich carbonate-containing shales of the Domanik Formation was treated in stages in a pyrolizer in an inert atmosphere in the temperature range of 350–800 °C for 30 min at each temperature. By means of X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD), HAWK pyrolysis, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and computed micro-tomography, the characteristics of the rock before and after each heating stage were studied. The results showed significant alteration of the mineral matrix in the temperature range 600–800 °C, including the decomposition of minerals with the formation of new components, and structural alterations such as fracturing micropore formation. The organic matter (OM) was compacted at T = 350–400 °C and fractured. The evolution of void space includes fracture formation at the edges between rock components, both in organic matter and in minerals, as well as nanopore formation inside the carbonate mineral matrix. The results obtained show what processes at the microlevel can occur in carbonate-containing organic-rich shales under high-temperature treatment, and how these processes affect changes in the microstructure and pore space in the sample. These results are essential for modeling and the effective application of thermal EOR in organic-rich shales.","author":[{"family":"Karamov","given":"Tagir"},{"family":"White","given":"Viktoria"},{"family":"Idrisova","given":"Elizaveta"},{"family":"Козлова","given":"Елена"},{"family":"Burukhin","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Morkovkin","given":"Andrey"},{"family":"Spasennykh","given":"Mikhail"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min12070870","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min12070870","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4283831165","type":"article-journal","title":"A Raman Spectroscopic and Microimage Analysis Perspective of the Chang'e‐5 Lunar Samples","abstract":"Abstract The Chang'e‐5 (CE‐5) materials represent the youngest returned lunar samples. We performed a detailed Raman spectroscopic survey (1259‐point Raman modal analysis) to evaluate the mineralogical characteristics of CE‐5 soils, constraining the source materials and shock effects of these unique samples. The mineral chemistry (e.g., Mg# 3‐60 for mafic minerals) and modal abundance (first distinguishing basaltic and feldspathic glasses) of CE‐5 mare soils are different from those of Apollo high‐ and low‐Ti basalts, possibly representing an intermediate‐Ti mare basalt. The occurrence of minor Mg‐rich materials (Mg# > 70) provides evidence of contamination from ∼5% to 7% exogenous materials, possibly related to Mg‐suite rocks. The microimage analyses suggest that the CE‐5 soils are fine‐grained, mature, and unimodal particle‐size distribution, highlighting that micrometeorite reworking dominates the CE‐5 regolith evolution with minor mixing from nonmare materials. The pressure‐sensitive minerals (quartz and maskelynite) indicate that 17–25.8 GPa shock pressures might be the higher limit in a relatively young lunar terrain.","author":[{"family":"Cao","given":"Haijun"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Chen"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Jian"},{"family":"Che","given":"Xiaochao"},{"family":"Fu","given":"Xiaohui"},{"family":"Shi","given":"Yuruo"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Dunyi"},{"family":"Ling","given":"Zongcheng"},{"family":"Qiao","given":"Le"},{"family":"Lu","given":"X"},{"family":"Qi","given":"Xiaobin"},{"family":"Yin","given":"Chengxiang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2022gl099282","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2022gl099282","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3207425805","type":"article-journal","title":"To Other Planets With Upgraded Millennial Kombucha in Rhythms of Sustainability and Health Support","abstract":"Humankind has entered a new era of space exploration: settlements on other planetary bodies are foreseen in the near future. Advanced technologies are being developed to support the adaptation to extraterrestrial environments and, with a view on the longer term, to support the viability of an independent economy. Biological processes will likely play a key role and lead to the production of life-support consumables, and other commodities, in a way that is cheaper and more sustainable than exclusively abiotic processes. Microbial communities could be used to sustain the crews’ health as well as for the production of consumables, for waste recycling, and for biomining. They can self-renew with little resources from Earth, be highly productive on a per-volume basis, and be highly versatile—all of which will be critical in planetary outposts. Well-defined, semi-open, and stress-resistant microecosystems are particularly promising. An instance of it is kombucha, known worldwide as a microbial association that produces an eponymous, widespread soft drink that could be valuable for sustaining crews’ health or as a synbiotic (i.e., probiotic and prebiotic) after a rational assemblage of defined probiotic bacteria and yeasts with endemic or engineered cellulose producers. Bacterial cellulose products offer a wide spectrum of possible functions, from leather-like to innovative smart materials during long-term missions and future activities in extraterrestrial settlements. Cellulose production by kombucha is zero-waste and could be linked to bioregenerative life support system (BLSS) loops. Another advantage of kombucha lies in its ability to mobilize inorganic ions from rocks, which may help feed BLSS from local resources. Besides outlining those applications and others, we discuss needs for knowledge and other obstacles, among which is the biosafety of microbial producers.","author":[{"family":"Kozyrovska","given":"Natalia"},{"family":"Reva","given":"Oleg"},{"family":"Podolich","given":"Olga"},{"family":"Kukharenko","given":"Olga"},{"family":"Orlovska","given":"Iryna"},{"family":"Terzova","given":"Vitalia"},{"family":"Zubova","given":"Ganna"},{"family":"Uetanabaro","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Goésneto","given":"Aristóteles"},{"family":"Azevedo","given":"Vasco"},{"family":"Barh","given":"Debmalya"},{"family":"Verseux","given":"Cyprien"},{"family":"Billi","given":"Daniela"},{"family":"Kołodziejczyk","given":"Agata"},{"family":"Foing","given":"BH"},{"family":"Demets","given":"René"},{"family":"Vera","given":"Jean‐pierre"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2021.701158","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2021.701158","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4200036420","type":"article-journal","title":"Time-Sensitive Aspects of Mars Sample Return (MSR) Science","abstract":"Samples returned from Mars would be placed under quarantine at a Sample Receiving Facility (SRF) until they are considered safe to release to other laboratories for further study. The process of determining whether samples are safe for release, which may involve detailed analysis and/or sterilization, is expected to take several months. However, the process of breaking the sample tube seal and extracting the headspace gas will perturb local equilibrium conditions between gas and rock and set in motion irreversible processes that proceed as a function of time. Unless these time-sensitive processes are understood, planned for, and/or monitored during the quarantine period, scientific information expected from further analysis may be lost forever. At least four processes underpin the time-sensitivity of Mars returned sample science: (1) degradation of organic material of potential biological origin, (2) modification of sample headspace gas composition, (3) mineral-volatile exchange, and (4) oxidation/reduction of redox-sensitive materials. Available constraints on the timescales associated with these processes supports the conclusion that an SRF must have the capability to characterize attributes such as sample tube headspace gas composition, organic material of potential biological origin, as well as volatiles and their solid-phase hosts. Because most time-sensitive investigations are also sensitive to sterilization, these must be completed inside the SRF and on timescales of several months or less. To that end, we detail recommendations for how sample preparation and analysis could complete these investigations as efficiently as possible within an SRF. Finally, because constraints on characteristic timescales that define time-sensitivity for some processes are uncertain, future work should focus on: (1) quantifying the timescales of volatile exchange for core material physically and mineralogically similar to samples expected to be returned from Mars, and (2) identifying and developing stabilization or temporary storage strategies that mitigate volatile exchange until analysis can be completed. Executive Summary Any samples returned from Mars would be placed under quarantine at a Sample Receiving Facility (SRF) until it can be determined that they are safe to release to other laboratories for further study. The process of determining whether samples are safe for release, which may involve detailed analysis and/or sterilization, is expected to take several months. However, the process of breaking the sample tube seal and extracting the headspace gas would perturb local equilibrium conditions between gas and rock and set in motion irreversible processes that proceed as a function of time. Unless these processes are understood, planned for, and/or monitored during the quarantine period, scientific information expected from further analysis may be lost forever . Specialist members of the Mars Sample Return Planning Group Phase 2 (MSPG-2), referred to here as the Time-Sensitive Focus Group, have identified four processes that underpin the time-sensitivity of Mars returned sample science: (1) degradation of organic material of potential biological origin, (2) modification of sample headspace gas composition, (3) mineral-volatile exchange, and (4) oxidation/reduction of redox-sensitive materials ( Figure 2 ). Consideration of the timescales and the degree to which these processes jeopardize scientific investigations of returned samples supports the conclusion that an SRF must have the capability to characterize: (1) sample tube headspace gas composition, (2) organic material of potential biological origin, (3) volatiles bound to or within minerals, and (4) minerals or other solids that host volatiles ( Table 4 ). Most of the investigations classified as time-sensitive in this report are also sensitive to sterilization by either heat treatment and/or gamma irradiation (Velbel et al., 2022 ). Therefore, these investigations must be comp","author":[{"family":"Tosca","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Agee","given":"Carl"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Hutzler","given":"Aurore"},{"family":"Marty","given":"Bernard"},{"family":"Mccubbin","given":"Francis"},{"family":"Regberg","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Velbel","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Kminek","given":"Gerhard"},{"family":"Meyer","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Beaty","given":"David"},{"family":"Carrier","given":"Brandi"},{"family":"Haltigin","given":"Timothy"},{"family":"Hays","given":"Lindsay"},{"family":"Busemann","given":"Henner"},{"family":"Cavalazzi","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Debaille","given":"Vinciane"},{"family":"Grady","given":"Monica"},{"family":"Hauber","given":"Ernst"},{"family":"Pratt","given":"Lisa"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Alvin"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Caroline"},{"family":"Summons","given":"Roger"},{"family":"Swindle","given":"Timothy"},{"family":"Tait","given":"Kimberly"},{"family":"Udry","given":"Arya"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Wadhwa","given":"Meenakshi"},{"family":"Westall","given":"Frances"},{"family":"Zorzano","given":"Maria"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1089/ast.2021.0115","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1089/ast.2021.0115","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3011700114","type":"article-journal","title":"A Monte Carlo Approach to Approximating the Effects of Pore Geometry on the Phase Behavior of Soil Freezing","abstract":"Abstract Freezing in porous media is associated with a host of dynamic phenomena that stem from the presence and mobility of premelted liquid at subzero temperatures. Accurate assessments of the progressive liquid‐ice phase transition is required for predictive models of frost damage, glacier‐till coupling, and many other cold regions processes, as well as for evaluating the capacity for water storage in near‐surface extraterrestrial environments. We use a Monte Carlo approach to sample the pore space in a synthetic 3D packing of poly‐dispersed spherical particles and evaluate local geometrical constraints that allow us to assess changes in the relative proportions of pore fluid and ice. By approximating the phase boundary geometry in fine‐grained pores while considering both the curvature of the liquid‐ice interface and wetting interactions with matrix particles, our model predicts changes in phase equilibrium in granular media over a broad temperature range, where present accounting for the colligative effects of chloride and perchlorate solutes. In addition to formulating the constitutive behavior needed to better understand properties and processes in frozen soils, our results also provide insight into other aspects of phase equilibria in porous media, including the formation of methane hydrates in permafrost and marine sediments, and the partitioning between liquid water and vapor in the vadose zone.","author":[{"family":"Chen","given":"Jiangzhi"},{"family":"Mei","given":"Shenghua"},{"family":"Irizarry","given":"Julia"},{"family":"Rempel","given":"AW"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2020ms002117","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2020ms002117","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3126916403","type":"article-journal","title":"Global Ocean Sediment Composition and Burial Flux in the Deep Sea","abstract":"Abstract Quantitative knowledge about the burial of sedimentary components at the seafloor has wide‐ranging implications in ocean science, from global climate to continental weathering. The use of 230 Th‐normalized fluxes reduces uncertainties that many prior studies faced by accounting for the effects of sediment redistribution by bottom currents and minimizing the impact of age model uncertainty. Here we employ a recently compiled global data set of 230 Th‐normalized fluxes with an updated database of seafloor surface sediment composition to derive atlases of the deep‐sea burial flux of calcium carbonate, biogenic opal, total organic carbon (TOC), nonbiogenic material, iron, mercury, and excess barium (Ba xs ). The spatial patterns of major component burial are mainly consistent with prior work, but the new quantitative estimates allow evaluations of deep‐sea budgets. Our integrated deep‐sea burial fluxes are 136 Tg C/yr CaCO 3 , 153 Tg Si/yr opal, 20Tg C/yr TOC, 220 Mg Hg/yr, and 2.6 Tg Ba xs /yr. This opal flux is roughly a factor of 2 increase over previous estimates, with important implications for the global Si cycle. Sedimentary Fe fluxes reflect a mixture of sources including lithogenic material, hydrothermal inputs and authigenic phases. The fluxes of some commonly used paleo‐productivity proxies (TOC, biogenic opal, and Ba xs ) are not well‐correlated geographically with satellite‐based productivity estimates. Our new compilation of sedimentary fluxes provides detailed regional and global information, which will help refine the understanding of sediment preservation.","author":[{"family":"Hayes","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Costa","given":"Kassandra"},{"family":"Anderson","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Calvo","given":"Eva"},{"family":"Chase","given":"Zanna"},{"family":"Demina","given":"Ludmila"},{"family":"Dutay","given":"Jean‐claude"},{"family":"German","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Heimbürgerboavida","given":"Lars‐éric"},{"family":"Jaccard","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Jacobel","given":"Allison"},{"family":"Kohfeld","given":"Karen"},{"family":"Кравчишина","given":"МД"},{"family":"Lippold","given":"Jörg"},{"family":"Mekik","given":"Figen"},{"family":"Missiaen","given":"Lise"},{"family":"Pavia","given":"Frank"},{"family":"Paytan","given":"Adina"},{"family":"Pedrosapamies","given":"Rut"},{"family":"Petrova","given":"Mariia"},{"family":"Rahman","given":"Shaily"},{"family":"Robinson","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Roybarman","given":"Matthieu"},{"family":"Sànchezvidal","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Shiller","given":"Alan"},{"family":"Tagliabue","given":"Alessandro"},{"family":"Tessin","given":"Allyson"},{"family":"Hulten","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Jing"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2020gb006769","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2020gb006769","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3011871816","type":"article-journal","title":"The role of Bells in the continuous accretion between the CM and CR chondrite reservoirs","abstract":"Abstract CM meteorites are dominant members of carbonaceous chondrites (CCs), which evidently accreted in a region separated from the terrestrial planets. These chondrites are key in determining the accretion regions of solar system materials, since in Mg and Cr isotope space, they intersect between what are identified as inner and outer solar system reservoirs. In this model, the outer reservoir is represented by metal‐rich carbonaceous chondrites (MRCCs), including CR chondrites. An important question remains whether the barrier between MRCCs and CCs was a temporal or spatial one. CM chondrites and chondrules are used here to identify the nature of the barrier as well as the timescale of chondrite parent body accretion. We find based on high precision Mg and Cr isotope data of seven CM chondrites and 12 chondrules, that accretion in the CM chondrite reservoir was continuous lasting <3 Myr and showing late accretion of MRCC‐like material reflected by the anomalous CM chondrite Bells. We further argue that although MRCCs likely accreted later than CM chondrites, CR chondrules must have initially formed from a reservoir spatially separated from CM chondrules. Finally, we hypothesize on the nature of the spatial barrier separating these reservoirs.","author":[{"family":"Kooten","given":"Elishevah"},{"family":"Cavalcante","given":"Larissa"},{"family":"Wielandt","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Bizzarro","given":"Martin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13459","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13459","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3020291160","type":"article-journal","title":"QEMSCAN as a Method of Semi-Automated Crystal Size Distribution Analysis: Insights from Apollo 15 Mare Basalts","abstract":"Abstract Crystal size distribution analysis is a non-destructive, quantitative method providing insights into the crystallization histories of magmas. Traditional crystal size distribution data collection requires the manual tracing of crystal boundaries within a sample from a digital image. Although this manual method requires minimal equipment to perform, the process is often time-intensive. In this study we investigate the feasibility of using the Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by SCANing electron microscopy (QEMSCAN) software for semi-automated crystal size distribution analysis. Four Apollo 15 mare basalt thin sections were analysed using both manual and QEMSCAN crystal size distribution data collection methods. In most cases we observe an offset between the crystal size distribution plots produced by QEMSCAN methods compared with the manual data, leading to differences in calculated crystal residence times and nucleation densities. The source of the discrepancy is two-fold: (1) the touching particles processor in the QEMSCAN software is prone to segmenting overlapping elongate crystals into multiple smaller crystals; (2) this segmentation of elongate crystals causes estimates of true 3D crystal habit to vary between QEMSCAN and manual data. The reliability of the QESMCAN data appears to be a function of the crystal texture and average crystal shape, both of which influence the performance of the touching particles processor. Despite these limitations, QEMSCAN is able to produce broadly similar overall trends in crystal size distribution plots to the manual approach, in a considerably shorter time frame. If an accurate crystal size distribution is required to calculate crystal residence time or nucleation density, we recommend that QEMSCAN should only be used after careful consideration of the suitability of the sample texture and average crystal shape.","author":[{"family":"Bell","given":"SK"},{"family":"Joy","given":"KH"},{"family":"Pernetfisher","given":"JF"},{"family":"Hartley","given":"Margaret"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1093/petrology/egaa047","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egaa047","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3011387106","type":"article-journal","title":"Constraints on Earth System Functioning at the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum From the Marine Silicon Cycle","abstract":"Abstract The Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, ca. 56 Ma) is marked by a negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE) and increased global temperatures. The CIE is thought to result from the release of 13 C‐depleted carbon, although the source(s) of carbon and triggers for its release, its rate of release, and the mechanisms by which the Earth system recovered are all debated. Many of the proposed mechanisms for the onset and recovery phases of the PETM make testable predictions about the marine silica cycle, making silicon isotope records a promising tool to address open questions about the PETM. We analyzed silicon isotope ratios (δ 30 Si) in radiolarian tests and sponge spicules from the Western North Atlantic (ODP Site 1051) across the PETM. Radiolarian δ 30 Si decreases by 0.6‰ from a background of 1‰ coeval with the CIE, while sponge δ 30 Si remains consistent at 0.2‰. Using a box model to test the Si cycle response to various scenarios, we find the data are best explained by a weak silicate weathering feedback, implying the recovery was mostly driven by nondiatom organic carbon burial, the other major long‐term carbon sink. We find no resolvable evidence for a volcanic trigger for carbon release, or for a change in regional oceanography. Better understanding of radiolarian Si isotope fractionation and more Si isotope records spanning the PETM are needed to confirm the global validity of these conclusions, but they highlight how the coupling between the silica and carbon cycles can be exploited to yield insight into the functioning of the Earth system.","author":[{"family":"Fontorbe","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Frings","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Rocha","given":"Christina"},{"family":"Hendry","given":"Katharine"},{"family":"Conley","given":"Daniel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2020pa003873","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2020pa003873","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3005238439","type":"article-journal","title":"Partial amorphization of experimentally shocked plagioclase: A spectroscopic study","abstract":"Abstract Shock amorphization of plagioclase, from partial to complete, has been used to evaluate the degree of shock in meteorites. Important information on the shock amplitude can be derived from the measurement of the refractive index in plagioclase, either from mineral separates or in petrographic thin sections. However, this technique is time‐consuming, and associated sample preparations are considered destructive and are not always possible for precious and rare meteorite samples. In addition, plagioclase amorphization is commonly inhomogeneous at the sample scale and a statistically meaningful number of grains must be considered. Here, we apply several nondestructive spectroscopic techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and cathodoluminescence, to plagioclase experimentally shocked at 28 GPa, and thus in the transition regime between crystalline plagioclase and fully amorphous material. Most of the plagioclase was transformed into diaplectic glass at 28 GPa, yet some grains exhibit heterogeneously distributed crystalline domains. This confirms that intrinsic and extrinsic factors lead to local variations in the intensity of the shock pressure within individual plagioclase crystals of homogeneous composition. The amorphization of plagioclase can qualitatively (and potentially also quantitatively) be investigated by spectroscopic techniques, highlighting such local variations in the shock efficiency.","author":[{"family":"Pittarello","given":"Lidia"},{"family":"Fritz","given":"J"},{"family":"Roszjar","given":"J"},{"family":"Lenz","given":"Christoph"},{"family":"Koeberl","given":"Christian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13445","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13445","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3006185603","type":"article-journal","title":"Linking asteroids and meteorites to the primordial planetesimal population","abstract":"Meteorites provide a unique insight into early Solar System processes. However, to fully interpret this record requires that these meteorites are related back to their source asteroids and ultimately to the original planetesimal population that formed early in Solar System history. As a first step in this process an assessment has been undertaken of the likely number of distinct source asteroids sampled by meteorites and related extraterrestrial materials. The results of this survey indicate that there are between 95 and 148 parent bodies represented in our sample collections. This number has been steadily increasing as new “anomalous” meteorites are characterized. Attempts to link these parent bodies to identified asteroidal sources has so far been of limited success, due to the non-unique reflectance spectra of almost all known asteroids. Asteroid (4) Vesta and the HED (howardites, eucrite, diogenite) meteorites are the best example of a relatively non-disputed asteroid-meteorite linkage. As part of this study the “parent body” concept has been examined and was found to be a widely, but loosely, used term in the literature to designate “a body that supplies meteorites to Earth.” This concept could be rendered more meaningful by discriminating between primary and secondary parent bodies. A primary parent body is the source asteroid from which the meteorite is ultimately derived, and a secondary parent body is an asteroid derived through impact or break-up of the primary body. A clear example of this usage is provided by (4) Vesta, with the main asteroid being the primary parent body and the Vestoids representing secondary parent bodies. The concept of primary vs. secondary parent bodies may have important implications for early Solar System evolution. Chondritic parent bodies are known to have accreted between 1 and 4 Myr after CAIs. This timing difference may reflect the fact that their source asteroids, particularly those of the carbonaceous chondrites, are secondary bodies, with the original CAI-bearing primary bodies destroyed during early collisional processing. The number of primary parent bodies represented by meteorites (95–148) appears low when compared to the estimated number of asteroids in the main belt (>100,000 with diameters exceeding ∼2 km). A range of potential reasons may explain this apparent mismatch: (i) meteorites provide an unrepresentative sampling of the main belt, (ii) the belt may only contain a limited number of primary parent bodies, (iii) meteorites may be preferentially derived from the ∼120 identified asteroid families, (iv) loosely consolidated types are filtered by Earth’s atmosphere, (v) multiple, near-identical, “clone” parent bodies may be present in the belt. At present, it is not possible to determine which of these potential mechanisms are dominant and all may be operating to a greater or lesser extent. Based on classical accretion models the meteorite record appears to be highly unrepresentative of the primordial asteroid population. In contrast, pebble accretion models suggest that these first-generation bodies may have been relatively large, in which case meteorites may provide a more unbiased record of early Solar System processes.","author":[{"family":"Greenwood","given":"RC"},{"family":"Burbine","given":"TH"},{"family":"Franchi","given":"IA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gca.2020.02.004","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2020.02.004","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3205712695","type":"article-journal","title":"Petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry of a new lunar magnesian feldspathic meteorite Northwest Africa 11460","abstract":"Abstract Lunar meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 11460 has been classified as a polymict breccia, composed of feldspathic clasts, mafic‐rich clasts (gabbroic and troctolitic fragments), granulites, and a wide range of impact melt breccias and dimict breccias. The non‐mare clasts have chemical affinities in major element composition to the Apollo ferroan anorthosites (FAN) and magnesian‐suite plutonic rocks. In contrast, incompatible trace element (ITE) compositions of the Mg‐richer clasts are more consistent with those of FANs rather than magnesian‐suite rocks. NWA 11460 has a Mg‐rich feldspathic bulk composition (FeO = 4.53 wt%, Al 2 O 3 = 25.87 wt%, and Mg# = 73.8) and relatively ITE‐poor (i.e., Th = 0.31 ppm and Sm = 0.65 ppm) characteristics. Feldspathic impact melt materials are approximately similar in composition to the estimated composition for the upper feldspathic lunar crust (as defined by Korotev et␣al., 2003). The ITE‐poor and Mg‐rich characteristics different from Apollo 16 feldspathic impact melts indicate that this meteorite has been possibly derived from a region distal to the nearside lunar highlands. Our analysis further suggests that NWA 11460 most likely originated from the farside of the Moon. Compositionally, Mg‐rich ITE‐poor clasts within NWA 11460 as well as those observed in other feldspathic lunar meteorites (which probably came from many different lunar regions) reveal that Mg‐rich rocks with low‐ITE components represent an important constituent of lunar crustal rocks. The diversities of highly magnesian non‐mare clasts and the low‐ITE chemistry provide geochemical clues for the genetic relationship between KREEP components and magnesian plutonic magmatism on the lunar farside.","author":[{"family":"Cao","given":"Haijun"},{"family":"Ling","given":"Zongcheng"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Jian"},{"family":"Fu","given":"Xiaohui"},{"family":"Zou","given":"Yongliao"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13741","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13741","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3131508782","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, and chronology of the Murrili (H5) meteorite fall: The third recovered fall from the Desert Fireball Network","abstract":"Abstract Murrili, the third meteorite recovered by the Desert Fireball Network, is analyzed using mineralogy, oxygen isotopes, bulk chemistry, physical properties, noble gases, and cosmogenic radionuclides. The modal mineralogy, bulk chemistry, magnetic susceptibility, physical properties, and oxygen isotopes of Murrili point to it being an H5 ordinary chondrite. It is heterogeneously shocked (S2–S5), depending on the method used to determine it, although Murrili is not obviously brecciated in texture. Cosmogenic radionuclides yield a cosmic ray exposure age of 6–8 Ma, and a pre‐atmospheric meteoroid size of 15–20 cm in radius. Murrili’s fall and subsequent month‐long embedment into the salt lake Kati Thanda significantly altered the whole rock, evident in its Mössbauer spectra, and visual inspection of cut sections. Murrili may have experienced minor, but subsequent, impacts after its formation 4475.3 ± 2.3 Ma, which left it heterogeneously shocked.","author":[{"family":"Anderson","given":"Seamus"},{"family":"Benedix","given":"GK"},{"family":"Forman","given":"LV"},{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Greenwood","given":"RC"},{"family":"Franchi","given":"IA"},{"family":"Friedrich","given":"JM"},{"family":"Macke","given":"RJ"},{"family":"Wiggins","given":"Sean"},{"family":"Britt","given":"DT"},{"family":"Cadogan","given":"JM"},{"family":"Meier","given":"MMM"},{"family":"Maden","given":"C"},{"family":"Busemann","given":"H"},{"family":"Welten","given":"KC"},{"family":"Caffee","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Jourdan","given":"Fred"},{"family":"Mayers","given":"Celia"},{"family":"Kennedy","given":"T"},{"family":"Godel","given":"Bélinda"},{"family":"Esteban","given":"Lionel"},{"family":"Merigot","given":"Kelly"},{"family":"Bevan","given":"AWR"},{"family":"Bland","given":"PA"},{"family":"Paxman","given":"Jonathan"},{"family":"Towner","given":"MC"},{"family":"Cupák","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Sansom","given":"Eleanor"},{"family":"Howie","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Devillepoix","given":"Hadrien"},{"family":"Jansensturgeon","given":"T"},{"family":"Stuart","given":"David"},{"family":"Strangway","given":"DW"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13615","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13615","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6634982.v1","type":"article-journal","title":"The spatial distribution of soluble organic matter and their relationship to minerals in the asteroid (162173) Ryugu","abstract":"Abstract We performed in-situ analysis on a ~ 1 mm-sized grain A0080 returned by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft from near-Earth asteroid (162173) Ryugu to investigate the relationship of soluble organic matter (SOM) to minerals. Desorption electrospray ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry (DESI-HRMS) imaging mapped more than 200 CHN, CHO, CHO–Na (sodium adducted), and CHNO soluble organic compounds. A heterogeneous spatial distribution was observed for different compound classes of SOM as well as among alkylated homologues on the sample surface. The A0080 sample showed mineralogy more like an Ivuna-type (CI) carbonaceous chondrite than other meteorites. It contained two different lithologies, which are either rich (lithology 1) or poor (lithology 2) in magnetite, pyrrhotite, and dolomite. CHN compounds were more concentrated in lithology 1 than in lithology 2; on the other hand, CHO, CHO–Na, and CHNO compounds were distributed in both lithologies. Such different spatial distribution of SOM is likely the result of interaction of the SOM with minerals, during precipitation of the SOM via fluid activity, or could be due to difference in transportation efficiencies of SOMs in aqueous fluid. Organic-related ions measured by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF–SIMS) did not coincide with the spatial distribution revealed by DESI-HRMS imaging. This result may be because the different ionization mechanism between DESI and SIMS, or indicate that the ToF–SIMS data would be mainly derived from methanol-insoluble organic matter in A0080. In the Orgueil meteorite, such relationship between altered minerals and SOM distributions was not observed by DESI-HRMS analysis and field-emission scanning electron microscopy, which would result from differences of SOM formation processes and sequent alteration process on the parent bodies or even on the Earth. Alkylated homologues of CHN compounds were identified in A0080 by DESI-HRMS imaging as observed in the Murchison meteorite, but not from the Orgueil meteorite. These compounds with a large C number were enriched in Murchison fragments with abundant carbonate grains. In contrast, such relationship was not observed in A0080, implying different formation or growth mechanisms for the alkylated CHN compounds by interaction with fluid and minerals on the Murchison parent body and asteroid Ryugu. Graphical Abstract","author":[{"family":"Hashiguchi","given":"Minako"},{"family":"Aoki","given":"Dan"},{"family":"Fukushima","given":"Kazuhiko"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Takano","given":"Yoshinori"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Karin"},{"family":"Aponte","given":"José"},{"family":"Elsila","given":"Jamie"},{"family":"Eiler","given":"John"},{"family":"Furukawa","given":"Yoshihiro"},{"family":"Furusho","given":"Aogu"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Graham","given":"Heather"},{"family":"Hamase","given":"Kenji"},{"family":"Hertkorn","given":"Norbert"},{"family":"Isa","given":"Junko"},{"family":"Koga","given":"Toshiki"},{"family":"Mclain","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Mita","given":"Hajime"},{"family":"Oba","given":"Yasuhiro"},{"family":"Ogawa","given":"Nanako"},{"family":"Ohkouchi","given":"Naohiko"},{"family":"Orthous-Daunay","given":"Francois"},{"family":"Parker","given":"Eric"},{"family":"Ruf","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Sakai","given":"Saburo"},{"family":"Schmitt-Kopplin","given":"Philippe"},{"family":"Sugahara","given":"Haruna"},{"family":"Thissen","given":"Roland"},{"family":"Vuitton","given":"Véronique"},{"family":"Wolters","given":"Cédric"},{"family":"Yoshimura","given":"Toshihiro"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Hisayoshi"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"Takaaki"},{"family":"Okazaki","given":"Ryuji"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"Kanako"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Makoto"},{"family":"Saiki","given":"Takanao"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Terui","given":"Fuyuto"},{"family":"Nakazawa","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Watanabe","given":"Sei"},{"family":"Tsuda","given":"Yuichi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6634982.v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6634982.v1","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6634982","type":"article-journal","title":"The spatial distribution of soluble organic matter and their relationship to minerals in the asteroid (162173) Ryugu","abstract":"Abstract We performed in-situ analysis on a ~ 1 mm-sized grain A0080 returned by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft from near-Earth asteroid (162173) Ryugu to investigate the relationship of soluble organic matter (SOM) to minerals. Desorption electrospray ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry (DESI-HRMS) imaging mapped more than 200 CHN, CHO, CHO–Na (sodium adducted), and CHNO soluble organic compounds. A heterogeneous spatial distribution was observed for different compound classes of SOM as well as among alkylated homologues on the sample surface. The A0080 sample showed mineralogy more like an Ivuna-type (CI) carbonaceous chondrite than other meteorites. It contained two different lithologies, which are either rich (lithology 1) or poor (lithology 2) in magnetite, pyrrhotite, and dolomite. CHN compounds were more concentrated in lithology 1 than in lithology 2; on the other hand, CHO, CHO–Na, and CHNO compounds were distributed in both lithologies. Such different spatial distribution of SOM is likely the result of interaction of the SOM with minerals, during precipitation of the SOM via fluid activity, or could be due to difference in transportation efficiencies of SOMs in aqueous fluid. Organic-related ions measured by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF–SIMS) did not coincide with the spatial distribution revealed by DESI-HRMS imaging. This result may be because the different ionization mechanism between DESI and SIMS, or indicate that the ToF–SIMS data would be mainly derived from methanol-insoluble organic matter in A0080. In the Orgueil meteorite, such relationship between altered minerals and SOM distributions was not observed by DESI-HRMS analysis and field-emission scanning electron microscopy, which would result from differences of SOM formation processes and sequent alteration process on the parent bodies or even on the Earth. Alkylated homologues of CHN compounds were identified in A0080 by DESI-HRMS imaging as observed in the Murchison meteorite, but not from the Orgueil meteorite. These compounds with a large C number were enriched in Murchison fragments with abundant carbonate grains. In contrast, such relationship was not observed in A0080, implying different formation or growth mechanisms for the alkylated CHN compounds by interaction with fluid and minerals on the Murchison parent body and asteroid Ryugu. Graphical Abstract","author":[{"family":"Hashiguchi","given":"Minako"},{"family":"Aoki","given":"Dan"},{"family":"Fukushima","given":"Kazuhiko"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Takano","given":"Yoshinori"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Dworkin","given":"Karin"},{"family":"Aponte","given":"José"},{"family":"Elsila","given":"Jamie"},{"family":"Eiler","given":"John"},{"family":"Furukawa","given":"Yoshihiro"},{"family":"Furusho","given":"Aogu"},{"family":"Glavin","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Graham","given":"Heather"},{"family":"Hamase","given":"Kenji"},{"family":"Hertkorn","given":"Norbert"},{"family":"Isa","given":"Junko"},{"family":"Koga","given":"Toshiki"},{"family":"Mclain","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Mita","given":"Hajime"},{"family":"Oba","given":"Yasuhiro"},{"family":"Ogawa","given":"Nanako"},{"family":"Ohkouchi","given":"Naohiko"},{"family":"Orthous-Daunay","given":"Francois"},{"family":"Parker","given":"Eric"},{"family":"Ruf","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Sakai","given":"Saburo"},{"family":"Schmitt-Kopplin","given":"Philippe"},{"family":"Sugahara","given":"Haruna"},{"family":"Thissen","given":"Roland"},{"family":"Vuitton","given":"Véronique"},{"family":"Wolters","given":"Cédric"},{"family":"Yoshimura","given":"Toshihiro"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Hisayoshi"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"Takaaki"},{"family":"Okazaki","given":"Ryuji"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"Kanako"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Makoto"},{"family":"Saiki","given":"Takanao"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Terui","given":"Fuyuto"},{"family":"Nakazawa","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Watanabe","given":"Sei"},{"family":"Tsuda","given":"Yuichi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6634982","URL":"https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6634982","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.60692/xqe9x-dqj69","type":"article-journal","title":"Graphite-Based Geothermometry on Almahata Sitta Ureilitic Meteorites","abstract":"The thermal history of carbon phases, including graphite and diamond, in the ureilite meteorites has implications for the formation, igneous evolution, and impact disruption of their parent body early in the history of the Solar System. Geothermometry data were obtained by micro-Raman spectroscopy on graphite in Almahata Sitta (AhS) ureilites AhS 72, AhS 209b and AhS A135A from the University of Khartoum collection. In these samples, graphite shows G-band peak centers between 1578 and 1585 cm−1 and the full width at half maximum values correspond to a crystallization temperature of 1266 °C for graphite for AhS 209b, 1242 °C for AhS 72, and 1332 °C for AhS A135A. Recent work on AhS 72 and AhS 209b has shown graphite associated with nanodiamonds and argued that this assemblage formed due to an impact-event. Our samples show disordered graphite with a crystalline domain size ranging between about 70 and 140 nm. The nanometric grain-size of the recrystallized graphite indicates that it records a shock event and thus argues that the temperatures we obtained are related to such an event, rather than the primary igneous processing of the ureilite parent body.","author":[{"family":"Barbaro","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Domeneghetti","given":"MC"},{"family":"Goodrich","given":"CA"},{"family":"Meneghetti","given":"Moreno"},{"family":"Litti","given":"Lucio"},{"family":"Fioretti","given":"AM"},{"family":"Jenniskens","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Shaddad","given":"MH"},{"family":"Nestola","given":"Fabrizio"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.60692/xqe9x-dqj69","URL":"https://doi.org/10.60692/xqe9x-dqj69","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.60692/e5hps-sc575","type":"article-journal","title":"Graphite-Based Geothermometry on Almahata Sitta Ureilitic Meteorites","abstract":"The thermal history of carbon phases, including graphite and diamond, in the ureilite meteorites has implications for the formation, igneous evolution, and impact disruption of their parent body early in the history of the Solar System. Geothermometry data were obtained by micro-Raman spectroscopy on graphite in Almahata Sitta (AhS) ureilites AhS 72, AhS 209b and AhS A135A from the University of Khartoum collection. In these samples, graphite shows G-band peak centers between 1578 and 1585 cm−1 and the full width at half maximum values correspond to a crystallization temperature of 1266 °C for graphite for AhS 209b, 1242 °C for AhS 72, and 1332 °C for AhS A135A. Recent work on AhS 72 and AhS 209b has shown graphite associated with nanodiamonds and argued that this assemblage formed due to an impact-event. Our samples show disordered graphite with a crystalline domain size ranging between about 70 and 140 nm. The nanometric grain-size of the recrystallized graphite indicates that it records a shock event and thus argues that the temperatures we obtained are related to such an event, rather than the primary igneous processing of the ureilite parent body.","author":[{"family":"Barbaro","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Domeneghetti","given":"MC"},{"family":"Goodrich","given":"CA"},{"family":"Meneghetti","given":"Moreno"},{"family":"Litti","given":"Lucio"},{"family":"Fioretti","given":"AM"},{"family":"Jenniskens","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Shaddad","given":"MH"},{"family":"Nestola","given":"Fabrizio"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.60692/e5hps-sc575","URL":"https://doi.org/10.60692/e5hps-sc575","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.60692/ys01b-fjt94","type":"article-journal","title":"Parauapebas meteorite from Pará, Brazil, a \"hammer\" breccia chondrite","abstract":"The Parauapebas meteorite, third official meteorite discovered in the Brazilian Amazon region, is a \"hammer meteorite\" which fell on December 9th, 2013, in the city of Parauapebas, Pará State, Brazil. Mineralogy is dominated by forsterite, enstatite, iron, troilite, and tetrataenite. Albite, chromite, diopside, augite, pigeonite, taenite, and merrillite are minor components. Two main clasts are separated by black shock-induced melt veins. One clast exhibits an abundance of chondrules with well-defined margins set on a recrystallized matrix composed mostly of forsterite and enstatite, consistent with petrologic type 4 chondrites. The other clast displays chondrules with outlines blurring into the groundmass as evidence of increasing recrystallization, consistent with petrologic type 5 chondrites. The clasts of petrologic type 4 have a fine-grained texture compared to those of type 5. It is a genomict breccia (indicated by shock melt veins) with the clasts and matrix of the same compositional group, but different petrologic types, H4 and H5. The melted outer crust of the Parauapebas meteorite is comprised of forsterite with interstitial dendritic iron oxide, and is rich in irregular vesicles, which are evidence of the rapid formation of the crust. The type specimen is deposited in the Museum of Geosciences of the University of São Paulo, Brazil.","author":[{"family":"Atencio","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Cunha","given":"Dorília"},{"family":"Moutinho","given":"André"},{"family":"Zucolotto","given":"ME"},{"family":"Tosi","given":"Amanda"},{"family":"Villaça","given":"Caio"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.60692/ys01b-fjt94","URL":"https://doi.org/10.60692/ys01b-fjt94","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.60692/4s5v7-xc848","type":"article-journal","title":"Parauapebas meteorite from Pará, Brazil, a \"hammer\" breccia chondrite","abstract":"The Parauapebas meteorite, third official meteorite discovered in the Brazilian Amazon region, is a \"hammer meteorite\" which fell on December 9th, 2013, in the city of Parauapebas, Pará State, Brazil. Mineralogy is dominated by forsterite, enstatite, iron, troilite, and tetrataenite. Albite, chromite, diopside, augite, pigeonite, taenite, and merrillite are minor components. Two main clasts are separated by black shock-induced melt veins. One clast exhibits an abundance of chondrules with well-defined margins set on a recrystallized matrix composed mostly of forsterite and enstatite, consistent with petrologic type 4 chondrites. The other clast displays chondrules with outlines blurring into the groundmass as evidence of increasing recrystallization, consistent with petrologic type 5 chondrites. The clasts of petrologic type 4 have a fine-grained texture compared to those of type 5. It is a genomict breccia (indicated by shock melt veins) with the clasts and matrix of the same compositional group, but different petrologic types, H4 and H5. The melted outer crust of the Parauapebas meteorite is comprised of forsterite with interstitial dendritic iron oxide, and is rich in irregular vesicles, which are evidence of the rapid formation of the crust. The type specimen is deposited in the Museum of Geosciences of the University of São Paulo, Brazil.","author":[{"family":"Atencio","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Cunha","given":"Dorília"},{"family":"Moutinho","given":"André"},{"family":"Zucolotto","given":"ME"},{"family":"Tosi","given":"Amanda"},{"family":"Villaça","given":"Caio"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.60692/4s5v7-xc848","URL":"https://doi.org/10.60692/4s5v7-xc848","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.60692/0v6q1-gzb36","type":"article-journal","title":"The K and Th concentration in the Martian crust: insights from multi-scale analyses","abstract":"The univariate statistics of potassium (K) and thorium (Th) concentrations in the oceanic and continental crust of the Earth has been recently investigated from geochemical databases and airborne radiometric surveys [1].This study demonstrates that the frequency distributions of these elements are scale-dependent.There are right-skewed for small-scale samples (typical volume of rocks analyzed for an individual sample in a dataset) but tend to be more symmetric for large-scale samples.The right-skewed behavior of K and Th is attributed to their incompatible behavior during partial melting or fractional crystallization.The scale-dependence and evolution toward normal distributions are a direct consequence of the central limit theorem applied to K and Th concentrations.The results of the results of this study may be applied to Mars, using the Mars Odyssey global","author":[{"family":"Baratoux","given":"David"},{"family":"Makhoudia","given":"F"},{"family":"Meslin","given":"Pierre‐yves"},{"family":"Ndiaye","given":"P"},{"family":"Baratoux","given":"Lenka"},{"family":"Moyen","given":"Jean‐françois"},{"family":"Jessell","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Vanderhaeghe","given":"Olivier"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.60692/0v6q1-gzb36","URL":"https://doi.org/10.60692/0v6q1-gzb36","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.60692/ba0v8-fdm44","type":"article-journal","title":"The K and Th concentration in the Martian crust: insights from multi-scale analyses","abstract":"The univariate statistics of potassium (K) and thorium (Th) concentrations in the oceanic and continental crust of the Earth has been recently investigated from geochemical databases and airborne radiometric surveys [1].This study demonstrates that the frequency distributions of these elements are scale-dependent.There are right-skewed for small-scale samples (typical volume of rocks analyzed for an individual sample in a dataset) but tend to be more symmetric for large-scale samples.The right-skewed behavior of K and Th is attributed to their incompatible behavior during partial melting or fractional crystallization.The scale-dependence and evolution toward normal distributions are a direct consequence of the central limit theorem applied to K and Th concentrations.The results of the results of this study may be applied to Mars, using the Mars Odyssey global","author":[{"family":"Baratoux","given":"David"},{"family":"Makhoudia","given":"F"},{"family":"Meslin","given":"Pierre‐yves"},{"family":"Ndiaye","given":"P"},{"family":"Baratoux","given":"Lenka"},{"family":"Moyen","given":"Jean‐françois"},{"family":"Jessell","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Vanderhaeghe","given":"Olivier"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.60692/ba0v8-fdm44","URL":"https://doi.org/10.60692/ba0v8-fdm44","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.17169/refubium-36621","type":"article-journal","title":"Linking remote sensing, in situ and laboratory spectroscopy for a Ryugu analog meteorite sample","abstract":"In 2022 JAXA issued an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for receiving Hayabusa2 samples returned to Earth. We responded to the AO submitting a proposal based on using a multi-prong approach to achieve two main goals. The first goal is to address the subdued contrast of remote-sensing observations compared to measurements performed under laboratory conditions on analog materials. For this we will link the hyperspectral and imaging data collected from the spacecraft and the in-situ observations from the MASCOT lander instruments (MARA and MASCam) with laboratory-based measurements of Hayabusa2 samples using bi-directional reflectance spectroscopy under simulated asteroid surface conditions from UV to MIR/FIR achieved using three Bruker Vertex 80 V spectrometers in the Planetary Spectroscopy Laboratory. The second goal is the investigation of the mineralogy and organic matter of the samples collected by Hayabusa2, to better understanding the evolution of materials characterizing Ryugu and in general of protoplanetary disk and organic matter, investigating the aqueous alteration that took place in the parent body, and comparing the results with data collected from pristine carbonaceous chondrite analog meteorites. Spectral data will be complemented by Raman spectroscopy under simulated asteroid surface conditions, X-ray diffraction, would also allow us to define the bulk mineralogy of the samples as well as investigate the presence and nature of organic matter within the samples. In situ mineralogical and geochemical characterization will involve a pre-characterization of the sample fragments through scanning electron microscopy low voltage electron dispersive X-ray (EDX) maps, and micro IR analyses of the fragments. If allowed, a thin section of one grain will be used for electron microprobe analyses to geochemically characterize its mineralogical composition. To train our data collection and analysis methods on a realistic sample, we selected a piece of the Mukundpura meteorite, as one of the closer analogs to Ryugu’s surface (Ray et al., Planetary and Space Science, 2018, 151, 149–154). The Mukundpura chunk we selected for this study measures 3 mm in its maximum dimension, and we chose it so to have a test sample of the same size as the Hayabusa2 grain we requested in our proposal to JAXA’s AO. The test gave us confidence that we can measure with good SNR measurements in bi-directional reflectance for samples around 3 mm in size (see Figures 3, 4 below). To address our second goal the spectral data was complemented by Raman spectroscopy measured again under simulated asteroid surface conditions in our Raman Mineralogy and Biodetection Laboratory at DLR.","author":[{"family":"Maturilli","given":"Alessandro"},{"family":"Schwinger","given":"Sabrina"},{"family":"Bonato","given":"Enrica"},{"family":"Helbert","given":"Jörn"},{"family":"Baqué","given":"Mickael"},{"family":"Hamm","given":"Maximilian"},{"family":"Alemanno","given":"Giulia"},{"family":"Damore","given":"Mario"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.17169/refubium-36621","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17169/refubium-36621","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.17169/refubium-36668","type":"article-journal","title":"Asteroid 2008 TC3, not a polymict ureilitic but a polymict C1 chondrite parent body? Survey of 249 Almahata Sitta fragments","abstract":"On October 7, 2008, the asteroid 2008 TC3 exploded as it entered the Earth’s atmosphere, producing significant dust (in the atmosphere) and delivering thousands of stones in a strewn field in Sudan, collectively known as the Almahata Sitta (AhS) stones. About 600 fragments were officially recovered in 2008 and 2009. Further rocks were collected since the fall event by local people. From these stones, 249 were classified at the Institut für Planetologie in Münster (MS) known as MS‐xxx or MS‐MU‐xxx AhS subsamples. Most of these rocks are ureilitic in origin (168; 67%): 87 coarse‐grained ureilites, 60 fine‐grained ureilites, 15 ureilites with variable texture/mineralogy, four trachyandesites, and two polymict breccias. We identified 81 non‐ureilitic fragments, corresponding to 33% of the recovered samples studied in Münster. These included chondrites, namely 65 enstatite chondrites (43 EL; 22 EH), 11 ordinary chondrites (OC), one carbonaceous chondrite, and one unique R‐like chondrite. Furthermore, three samples represent a unique type of enstatite achondrite. Since all AhS stones must be regarded as individual specimens independent from each other, the number of fresh ureilite and enstatite chondrite falls in our meteorite collections has been increased by several hundred percent. Overall, the samples weigh between &lt;1 and 250 g and have a mean mass of ~15 g. If we consider—almost 15 years after the fall—the mass calculations, observations during and after the asteroid entered the atmosphere, the mineralogy of the C1 stones AhS 91A and AhS 671, and the experimental work on fitting the asteroid spectrum (e.g., Goodrich et al., 2019; Jenniskens et al., 2010; Shaddad et al., 2010), the main portion of the meteoroid was likely made of the fine‐grained (carbonaceous) dust and was mostly lost in the atmosphere. In particular, the fact that C1 materials were found has important implications for interpreting asteroid 2008 TC3's early spectroscopic results. Goodrich et al. (2019) correctly suggested that if scientists had not recovered the “water‐free” samples (e.g., ureilites, enstatites, and OC) from the AhS strewn field, 2008 TC3 would have been assumed to be a carbonaceous chondrite meteoroid. Considering that the dominating mass of the exploding meteoroid consisted of carbonaceous materials, asteroid 2008 TC3 cannot be classified as a polymict ureilite; consequently, we state that the asteroid was a polymict carbonaceous chondrite breccia, specifically a polymict C1 object that may have formed by late accretion at least 50–100 Ma after calcium–aluminum‐rich inclusions.","author":[{"family":"Bischoff","given":"Addi"},{"family":"Bannemann","given":"Lukas"},{"family":"Decker","given":"Stephan"},{"family":"Ebert","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Haberer","given":"Siegfried"},{"family":"Heitmann","given":"Ursula"},{"family":"Horstmann","given":"Marian"},{"family":"Klemm","given":"Kerstin"},{"family":"Kraemer","given":"Ann‐kathrin"},{"family":"Lentfort","given":"Sarah"},{"family":"Patzek","given":"Markus"},{"family":"Storz","given":"Jakob"},{"family":"Weyrauch","given":"Mona"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.17169/refubium-36668","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17169/refubium-36668","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2206.09953","type":"manuscript","title":"Nanoscale mineralogy and organic structure in Orgueil (CI) and EET 92042 (CR) carbonaceous chondrites studied with AFM-IR spectroscopy","abstract":"Meteorite matrices from primitive chondrites are an interplay of ingredients at the sub-micron scale, which requires analytical techniques with the nanometer spatial resolution to decipher the composition of individual components in their petrographic context. Infrared spectroscopy is an effective method that enables to probe of vibrations at the molecule-atomic scale of organic and inorganic compounds but is often limited to a few micrometers in spatial resolution. To efficiently distinguish spectral signatures of the different constituents, we apply here nano-IR spectroscopy (AFM-IR), based on the combination of infrared and atomic force microscopy, having a spatial resolution beyond the diffraction limits. Our study aims to characterize two chosen meteorite samples to investigate primitive material in terms of bulk chemistry (the CI chondrite Orgueil) and organic composition (the CR chondrite EET 92042). We confirm that this technique allows unmixing the IR signatures of organics and minerals to assess the variability of organic structure within these samples. We report an investigation of the impact of the widely used chemical HF/HCl (Hydrogen Fluoride/Hydrochloric) extraction on the nature of refractory organics (Insoluble Organic Matter, IOM) and provide insights on the mineralogy of meteorites matrices from these two samples by comparing to reference (extra)terrestrial materials. These findings are discussed with a perspective toward understanding the impact of post-accretional aqueous alteration and thermal metamorphism on the composition of chondrites. Last, we highlight that the heterogeneity of organic matter within meteoritic materials extends down to the nanoscale, and by comparison with IOMs, oxygenated chemical groups are not affected by acid extractions.","author":[{"family":"Phan","given":"Van"},{"family":"Rebois","given":"Rolando"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Quirico","given":"Eric"},{"family":"Bonal","given":"Lydie"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"Takaaki"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2206.09953","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2206.09953","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2203.10051","type":"manuscript","title":"Martian meteorites reflectance and implications for rover missions","abstract":"In the next decade, two rovers will characterize in situ the mineralogy of rocks on Mars, using for the first time near-infrared reflectance spectrometers: SuperCam onboard the Mars 2020 rover and MicrOmega onboard the ExoMars rover, although this technique is predominantly used in orbit for mineralogical investigations. Until successful completion of sample-return missions from Mars, Martian meteorites are currently the only samples of the red planet available for study in terrestrial laboratories and comparison with in situ data. However, the current spectral database available for these samples does not represent their diversity and consists primarily of spectra acquired on finely crushed samples, albeit grain size is known to greatly affect spectral features. We measured the reflected light of a broad Martian meteorite suite as a means to catalogue and characterize their spectra between 0.4 and 3 microns. These measurements are achieved using a point spectrometer acquiring data comparable to SuperCam, and an imaging spectrometer producing hyperspectral cubes similarly to MicrOmega. Our results indicate that point spectrometry is sufficient to discriminate the different Martian meteorites families, to identify their primary petrology based on band parameters, and to detect their low content in alteration minerals. However, significant spectral mixing occurs in the point measurements, even at spot sizes down to a few millimeters, and imaging spectroscopy is needed to correctly identify the various mineral phases in the meteorites. Bidirectional spectral measurements confirm their non-Lambertian behavior, with backward and suspected forward scattering peaks. With changing observation geometry, the main absorption strengths show variations up to 10-15 percents. All the spectra presented are provided in the supplementary data for further comparison with in situ and orbital measurements.","author":[{"family":"Mandon","given":"Lucia"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Quantin-Nataf","given":"Cathy"},{"family":"Dehouck","given":"Erwin"},{"family":"Pommerol","given":"Antoine"},{"family":"Yoldi","given":"Zurine"},{"family":"Cerubini","given":"Romain"},{"family":"Pan","given":"Lu"},{"family":"Martinot","given":"Melissa"},{"family":"Sautter","given":"Violaine"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2203.10051","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2203.10051","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2105.01900","type":"manuscript","title":"Visible-Infrared spectroscopy of ungrouped and rare meteorites brings further constraints on meteorite-asteroid connections","abstract":"Although spectral surveys and spacecraft missions provide information on small bodies, many important analyses can only be performed in terrestrial laboratories. For now, the total number of parent bodies represented in our meteorites collection is estimated to about 150 parent bodies, of which 50 parent bodies represented by the poorly studied ungrouped chondrites. Linking ungrouped meteorites to their parent bodies is thus crucial to significantly increase our knowledge of asteroids. To this end, the petrography of 25 ungrouped chondrites and rare meteorite groups was studied, allowing grouping into 6 petrographic groups based on texture, mineralogy, and aqueous and thermal parent body processing. Then, we acquired visible-near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy data, in order to compare them to ground-based telescopic observations of asteroids. The reflectance spectra of meteorites were obtained on powdered samples, raw samples and polished sections. Our results showed that sample preparation influences the shape of the spectra, and thus asteroid spectral matching, especially for carbonaceous chondrites. Overall, the petrographic groups defined initially coincide with reflectance spectral groups. We define links between some of the studied ungrouped chondrites and asteroid types that had no meteorite connection proposed before, such as some very primitive type 3.00 ungrouped chondrites to B-type or Cg-type asteroids. We also matched metamorphosed ungrouped carbonaceous chondrites to S-complex asteroids, suggesting that this complex is not only composed of ordinary chondrites or primitive achondrites, as previously established, but may also host carbonaceous chondrites. Conversely, some ungrouped chondrites could not be matched to any known asteroid type, showing that those are potential samples from yet unidentified asteroid types.","author":[{"family":"Ruggiu","given":"Lisa"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Gattacceca","given":"Jérôme"},{"family":"Eschrig","given":"Jolantha"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2105.01900","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2105.01900","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W3036867902","type":"article-journal","title":"X‐ray computed tomography: Morphological and porosity characterization of giant Antarctic micrometeorites","abstract":"Abstract Giant micrometeorites (MMs; 400–2000 µm) are exceedingly rare and scientifically valuable. Three‐dimensional nondestructive characterization by X‐ray computed tomography (X‐CT) provides information on the petrography and thus petrogenesis of MMs and serves as a guide to maximize subsequent multi‐analytical studies on such precious planetary materials. Here, we discuss the results obtained by X‐CT on 22 giant MMs and the classification based on their 3‐D density contrast images. Scoriaceous and unmelted MMs have distinct porosity ranges (10–40 vol% versus 0–25 vol%, respectively). We observe a porosity variation inside scoriaceous MMs, which allows their atmospheric entry flight history to be resolved. For the first time, spinning entry is explicitly demonstrated for four partially melted MMs. Furthermore, we are able to resolve the thermal gradient in a single particle, based on porosity variation (seen as a progressive increase in pore abundance and size with higher peak temperatures). Moreover, we explore parent body alteration through the 3‐D analysis of pores distribution, showing that shock fabrics are either absent or weakly developed in our data set. Finally, owing to the detection of pseudomorphic chondrules, we estimate that the intensively aqueously altered C1 or CI‐like material could represent 18% of the MM flux at this size fraction (400–1000 µm).","author":[{"family":"Dionnet","given":"Z"},{"family":"Suttle","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Longobardo","given":"A"},{"family":"Rotundi","given":"A"},{"family":"Folco","given":"L"},{"family":"Corte","given":"Vincenzo"},{"family":"King","given":"Andrew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13533","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13533","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3126717168","type":"article-journal","title":"Unified Model of Sediment Transport Threshold and Rate Across Weak and Intense Subaqueous Bedload, Windblown Sand, and Windblown Snow","abstract":"Abstract Nonsuspended sediment transport (NST) refers to the sediment transport regime in which the flow turbulence is unable to support the weight of transported grains. It occurs in fluvial environments (i.e., driven by a stream of liquid) and in aeolian environments (i.e., wind‐blown) and plays a key role in shaping sedimentary landscapes of planetary bodies. NST is a highly fluctuating physical process because of turbulence, surface inhomogeneities, and variations of grain size and shape and packing geometry. Furthermore, the energy of transported grains varies strongly due to variations of their flow exposure duration since their entrainment from the bed. In spite of such variability, we here propose a deterministic model that represents the entire grain motion, including grains that roll and/or slide along the bed, by a periodic saltation motion with rebound laws that describe an average rebound of a grain after colliding with the bed. The model simultaneously captures laboratory and field measurements and discrete element method (DEM)‐based numerical simulations of the threshold and rate of equilibrium NST within a factor of about 2, unifying weak and intense transport conditions in oil, water, and air (oil only for threshold). The model parameters have not been adjusted to these measurements but determined from independent data sets. Recent DEM‐based numerical simulations (Comola, Gaume, et al., 2019; https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL082195 ) suggest that equilibrium aeolian NST on Earth is insensitive to the strength of cohesive bonds between bed grains. Consistently, the model captures cohesive windblown sand and windblown snow conditions despite not explicitly accounting for cohesion.","author":[{"family":"Pähtz","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yonghui"},{"family":"Xia","given":"Yuezhang"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Peng"},{"family":"He","given":"Zhiguo"},{"family":"Tholen","given":"Katharina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2020jf005859","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2020jf005859","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4309609245","type":"article-journal","title":"Geochemical bio-signatures in Martian analogue basaltic environments using laboratory experiments and thermochemical modelling","abstract":"The identification of geochemical bio-signatures is important for assessing whether life existed on early Mars. In this paper, experimental microbiology and thermochemical modelling were combined to identify potential inorganic bio-signatures for life detection on early Mars. An analogue mixed microbial community from an analogue terrestrial fluvio-lacustrine environment similar to an ancient lacustrine system at Gale Crater was used to study microbial dissolution of a basalt regolith simulant and the formation of bio-signatures over a short time frame (1°month) at 14°C, 2 bar. Microbial growth influenced element dissolution (Mg, Fe, Mn, Ca and K) and the formation of morphologies and Fe-Si amorphous layers on mineral surfaces. Thermochemical models were performed at 14°C, 2 bar; the results were compared with experimental data to predict bio-signatures that would occur over geological timescales. The pH was varied to simulate abiotic and biotic experimental conditions. Model results suggest that, at water to rock ratios of 100 to 38, a less complex secondary mineral assemblage forms during biotic dissolution compared to abiotic weathering. Carbonates, quartz, pyrite and hydroxyapatite form under biotic conditions, whereas in the abiotic system magnetite and phyllosilicates would also precipitate. These results could be used to distinguish between abiotic and biotic basalt weathering processes, aiding the interpretation of data from Mars exploration missions.","author":[{"family":"Cogliati","given":"Simone"},{"family":"Wolsey","given":"Elliot"},{"family":"Ramkissoon","given":"Nisha"},{"family":"Schwenzer","given":"SP"},{"family":"Pearson","given":"VK"},{"family":"Olssonfrancis","given":"Karen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2022.1062007","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2022.1062007","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3048749238","type":"article-journal","title":"Characterization of HCN-Derived Thermal Polymer: Implications for Chemical Evolution","abstract":"Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)-derived polymers have been recognized as sources of relevant organic molecules in prebiotic chemistry and material sciences. However, there are considerable gaps in the knowledge regarding the polymeric nature, the physicochemical properties, and the chemical pathways along polymer synthesis. HCN might have played an important role in prebiotic hydrothermal environments; however, only few experiments use cyanide species considering hydrothermal conditions. In this work, we synthesized an HCN-derived thermal polymer simulating an alkaline hydrothermal environment (i.e., HCN (l) 0.15 M, 50 h, 100 °C, pH approximately 10) and characterized its chemical structure, thermal behavior, and the hydrolysis effect. Elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy suggest an important oxidation degree. The thermal behavior indicates that the polymer is more stable compared to other HCN-derived polymers. The mass spectrometric thermal analysis showed the gradual release of several volatile compounds along different thermal steps. The results suggest a complicate macrostructure formed by amide and hydroxyl groups, which are joined to the main reticular chain with conjugated bonds (C=O, N=O, –O–C=N). The hydrolysis treatment showed the pH conditions for the releasing of organics. The study of the synthesis of HCN-derived thermal polymers under feasible primitive hydrothermal conditions is relevant for considering hydrothermal vents as niches of chemical evolution on early Earth.","author":[{"family":"Villafañe-Barajas","given":"Saúl"},{"family":"Ruizbermejo","given":"Marta"},{"family":"Rayo-Pizarroso","given":"Pedro"},{"family":"Colín-García","given":"Marìa"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3390/pr8080968","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8080968","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3109174882","type":"article-journal","title":"UV Resistance of Nucleosides?An Experimental Approach","abstract":"Abstract The emergence of life on Earth is a highly discussed but still unsolved question. Current research underlines the importance of environments within close proximity to the Earth?s surface as they can solve long-standing problems such as polymerization of nucleotides and phosphorylation of nucleosides. However, near-surface settings, for example, ponds or ice shields, are prone to UV irradiation. We investigated the photosensitivity of uracil, uridine, adenosine, cytidine, and guanosine by using Raman microscopy. The samples were irradiated by a UV source with 150 mW/cm2 for 10 min. Uracil and uridine showed the highest photosensitivity, while adenosine, cytidine, and guanosine remained stable. The change of spectral features and ab initio quantum calculations indicate the formation of uracil?s trans-syn cyclobutane dimer during UV irradiation.","author":[{"family":"Winkler","given":"Max"},{"family":"Giuliano","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Caselli","given":"Paola"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acsearthspacechem.0c00228","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acsearthspacechem.0c00228","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3018717485","type":"article-journal","title":"Possible molecular and cellular mechanisms at the basis of atmospheric electromagnetic field bioeffects","abstract":"Mechanisms of how electromagnetic (EM) field acts on biological systems are governed by the same physics regardless of the origin of the EM field (technological, atmospheric...), given that EM parameters are the same. We draw from a large body of literature of bioeffects of a man-made electromagnetic field. In this paper, we performed a focused review on selected possible mechanisms of how atmospheric electromagnetic phenomena can act at the molecular and cellular level. We first briefly review the range of frequencies and field strengths for both electric and magnetic fields in the atmosphere. Then, we focused on a concise description of the current knowledge on weak electric and magnetic field bioeffects with possible molecular mechanisms at the basis of possible EM field bioeffects combined with modeling strategies to estimate reliable outcomes and speculate about the biological effects linked to lightning or pyroelectricity. Indeed, we bring pyroelectricity as a natural source of voltage gradients previously unexplored. While very different from lightning, it can result in similar bioeffects based on similar mechanisms, which can lead to close speculations on the importance of these atmospheric electric fields in the evolution.","author":[{"family":"Cifra","given":"Michal"},{"family":"Apollonio","given":"Francesca"},{"family":"Liberti","given":"Micaela"},{"family":"García-Sánchez","given":"Tomás"},{"family":"Mir","given":"Lluis"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00484-020-01885-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-020-01885-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3130879648","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbial Community Structure Driven by a Volcanic Gradient in Glaciers of the Antarctic Archipelago South Shetland","abstract":"It has been demonstrated that the englacial ecosystem in volcanic environments is inhabited by active bacteria. To know whether this result could be extrapolated to other Antarctic glaciers and to study the populations of microeukaryotes in addition to those of bacteria, a study was performed using ice samples from eight glaciers in the South Shetland archipelago. The identification of microbial communities of bacteria and microeukaryotes using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA high throughput sequencing showed a great diversity when compared with microbiomes of other Antarctic glaciers or frozen deserts. Even the composition of the microbial communities identified in the glaciers from the same island was different, which may be due to the isolation of microbial clusters within the ice. A gradient in the abundance and diversity of the microbial communities from the volcano (west to the east) was observed. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between the chemical conditions of the ice samples and the composition of the prokaryotic populations inhabiting them along the volcanic gradient. The bacteria that participate in the sulfur cycle were those that best fit this trend. Furthermore, on the eastern island, a clear influence of human contamination was observed on the glacier microbiome.","author":[{"family":"Garcíalópez","given":"Eva"},{"family":"Serrano","given":"Sandra"},{"family":"Calvo","given":"Miguel"},{"family":"Perez","given":"Sonia"},{"family":"Sánchez-Casanova","given":"Silvia"},{"family":"García-Descalzo","given":"L"},{"family":"Cid","given":"Cristina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/microorganisms9020392","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020392","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3000117512","type":"article-journal","title":"Time Resolved in situ X-Ray Tomographic Microscopy Unraveling Dynamic Processes in Geologic Systems","abstract":"X-ray tomographic microscopy is a well-established analysis technique in different fields of the Earth Sciences to access volumetric information of the internal microstructure of a large variety of opaque materials with high-spatial resolution and in a non-destructive manner. Synchrotron radiation, with its coherence and high flux, is required for pushing the temporal resolution into the second and sub-second regime and beyond, and therefore moving from the investigation of static samples to the study of fast dynamic processes as they happen in 3D. Over the past few years, several hardware and software developments at the TOMCAT beamline at the Swiss Light Source contributed to establishing its highly flexible and user-friendly fast tomography endstation, making a large variety of new dynamic in-situ and operando investigations possible. Here we present an overview of the different devices, including an in-house developed detector, a new highly efficient macroscope and a programmable fast rotation stage. Their tight interplay and synchronization are key for lifting experimental design compromises and follow dynamic processes with high spatial and temporal resolution unfolding over prolonged periods of time, as often required by many applications. We showcase these new capabilities for the Earth sciences community by presenting 3 different geological studies, which make use of different sample environments. With a tri-axial deformation rig, chemo-mechanical-hydraulic feedbacks between gypsum dehydration and halite deformation have been studied, while the spatio-temporal evolution of a solute plume has been investigated for the first time in 3D with a flow cell. A laser-based heating system available at the beamline provides access to the high temperatures required to address bubble growth and collapse as well as bubble-bubble interaction and coalescence in volcanological material. With the integration of a rheometer, information on bubble deformation could also be gained. In the near future, upgrades of most large-scale synchrotron radiation facilities to diffraction-limited storage rings will create new opportunities, for instance through sub-second tomographic imaging capabilities at sub-micron length scales.","author":[{"family":"Marone","given":"Federica"},{"family":"Schlepütz","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Marti","given":"Sina"},{"family":"Fußeis","given":"Florian"},{"family":"Velásquezparra","given":"Andrés"},{"family":"Griffa","given":"Michele"},{"family":"Jiménezmartínez","given":"Joaquín"},{"family":"Dobson","given":"Katherine"},{"family":"Stampanoni","given":"Marco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3389/feart.2019.00346","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2019.00346","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4229332526","type":"article-journal","title":"Earliest Photic Zone Niches Probed by Ancestral Microbial Rhodopsins","abstract":"For billions of years, life has continuously adapted to dynamic physical conditions near the Earth's surface. Fossils and other preserved biosignatures in the paleontological record are the most direct evidence for reconstructing the broad historical contours of this adaptive interplay. However, biosignatures dating to Earth's earliest history are exceedingly rare. Here, we combine phylogenetic inference of primordial rhodopsin proteins with modeled spectral features of the Precambrian Earth environment to reconstruct the paleobiological history of this essential family of photoactive transmembrane proteins. Our results suggest that ancestral microbial rhodopsins likely acted as light-driven proton pumps and were spectrally tuned toward the absorption of green light, which would have enabled their hosts to occupy depths in a water column or biofilm where UV wavelengths were attenuated. Subsequent diversification of rhodopsin functions and peak absorption frequencies was enabled by the expansion of surface ecological niches induced by the accumulation of atmospheric oxygen. Inferred ancestors retain distinct associations between extant functions and peak absorption frequencies. Our findings suggest that novel information encoded by biomolecules can be used as \"paleosensors\" for conditions of ancient, inhabited niches of host organisms not represented elsewhere in the paleontological record. The coupling of functional diversification and spectral tuning of this taxonomically diverse protein family underscores the utility of rhodopsins as universal testbeds for inferring remotely detectable biosignatures on inhabited planetary bodies.","author":[{"family":"Sephus","given":"Cathryn"},{"family":"Fer","given":"Evrim"},{"family":"Garcia","given":"Amanda"},{"family":"Adam","given":"Zachary"},{"family":"Schwieterman","given":"Edward"},{"family":"Kaçar","given":"Betül"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1093/molbev/msac100","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msac100","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4284892910","type":"article-journal","title":"Harnessing the power of natural science collections: a blueprint for the UK","abstract":"Between September 2021 and March 2022, a consortium across the twelve major regions of the UK, led by the Natural History Museum, London (NHM), participated in a study to develop the business case and plan to support a national programme of natural science collections digitisation. This work, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) sought to understand the size and diversity of UK natural science collections; establish the readiness of UK institutions to undertake digitisation; and develop training materials to pilot regional digitisation, building on prior investments in digitisation and informatics by the NHM. This report sets out the key findings from this work and is presented as a “blueprint” to scale up digitisation and cooperation through a national infrastructure programme: DiSSCo UK is part of the UK’s contribution to DiSSCo, the Distributed System of Scientific Collections, a partnership of institutions who share a vision to empower science and society, in balance with nature, to make reliable knowledge and evidence about the natural world available to all.","author":[{"family":"Smith","given":"Vincent"},{"family":"Hardy","given":"Helen"},{"family":"Wainwright","given":"Tara"},{"family":"Livermore","given":"Laurence"},{"family":"Fraser","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Horák","given":"Jana"},{"family":"Aspinall","given":"Jennie"},{"family":"Howe","given":"Mike"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.6472239","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6472239","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4309912572","type":"article-journal","title":"Shidian meteorite, a new fall analog of near‐Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu","abstract":"Abstract Shidian is a recent meteorite which fell in Yunnan province, China, on November 27, 2017, and has been classified as a CM2 chondrite. Petrography, mineralogy, oxygen and chromium isotopic composition, reflectance spectrum, and density studies of Shidian are reported in this study. Clasts with different aqueous alteration degree, two type 1 clasts with nontypical CM petrography, and one metamorphic clast are observed in Shidian. Mineralogically, Shidian main body consists of phyllosilicates (∼70 vol%), forsterite (∼13 vol%), fayalitic olivine, carbonates, sulfide, high‐Ca pyroxene, magnetite framboids, and Fe‐Ni metal. The average electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) analytical totals of phyllosilicates are 84.07 ± 1.75 wt%, with average FeO/SiO 2 of tochilinite–cronstedtite intergrowths (TCIs) in different clasts ranging from 1.18 to 3.29. The bulk geochemical composition is characterized by flat rare earth element pattern, and by depletion of highly volatile elements. The whole rock oxygen isotopic composition is −0.51 ± 0.73‰, 5.44 ± 1.01‰, and −3.38 ± 0.20‰ for δ 17 O, δ 18 O, and Δ 17 O, respectively, with bulk chromium isotopic composition as ε 54 Cr = 1.00 ± 0.11. The grain density, bulk density, and porosity are 2.758 ± 0.008 g cm −3 , 2.500 ± 0.004 g cm −3 , and 9.37 ± 0.59%, respectively. The reflectance spectrum shows “blue” (negative) continuum slope across the visible and near‐infrared range, with characteristic absorption features (such as 0.765, 0.923, and 1.160 μm for phyllosilicates). These characteristics indicate that Shidian is an unheated, brecciated CM chondrite and may be an analog of asteroid Bennu.","author":[{"family":"Fan","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shijie"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Shen"},{"family":"Yin","given":"Qing‐zhu"},{"family":"Song","given":"Guangming"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Rui"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Jiang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Pengfei"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Chengyu"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Rong"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Thomas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13925","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13925","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3088580489","type":"article-journal","title":"Helios spacecraft data revisited: detection of cometary meteoroid trails by following in situ dust impacts","abstract":"Context. Cometary meteoroid trails exist in the vicinity of comets, forming a fine structure of the interplanetary dust cloud. The trails consist predominantly of the largest cometary particles (with sizes of approximately 0.1 mm–1 cm), which are ejected at low speeds and remain very close to the comet orbit for several revolutions around the Sun. In the 1970s, two Helios spacecraft were launched towards the inner Solar System. The spacecraft were equipped with in situ dust sensors which measured the distribution of interplanetary dust in the inner Solar System for the first time. Recently, when re-analysing the Helios data, a clustering of seven impacts was found, detected by Helios in a very narrow region of space at a true anomaly angle of 135 ± 1°, which the authors considered as potential cometary trail particles. However, at the time, this hypothesis could not be studied further. Aims. We re-analyse these candidate cometary trail particles in the Helios dust data to investigate the possibility that some or all of them indeed originate from cometary trails and we constrain their source comets. Methods. The Interplanetary Meteoroid Environment for eXploration (IMEX) dust streams in space model is a new and recently published universal model for cometary meteoroid streams in the inner Solar System. We use IMEX to study the traverses of cometary trails made by Helios. Results. During ten revolutions around the Sun, the Helios spacecraft intersected 13 cometary trails. For the majority of these traverses the predicted dust fluxes are very low. In the narrow region of space where Helios detected the candidate dust particles, the spacecraft repeatedly traversed the trails of comets 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdušáková and 72P/Denning-Fujikawa with relatively high predicted dust fluxes. The analysis of the detection times and particle impact directions shows that four detected particles are compatible with an origin from these two comets. By combining measurements and simulations we find a dust spatial density in these trails of approximately 10−8–10−7 m−3. Conclusions. The identification of potential cometary trail particles in the Helios data greatly benefited from the clustering of trail traverses in a rather narrow region of space. The in situ detection and analysis of meteoroid trail particles which can be traced back to their source bodies by spacecraft-based dust analysers provides a new opportunity for remote compositional analysis of comets and asteroids without the necessity to fly a spacecraft to or even land on those celestial bodies. This provides new science opportunities for future missions like DESTINY+ (Demonstration and Experiment of Space Technology for INterplanetary voYage with Phaethon fLyby and dUst Science), Europa Clipper, and the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe.","author":[{"family":"Krüger","given":"Harald"},{"family":"Strub","given":"Peter"},{"family":"Sommer","given":"Max"},{"family":"Altobelli","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Kimura","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Lohse","given":"Ann"},{"family":"Grün","given":"Eberhard"},{"family":"Srama","given":"Ralf"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1051/0004-6361/202038935","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202038935","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4311508184","type":"article-journal","title":"The Origin of Lattice Rotation during Dendritic Crystallization of Clinopyroxene","abstract":"Abstract Understanding dendritic crystallization is key to obtaining petrological information about rapid crystallization events. Clinopyroxene dendrites from a basaltic rock fulgurite from Nagpur, India, exhibit curved branches with corresponding lattice rotation that exceeds 180° for some branches. This paper combines crystallographic orientation mapping with microstructural observations and compositional information to determine the dendrites’ 3-D morphology and their bending mechanism. Dendrites exhibit a network of branches in the (010) plane, following either {001}* (normal to {001} planes, strong lattice curvature) or < 10–1 > (weak lattice curvature). Three or more orders of branches are observed in the (010) plane, alternating between {001}* and < 10–1>. Side branches with weak lattice curvature extend sub-perpendicular to the (010) plane, following either {021}* (sprouting from {001}* branches) or < 12–1 > (from <10–1 > branches) and defining curved ‘ribbons’ containing their respective central branch. All branches rotate about [010], with a consistent rotation sense regardless of elongation direction in sample or crystal coordinates. Bending must therefore be caused by local asymmetric thermal and compositional fields in the melt, generated by dendritic growth itself, not by sample-scale compositional, thermal or mechanical gradients. The most likely cause of bending is asymmetric distribution of melt supersaturation around branch tips, related to unequal growth rates perpendicular to different facets. Lattice rotation is inferred to occur via preferential incorporation of high densities of [001] (100) edge dislocations of one sign. High inferred dislocation densities imply that the preservation of bent dendrites requires rapid quenching. Higher inferred degree of undercooling (based on microstructural observations) correlates with greater lattice curvature. Bent dendrites can thus potentially be used to deliver information about spatial variations in degree of undercooling and place limits on the history of a sample after dendritic crystallization. Finally, finding lattice rotation exclusively about [010] is a new criterion to identify cryptic dendritic growth stages in euhedral crystals.","author":[{"family":"Griffiths","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Habler","given":"Gerlinde"},{"family":"Ageeva","given":"Olga"},{"family":"Sutter","given":"Christoph"},{"family":"Ferrière","given":"L"},{"family":"Abart","given":"Rainer"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1093/petrology/egac125","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egac125","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4220740799","type":"article-journal","title":"A review of machine learning in geochemistry and cosmochemistry: Method improvements and applications","abstract":"The development of analytical and computational techniques and growing scientific funds collectively contribute to the rapid accumulation of geoscience data. The massive amount of existing data, the increasing complexity, and the rapid acquisition rates require novel approaches to efficiently discover scientific stories embedded in the data related to geochemistry and cosmochemistry. Machine learning methods can discover and describe the hidden patterns in intricate geochemical and cosmochemical big data. In recent years, considerable efforts have been devoted to the applications of machine learning methods in geochemistry and cosmochemistry. Here, we review the main applications including rock and sediment identification, digital mapping, water and soil quality prediction, and deep space exploration. Research method improvements, such as spectroscopy interpretation, numerical modeling, and molecular machine learning, are also discussed. Based on the up-to-date machine learning/deep learning techniques, we foresee the vast opportunities of implementing artificial intelligence and developing databases in geochemistry and cosmochemistry studies, as well as communicating geochemists/cosmochemists and data scientists.","author":[{"family":"He","given":"Yuyang"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"You"},{"family":"Wen","given":"Tao"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Shuang"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Fang"},{"family":"Zou","given":"Xinyu"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Xiaogang"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"Yueqin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2022.105273","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2022.105273","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4200069010","type":"article-journal","title":"Iron Silicides in Fulgurites","abstract":"Iron silicide minerals (Fe-Si group) are found in terrestrial and solar system samples. These minerals tend to be more common in extraterrestrial rocks such as meteorites, and their existence in terrestrial rocks is limited due to a requirement of extremely reducing conditions to promote their formation. Such extremely reducing conditions can be found in fulgurites, which are glasses formed as cloud-to-ground lightning heats and fuses sand, soil, or rock. The objective of this paper is to review reports of iron silicides in fulgurites, note any similarities between separate fulgurite observations, and to explain the core connection between geological environments wherein these minerals are found. In addition, we also compare iron silicides in fulgurites to those in extraterrestrial samples.","author":[{"family":"Feng","given":"Tian"},{"family":"Abbatiello","given":"Josh"},{"family":"Omran","given":"Arthur"},{"family":"Mehta","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Pasek","given":"Matthew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min11121394","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min11121394","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3142628472","type":"article-journal","title":"A Comprehensive Review of HCN-Derived Polymers","abstract":"HCN-derived polymers are a heterogeneous group of complex substances synthesized from pure HCN; from its salts; from its oligomers, specifically its trimer and tetramer, amino-nalono-nitrile (AMN) and diamino-maleo-nitrile (DAMN), respectively; or from its hydrolysis products, such as formamide, under a wide range of experimental conditions. The characteristics and properties of HCN-derived polymers depend directly on the synthetic conditions used for their production and, by extension, their potential applications. These puzzling systems have been known mainly in the fields of prebiotic chemistry and in studies on the origins of life and astrobiology since the first prebiotic production of adenine by Oró in the early years of the 1960s. However, the first reference regarding their possible role in prebiotic chemistry was mentioned in the 19th century by Pflüger. Currently, HCN-derived polymers are considered keys in the formation of the first and primeval protometabolic and informational systems, and they may be among the most readily formed organic macromolecules in the solar system. In addition, HCN-derived polymers have attracted a growing interest in materials science due to their potential biomedical applications as coatings and adhesives; they have also been proposed as valuable models for multifunctional materials with emergent properties such as semi-conductivity, ferroelectricity, catalysis and photocatalysis, and heterogeneous organo-synthesis. However, the real structures and the formation pathways of these fascinating substances have not yet been fully elucidated; several models based on either computational approaches or spectroscopic and analytical techniques have endeavored to shed light on their complete nature. In this review, a comprehensive perspective of HCN-derived polymers is presented, taking into account all the aspects indicated above.","author":[{"family":"Ruizbermejo","given":"Marta"},{"family":"Fuente","given":"José"},{"family":"Pérez-Fernández","given":"Cristina"},{"family":"Mateomartí","given":"Eva"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/pr9040597","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9040597","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3024530943","type":"article-journal","title":"Challenges for a Sustainable Food Production System on Board of the International Space Station: A Technical Review","abstract":"The possibility of prolonging space missions—and consequently the permanence of humans in space—depends on the possibility of providing them with an adequate supply of fresh foods to meet their nutritional requirements. This would allow space travelers to mitigate health risks associated with exposure to space radiation, microgravity and psychological stress. In this review, we attempt to critically summarize existing studies with the aim of suggesting possible solutions to overcome the challenges to develop a bio-regenerative life support system (BLSS) that can contribute to life support, supplying food and O2, while removing CO2 on the International Space Station (ISS). We describe the physical constraints and energy requirements for ISS farming in relation to space and energy resources, the problems related to lighting systems and criteria for selecting plants suitable for farming in space and microgravity. Clearly, the dimensions of a growth hardware that can be placed on ISS do not allow to produce enough fresh food to supplement the stored, packaged diet of astronauts; however, experimentation on ISS is pivotal for implementing plant growth systems and paves the way for the next long-duration space missions, including those in cis-lunar space and to the lunar surface.","author":[{"family":"Carillo","given":"Petronia"},{"family":"Morrone","given":"Biagio"},{"family":"Fusco","given":"Giovanna"},{"family":"Pascale","given":"Stefania"},{"family":"Rouphael","given":"Youssef"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3390/agronomy10050687","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10050687","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3169609285","type":"article-journal","title":"Applications of Mössbauer Spectroscopy in Meteoritical and Planetary Science, Part II: Differentiated Meteorites, Moon, and Mars","abstract":"Mössbauer (nuclear γ-resonance) spectroscopy is a powerful technique which is actively used in various fields from physics and chemistry to biology and medicine. Rudolf L. Mössbauer, who observed nuclear γ-resonance and published his results in 1958, got a Nobel Prize in physics in 1961 for this discovery. 57Fe is the most widely used nucleus in Mössbauer spectroscopy. Therefore, a large variety of compounds containing iron can be studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy. It is well known that planetary matter contains various iron-bearing phases and minerals. Therefore, the extraterrestrial material from different meteorites, asteroids, and planets can be studied using 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy as an additional powerful technique. Two parts of this review consider the results of more than 50 years of experience of Mössbauer spectroscopy applied for the studies of various meteorites, soils and rocks from the Moon and a recent investigation of the Martian surface using two rovers equipped with miniaturized Mössbauer spectrometers. Part I considered the results of Mössbauer spectroscopy of undifferentiated meteorites. Part II discusses the results of Mössbauer spectroscopy of differentiated meteorites formed in asteroids and protoplanets due to matter differentiation, as well as Lunar and Martian matter.","author":[{"family":"Maksimova","given":"AA"},{"family":"Goryunov","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Оштрах","given":"МИ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min11060614","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min11060614","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4285792266","type":"article-journal","title":"Tridymite in a lacustrine mudstone in Gale Crater, Mars: Evidence for an explosive silicic eruption during the Hesperian","abstract":"The unexpected detection of ∼16 wt.% monoclinic tridymite, a high-temperature silica polymorph, within an otherwise lacustrine mudstone in Gale crater, Mars raises significant questions about its formation and the extent of magmatic evolution on that planet. The rock sample, analyzed by the X-ray diffractometer onboard the Curiosity rover, also contained feldspar, cristobalite, and opaline silica (±Si-glass). Monoclinic tridymite is extremely rare on Earth, and has only been discovered in silicic volcanic environments, high-temperature impact settings, and extraterrestrial rocks. We review the most common formation pathways of natural tridymite and run thermodynamical models to investigate possible formation mechanisms. We consider the broader context of the sample to propose a formation and transport mechanism based on: (1) the mineralogical assemblage of the mudstone and rocks in the vicinity, (2) the composition of the mudstone layer, and (3) the overall geological context. Based on the large amount of tridymite, the high SiO2 and low Al2O3 concentration of the mudstone, and the low temperature context within distal lacustrine mudstone, we propose that an explosive eruption released Si-rich ashes, which were deposited into Gale crater's watershed as a tridymite-rich ashfall along with cristobalite, feldspar, Ti-oxide, and Si-rich glass, when Gale was still a lake (Hesperian). The dissolution of Si-rich glass and mineral sorting during transport would have concentrated tridymite, caused opaline silica precipitation, and relatively lowered the Al2O3 concentration. This scenario implies that explosive volcanism on Mars occurred during the Hesperian and might not be restricted to basaltic eruptions, revealing the complexity of Mars magmatism.","author":[{"family":"Payré","given":"V"},{"family":"Siebach","given":"KL"},{"family":"Thorpe","given":"MT"},{"family":"Antoshechkina","given":"Paula"},{"family":"Rampe","given":"EB"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.epsl.2022.117694","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2022.117694","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4220669510","type":"article-journal","title":"Photosensitized Thermoplastic Nano-Photocatalysts Active in the Visible Light Range for Potential Applications Inside Extraterrestrial Facilities","abstract":"Among different depollution methods, photocatalysis activated by solar light is promising for terrestrial outdoor applications. However, its use in underground structures and/or microgravity environments (e.g., extraterrestrial structures) is forbidden. In these cases, there are issues related to the energy emitted from the indoor lighting system because it is not high enough to promote the photocatalytic mechanism. Moreover, microgravity does not allow the recovery of the photocatalytic slurry from the depolluted solution. In this work, the synthesis of a filmable nanocomposite based on semiconductor nanoparticles supported by photosensitized copolyacrylates was performed through a bulk in situ radical copolymerization involving a photosensitizer macromonomer. The macromonomer and the nanocomposites were characterized through UV-Vis, fluorescence and NMR spectroscopies, gel permeation chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the sensitized nanocomposites was studied through photodegradation tests of common dyes and recalcitrant xenobiotic pollutants, employing UV-Vis and visible range (λ > 390 nm) light radiations. The sensitized nanocomposite photocatalytic performances increased about two times that of the unsensitized nanocomposite and that of visible range light radiation alone (>390 nm). The experimental data have shown that these new systems, applied as thin films, have the potential for use in indoor deep underground and extraterrestrial structures.","author":[{"family":"Mezzina","given":"Lidia"},{"family":"Nicosia","given":"Angelo"},{"family":"Vento","given":"Fabiana"},{"family":"Guidi","given":"Guido"},{"family":"Mineo","given":"Placido"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3390/nano12060996","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12060996","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3094638247","type":"article-journal","title":"Red risks for a journey to the red planet: The highest priority human health risks for a mission to Mars","abstract":"NASA's plans for space exploration include a return to the Moon to stay-boots back on the lunar surface with an orbital outpost. This station will be a launch point for voyages to destinations further away in our solar system, including journeys to the red planet Mars. To ensure success of these missions, health and performance risks associated with the unique hazards of spaceflight must be adequately controlled. These hazards-space radiation, altered gravity fields, isolation and confinement, closed environments, and distance from Earth-are linked with over 30 human health risks as documented by NASA's Human Research Program. The programmatic goal is to develop the tools and technologies to adequately mitigate, control, or accept these risks. The risks ranked as \"red\" have the highest priority based on both the likelihood of occurrence and the severity of their impact on human health, performance in mission, and long-term quality of life. These include: (1) space radiation health effects of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decrements (2) Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (3) behavioral health and performance decrements, and (4) inadequate food and nutrition. Evaluation of the hazards and risks in terms of the space exposome-the total sum of spaceflight and lifetime exposures and how they relate to genetics and determine the whole-body outcome-will provide a comprehensive picture of risk profiles for individual astronauts. In this review, we provide a primer on these \"red\" risks for the research community. The aim is to inform the development of studies and projects with high potential for generating both new knowledge and technologies to assist with mitigating multisystem risks to crew health during exploratory missions.","author":[{"family":"Patel","given":"Zarana"},{"family":"Brunstetter","given":"Tyson"},{"family":"Tarver","given":"William"},{"family":"Whitmire","given":"Alexandra"},{"family":"Zwart","given":"Sara"},{"family":"Smith","given":"Scott"},{"family":"Huff","given":"Janice"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41526-020-00124-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-020-00124-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3186350001","type":"article-journal","title":"Review of molten carbonate-based direct carbon fuel cells","abstract":"Abstract Direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) is a promising technology with high energy efficiency and abundant fuel. To date, a variety of DCFC configurations have been investigated, with molten hydroxide, molten carbonate or oxides being used as the electrolyte. Recently, there has been particular interest in DCFC with molten carbonate involved. The molten carbonate is either an electrolyte or a catalyst in different cell structures. In this review, we consider carbonate as the clue to discuss the function of carbonate in DCFCs, and start the paper by outlining the developments in terms of molten carbonate (MC)-based DCFC and its electrochemical oxidation processes. Thereafter, the composite electrolyte merging solid carbonate and mixed ionic–electronic conductors (MIEC) are discussed. Hybrid DCFC (HDCFCs ) combining molten carbonate and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) are also touched on. The primary function of carbonate (i.e., facilitating ion transfer and expanding the triple-phase boundaries) in these systems, is then discussed in detail. Finally, some issues are identified and a future outlook outlined, including a corrosion attack of cell components, reactions using inorganic salt from fuel ash, and wetting with carbon fuels.","author":[{"family":"Cui","given":"Can"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shuangbin"},{"family":"Gong","given":"Junyi"},{"family":"Wei","given":"Keyan"},{"family":"Hou","given":"Xiangjun"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Cairong"},{"family":"Yao","given":"Yali"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Jianjun"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s40243-021-00197-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s40243-021-00197-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3203521461","type":"article-journal","title":"Large calcium isotope fractionations by zeolite minerals from Iceland","abstract":"Abstract Zeolites are secondary tectosilicates produced during the hydrothermal alteration of basalt. The minerals serve as major sinks of calcium, which readily exchanges with calcium from surrounding groundwater. However, no studies have specifically investigated the calcium isotope geochemistry (δ44/40Ca) of zeolites. Here, we report δ44/40Ca values for zeolites from East Iceland, where the minerals form during progressive burial of the lava pile. The zeolites show a δ44/40Ca range of 1.4‰, which strongly correlates with average mineral calcium-oxygen bond lengths. As this correlation appears most consistent with equilibrium isotope partitioning, our findings point toward developing a novel geothermometer for studying low-grade basalt metamorphism. The results also have significance for using calcium isotopes to trace basalt weathering, including its role in long-term climate regulation and application in carbon capture and storage, a leading strategy for mitigating anthropogenic climate change.","author":[{"family":"Nelson","given":"Claire"},{"family":"Jacobson","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Kitch","given":"Gabriella"},{"family":"Weisenberger","given":"Tobias"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-021-00274-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-021-00274-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3206866155","type":"article-journal","title":"Convolutional Neural Networks as a Tool for Raman Spectral Mineral Classification Under Low Signal, Dusty Mars Conditions","abstract":"Abstract NASA's Mars 2020 and ESA's ExoMars will collect Raman measurements in dusty field conditions obscuring underlying rocks. This presents a challenge for remote Raman measurements at distances where mechanical or ablative sample cleaning is not straightforward. Historically, probing broad lithostratigraphic suites has been thwarted by the need for pristine targets and high‐quality spectra. We provide a means of identifying Raman spectra of common rock‐forming silicate, carbonate, and sulfate minerals under low signal‐to‐noise‐ratios, Mars‐like conditions using a convolutional neural network (CNN). The CNN was trained on the Machine Learning Raman Open Data set data set with 500,000+ Raman spectra of hand samples/powder mixtures (5,000+ spectra/mineral class). Diversity in sample microtopography, orientation, and crystallinity simulated varying laser focuses and spectral quality, and no traditional spectral preprocessing such as cosmic ray or baseline removal was employed. The CNN identified low‐intensity Raman scatterers (micas and amphiboles), mixed minerals, and distinguished between mineral endmembers with +99% success. We present among the first known implementations of “big data” machine learning using varied, high‐volume Raman spectral datasets. The pattern recognition abilities of CNNs can facilitate scientist Raman spectral interpretation on Earth and autonomous rover decision‐making on planets like Mars; increasing scientific yield, correcting human classification errors, reducing the need for thorough target dust removal during evaluative measurements, and streamlining the data communications pipeline—saving time and resources. This study examines an end‐to‐end development process for creating a deep learning algorithm sensitive to varieties of Raman spectra and provides guidelines for CNN model development at the interface of Raman spectroscopy, deep learning, and planetary science.","author":[{"family":"Berlanga","given":"G"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Quentin"},{"family":"Temiquel","given":"Nathan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2021ea002125","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2021ea002125","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3199240715","type":"article-journal","title":"Bioactive Ceramic Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering by Powder Bed Selective Laser Processing: A Review","abstract":"The implementation of a powder bed selective laser processing (PBSLP) technique for bioactive ceramics, including selective laser sintering and melting (SLM/SLS), a laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) approach is far more challenging when compared to its metallic and polymeric counterparts for the fabrication of biomedical materials. Direct PBSLP can offer binder-free fabrication of bioactive scaffolds without involving postprocessing techniques. This review explicitly focuses on the PBSLP technique for bioactive ceramics and encompasses a detailed overview of the PBSLP process and the general requirements and properties of the bioactive scaffolds for bone tissue growth. The bioactive ceramics enclosing calcium phosphate (CaP) and calcium silicates (CS) and their respective composite scaffolds processed through PBSLP are also extensively discussed. This review paper also categorizes the bone regeneration strategies of the bioactive scaffolds processed through PBSLP with the various modes of functionalization through the incorporation of drugs, stem cells, and growth factors to ameliorate critical-sized bone defects based on the fracture site length for personalized medicine.","author":[{"family":"Kamboj","given":"Nikhil"},{"family":"Ressler","given":"Antonia"},{"family":"Hussainova","given":"Irina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ma14185338","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14185338","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W2961567258","type":"article-journal","title":"Exploring Mars at the nanoscale: Applications of transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography in planetary exploration","abstract":"Abstract The upcoming Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission aims to deliver small quantities of Martian rocks to the Earth. Investigating these precious samples requires the development and application of techniques that can extract the greatest amount of high quality data from the minimum sample volume, thereby maximising science return from MSR. Atom probe tomography (APT) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are two complementary techniques that can obtain nanoscale structural, geochemical and, in the case of atom probe, isotopic information from small sample volumes. Here we describe how both techniques operate, as well as review recent developments in sample preparation protocols. We also outline how APT has been successfully applied to extraterrestrial materials in the recent past. Finally, we describe how we have studied Martian meteorites using TEM and APT in close coordination in order to characterise the products of water/rock interactions in t h e cru st of Ma r s – a k ey sc ie n ce goal of MSR. Our results provide new insights into the Martian hydrosphere and the mechanisms of anhydrous-hydrous mineral replacement. In light of the unique results provided by these tools, APT and TEM should form a crucial part at the culmination of a correlative analytical pipeline for MSR mission materials.","author":[{"family":"Daly","given":"Luke"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Bagot","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Halpin","given":"John"},{"family":"Smith","given":"William"},{"family":"Mcfadzean","given":"S"},{"family":"Obrien","given":"Áine"},{"family":"Griffin","given":"Sammy"},{"family":"Hallis","given":"LJ"},{"family":"Cohen","given":"BE"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1088/1757-899x/891/1/012008","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/891/1/012008","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4295941797","type":"article-journal","title":"Mars Science Laboratory CheMin Data From the Glen Torridon Region and the Significance of Lake‐Groundwater Interactions in Interpreting Mineralogy and Sedimentary History","abstract":"Abstract The Glen Torridon (GT) region in Gale crater, Mars is a region with strong clay mineral signatures inferred from orbital spectroscopy. The CheMin X‐ray diffraction (XRD) instrument onboard the Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, measured some of the highest clay mineral abundances to date within GT, complementing the orbital detections. GT may also be unique because in the XRD patterns of some samples, CheMin identified new phases, including: (a) Fe‐carbonates, and (b) a phase with a novel peak at 9.2 Å. Fe‐carbonates have been previously suggested from other instruments onboard, but this is the first definitive reporting by CheMin of Fe‐carbonate. This new phase with a 9.2 Å reflection has never been observed in Gale crater and may be a new mineral for Mars, but discrete identification still remains enigmatic because no single phase on Earth is able to account for all of the GT mineralogical, geochemical, and sedimentological constraints. Here, we modeled XRD profiles and propose an interstratified clay mineral, specifically greenalite‐minnesotaite, as a reasonable candidate. The coexistence of Fe‐carbonate and Fe‐rich clay minerals in the GT samples supports a conceptual model of a lacustrine groundwater mixing environment. Groundwater interaction with percolating lake waters in the sediments is common in terrestrial lacustrine settings, and the diffusion of two distinct water bodies within the subsurface can create a geochemical gradient and unique mineral front in the sediments. Ultimately, the proximity to this mixing zone may have controlled the secondary minerals preserved in sedimentary rocks exposed in GT.","author":[{"family":"Thorpe","given":"MT"},{"family":"Bristow","given":"TF"},{"family":"Rampe","given":"EB"},{"family":"Tosca","given":"Nicholas"},{"family":"Grotzinger","given":"JP"},{"family":"Bennett","given":"KA"},{"family":"Achilles","given":"CN"},{"family":"Blake","given":"DF"},{"family":"Chipera","given":"SJ"},{"family":"Downs","given":"GW"},{"family":"Downs","given":"RT"},{"family":"Morrison","given":"Shaunna"},{"family":"Tu","given":"Valerie"},{"family":"Castle","given":"N"},{"family":"Craig","given":"Patricia"},{"family":"Marais","given":"David"},{"family":"Hazen","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Ming","given":"DW"},{"family":"Morris","given":"RV"},{"family":"Treiman","given":"AH"},{"family":"Vaniman","given":"DT"},{"family":"Yen","given":"AS"},{"family":"Vasavada","given":"AR"},{"family":"Dehouck","given":"E"},{"family":"Bridges","given":"JC"},{"family":"Berger","given":"JA"},{"family":"Mcadam","given":"AC"},{"family":"Peretyazhko","given":"T"},{"family":"Siebach","given":"KL"},{"family":"Bryk","given":"AB"},{"family":"Fox","given":"VK"},{"family":"Fedo","given":"Christopher"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2021je007099","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2021je007099","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3216675495","type":"article-journal","title":"Acoustic monitoring of laser-induced phase transitions in minerals: implication for Mars exploration with SuperCam","abstract":"The SuperCam instrument suite onboard the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover uses the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique to determine the elemental composition of rocks and soils of the Mars surface. It is associated with a microphone to retrieve the physical properties of the ablated targets when listening to the laser-induced acoustic signal. In this study, we report the monitoring of laser-induced mineral phase transitions in acoustic data. Sound data recorded during the laser ablation of hematite, goethite and diamond showed a sharp increase of the acoustic signal amplitude over the first laser shots. Analyses of the laser-induced craters with Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy indicate that both hematite and goethite have been transformed into magnetite and that diamond has been transformed into amorphous-like carbon over the first laser shots. It is shown that these transitions are the root cause of the increase in acoustic signal, likely due to a change in target's physical properties as the material is transformed. These results give insights into the influence of the target's optical and thermal properties over the acoustic signal. But most importantly, in the context of the Mars surface exploration with SuperCam, as this behavior occurs only for specific phases, it demonstrates that the microphone data may help discriminating mineral phases whereas LIBS data only have limited capabilities.","author":[{"family":"Chide","given":"Baptiste"},{"family":"Beyssac","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Gauthier","given":"M"},{"family":"Benzerara","given":"Karim"},{"family":"Esteve","given":"Imène"},{"family":"Boulliard","given":"Jean"},{"family":"Maurice","given":"S"},{"family":"Wiens","given":"RC"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-021-03315-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03315-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W2941573200","type":"article-journal","title":"Olivine‐Carbonate Mineralogy of the Jezero Crater Region","abstract":"A well-preserved, ancient delta deposit, in combination with ample exposures of carbonate outcrops, makes Jezero Crater in Nili Fossae a compelling astrobiological site. We use Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) observations to characterize the surface mineralogy of the crater and surrounding watershed. Previous studies have documented the occurrence of olivine and carbonates in the Nili Fossae region. We focus on correlations between these two well-studied lithologies in the Jezero crater watershed. We map the position and shape of the olivine 1 μm absorption band and find that carbonates are found in association with olivine which displays a 1 μm band shifted to long wavelengths. We then use Thermal Emission Imaging Spectrometer (THEMIS) coverage of Nili Fossae and perform tests to investigate whether the long wavelength shifted (redshifted) olivine signature is correlated with high thermal inertia outcrops. We find that there is no consistent correlation between thermal inertia and the unique olivine signature. We discuss a range of formation scenarios for the olivine and carbonate associations, including the possibility that these lithologies are products of serpentinization reactions on early Mars. These lithologies provide an opportunity for deepening our understanding of early Mars and, given their antiquity, may provide a framework to study the timing of valley networks and the thermal history of the Martian crust and interior from the early Noachian to today.","author":[{"family":"Brown","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Viviano","given":"CE"},{"family":"Goudge","given":"TA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2019je006011","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2019je006011","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W2995898652","type":"article-journal","title":"The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 110","abstract":"Abstract Meteoritical Bulletin 110 contains the 2802 meteorites approved by the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society in 2021. It includes 10 falls (Arpu Kuilpu, Djadjarm, Glendale, Kindberg, Madura Cave, Motopi Pan, Orconuma, Punggur, Tihigrin, Winchcombe), with 2014 ordinary chondrites (including 1 ungrouped ordinary chondrite), 220 carbonaceous chondrites (including 11 ungrouped), 212 HED achondrites, 69 lunar meteorites, 62 ureilites, 43 iron meteorites, 35 Martian meteorites, 31 Rumuruti chondrites, 27 primitive achondrites, 24 mesosiderites, 19 relict meteorites (all iron meteorites), 15 pallasites, 13 enstatite chondrites, 11 ungrouped achondrites, 7 enstatite achondrites. Of the meteorites classified in 2021, 1270 are from Antarctica, 1049 from Africa, 329 from South America, 123 from Asia, 20 from North America, 6 from Europe, 3 from Oceania, and 2 from unknown locations.","author":[{"family":"Gattacceca","given":"J"},{"family":"Mccubbin","given":"FM"},{"family":"Grossman","given":"JN"},{"family":"Bouvier","given":"Audrey"},{"family":"Chabot","given":"NL"},{"family":"Dorazio","given":"Massimo"},{"family":"Goodrich","given":"CA"},{"family":"Greshake","given":"A"},{"family":"Groß","given":"Juliane"},{"family":"Komatsu","given":"M"},{"family":"Miao","given":"Bingkui"},{"family":"Schrader","given":"DL"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13918","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13918","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3037842049","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy of Vera Rubin Ridge From the Mars Science Laboratory CheMin Instrument","abstract":"Abstract Vera Rubin ridge (VRR) is an erosion‐resistant feature on the northwestern slope of Mount Sharp in Gale crater, Mars, and orbital visible/shortwave infrared measurements indicate it contains red hematite. The Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover performed an extensive campaign on VRR to study its mineralogy, geochemistry, and sedimentology to determine the depositional and diagenetic history of the ridge and constrain the processes by which the hematite could have formed. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data from the CheMin instrument of four samples drilled on and below VRR demonstrate differences in iron, phyllosilicate, and sulfate mineralogy and hematite grain size. Hematite is common across the ridge, and its detection in a gray outcrop suggest localized regions with coarse‐grained hematite, which commonly forms from warm fluids. Broad XRD peaks for hematite in one sample below VRR and the abundance of FeOT in the amorphous component suggest the presence of nanocrystalline hematite and amorphous Fe oxides/oxyhydroxides. Well crystalline akaganeite and jarosite are present in two samples drilled from VRR, indicating at least limited alteration by acid‐saline fluids. Collapsed nontronite is present below VRR, but samples from VRR contain phyllosilicate with d(001) = 9.6 Å, possibly from ferripyrophyllite or an acid‐altered smectite. The most likely cementing agents creating the ridge are hematite and opaline silica. We hypothesize late diagenesis can explain much of the mineralogical variation on the ridge, where multiple fluid episodes with variable pH, salinity, and temperature altered the rocks, causing the precipitation and crystallization of phases that are not otherwise in equilibrium.","author":[{"family":"Rampe","given":"EB"},{"family":"Bristow","given":"TF"},{"family":"Morris","given":"RV"},{"family":"Morrison","given":"Shaunna"},{"family":"Achilles","given":"CN"},{"family":"Ming","given":"DW"},{"family":"Vaniman","given":"DT"},{"family":"Blake","given":"DF"},{"family":"Tu","given":"Valerie"},{"family":"Chipera","given":"SJ"},{"family":"Yen","given":"AS"},{"family":"Peretyazhko","given":"T"},{"family":"Downs","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Hazen","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Treiman","given":"AH"},{"family":"Grotzinger","given":"JP"},{"family":"Castle","given":"N"},{"family":"Craig","given":"Patricia"},{"family":"Marais","given":"David"},{"family":"Thorpe","given":"MT"},{"family":"Walroth","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Downs","given":"GW"},{"family":"Fraeman","given":"AA"},{"family":"Siebach","given":"KL"},{"family":"Gellert","given":"R"},{"family":"Lafuente","given":"B"},{"family":"Mcadam","given":"AC"},{"family":"Meslin","given":"Pierre‐yves"},{"family":"Sutter","given":"B"},{"family":"Salvatore","given":"MR"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2019je006306","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2019je006306","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4210506701","type":"article-journal","title":"Nitrogenous Altered Volcanic Glasses as Targets for Mars Sample Return: Examples From Antarctica and Iceland","abstract":"Abstract Mars exploration is focused on seeking evidence of habitable environments and microbial life. Terrestrial glassy basalts may be the closest Mars‐surface weathering analog and observations increasingly indicate their potential to preserve biogeochemical records. The textures, major and trace element geochemistry, and N concentrations and isotopic compositions of subaerial, subglacial and continental lacustrine hyaloclastites from Antarctica, Iceland, and Oregon, respectively, were studied using micro‐imaging and chemical methods, including gas‐source mass spectrometry. Alteration by meteoric‐sourced waters occurred in circum‐neutral, increasingly alkaline low‐temperature conditions of ∼60°C–100°C (Iceland) and ∼60°C–170°C (Antarctica). Incompatible large ion lithophile element (LILE) enrichments compared to mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) are consistent with more advanced alteration in Antarctic breccias consisting of heulandite‐clinoptilolite, calcite, erionite, quartz, and fluorapophyllite. Granular and tubular alteration textures and radial apatite represent possible microbial traces. Most samples contain more N than fresh MORB or ocean island basalt reflecting enrichment beyond concentrations attributable to igneous processes. Antarctic samples contain 52–1,143 ppm N and have δ 15 Ν air values of −20.8‰ to −7.1‰. Iceland‐Oregon basalts contain 1.6–172 ppm N with δ 15 Ν of −6.7‰ to +7.3‰. Correlations between alteration extents, N concentrations, and concentrations of K 2 O, other LILEs, and Li and B, reflect the siting of secondary N likely as NH 4 + replacing K + and potentially as N 2 in phyllosilicates and zeolites. Although much of the N enrichment and isotope fractionation presented here is not definitively biogenic, given several unknown factors, we suggest that a combination of textures, major and trace element alteration and N and other isotope geochemical compositions could constitute a compelling biosignature in samples from Mars' surface/near‐surface.","author":[{"family":"Nikitczuk","given":"MPC"},{"family":"Bebout","given":"Gray"},{"family":"Ota","given":"Tsutomu"},{"family":"Kunihiro","given":"T"},{"family":"Mustard","given":"John"},{"family":"Flemming","given":"RL"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Ryoji"},{"family":"Halldórsson","given":"Sæmundur"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Eizo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2021je007052","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2021je007052","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4220962200","type":"article-journal","title":"Accretion regions of meteorite parent bodies inferred from a two-endmember isotopic mixing model","abstract":"ABSTRACT The diverse isotopic anomalies of meteorites demonstrate that the protoplanetary disc was composed of components from different stellar sources, which mixed in the disc and formed the planetary bodies. However, the origin of the accretion materials of different planetary bodies and the cosmochemical relationship between these bodies remain ambiguous. The noncarbonaceous (NC) planetary bodies originate from the inner solar system and have isotopic compositions distinct from those of the carbonaceous (CC) bodies. We combined Ca, Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni, Mo, and Ru isotopic anomalies to develop a quantitative two-endmember mixing model of the NC bodies. Correlations of the isotopic anomalies of different elements with different cosmochemical behaviors originate from the mixing of two common endmembers. Using this mixing model, we calculated the isotopic anomalies of NC bodies for all the considered isotopes, including the isotopic anomalies that are difficult to measure or have been altered by spallation processes. The mixing proportion between the two endmembers in each NC body has been calculated as a cosmochemical parameter, which represents the compositional relationship of the accretion materials between the NC bodies. Using the calculated mixing proportions, the feeding zones of the NC bodies could be estimated. The estimated feeding zones of NC bodies indicate a large population of interlopers in the main asteroid belt and an indigenous origin of Vesta. The feeding zones estimated in different planet formation scenarios indicate that the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn during formation of terrestrial planets were likely to be more circular than their current ones.","author":[{"family":"Shuai","given":"Kang"},{"family":"Hui","given":"Hejiu"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Li"},{"family":"Li","given":"Weiqiang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1093/mnras/stac849","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stac849","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3204860188","type":"article-journal","title":"Hydro-climatic and land use/cover changes in Nasia catchment of the White Volta basin in Ghana","abstract":"Abstract The Nasia catchment is the reservoir with significant surface water resources in Northern Ghana and home to numerous subsistence farmers engaged in rainfed and dry season irrigation farming. Yet, there is little understanding of the hydro-climatic and land use/cover conditions of this basin. This study investigated trends, relationships and changes in hydro-climatic variables and land use/cover in addition to implications of the observable changes in the Nasia catchment over a period of 50 years. Parameters used for the study were minimum (Tmin) and maximum temperature (Tmax), wind speed (WS), sunshine duration (S), rainfall (R), relative humidity (RH), discharge (D) and potential evapotranspiration (PET) data, 15 years of remotely sensed normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data and 30 years of land use/cover image data. Results show that Tmin, Tmax, WS and PET have increased significantly ( p < 0.05) over time. RH and S significantly declined. R, D and NDVI have not decreased significantly ( p > 0.05). A significant abrupt change in almost all hydro-climatic variables started in the 1980s, a period that coincides with the occurrence of drought events in the region, except WS in 2001, R in 1968 and D in 1975, respectively. Also, D showed a positive significant correlation with RH, R and PET, but an insignificant positive relationship with S. D also showed a negative insignificant correlation with Tmin, Tmax and WS. Areas covered with shrubland and settlement/bare lands have increased to the disadvantage of cropland, forest, grassland and water bodies. It was concluded that climate change impact is quite noticeable in the basin, indicating water scarcity and possibilities of droughts. The analysis performed herein is a vital foundation for further studies to simulate and predict the effect of climate change on the water resources, agriculture and livelihoods in the Nasia catchment.","author":[{"family":"Nyadzi","given":"Emmanuel"},{"family":"Bessah","given":"Enoch"},{"family":"Kranjac-Berisavljevic","given":"Gordana"},{"family":"Ludwig","given":"Fulco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00704-021-03772-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-021-03772-0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4381516122","type":"article-journal","title":"深空探测拉曼光谱技术研究进展","abstract":"Significance The detection of material composition on the surface of celestial bodies has always been an important content in lunar and deep space exploration.At present, the main detection means of material composition on the surface of celestial bodies is visible-near -infrared spectroscopy.Given the wide variety of material components on the surface of celestial bodies, attention should be paid to their chemical properties and content.The current single payload is difficult to meet these requirements, and it is necessary to develop new scientific payload technologies.Over the past two decades, 特邀综述 第 43 卷 第 8 期/2023 年 4 月/光学学报 consider the priorities of various scientific mission objectives.Fluorescence suppression is still one of the main problems faced by Raman spectroscopy.Infrared/ultraviolet excitation, time gating, frequency -shift excitation, and photobleaching are effective methods for suppressing fluorescence in deep -space Raman spectrometers.Raman spectroscopy technology for deep space exploration requires the support of many key components, and key components such as intensifiers and gratings still need to be developed. Conclusions and ProspectsRaman spectroscopy is a very powerful tool for detecting the composition of astronomical matters and is being applied by increasingly more deep space exploration missions.At present, the development trend of Raman spectroscopy technology for deep space exploration is modularization and miniaturization, multi -technology joint detection, long -range and short -range joint detection, and diversified detection fields.","author":[{"family":"Yiyi","given":"赵意意"},{"family":"Bin","given":"薛彬"},{"family":"Shuaidong","given":"黄帅东"},{"family":"Xinmei","given":"谢新梅"},{"family":"Jianfeng","given":"杨建峰"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3788/aos221968","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3788/aos221968","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4212935278","type":"article-journal","title":"Nitrogen Oxide Production in Laser‐Induced Breakdown Simulating Impacts on the Hadean Atmosphere","abstract":"Abstract The high‐energy‐density synthesis of NxOy species is simulated in gas mixtures representing an O2‐free early‐Earth atmosphere by terawatt‐kilojoule‐class laser‐induced dielectric breakdown (LIDB). These experiments differ from previous LIDB experiments due to the 100 times greater energy delivered per pulse and sensitive analysis of products by high‐resolution infrared spectroscopy. The measured yields of NO, N2O, and NO2 are 0.08–8 × 1015, 5 × 1012, and 0.03–7 × 1014 molec J −1. The high N2O yield is above the upper‐limit constraint of previous tabletop LIDB experiments and the expected yield of a thermochemical freeze‐out at any temperature between 2000 and 5000 K, while the NO and NO2 yields are in broad agreement with freeze‐out models. Using a one dimensional chemical model of the Hadean atmosphere and a simple model of late bombardment, we compute the source flux of N2O assuming the same high production yield as measured experimentally and find the steady‐state partial pressure of N2O is insufficient to warm the climate.","author":[{"family":"Heays","given":"AN"},{"family":"Kaiserová","given":"Tereza"},{"family":"Rimmer","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Knížek","given":"Antonín"},{"family":"Petera","given":"Lukáš"},{"family":"Civiš","given":"Svatopluk"},{"family":"Juha","given":"L"},{"family":"Dudžák","given":"R"},{"family":"Krůs","given":"M"},{"family":"Scherf","given":"Manuel"},{"family":"Lämmer","given":"H"},{"family":"Pascal","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Ferus","given":"Martin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2021je006842","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2021je006842","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4312127184","type":"article-journal","title":"Electric Discharge in Erupting Mud","abstract":"Abstract Self‐ignition during the explosive eruption of mud volcanoes can create flames that in some cases reach heights that exceed hundreds of meters. To study the controls on electrical discharge in natural mud, we performed laboratory experiments using a shock‐tube apparatus to simulate explosive eruptions of mud. We vary the water content of the mud and proportions of fine particles. We measure electric discharge within a Faraday cage and we use a high‐speed video camera to image the eruption of mud and some of the electric discharge events. We find that (a) decreasing the proportion of fine particles and (b) increasing water content each suppress the number and magnitude of electric discharge events. Experimentally observed mud volcano lightning occurs where particles exit from the vent and within the jet of erupting particles.","author":[{"family":"Springsklee","given":"C"},{"family":"Manga","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Scheu","given":"Bettina"},{"family":"Cimarelli","given":"Corrado"},{"family":"Dingwell","given":"Donald"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2022gl100852","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2022gl100852","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3202915903","type":"article-journal","title":"The survival of blown pack spoilage associatedClostridium estertheticumandClostridium gasigenesspores during the ensiling of grass","abstract":"ABSTRACT Blown pack spoilage (BPS) of vacuum packaged primals, caused by Clostridium estertheticum and Clostridium gasigenes, is a serious issue for the beef industry. There are multiple sources of these bacteria on beef farms, including grass and associated feed preparations. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival of C. estertheticum and C. gasigenes spores during the ensiling of grass and the subsequent opening of the silos. Grass, harvested from fields, with and without cattle slurry amendment, was inoculated with approximately 100 spores/g and ensiled using a laboratory (silo) model system at 20°C in the dark. Adding formic acid or sucrose resulted in six treatment combination as follows: no slurry (NS), no slurry plus formic acid (NSFA), no slurry plus sucrose (NSS), slurry (S), slurry plus formic acid (SFA) and slurry plus sucrose (SS). During the silage fermentation, samples were removed periodically and tested for C. estertheticum, C. gasigenes, total viable, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts. The pH, ethanol, volatile fatty acids (VFA), lactic acid and ammonia concentrations were also monitored throughout the experiment. C. estertheticum did not survive the ensiling process, regardless of treatment. In contrast, C. gasigenes grew in the early stages and was detected during the entirety of the fermentation for all treatments. Based on these observations, it was concluded that the silage fermentation process described would not remove C. gasigenes and contaminated grass may result in contaminated feed for animals.","author":[{"family":"Esteves","given":"Eden"},{"family":"Whyte","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Gupta","given":"Tanushree"},{"family":"Bolton","given":"Declan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1093/femsmc/xtab013","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/femsmc/xtab013","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4230146242","type":"article-journal","title":"Hydro-climatic and Land use/cover Changes in Nasia Catchment of the White Volta Basin in Ghana","abstract":"Abstract The Nasia catchment is the reservoir for significant surface water resources in Northern Ghana and home to numerous subsistence farmers engaged in rainfed and dry season irrigation farming. Yet there is little understanding of the hydro-climatic and land use /cover conditions of this basin. We analyzed 50 years of minimum (Tmin) and maximum temperature (Tmax), wind speed (WS), sunshine duration(S), Rainfall(R), relative humidity (RH), discharge (D) and potential evapotranspiration (PET) data, 15 years of remotely sensed normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data and 30 years of land use/cover image data. Results show that Tmin, Tmax, WS, and PET have increased significantly (P < 0.05). RH and S significantly declined. R, D and NDVI have insignificantly decreased (P > 0.05). A significant abrupt change in almost all hydroclimatic variables started in the 1980s, a period that coincides with the occurrence of drought events in the region except WS in 2001, R in 1968 and D in 1975. Also, D showed a positive significant correlation with RH, R and PET, but insignificant positive relationship with S. D also showed negative insignificant correlation with Tmin, Tmax and WS. Areas covered with shrubland and settlement/bare lands have increased to the disadvantage of cropland, forest, grassland and water bodies. We conclude that climate change impact is quite noticeable in the basin; indicating water scarcity and possibilities of droughts. The analysis performed herein is a vital foundation for further studies to simulate and predict the effect of climate change on the water resources, agriculture and livelihood in the Nasia basin.","author":[{"family":"Nyadzi","given":"Emmanuel"},{"family":"Bessah","given":"Enoch"},{"family":"Kranjac-Berisavljevic","given":"Gordana"},{"family":"Ludwig","given":"Fulco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-522885/v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-522885/v1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4313448281","type":"article-journal","title":"The contribution of living organisms to rock weathering in the critical zone","abstract":"Abstract Rock weathering is a key process in global elemental cycling. Life participates in this process with tangible consequences observed from the mineral interface to the planetary scale. Multiple lines of evidence show that microorganisms may play a pivotal—yet overlooked—role in weathering. This topic is reviewed here with an emphasis on the following questions that remain unanswered: What is the quantitative contribution of bacteria and fungi to weathering? What are the associated mechanisms and do they leave characteristic imprints on mineral surfaces or in the geological record? Does biogenic weathering fulfill an ecological function, or does it occur as a side effect of unrelated metabolic functions and biological processes? An overview of efforts to integrate the contribution of living organisms into reactive transport models is provided. We also highlight prospective opportunities to harness microbial weathering in order to support sustainable agroforestry practices and mining activities, soil remediation, and carbon sequestration.","author":[{"family":"Wild","given":"Bastien"},{"family":"Gerrits","given":"Ruben"},{"family":"Bonneville","given":"Steeve"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41529-022-00312-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-022-00312-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4205423059","type":"article-journal","title":"Polyaromatic Units Set the Albedo of Dark Extraterrestrial Materials","abstract":"Abstract Primitive extraterrestrial materials are generally dark, a characteristic often associated with the presence of polyaromatic organic material and/or sulfides. We show in this study that the reflectance level measured at 0.55 μm of IDPs and some meteorites is correlated to the degree of graphitization of the polyaromatic organic matter. The reflectance level of the primitive surfaces therefore allows us to obtain information on the polyaromatic organic material present on the surface of solar system small bodies observed by remote sensing or visited by space missions. We discuss our results in view of the sample return missions Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx.","author":[{"family":"Maupin","given":"R"},{"family":"Djouadi","given":"Z"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"R"},{"family":"Mivumbi","given":"O"},{"family":"Sandt","given":"Christophe"},{"family":"Borondics","given":"Ferenc"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3847/psj/ac424b","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/psj/ac424b","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4239320531","type":"article-journal","title":"Phosphorus mineral evolution and prebiotic chemistry: from minerals to microbes","abstract":"Minerals are known to control the availability of non-volatile and bio-essential elements at Earth’s surface, e.g., phosphorus (P). Therefore, the role of minerals in prebiotic chemistry is a focal point of research into the origins of life. However, the mineralogical diversity of earliest Earth is not definitively known. This uncertainty is owed both to progressive change in the Earth system and an imperfect rock record of Earth history with increasing age. Hence, much is unknown about the planetary conditions under which terrestrial life first developed. Here, we review the plausible diversity of P-bearing phases at Earth’s surface during the emergence of life. We consider phases that were delivered by meteorites (exogenous phases), as well as those that developed solely as a result of Earth system processes (endogenous phases). We take into account the known formation conditions of individual phases, as well as the observed temporal distributions of P-bearing minerals found at Earth’s surface today. Our approach allows us to leverage what is known about changes in the Earth system in order to rule out the prebiotic relevance of many P-bearing phases. Meanwhile, we highlight a small number of phases that are of possible prebiotic relevance; specifically schreibersite, merrillite, apatite, olivine, and glass. Prebiotic mineral-chemical scenarios can be formulated for each phase, with distinct requirements for the environmental and tectonic state of early Earth. We can therefore directly relate the probability of mineral-chemical scenarios to the nature of early Earth, bridging the fields of geoscience and prebiotic chemistry.","author":[{"family":"Walton","given":"Craig"},{"family":"Shorttle","given":"Oliver"},{"family":"Jenner","given":"Frances"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Helen"},{"family":"Golden","given":"Joshua"},{"family":"Morrison","given":"Shaunna"},{"family":"Downs","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Zerkle","given":"Aubrey"},{"family":"Hazen","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Pasek","given":"Matthew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.31223/x5ng7s","URL":"https://doi.org/10.31223/x5ng7s","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4213419300","type":"article-journal","title":"Ancient and recent collisions revealed by phosphate minerals in the Chelyabinsk meteorite","abstract":"Abstract The collision history of asteroids is an important archive of inner Solar System evolution. Evidence for these collisions is brought to Earth by meteorites. However, as meteorites often preserve numerous impact-reset mineral ages, interpretation of their collision histories is controversial. Here, we combine analysis of phosphate U-Pb ages and microtextures to interpret the collision history of Chelyabinsk—a highly shocked meteorite. We show that phosphate U-Pb ages correlate with phosphate microtextural state. Pristine phosphate domain U-Pb compositions are generally concordant, whereas fracture-damaged domains universally display discordance. Combining both populations best constrains upper (4473 ± 11 Ma) and lower intercept (−9 ± 55 Ma, i.e., within error of present) U-Pb ages. All phosphate U-Pb ages were completely reset during an ancient high energy collision, whilst fracture-damaged domains experienced further Pb-loss during mild and recent collisional re-heating. Targeting textural sub-populations of phosphate grains permits more robust reconstruction of asteroidal collision histories.","author":[{"family":"Walton","given":"Craig"},{"family":"Shorttle","given":"Oliver"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Sen"},{"family":"Rae","given":"Auriol"},{"family":"Ji","given":"Jianglong"},{"family":"Černok","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Helen"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Yu"},{"family":"Tang","given":"Guoqiang"},{"family":"Li","given":"Qiuli"},{"family":"Anand","given":"M"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s43247-022-00373-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-022-00373-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4206289497","type":"article-journal","title":"Stibiogoldfieldite, Cu12(Sb2Te2)S13, a new tetrahedrite-group mineral","abstract":"ABSTRACT Stibiogoldfieldite, Cu12(Sb2Te2)S13, was approved as a new mineral species from the Mohawk mine, Goldfield mining district, Esmeralda County, Nevada, USA. It occurs as metallic anhedral grains, dark grey in colour. It is associated with quartz, pyrite and an Ag–Bi–(S,Se) phase (holotype material) and with quartz, pyrite, calaverite, bismuthinite, bohdanowiczite, and the Ag–Bi–(S,Se) phase (cotype material). In reflected light, stibiogoldfieldite is isotropic, grey in colour, with indistinct brownish shade. Reflectance data in air [R (%)] are: 31.1 at 470 nm, 30.9 at 546 nm, 30.8 at 589 nm and 31.0 at 650 nm. Electron microprobe analysis for holotype material gave (in wt.% – average of 60 spot analyses): Cu 45.03(60), Ag 0.26(7), Fe 0.02(3), Zn 0.13(15), Sn 0.02(4), Pb 0.05(6), Sb 8.02(62), As 2.80(65), Bi 2.77(87), Te 15.15(1.24), S 24.50(32), Se 0.52(11), total 99.27(69). On the basis of (As + Sb + Te + Bi) = 4 atoms per formula unit (apfu), the empirical formula of stibiogoldfieldite is (Cu12.05Ag0.04Zn0.03Fe0.01)Σ12.13(Sb1.12As0.63Bi0.23Te2.02)Σ4.00(S12.99Se0.11)Σ13.10. Chemical data on an additional sample from the same locality (cotype material) gave the following results (in wt.% – average of 181 spot analyses): Cu 43.84(63), Ag 0.21(7), Sb 5.92(78), As 2.63(45), Te 20.07(1.19), S 25.13(53), Se 0.97(35), total 99.47(66). On the basis of (As + Sb + Te + Bi) = 4 apfu, the empirical formula of cotype material is (Cu11.30Ag0.03)Σ11.33(Sb0.80As0.57Bi0.06Te2.57)Σ4.00(S12.83Se0.20)Σ13.03. Stibiogoldfieldite is cubic, I $\\overline 4$ 3m, with unit-cell parameters a = 10.3466(17) Å, V = 1107.6(5) Å3 and Z = 2 (holotype). Unit-cell parameters for the cotype sample are a = 10.3035(2) Å and V = 1093.83(7) Å3. The crystal structure of holotype stibiogoldfieldite was refined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to a final R1 = 0.032 on the basis of 285 reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo) and 20 refined parameters. Stibiogoldfieldite is isotypic with other members of the tetrahedrite group.","author":[{"family":"Biagioni","given":"Cristian"},{"family":"Sejkora","given":"Jiří"},{"family":"Musetti","given":"Silvia"},{"family":"Makovicky","given":"Emil"},{"family":"Pagano","given":"Renato"},{"family":"Pasero","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Dolníček","given":"Zdeněk"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1180/mgm.2021.107","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2021.107","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3194260693","type":"article-journal","title":"Tennantite-(Hg), Cu6(Cu4Hg2)As4S13, a new tetrahedrite-group mineral from the Lengenbach quarry, Binn, Switzerland","abstract":"Abstract Tennantite-(Hg), Cu6(Cu4Hg2)As4S13, was approved as a new mineral species (IMA2020-063) from the Lengenbach quarry, Imfeld, Binn Valley, Canton Valais, Switzerland. It was identified as an aggregate of black metallic tetrahedral crystals, less than 0.1 mm in size, intimately associated with sinnerite, and grown on realgar. In reflected light, tennantite-(Hg) is isotropic, grey in colour, with creamy tints. Minimum and maximum reflectance data for COM wavelengths in air are [λ (nm): R (%)]: 470: 29.1; 546: 29.1; 589: 28.5; 650: 27.7. Electron microprobe analysis gave (in wt.% – average of 7 spot analyses): Cu 32.57(42), Ag 6.38(19), Tl 0.29(14), Zn 0.04(5), Hg 17.94(2.27), Pb 0.70(51), As 17.83(61), Sb 0.34(8), S 24.10(41), total 100.19(1.04). The empirical formula of the sample studied, recalculated on the basis of ΣMe = 16 atoms per formula unit, is (Cu4.69Ag1.04Tl0.03)Σ5.76(Cu4.35Hg1.58Pb0.06Zn0.01)Σ6.00(As4.20Sb0.05)Σ4.25S13.26. Tennantite-(Hg) is cubic, I $\\overline 4$ 3m, with a = 10.455(7) Å, V = 1143(2) Å3 and Z = 2. The crystal structure of tennantite-(Hg) has been refined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to a final R1 = 0.0897 on the basis of 214 unique reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo) and 22 refined parameters. Tennantite-(Hg) is isotypic with other members of the tetrahedrite group. Mercury is hosted at the tetrahedrally coordinated M(1) site, in accord with the relatively long M(1)–S(1) distance (2.389 Å), similar to that observed in tetrahedrite-(Hg). Minor Ag is located at the triangularly-coordinated and split M(2) site. Other occurrences of tennantite-(Hg) are briefly reviewed and the Lengenbach finding is described within the framework of previous knowledge about the Hg mineralogy at this locality.","author":[{"family":"Biagioni","given":"Cristian"},{"family":"Sejkora","given":"Jiří"},{"family":"Raber","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Roth","given":"Philippe"},{"family":"Moëlo","given":"Yves"},{"family":"Dolníček","given":"Zdeněk"},{"family":"Pasero","given":"Marco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1180/mgm.2021.59","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2021.59","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3183186862","type":"article-journal","title":"The Science Case for a Return to Enceladus","abstract":"Abstract The plume of Enceladus is unique in the solar system in providing direct access to fresh material from an extraterrestrial subsurface ocean. The Cassini Mission, though not specifically designed for it, was able to take advantage of the plume to conduct the best characterization to date of an extraterrestrial ocean. Evidence gathered from multiple instruments points to a global, subsurface liquid water ocean rich in salts and organic compounds, with water-rock interactions occurring presumably in hydrothermal systems at or below the moon’s sea floor. Meeting the criteria of “extended regions of liquid water, conditions favorable for the assembly of complex organic molecules, and energy source(s) to sustain metabolism,” the ocean of Enceladus can therefore be considered habitable. It is also the only confirmed place beyond the Earth where we can easily sample fresh material from a demonstrably habitable environment without the complications of digging or drilling. The next step is to investigate whether Enceladus’ ocean is actually inhabited. Here, we summarize the evidence for Enceladus’ ocean and its habitability, identify constraints and outstanding questions on the detectability of life within its ocean, and recommend a return to Enceladus with a dedicated search-for-life mission (or missions).","author":[{"family":"Cable","given":"Morgan"},{"family":"Porco","given":"CC"},{"family":"Glein","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"German","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Mackenzie","given":"Shannon"},{"family":"Neveu","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Hoehler","given":"Tori"},{"family":"Hofmann","given":"Amy"},{"family":"Hendrix","given":"Amanda"},{"family":"Eigenbrode","given":"JL"},{"family":"Postberg","given":"Frank"},{"family":"Spilker","given":"LJ"},{"family":"Mcewen","given":"AS"},{"family":"Khawaja","given":"Nozair"},{"family":"Waite","given":"JH"},{"family":"Wurz","given":"P"},{"family":"Helbert","given":"J"},{"family":"Anbar","given":"Ariel"},{"family":"Vera","given":"Jean‐pierre"},{"family":"Núñez","given":"Jorge"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3847/psj/abfb7a","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/psj/abfb7a","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4224319749","type":"article-journal","title":"Earth energy evolution, human development and carbon neutral strategy","abstract":"Energy is the basis of human development and the impetus of society progress. There are three sources of energy: energy of celestial body outside the Earth, the Earth energy and energy of interaction between the Earth and other celestial bodies. Meanwhile, there are three scales of co-evolution: the evolution of the Sun-Earth-Moon system on an ultra-long time scale has provided energy sources and extra-terrestrial environmental conditions for the formation of the Earth system; the evolution of the Earth system on a long time scale has provided the material preconditions such as energy resources and suitable sphere environment for life birth and the human development; on a short time scale, the development of human civilization makes the human circle break through the Earth system, expanding the extraterrestrial civilization. With the co-evolution, there are three processes in the carbon cycle: inorganic carbon cycle, short-term organic carbon cycle and long-term organic carbon cycle, which records human immoderate utilization of fossil energy and global sphere reforming activities, breaking the natural balance and closed-loop path of the carbon cycle of the Earth, causing the increase of greenhouse gases and global climate change, affecting human happiness and development. The energy transition is inevitable, and carbon neutrality must be realized. Building the green energy community is a fundamental measure to create the new energy system under carbon neutrality target. China is speeding up its energy revolution and developing a powerful energy nation. It is necessary to secure the cornerstone of the supply of fossil energy and forge a strong growing pole for green and sustainable development of new energy. China energy production and consumption structure will make a revolutionary transformation from the type of fossil energy domination to the type of new energy domination, depending on a high-level self-reliance of science and technology and a high-quality green energy system of cleaning, low-carbon, safety, efficiency and independence. Energy development has three major trends: low-carbon fossil energy, large-scale new energy and intelligent energy system, relying on the green innovation, contributing the green energy and constructing the green homeland.","author":[{"family":"Zou","given":"Caineng"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Feng"},{"family":"Pan","given":"Songqi"},{"family":"Lin","given":"Minjie"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Guosheng"},{"family":"Xiong","given":"Bo"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Ying"},{"family":"Liang","given":"Yingbo"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Zhi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1016/s1876-3804(22)60040-5","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/s1876-3804(22)60040-5","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3203303130","type":"article-journal","title":"LithoSpace: An Idea for an Automated System for in situ Petrographic Thin Section Preparation on Mars and Other Extraterrestrial Rocky Bodies","abstract":"Optical microscopy analyses using thin sections is one of the most standard techniques in geology. It permits identification of most rock-forming minerals and it is essential for micropaleontology since observation in transmitted light is the only way to observe individual, or colonies of, microfossils in their mineralogical and textural context. Thin sections are also used for other techniques such as Raman spectroscopy. In the framework of exploration of the Martian surface and of the search for potential relics of microbial life, the possibility to observe petrographic thin sections in situ would be revolutionary. Nevertheless, although optical microscopes can be readily designed for space exploration, thin section preparation is not easy to do in situ on extraterrestrial rocky bodies due to the generally harsh environmental conditions and to the difficulty to automate a protocol that normally requires several human interventions. The aim of the LithoSpace project, supported by the French Space Agency (CNES) since 2014, is to work on the development of an automated system permitting preparation of petrographic thin sections on extraterrestrial bodies, such as Mars, the Moon or asteroids. In this paper, we describe the approaches used to study rocks in situ during space missions and compare them to those used on Earth. Then, the relevance of making thin sections during space exploration is highlighted from the description of the data that could be collected from the analysis of these specific samples, using new instruments and instruments already sent to Mars. The standard preparation protocol is described as well as previously envisioned or existing in situ sample preparation systems. We then propose a protocol for automation of the preparation. Particular attention is paid to demonstrating the feasibility of making thin sections in the absence of liquid water and with energy consumption compatible with automated space probes. Tests are then carried out to control the quality of the prepared samples. On the basis of the demonstrated feasibility, an automated system is proposed as a conceptual all-in-one system. Finally, a “proof-of-concept” model developed with the help of students at different educational levels is presented.","author":[{"family":"Foucher","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Bost","given":"N"},{"family":"Janiec","given":"S"},{"family":"Fonte","given":"Aïcha"},{"family":"Breton","given":"Nicole"},{"family":"Perron","given":"Pascal"},{"family":"Bouquin","given":"Michel"},{"family":"Lebas","given":"Frank"},{"family":"Viso","given":"Michel"},{"family":"Chazalnoël","given":"Pascale"},{"family":"Courtade","given":"F"},{"family":"Villenave","given":"Michel"},{"family":"Westall","given":"Francès"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2021.749494","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2021.749494","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3097085457","type":"article-journal","title":"Donwilhelmsite, [CaAl4Si2O11], a new lunar high-pressure Ca-Al-silicate with relevance for subducted terrestrial sediments","abstract":"Abstract We report on the occurrence of a new high-pressure Ca-Al-silicate in localized shock melt pockets found in the feldspatic lunar meteorite Oued Awlitis 001 and discuss the implications of our discovery. The new mineral crystallized as tiny, micrometer-sized, acicular grains in shock melt pockets of roughly anorthitic bulk composition. Transmission electron microscopy based three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) reveals that the CaAl4Si2O11 crystals are identical to the calcium aluminum silicate (CAS) phase first reported from static pressure experiments. The new mineral has a hexagonal structure, with a space group of P63/mmc and lattice parameters of a = 5.42(1) Å; c = 12.70(3) Å; V = 323(4) Å3; Z = 2. This is the first time 3D ED was applied to structure determination of an extraterrestrial mineral. The International Mineralogical Association (IMA) has approved this naturally formed CAS phase as the new mineral “donwilhelmsite” [CaAl4Si2O11], honoring the U.S. lunar geologist Don E. Wilhelms. On the Moon, donwilhelmsite can form from the primordial feldspathic crust during impact cratering events. In the feldspatic lunar meteorite Oued Awlitis 001, needles of donwilhelmsite crystallized in ~200 mm sized shock melt pockets of anorthositic-like chemical composition. These melt pockets quenched within milliseconds during declining shock pressures. Shock melt pockets in meteorites serve as natural crucibles mimicking the conditions expected in the Earth's mantle. Donwilhelmsite forms in the Earth's mantle during deep recycling of aluminous crustal materials, and is a key host for Al and Ca of subducted sediments in most of the transition zone and the uppermost lower mantle (460–700 km). Donwilhelmsite bridges the gap between kyanite and the Ca-component of clinopyroxene at low pressures and the Al-rich Ca-ferrite phase and Ca-perovskite at high-pressures. In ascending buoyant mantle plumes, at about 460 km depth, donwilhelmsite is expected to break down into minerals such as garnet, kyanite, and clinopyroxene. This process may trigger minor partial melting, releasing a range of incompatible minor and trace elements and contributing to the enriched mantle (EM1 and EM2) components associated with subducted sedimentary lithologies.","author":[{"family":"Fritz","given":"Jörg"},{"family":"Greshake","given":"A"},{"family":"Klementová","given":"Mariana"},{"family":"Wirth","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Palatinus","given":"Lukáš"},{"family":"Trønnes","given":"Reidar"},{"family":"Fernandes","given":"VA"},{"family":"Böttger","given":"Ute"},{"family":"Ferrière","given":"L"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.2138/am-2020-7393","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2020-7393","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3180485808","type":"article-journal","title":"Halogens in Eclogite Facies Minerals from the Western Gneiss Region, Norway","abstract":"Ultra-high-pressure (UHP) eclogites and ultramafites and associated fluid inclusions from the Western Gneiss Region, Norwegian Caledonides, have been analysed for F, Cl, Br and I using electron-probe micro-analysis, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and neutron-irradiated noble gas mass spectrometry. Textures of multi-phase and fluid inclusions in the cores of silicate grains indicate formation during growth of the host crystal at UHP. Halogens are predominantly hosted by fluid inclusions with a minor component from mineral inclusions such as biotite, phengite, amphibole and apatite. The reconstructed fluid composition contains between 11.3 and 12.1 wt% Cl, 870 and 8900 ppm Br and 6 and 169 ppm I. F/Cl ratios indicate efficient fractionation of F from Cl by hydrous mineral crystallisation. Heavy halogen ratios are higher than modern seawater by up to two orders of magnitude for Br/Cl and up to three orders of magnitude for I/Cl. No correlation exists between Cl and Br or I, while Br and I show good correlation, suggesting that Cl behaved differently to Br and I during subduction. Evolution to higher Br/Cl ratios is similar to trends defined by eclogitic hydration reactions and seawater evaporation, indicating preferential removal of Cl from the fluid during UHP metamorphism. This study, by analogy, offers a field model for an alternative source (continental crust) and mechanism (metasomatism by partial melts or supercritical fluids) by which halogens may be transferred to and stored in the sub-continental lithospheric mantle during transient subduction of a continental margin.","author":[{"family":"Hughes","given":"Lewis"},{"family":"Cuthbert","given":"Simon"},{"family":"Quas-Cohen","given":"Alex"},{"family":"Ruzié","given":"L"},{"family":"Pawley","given":"Alison"},{"family":"Droop","given":"GTR"},{"family":"Lyon","given":"IC"},{"family":"Tartèse","given":"Romain"},{"family":"Burgess","given":"R"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min11070760","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min11070760","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4220848528","type":"article-journal","title":"Tennantite-(Cu), Cu12As4S13, from Layo, Arequipa Department, Peru: a new addition to the tetrahedrite-group minerals","abstract":"Abstract Tennantite-(Cu), Cu12As4S13, was approved as a new mineral species from the Layo epithermal deposit, Castilla Province, Arequipa Department, Peru, where it occurs as black metallic anhedral grains, up to 0.1 mm across, replacing enargite and associated with chalcopyrite and vinciennite. In reflected light, tennantite-(Cu) is isotropic, grey with a bluish shade. Reflectance data for the four COM wavelengths in air are [λ (nm): R (%)]: 470: 29.1; 546: 28.4; 589: 27.4; and 650: 25.0. Electron microprobe analysis for holotype material gave (in wt.% – average of 10 spot analyses): Cu 49.32(27), Fe 2.20(12), Zn 0.09(2), Sn 0.03(5), As 19.45(43), Sb 1.94(10), Te 0.02(5), S 27.75(43), total 100.80(20). On the basis of (As + Sb + Te) = 4 atoms per formula unit (apfu), the empirical formula of tennantite-(Cu) is (Cu11.27Fe0.57Zn0.02)Σ11.86(As3.77Sb0.23)Σ4.00S12.57. Tennantite-(Cu) is cubic, I $\\overline 4$ 3m, with unit-cell parameters a = 10.1710(10) Å, V = 1052.2(2) Å3 and Z = 2. Its crystal structure was refined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data to a final R1 = 0.0178 on the basis of 263 unique reflections with Fo > 4σ(Fo) and 24 refined parameters. Tennantite-(Cu) is isotypic with other tetrahedrite-group minerals. Previous findings of tennantite-(Cu) are reported and some nomenclature issues, related to the Fe and Cu oxidation states, are discussed. At the Layo epithermal deposit, tennantite-(Cu) is the result of the replacement of enargite under decreasing $f_{{\\rm S}_ 2}$ conditions.","author":[{"family":"Biagioni","given":"Cristian"},{"family":"Sejkora","given":"Jiří"},{"family":"Moëlo","given":"Yves"},{"family":"Marcoux","given":"Éric"},{"family":"Mauro","given":"Daniela"},{"family":"Dolníček","given":"Zdeněk"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1180/mgm.2022.26","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1180/mgm.2022.26","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4200563559","type":"article-journal","title":"Preliminary analysis of the Hayabusa2 samples returned from C-type asteroid Ryugu","abstract":"Abstract C-type asteroids 1 are considered to be primitive small Solar System bodies enriched in water and organics, providing clues to the origin and evolution of the Solar System and the building blocks of life. C-type asteroid 162173 Ryugu has been characterized by remote sensing 2–7 and on-asteroid measurements 8,9 with Hayabusa2 (ref. 10 ). However, the ground truth provided by laboratory analysis of returned samples is invaluable to determine the fine properties of asteroids and other planetary bodies. We report preliminary results of analyses on returned samples from Ryugu of the particle size distribution, density and porosity, spectral properties and textural properties, and the results of a search for Ca–Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) and chondrules. The bulk sample mainly consists of rugged and smooth particles of millimetre to submillimetre size, confirming that the physical and chemical properties were not altered during the return from the asteroid. The power index of its size distribution is shallower than that of the surface boulder observed on Ryugu 11 , indicating differences in the returned Ryugu samples. The average of the estimated bulk densities of Ryugu sample particles is 1,282 ± 231 kg m −3 , which is lower than that of meteorites 12 , suggesting a high microporosity down to the millimetre scale, extending centimetre-scale estimates from thermal measurements 5,9 . The extremely dark optical to near-infrared reflectance and spectral profile with weak absorptions at 2.7 and 3.4 μm imply a carbonaceous composition with indigenous aqueous alteration, matching the global average of Ryugu 3,4 and confirming that the sample is representative of the asteroid. Together with the absence of submillimetre CAIs and chondrules, these features indicate that Ryugu is most similar to CI chondrites but has lower albedo, higher porosity and more fragile characteristics.","author":[{"family":"Yada","given":"Toru"},{"family":"Abe","given":"Masanao"},{"family":"Okada","given":"Tatsuaki"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Yogata","given":"Kasumi"},{"family":"Miyazaki","given":"Akiko"},{"family":"Hatakeda","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Kumagai","given":"Kazuya"},{"family":"Nishimura","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Hitomi","given":"Yuya"},{"family":"Soejima","given":"Hiromichi"},{"family":"Yoshitake","given":"Miwa"},{"family":"Iwamae","given":"Ayako"},{"family":"Furuya","given":"Shizuho"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Masayuki"},{"family":"Karouji","given":"Yuzuru"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Hayashi","given":"Tasuku"},{"family":"Yamamoto","given":"Daiki"},{"family":"Fukai","given":"Ryota"},{"family":"Sugita","given":"Seiji"},{"family":"Cho","given":"Yuichiro"},{"family":"Yumoto","given":"Koki"},{"family":"Yabe","given":"Yuna"},{"family":"Bibring","given":"Jean‐pierre"},{"family":"Pilorget","given":"C"},{"family":"Hamm","given":"Vincent"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"R"},{"family":"Riu","given":"Lucie"},{"family":"Lourit","given":"Lionel"},{"family":"Loizeau","given":"D"},{"family":"Lequertier","given":"Guillaume"},{"family":"Moussisoffys","given":"Aurélie"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Sawada","given":"Hirotaka"},{"family":"Okazaki","given":"Ryuji"},{"family":"Takano","given":"Yoshinori"},{"family":"Sakamoto","given":"Kanako"},{"family":"Miura","given":"Yayoi"},{"family":"Yano","given":"Hajime"},{"family":"Ireland","given":"TR"},{"family":"Yamada","given":"Tetsuya"},{"family":"Fujimoto","given":"M"},{"family":"Kitazato","given":"K"},{"family":"Namiki","given":"Noriyuki"},{"family":"Arakawa","given":"Masahiko"},{"family":"Hirata","given":"Naru"},{"family":"Yurimoto","given":"Hisayoshi"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Yabuta","given":"Hikaru"},{"family":"Naraoka","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Ito","given":"Motoo"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Eizo"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"K"},{"family":"Michikami","given":"Tatsuhiro"},{"family":"Kikuchi","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Hirata","given":"Naoyuki"},{"family":"Ishihara","given":"Yoshiaki"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Koji"},{"family":"Noda","given":"Hirotomo"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"Rina"},{"family":"Shimaki","given":"Yuri"},{"family":"Shirai","given":"K"},{"family":"Ogawa","given":"Kazunori"},{"family":"Wada","given":"Koji"},{"family":"Senshu","given":"Hiroki"},{"family":"Yamamoto","given":"Yukio"},{"family":"Morota","given":"Tomokatsu"},{"family":"Honda","given":"Rie"},{"family":"Honda","given":"Chikatoshi"},{"family":"Yokota","given":"Y"},{"family":"Matsuoka","given":"M"},{"family":"Sakatani","given":"Naoya"},{"family":"Tatsumi","given":"Eri"},{"family":"Miura","given":"Akira"},{"family":"Yamada","given":"Manabu"},{"family":"Fujii","given":"Atsushi"},{"family":"Hirose","given":"Chikako"},{"family":"Hosoda","given":"S"},{"family":"Ikeda","given":"Hitoshi"},{"family":"Iwata","given":"Takahiro"},{"family":"Kikuchi","given":"Shota"},{"family":"Mimasu","given":"Yuya"},{"family":"Mori","given":"Osamu"},{"family":"Ogawa","given":"Naoko"},{"family":"Ono","given":"Go"},{"family":"Shimada","given":"Takanobu"},{"family":"Soldini","given":"Stefania"},{"family":"Takahashi","given":"T"},{"family":"Takei","given":"Yuto"},{"family":"Takeuchi","given":"Hiroshi"},{"family":"Tsukizaki","given":"Ryudo"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Kent"},{"family":"Terui","given":"Fuyuto"},{"family":"Nakazawa","given":"Satoru"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Saiki","given":"Takanao"},{"family":"Yoshikawa","given":"Makoto"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41550-021-01550-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-021-01550-6","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4220826434","type":"article-journal","title":"Protocells: Milestones and Recent Advances","abstract":"The origin of life is still one of humankind's great mysteries. At the transition between nonliving and living matter, protocells, initially featureless aggregates of abiotic matter, gain the structure and functions necessary to fulfill the criteria of life. Research addressing protocells as a central element in this transition is diverse and increasingly interdisciplinary. The authors review current protocell concepts and research directions, address milestones, challenges and existing hypotheses in the context of conditions on the early Earth, and provide a concise overview of current protocell research methods.","author":[{"family":"Gözen","given":"İrep"},{"family":"Köksal","given":"Elif"},{"family":"Põldsalu","given":"Inga"},{"family":"Xue","given":"Lin"},{"family":"Spustová","given":"Karolína"},{"family":"Pedruezavillalmanzo","given":"Esteban"},{"family":"Ryskulov","given":"Ruslan"},{"family":"Meng","given":"Fanda"},{"family":"Jesorka","given":"Aldo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1002/smll.202106624","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202106624","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4296799572","type":"article-journal","title":"Formation and evolution of carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu: Direct evidence from returned samples","abstract":"Samples of the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu were brought to Earth by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. We analyzed 17 Ryugu samples measuring 1 to 8 millimeters. Carbon dioxide-bearing water inclusions are present within a pyrrhotite crystal, indicating that Ryugu's parent asteroid formed in the outer Solar System. The samples contain low abundances of materials that formed at high temperatures, such as chondrules and calcium- and aluminum-rich inclusions. The samples are rich in phyllosilicates and carbonates, which formed through aqueous alteration reactions at low temperature, high pH, and water/rock ratios of <1 (by mass). Less altered fragments contain olivine, pyroxene, amorphous silicates, calcite, and phosphide. Numerical simulations, based on the mineralogical and physical properties of the samples, indicate that Ryugu's parent body formed ~2 million years after the beginning of Solar System formation.","author":[{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Megumi"},{"family":"Amano","given":"Kana"},{"family":"Enokido","given":"Yuma"},{"family":"Zolensky","given":"ME"},{"family":"Mikouchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Genda","given":"Hidenori"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Zolotov","given":"MY"},{"family":"Kurosawa","given":"Kosuke"},{"family":"Wakita","given":"Shigeru"},{"family":"Hyodo","given":"Ryuki"},{"family":"Nagano","given":"Hosei"},{"family":"Nakashima","given":"D"},{"family":"Takahashi","given":"Yoshio"},{"family":"Fujioka","given":"Yuri"},{"family":"Kikuiri","given":"Mizuha"},{"family":"Kagawa","given":"Eiichi"},{"family":"Matsuoka","given":"M"},{"family":"Brearley","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Tsuchiyama","given":"A"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Masayuki"},{"family":"Matsuno","given":"Junya"},{"family":"Kimura","given":"Yuki"},{"family":"Sato","given":"Masahiko"},{"family":"Milliken","given":"RE"},{"family":"Tatsumi","given":"Eri"},{"family":"Sugita","given":"Seiji"},{"family":"Hiroi","given":"T"},{"family":"Kitazato","given":"K"},{"family":"Brownlee","given":"DE"},{"family":"Joswiak","given":"DJ"},{"family":"Takahashi","given":"Masaki"},{"family":"Ninomiya","given":"Kazuhiko"},{"family":"Takahashi","given":"Tadayuki"},{"family":"Osawa","given":"Takahito"},{"family":"Terada","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Brenker","given":"Frank"},{"family":"Tkalcec","given":"BJ"},{"family":"Vincze","given":"László"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"R"},{"family":"Aléontoppani","given":"Alice"},{"family":"Chan","given":"QHS"},{"family":"Roskosz","given":"Mathieu"},{"family":"Viennet","given":"Jean‐christophe"},{"family":"Beck","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Alp","given":"EE"},{"family":"Michikami","given":"Tatsuhiro"},{"family":"Nagaashi","given":"Yuuya"},{"family":"Tsuji","given":"Takeshi"},{"family":"Ino","given":"Yuta"},{"family":"Martinez","given":"J"},{"family":"Han","given":"J"},{"family":"Dolocan","given":"Andrei"},{"family":"Bodnar","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Tanaka","given":"M"},{"family":"Yoshida","given":"Hideto"},{"family":"Sugiyama","given":"K"},{"family":"King","given":"AJ"},{"family":"Fukushi","given":"Keisuke"},{"family":"Suga","given":"Hiroki"},{"family":"Yamashita","given":"Shohei"},{"family":"Kawai","given":"T"},{"family":"Inoue","given":"Kumiko"},{"family":"Nakato","given":"Aiko"},{"family":"Noguchi","given":"T"},{"family":"Vilas","given":"F"},{"family":"Hendrix","given":"Amanda"},{"family":"Jaramillo","given":"Camilo"},{"family":"Domingue","given":"DL"},{"family":"Domínguez","given":"G"},{"family":"Gainsforth","given":"Z"},{"family":"Engrand","given":"C"},{"family":"Duprat","given":"J"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Bonato","given":"Enrica"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Chi"},{"family":"Kawamoto","given":"Tatsuhiko"},{"family":"Wada","given":"Takehiko"},{"family":"Watanabe","given":"Sei‐ichiro"},{"family":"Endo","given":"Rie"},{"family":"Enju","given":"Satomi"},{"family":"Riu","given":"Lucie"},{"family":"Rubino","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Tack","given":"Pieter"},{"family":"Takeshita","given":"Soshi"},{"family":"Takeichi","given":"Yasuo"},{"family":"Takeuchi","given":"Akihisa"},{"family":"Takigawa","given":"Aki"},{"family":"Takir","given":"D"},{"family":"Tanigaki","given":"Toshiaki"},{"family":"Taniguchi","given":"Atsushi"},{"family":"Tsukamoto","given":"Katsuo"},{"family":"Yagi","given":"Takashi"},{"family":"Yamada","given":"S"},{"family":"Yamamoto","given":"Kazuo"},{"family":"Yamashita","given":"Yuichiro"},{"family":"Yasutake","given":"Masahiro"},{"family":"Uesugi","given":"Kentaro"},{"family":"Umegaki","given":"Izumi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1126/science.abn8671","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abn8671","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3083529435","type":"article-journal","title":"Correction of Secondary Fluorescence Across Phase Boundaries in Electron Probe Microanalysis of Mineral Inclusions","abstract":"One of the limiting factors for the analysis of minor elements in multiphase materials by electron probe microanalysis is the effect of secondary fluorescence (SF), which is not accounted for by matrix corrections. Although the apparent concentration due to SF can be calculated numerically or measured experimentally, detailed investigations of this effect for fine-grained materials are scarce. In this work, we use the Monte Carlo simulation program PENEPMA to examine and correct the effect of SF affecting micron-sized mineral inclusions hosted by other minerals. A concentration profile across an olivine [(Mg,Fe)2SiO4] inclusion in chromite (Fe2+Cr2O4) is measured and used to assess the reliability of calculations, where different boundary geometries are examined. Three application examples are presented, which include the determination of Cr in olivine and serpentine [Mg3Si2O5(OH)4] inclusions hosted by chromite and of Fe in quartz (SiO2) inclusions hosted by almandine garnet (Fe3Al2Si3O12). Our results show that neglecting SF leads to concentrations that are overestimated by ~0.1–0.8 wt%, depending on inclusion size. In addition, assuming a straight boundary yields to an underestimation of SF effects by a factor of ~2–4. Because its long-range nature, SF severely compromises trace element analyses even for phases as large as 1 mm in size.","author":[{"family":"Llovet","given":"Xavier"},{"family":"Proenza","given":"Joaquín"},{"family":"Pujol-Solà","given":"Núria"},{"family":"Farré-De-Pablo","given":"Júlia"},{"family":"Campeny","given":"Marc"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1017/s1431927620024393","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1431927620024393","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4223467411","type":"article-journal","title":"Tracing the Primordial Chemical Life of Glycine: A Review from Quantum Chemical Simulations","abstract":"COOH, is the simplest amino acid. Although it has not been directly detected in the interstellar gas-phase medium, it has been identified in comets and meteorites, and its synthesis in these environments has been simulated in terrestrial laboratory experiments. Likewise, condensation of Gly to form peptides in scenarios resembling those present in a primordial Earth has been demonstrated experimentally. Thus, Gly is a paradigmatic system for biomolecular building blocks to investigate how they can be synthesized in astrophysical environments, transported and delivered by fragments of asteroids (meteorites, once they land on Earth) and comets (interplanetary dust particles that land on Earth) to the primitive Earth, and there react to form biopolymers as a step towards the emergence of life. Quantum chemical investigations addressing these Gly-related events have been performed, providing fundamental atomic-scale information and quantitative energetic data. However, they are spread in the literature and difficult to harmonize in a consistent way due to different computational chemistry methodologies and model systems. This review aims to collect the work done so far to characterize, at a quantum mechanical level, the chemical life of Gly, i.e., from its synthesis in the interstellar medium up to its polymerization on Earth.","author":[{"family":"Rimola","given":"Albert"},{"family":"Balucani","given":"Nadia"},{"family":"Ceccarelli","given":"C"},{"family":"Ugliengo","given":"Piero"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ijms23084252","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23084252","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3152279131","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbially-Enhanced Vanadium Mining and Bioremediation Under Micro- and Mars Gravity on the International Space Station","abstract":"As humans explore and settle in space, they will need to mine elements to support industries such as manufacturing and construction. In preparation for the establishment of permanent human settlements across the Solar System, we conducted the ESA BioRock experiment on board the International Space Station to investigate whether biological mining could be accomplished under extraterrestrial gravity conditions. We tested the hypothesis that the gravity ( g ) level influenced the efficacy with which biomining could be achieved from basalt, an abundant material on the Moon and Mars, by quantifying bioleaching by three different microorganisms under microgravity, simulated Mars and Earth gravitational conditions. One element of interest in mining is vanadium (V), which is added to steel to fabricate high strength, corrosion-resistant structural materials for buildings, transportation, tools and other applications. The results showed that Sphingomonas desiccabilis and Bacillus subtilis enhanced the leaching of vanadium under the three gravity conditions compared to sterile controls by 184.92 to 283.22%, respectively. Gravity did not have a significant effect on mean leaching, thus showing the potential for biomining on Solar System objects with diverse gravitational conditions. Our results demonstrate the potential to use microorganisms to conduct elemental mining and other bioindustrial processes in space locations with non-1 × g gravity. These same principles apply to extraterrestrial bioremediation and elemental recycling beyond Earth.","author":[{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"},{"family":"Santomartino","given":"Rosa"},{"family":"Finster","given":"Kai"},{"family":"Waajen","given":"Annemiek"},{"family":"Nicholson","given":"Natasha"},{"family":"Loudon","given":"Claire"},{"family":"Eades","given":"Lorna"},{"family":"Moeller","given":"Ralf"},{"family":"Rettberg","given":"Petra"},{"family":"Fuchs","given":"Felix"},{"family":"Houdt","given":"Rob"},{"family":"Leys","given":"Natalie"},{"family":"Coninx","given":"Ilse"},{"family":"Hatton","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Parmitano","given":"Luca"},{"family":"Krause","given":"Jutta"},{"family":"Koehler","given":"Andrea"},{"family":"Caplin","given":"Nicol"},{"family":"Zuijderduijn","given":"Lobke"},{"family":"Mariani","given":"Alessandro"},{"family":"Pellari","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Carubia","given":"Fabrizio"},{"family":"Luciani","given":"Giacomo"},{"family":"Balsamo","given":"Michele"},{"family":"Zolesi","given":"Valfredo"},{"family":"Ochoa","given":"Jon"},{"family":"Sen","given":"Pia"},{"family":"Watt","given":"James"},{"family":"Doswald-Winkler","given":"Jeannine"},{"family":"Herová","given":"Magdalena"},{"family":"Rattenbacher","given":"Bernd"},{"family":"Wadsworth","given":"Jennifer"},{"family":"Everroad","given":"RC"},{"family":"Demets","given":"René"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fmicb.2021.641387","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.641387","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3105060756","type":"manuscript","title":"Gas Phase TiO2 Photosensitized Mineralization of some VOCs: Mechanistic Suggestions Through a Langmuir-Hinshelwood Kinetic Approach","abstract":"A jointed experimental and theoretical investigation pointing out new insights about the microscopic mechanism of the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) photocatalytic elimination by TiO2 has been done. Methane, hexane, isooctane, acetone and methanol have been photomineralized in a batch reactor. Values of K (adsorption constant on TiO2) and k (mineralization rate constant) of the five VOCs (treating the kinetic data through a Langmuir- Hinshelwood approach) have been determined. Recorded K and k values and performed theoretical calculations allowed us to suggest the involvement of an electron transfer step between the VOC and the hole, TiO2(h+), as the rate determining one.","author":[{"family":"Bettoni","given":"Marta"},{"family":"Falcinelli","given":"Stefano"},{"family":"Rol","given":"Cesare"},{"family":"Rosi","given":"Marzio"},{"family":"Sebastiani","given":"Giovanni"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.20944/preprints202011.0517.v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202011.0517.v1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3026193896","type":"article-journal","title":"Secular change and the onset of plate tectonics on Earth","abstract":"The Earth as a planetary system has experienced significant change since its formation c. 4.54 Gyr ago. Some of these changes have been gradual, such as secular cooling of the mantle, and some have been abrupt, such as the rapid increase in free oxygen in the atmosphere at the Archean–Proterozoic transition. Many of these changes have directly affected tectonic processes on Earth and are manifest by temporal trends within the sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock record. Indeed, the timing of global onset of mobile-lid (subduction-driven) plate tectonics on our planet remains one of the fundamental points of debate within the geosciences today, and constraining the age and cause of this transition has profound implications for understanding our own planet's long-term evolution, and that for other rocky bodies in our solar system. Interpretations based on various sources of evidence have led different authors to propose a very wide range of ages for the onset of subduction-driven tectonics, which span almost all of Earth history from the Hadean to the Neoproterozoic, with this uncertainty stemming from the varying reliability of different proxies. Here, we review evidence for paleo-subduction preserved within the geological record, with a focus on metamorphic rocks and the geodynamic information that can be derived from them. First, we describe the different types of tectonic/geodynamic regimes that may occur on Earth or any other silicate body, and then review different models for the thermal evolution of the Earth and the geodynamic conditions necessary for plate tectonics to stabilize on a rocky planet. The community's current understanding of the petrology and structure of Archean and Proterozoic oceanic and continental crust is then discussed in comparison with modern-day equivalents, including how and why they differ. We then summarize evidence for the operation of subduction through time, including petrological (metamorphic), tectonic, and geochemical/isotopic data, and the results of petrological and geodynamical modeling. The styles of metamorphism in the Archean are then examined and we discuss how the secular distribution of metamorphic rock types can inform the type of geodynamic regime that operated at any point in time. In conclusion, we argue that most independent observations from the geological record and results of lithospheric-scale geodynamic modeling support a global-scale initiation of plate tectonics no later than c. 3 Ga, just preceding the Archean–Proterozoic transition. Evidence for subduction in Early Archean terranes is likely accounted for by localized occurrences of plume-induced subduction initiation, although these did not develop into a stable, globally connected network of plate boundaries until later in Earth history. Finally, we provide a discussion of major unresolved questions related to this review's theme and provide suggested directions for future research.","author":[{"family":"Palin","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Santosh","given":"M"},{"family":"Cao","given":"Wentao"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shan"},{"family":"Hernándezuribe","given":"David"},{"family":"Parsons","given":"Andrew"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.earscirev.2020.103172","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2020.103172","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4286494080","type":"article-journal","title":"Mechanochemistry: New Tools to Navigate the Uncharted Territory of “Impossible” Reactions","abstract":"Mechanochemical transformations have made chemists enter unknown territories, forcing a different chemistry perspective. While questioning or revisiting familiar concepts belonging to solution chemistry, mechanochemistry has broken new ground, especially in the panorama of organic synthesis. Not only does it foster new \"thinking outside the box\", but it also has opened new reaction paths, allowing to overcome the weaknesses of traditional chemistry exactly where the use of well-established solution-based methodologies rules out progress. In this Review, the reader is introduced to an intriguing research subject not yet fully explored and waiting for improved understanding. Indeed, the study is mainly focused on organic transformations that, although impossible in solution, become possible under mechanochemical processing conditions, simultaneously entailing innovation and expanding the chemical space.","author":[{"family":"Cuccu","given":"Federico"},{"family":"Luca","given":"Lidia"},{"family":"Delogu","given":"Francesco"},{"family":"Colacino","given":"Evelina"},{"family":"Solin","given":"Niclas"},{"family":"Mocci","given":"Rita"},{"family":"Porcheddu","given":"Andrea"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1002/cssc.202200362","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202200362","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3037610145","type":"article-journal","title":"Additive manufacturing: Technology, applications, markets, and opportunities for the built environment","abstract":"Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies (also known as 3D printing - 3DP) have been rapidly advancing into various industrial sectors, including aerospace, automotive, medical, architecture, arts and design, food, and construction. Transitioning from the visualization and prototyping stages into functional and actual part replacement opens further design possibilities. Among the diverse applications of AM, construction applications have not yet seen a commercially available and widely used product in the market. Nevertheless, it has been a subject of interest to researchers in recent decades. There are evident challenges and risks for the integration of AM towards large-scale construction. Therefore, progress in their commercialization seems to proceed at a slow pace, as only a few 3DP trials for large-scale construction can be found in the literature. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and evidence-based baseline along with progresses in relevant disciplines related to 3DP in construction, which will provide an opportunity to experts in all domains to understand the multi-dimensional constraints and to specify the future research directions in these sectors. The distinct merit of this article is that it provides, for the first time, a diverse review on literature in the field of construction 3D printing. It offers up-to-date and in-depth information of hindrances (from processes, materials, structural design and standards) which add up towards low pace of automation in construction sector, identify deficiencies in the current research and provides future research trends for researchers. The findings from intensive literature review will guide engineers, designers and investors from construction sector to grab research gaps and business opportunities. First of all, the development of different 3DP processes in built environment are presented to highlight the process constraints along with the commercial applications of these processes for industrialists and investors to identify the business opportunities. Secondly, process parameters and difficulties in optimization of material mixtures are presented as a guide to civil engineers following the discussion on materials urging the need for development of eco-efficient and environment friendly materials. Conclusions drawn from discussion in individual sections along with issues/constraints and challenges involved are explained separately.","author":[{"family":"Rashid","given":"Ans"},{"family":"Khan","given":"Shoukat"},{"family":"Alghamdi","given":"Sami"},{"family":"Koç","given":"Muammer"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103268","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103268","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4312085815","type":"article-journal","title":"How Mössbauer spectroscopy can be of value to industry to select extraterrestrial objects for natural resources","abstract":"Abstract Space agencies are working on the project of capturing asteroids which contain natural resources valuable for industry. Based on studies of meteorites samples it was determined that the most useful source of raw materials for this purpose could be parent bodies of ordinary chondrites of type H. The identification of the type of ordinary chondrites with the use of a classical method (determination of the Fa/Fs ratio (fayalite versus ferrosilite) by electron microprobe measurements) cannot be performed on the surface of asteroids due to technical reasons. It may, however, be done based on Mössbauer measurements followed by the application of the 4M method. The name of the method – 4M, comes from four words: Meteorites, Mössbauer spectroscopy, Multidimensional discriminant analysis and Mahalanobis distance. Following the success of Mössbauer spectroscopy in the mission on Mars, there are suggestions to use the same method for the investigation of the surface of asteroids. In our experimental study, in which five Mössbauer laboratories took part, we assessed the effectiveness and reliability of the 4M method by comparison of the results obtained by Mössbauer studies of ordinary chondrites of type H, L and LL. Details of the study and problems related to the effectiveness of the 4M method are discussed.","author":[{"family":"Gałazkafriedman","given":"J"},{"family":"Jakubowska","given":"Martyna"},{"family":"Bogusz","given":"Patrycja"},{"family":"Brzózka","given":"K"},{"family":"Grabias","given":"A"},{"family":"Idczak","given":"R"},{"family":"Konieczny","given":"Robert"},{"family":"Szumiata","given":"T"},{"family":"Woźniak","given":"Marek"},{"family":"Mašláň","given":"M"},{"family":"Karwowski","given":"Łukasz"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s10751-022-01808-z","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10751-022-01808-z","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3120218141","type":"article-journal","title":"Definition and use of functional analogues in planetary exploration","abstract":"The practical limitations inherent to human and robotic planetary exploration necessitate the development of specific protocols and methods. This non-standard approach requires testing and validation phases in order to optimise instrumental setups and improve data interpretation; this can occur prior to, during, or even after a mission. Flight instruments, and/or their spare models, may be evaluated using relevant terrestrial materials and/or locations. These materials are called analogues: “analogue sites” for large-scale locations, and “analogue samples” for smaller-scale materials. Depending on the scientific domain, the word “analogue” may carry different meanings but is invariably used to denote objects having compositions and/or physical properties similar to specific extraterrestrial objects. However, due to the variability in composition and properties of natural materials, there are always – inevitably – some differences between the analogue and the object(s) to which it refers. In analogue studies, it is, thus, important to focus on the specific properties that need to be imitated and to consider analogue properties rather than analogue sites or samples alone. Here, we introduce the concept of “functional analogues”. We first make an overview of the different types of analogues and sort them according to their utility. We then describe how different types of functional analogues can be used throughout the timeline of space missions, from the evaluation of different methods in the definition of a mission to understanding the results acquired by probes exploring extraterrestrial bodies. Finally, logical pathways are outlined that facilitate the selection of the best-suited functional analogue(s) according to their intended use and taking into account practical limitations.","author":[{"family":"Foucher","given":"Frédéric"},{"family":"Hickmanlewis","given":"Keyron"},{"family":"Hützler","given":"Aurore"},{"family":"Joy","given":"KH"},{"family":"Folco","given":"L"},{"family":"Bridges","given":"JC"},{"family":"Wozniakiewicz","given":"PJ"},{"family":"Martínezfrías","given":"Jesús"},{"family":"Debaille","given":"Vinciane"},{"family":"Zolensky","given":"ME"},{"family":"Yano","given":"Hajime"},{"family":"Bost","given":"N"},{"family":"Ferrière","given":"L"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Michalski","given":"JR"},{"family":"Schroeven-Deceuninck","given":"H"},{"family":"Kminek","given":"Gerhard"},{"family":"Viso","given":"Michel"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Smith","given":"CL"},{"family":"Zipfel","given":"J"},{"family":"Westall","given":"Francès"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.pss.2021.105162","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2021.105162","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3013132780","type":"article-journal","title":"A refractory inclusion with solar oxygen isotopes and the rarity of such objects in the meteorite record","abstract":"Abstract NASA's Genesis mission revealed that the Sun is enriched in 16O compared to the Earth and Mars (the Sun's Δ17O, defined as δ17O–0.52×δ18O, is –28.4 ± 3.6‰; McKeegan et al. 2011). Materials as 16O‐rich as the Sun are extremely rare in the meteorite record. Here, we describe a Ca‐Al‐rich inclusion (CAI) from a CM chondrite that is as 16O‐enriched as the Sun (Δ17O = –29.1 ± 0.7‰). This CAI also has large nucleosynthetic anomalies in 48Ca and 50Ti (δ‐values are –8.1 ± 3.3 and –11.7 ± 2.4‰, respectively) and shows no clear evidence for incorporation of live 26Al; (26Al/27Al)0 = (0.03 ± 0.11) × 10–5. Due to their anomalous isotopic characteristics, the rare CAIs consistent with the Genesis value could be among the first materials that formed in the solar system. In contrast to the CAI studied here, the majority of CAIs formed in or interacted with a reservoir characterized by a Δ17O value near –23.5‰. Combined with 26Al‐26Mg systematics, the oxygen isotopic compositions of FUN (fractionation and unidentified nuclear effects), UN, and normal CAIs suggest that nebular conditions were favorable for solids to inherit this value for an extended period of time. Many later‐formed materials, such as chondrules, planetesimals, and terrestrial planets, formed in reservoirs with Δ17O near 0‰. The distribution could be easier to explain if the common CAI value of –23.5‰, which is consistent with the Genesis value within 3σ, represented the average composition of the protoplanetary disk.","author":[{"family":"Kööp","given":"L"},{"family":"Nagashima","given":"K"},{"family":"Davis","given":"AM"},{"family":"Krot","given":"Alexander"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13434","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13434","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3091866800","type":"article-journal","title":"40Ar/39Ar Geochronology and New Mineralogical and Geochemical Data from Lamprophyres of Chompolo Field (South Yakutia, Russia)","abstract":"The alkaline igneous rocks of the Chompolo field (Aldan shield, Siberian craton), previously defined as kimberlites or lamproites, are more correctly classified as low-Ti lamprophyres. The emplacement age of the Ogonek pipe (137.8 ± 1.2 Ma) and the Aldanskaya dike (157.0 ± 1.6 Ma) was obtained using 40Ar/39Ar K-richterite dating. The Chompolo rocks contain abundant xenocrysts of mantle minerals (chromium-rich pyropic garnets, Cr-diopsides, spinels, etc.). The composition of the mantle xenocrysts indicates the predominance of spinel and garnet–spinel lherzolites, while the presence of garnet lherzolites, dunites, harzburgites, and eclogites is minor. The Chompolo rocks are characterized by large-ion lithophile element (LILE) and Light Rare Earth Element (LREE) enrichments, and high field strength element (HFSE) depletions. The rocks of the Ogonek pipe have radiogenic Sr (87Sr/86Sr (t) = 0.70775 and 0.70954), and highly unradiogenic εNd(t) (−20.03 and −20.44) isotopic composition. The trace element and isotopic characteristics of the Chompolo rocks are indicative of the involvement of subducted materials in their ancient enriched lithospheric mantle source. The Chompolo rocks were formed at the stage when the Mesozoic igneous activity was triggered by global tectonic events. The Chompolo field of alkaline magmatism is one of the few available geological objects, which provides the opportunity to investigate the subcontinental lithospheric mantle beneath the south part of the Siberian craton.","author":[{"family":"Николенко","given":"ЕИ"},{"family":"Lobov","given":"Konstantin"},{"family":"Agashev","given":"AM"},{"family":"Tychkov","given":"NS"},{"family":"Chervyakovskaya","given":"МV"},{"family":"Sharygin","given":"Igor"},{"family":"Nikolenko","given":"Anna"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min10100886","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min10100886","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3182952202","type":"article-journal","title":"Melt inclusions in chassignite NWA 2737: A link between processes recorded in Martian meteorites and rocks at Gale crater","abstract":"Abstract Northwest Africa (NWA) 2737, one of the only three discovered Martian chassignites, provides critical constraints on the evolution of the Martian mantle and crust. Because of chassignites’ cumulative nature, they contain abundant melt inclusions (MI). MI are small droplets of melts trapped by crystals during the cooling of magma. They are critical to the study of pre‐eruptive parental magma compositions, and thus, provide snapshots of the composition and evolution of Martian magmatic systems. Here, we present fractional crystallization models using parental magma composition calculated from NWA 2737 melt inclusions as starting compositions. We used the thermodynamic modeling software MELTS to model fractional crystallization of NWA 2737 parental magma compositions with a wide range of parameters (pressure, water content, oxygen fugacity). Our models show that the felsic compositions recently analyzed at the Martian surface in Gale crater, especially Sparkle and Angmaat, the two rocks thought to be analogous to the earliest continental crust on Earth, can be obtained by fractional crystallization of chassignite‐like parental melts. Our results suggest a link between the processes that resulted in chassignites and the rocks analyzed in situ at Gale crater. To assess the possible scenarios for Martian magma migration and storage processes, we compared chassignites to terrestrial analogs formed via various mechanisms and proposed two mechanisms that may explain the intrusive and effusive rocks found in situ at Gale crater: (1) emplacement and fractionation in a closed‐system crustal reservoir and (2) eruption of mafic to intermediate lavas of a relatively open system subject to constant replenishment.","author":[{"family":"Wu","given":"Peiyu"},{"family":"Gazel","given":"Esteban"},{"family":"Udry","given":"Arya"},{"family":"Setera","given":"Jacob"},{"family":"Ostwald","given":"Amanda"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13700","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13700","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4226288437","type":"article-journal","title":"Martian moons exploration MMX: sample return mission to Phobos elucidating formation processes of habitable planets","abstract":"Abstract Martian moons exploration, MMX, is the new sample return mission planned by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) targeting the two Martian moons with the scheduled launch in 2024 and return to the Earth in 2029. The major scientific objectives of this mission are to determine the origin of Phobos and Deimos, to elucidate the early Solar System evolution in terms of volatile delivery across the snow line to the terrestrial planets having habitable surface environments, and to explore the evolutionary processes of both moons and Mars surface environment. To achieve these objectives, during a stay in circum-Martian space over about 3 years MMX will collect samples from Phobos along with close-up observations of this inner moon and carry out multiple flybys of Deimos to make comparative observations of this outer moon. Simultaneously, successive observations of the Martian atmosphere will also be made by utilizing the advantage of quasi-equatorial spacecraft orbits along the moons’ orbits. Graphical Abstract","author":[{"family":"Kuramoto","given":"Kiyoshi"},{"family":"Kawakatsu","given":"Yasuhiro"},{"family":"Fujimoto","given":"M"},{"family":"Araya","given":"A"},{"family":"Barucci","given":"MA"},{"family":"Genda","given":"Hidenori"},{"family":"Hirata","given":"Naru"},{"family":"Ikeda","given":"Hitoshi"},{"family":"Imamura","given":"Takeshi"},{"family":"Helbert","given":"J"},{"family":"Kameda","given":"Shingo"},{"family":"Kobayashi","given":"Masanori"},{"family":"Kusano","given":"Hiroki"},{"family":"Lawrence","given":"DJ"},{"family":"Matsumoto","given":"Koji"},{"family":"Michel","given":"Patrick"},{"family":"Miyamoto","given":"Hideaki"},{"family":"Morota","given":"Tomokatsu"},{"family":"Nakagawa","given":"Hiromu"},{"family":"Nakamura","given":"Tomoki"},{"family":"Ogawa","given":"Kazunori"},{"family":"Otake","given":"Hisashi"},{"family":"Ozaki","given":"Masanobu"},{"family":"Russell","given":"SS"},{"family":"Sasaki","given":"Sho"},{"family":"Sawada","given":"Hirotaka"},{"family":"Senshu","given":"Hiroki"},{"family":"Tachibana","given":"Shogo"},{"family":"Terada","given":"Naoki"},{"family":"Ulamec","given":"Stephan"},{"family":"Usui","given":"Tomohiro"},{"family":"Wada","given":"Koji"},{"family":"Watanabe","given":"Sei‐ichiro"},{"family":"Yokota","given":"Shoichiro"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40623-021-01545-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40623-021-01545-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3175388408","type":"article-journal","title":"Hydrogen reduction of lunar samples in a static system for a water production demonstration on the Moon","abstract":"In situ resource utilisation (ISRU) refers to the extraction and use of local materials, and numerous ISRU techniques have been proposed for use on the Moon. Hydrogen reduction of iron oxide-bearing minerals in the lunar regolith, such as ilmenite, has long been suggested as a potential method for producing water on the Moon to support exploration. Generally, reduction of lunar regolith has been proposed and tested in gas-flowing systems which utilise pumps to re-circulate gases (herein described as dynamic systems), and have been trialled in terrestrial laboratory and simulated environments. However, such technologies have yet to be validated on the lunar surface. An alternative to the dynamic reactor is a static system which utilises a cold finger to condense water from the vapour phase, negating the need for a more complex system where gases are continuously pumped away. The PROSPECT Sample Processing and Analysis (ProSPA) instrument is one such static system that is to be used to measure volatiles in the lunar regolith as a payload onboard the Luna-27 lander. Previous work using a breadboard model of ProSPA led to the development and optimisation of a procedure for extracting water from ilmenite. The present work describes the application of these procedures to the reduction of a lunar simulant (NU-LHT-2M), a lunar meteorite (NWA 12592), and two Apollo soils (10084 and 60500). Three 45 ​mg samples of each material type were reacted in a furnace at 1000 ​°C for 4 ​h in the presence of approximately 420 ​mbar of hydrogen. All samples reduced to some extent, with the Apollo mare soil (10084) producing the highest average yield of 0.94 ​wt % O2; this compares favourably to the yields of ~3–4 ​wt % O2 by other more optimised demonstrations of O2 extraction from Apollo soils. Samples with higher ilmenite content produced higher yields, however, pyroxene and olivine within the samples also showed some minor reduction. The results demonstrate that a static system such as ProSPA is capable of reducing lunar regolith of various compositions and producing measurable yields of water. The technique is therefore appropriate for performing in situ resource utilisation experiments at the lunar surface. The simple and small scale technique is also appropriate for use in evaluating the grade of potential feedstock for the production of water by hydrogen reduction on the lunar surface.","author":[{"family":"Sargeant","given":"Hannah"},{"family":"Barber","given":"SJ"},{"family":"Anand","given":"M"},{"family":"Abernethy","given":"FAJ"},{"family":"Sheridan","given":"S"},{"family":"Wright","given":"IP"},{"family":"Morse","given":"AD"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.pss.2021.105287","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2021.105287","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3215008914","type":"article-journal","title":"Past, present and future global influence and technological applications of iron-bearing metastable nanominerals","abstract":"Iron-bearing nanominerals such as ferrihydrite, schwertmannite, and green rust behave as metastable precursors leading to the formation of more thermodynamically stable iron mineral phases (e.g., jarosite, goethite, hematite, and magnetite). However, this transformation may last from days to tens or even hundreds of years, making them the most predominant iron-bearing minerals at environmental conditions and at the human time scale. The present review characterizes ferrihydrite, schwertmannite, and green rust nanominerals according to their main physical and chemical properties, and at both nano- and meso-scales. It also presents a comprehensive review of the multiple past and present Earth environments where these nanominerals have played, and still play, a pivotal role in the geochemistry, mineralogy and environmental nanogeosciences of these environments. Finally, the present and future technological applications of these nanominerals as well as their role in the generation of a more sustainable human-Earth relationship is discussed, with a special emphasis on their use in new circular economies and green based technologies.","author":[{"family":"Caraballo","given":"Manuel"},{"family":"Asta","given":"María"},{"family":"Perez","given":"Jeffrey"},{"family":"Hochella","given":"Michael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gr.2021.11.009","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2021.11.009","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3017901510","type":"article-journal","title":"A magma ocean origin to divergent redox evolutions of rocky planetary bodies and early atmospheres","abstract":"Abstract Magma oceans were once ubiquitous in the early solar system, setting up the initial conditions for different evolutionary paths of planetary bodies. In particular, the redox conditions of magma oceans may have profound influence on the redox state of subsequently formed mantles and the overlying atmospheres. The relevant redox buffering reactions, however, remain poorly constrained. Using first-principles simulations combined with thermodynamic modeling, we show that magma oceans of Earth, Mars, and the Moon are likely characterized with a vertical gradient in oxygen fugacity with deeper magma oceans invoking more oxidizing surface conditions. This redox zonation may be the major cause for the Earth’s upper mantle being more oxidized than Mars’ and the Moon’s. These contrasting redox profiles also suggest that Earth’s early atmosphere was dominated by CO2 and H2O, in contrast to those enriched in H2O and H2 for Mars, and H2 and CO for the Moon.","author":[{"family":"Deng","given":"Jie"},{"family":"Du","given":"Zhixue"},{"family":"Karki","given":"Bijaya"},{"family":"Ghosh","given":"Dipta"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Kanani"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41467-020-15757-0","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-15757-0","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4210943213","type":"article-journal","title":"Uniform initial 10Be/9Be inferred from refractory inclusions in CV3, CO3, CR2, and CH/CB chondrites","abstract":"Short-lived radionuclides (SLRs) once present in the solar nebula can be used as probes of the formation environment of our Solar System within the Milky Way Galaxy. The first-formed solids in the Solar System, calcium-, aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) in meteorites, record the one-time existence of SLRs such as 10Be and 26Al in the solar nebula. We measured the 10Be–10B isotope systematics in 29 CAIs from several CV3, CO3, CR2, and CH/CB chondrites and show that all except for a FUN CAI record a homogeneous initial 10Be/9Be with a single probability density peak at 10Be/9Be = 7.4 × 10–4. Integrating these data with those of previous studies, we find that most CAIs (81%) for which 10Be–10B isotope systematics have been determined, record a homogeneous initial 10Be/9Be ratio in the early Solar System with a weighted mean 10Be/9Be = (7.1 ± 0.2) × 10–4. This uniform distribution provides evidence that 10Be was predominantly formed in the parent molecular cloud and inherited by the solar nebula. Possible explanations for why unusual CAIs (FUNs, PLACs, those from CH/CBs, and those irradiated on the parent body) recorded a 10Be/9Be ratio outside of 7.1 × 10−4 include the following: 1) They incorporated a component of 10Be that was produced in the nebula by irradiation; 2) they formed after normal CAIs; and 3) they were processed (post-formation) in a way that affected their original 10Be signatures. Given the rarity of these examples, the overall uniformity of initial 10Be/9Be suggests that Solar System 10Be was predominantly inherited from the molecular cloud.","author":[{"family":"Dunham","given":"Emilie"},{"family":"Wadhwa","given":"M"},{"family":"Desch","given":"SJ"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Ming‐chang"},{"family":"Fukuda","given":"Kohei"},{"family":"Kita","given":"NT"},{"family":"Hertwig","given":"AT"},{"family":"Hervig","given":"RL"},{"family":"Defouilloy","given":"C"},{"family":"Simon","given":"SB"},{"family":"Davidson","given":"J"},{"family":"Schrader","given":"DL"},{"family":"Fujimoto","given":"Yusuke"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.gca.2022.02.002","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2022.02.002","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4309757304","type":"article-journal","title":"Thermochemical evolution of the acapulcoite–lodranite parent body: Evidence for fragmentation‐disrupted partial differentiation","abstract":"Abstract Primitive achondrites of the acapulcoite–lodranite clan (ALC) are residues of partial melting that displays a continuum of thermal metamorphism and partial melting most likely set by burial depth within an internally heated, primordial acapulcoite–lodranite parent body (ALPB). New major and trace element data from eight ALC meteorites and the application of several thermometric methods suggest that the ALPB was affected by partial differentiation disrupted by rapid cooling from peak, magmatic temperatures. Application of rare earth element‐in‐two‐pyroxene thermometry recovers temperatures of 1125–1250 °C for lodranites, while two‐pyroxene solvus and Ca‐in‐olivine thermometry recover lower temperatures for ALC meteorites (941–1114 °C and 686–850 °C, respectively). Major and trace element disequilibrium in acapulcoite and transitional groups provides evidence for cryptic melt infiltration and melt rock reaction within these layers of the ALPB. From lodranites, we determined rapid cooling rates of ~1 to ~26 °C yr−1from peak temperatures, consistent with collisional fragmentation of the parent body during differentiation. After this initial period of rapid cooling, cooling rates decreased by two to four orders of magnitude through Ca‐in‐olivine closure temperatures (~750 °C). We hypothesize that the primordial ALPB possessed an onion shell‐type layered structure that was disrupted by collisional breakup during partial differentiation. Thermal modeling suggests that ALC samples originate from ~300 m to ~10 km radius collisional fragments that cooled rapidly over time scales of several to ~20,000 yr, then reaccreted to form a slower cooling, second‐generation rubble‐pile asteroid. The source of ALC meteorites is a second‐generation (or later) rubble‐pile body of S‐type spectral class located near the Jupiter 3:1 mean motion resonance in the Main Belt of asteroids.","author":[{"family":"Lucas","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Dygert","given":"Nick"},{"family":"Ren","given":"Jialong"},{"family":"Hesse","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Miller","given":"Nathan"},{"family":"Mcsween","given":"HY"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13930","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13930","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3025324502","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy of the deep lower mantle in the presence of H2O","abstract":"Abstract Understanding the mineralogy of the Earth's interior is a prerequisite for unravelling the evolution and dynamics of our planet. Here, we conducted high pressure-temperature experiments mimicking the conditions of the deep lower mantle (DLM, 1800–2890 km in depth) and observed surprising mineralogical transformations in the presence of water. Ferropericlase, (Mg, Fe)O, which is the most abundant oxide mineral in Earth, reacts with H2O to form a previously unknown (Mg, Fe)O2Hx (x ≤ 1) phase. The (Mg, Fe)O2Hx has a pyrite structure and it coexists with the dominant silicate phases, bridgmanite and post-perovskite. Depending on Mg content and geotherm temperatures, the transformation may occur at 1800 km for (Mg0.6Fe0.4)O or beyond 2300 km for (Mg0.7Fe0.3)O. The (Mg, Fe)O2Hx is an oxygen excess phase that stores an excessive amount of oxygen beyond the charge balance of maximum cation valences (Mg2+, Fe3+ and H+). This important phase has a number of far-reaching implications including extreme redox inhomogeneity, deep-oxygen reservoirs in the DLM and an internal source for modulating oxygen in the atmosphere.","author":[{"family":"Hu","given":"Qingyang"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jin"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Jiuhua"},{"family":"Yan","given":"Bingmin"},{"family":"Meng","given":"Yue"},{"family":"Prakapenka","given":"Vitali"},{"family":"Mao","given":"Wendy"},{"family":"Mao","given":"Ho‐kwang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1093/nsr/nwaa098","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwaa098","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3206928476","type":"article-journal","title":"Characteristics of the lunar samples returned by the Chang’E-5 mission","abstract":"Abstract Forty-five years after the Apollo and Luna missions returned lunar samples, China's Chang’E-5 (CE-5) mission collected new samples from the mid-latitude region in the northeastern Oceanus Procellarum of the Moon. Our study shows that 95% of CE-5 lunar soil sizes are found to be within the range of 1.40–9.35 μm, while 95% of the soils by mass are within the size range of 4.84–432.27 μm. The bulk density, true density and specific surface area of CE-5 soils are 1.2387 g/cm3, 3.1952 g/cm3 and 0.56 m2/g, respectively. Fragments from the CE-5 regolith are classified into igneous clasts (mostly basalt), agglutinate and glass. A few breccias were also found. The minerals and compositions of CE-5 soils are consistent with mare basalts and can be classified as low-Ti/low-Al/low-K type with lower rare-earth-element contents than materials rich in potassium, rare earth element and phosphorus. CE-5 soils have high FeO and low Mg index, which could represent a new class of basalt.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Chunlai"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Hao"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Mengfei"},{"family":"Pei","given":"Zhaoyu"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Qin"},{"family":"Ren","given":"Xin"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Bin"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Dawei"},{"family":"Zeng","given":"Xingguo"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Guangliang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Hongbo"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jianjun"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Q"},{"family":"Deng","given":"Xiangjin"},{"family":"Xiao","given":"Caijin"},{"family":"Yao","given":"Yonggang"},{"family":"Xue","given":"Dingshuai"},{"family":"Zuo","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Su","given":"Yan"},{"family":"Wen","given":"Weibin"},{"family":"Ouyang","given":"Ziyuan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1093/nsr/nwab188","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwab188","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4309692320","type":"article-journal","title":"Geology, Mineralogy, and Age of Li-Bearing Pegmatites: Case Study of Tochka Deposit (East Kazakhstan)","abstract":"New geological, mineralogical, geochemical, and geochronological data have been obtained for Li-bearing pegmatites from the Tochka deposit located within the Karagoin–Saryozek zone in East Kazakhstan. Earlier, the exploration works in this zone were carried out to detect only Ta and Sn mineralization, but other ores (including Li) were not considered. The estimation of lithium resources in pegmatites from the area was methodologically imperfect. Previously, it was believed that the formation of rare-metal pegmatite veins was associated with Late Carboniferous Na-granites. The obtained geological observation confirms that the ore-bearing rare-metal pegmatites at the Tochka deposits cut the Late Carboniferous Na-granites and do not cut the Early Permian Kalba granites. The associations of the accessory minerals in host hornfels, Na-granites, and rare-metal pegmatites are different and the accessory minerals in pegmatites are similar to the accessory minerals in the Kalba granites. Geochemical data show that the behavior of rare elements (Ba, Th, HFSE, and REE) and the levels of accumulation of rare metals prove that pegmatites are similar to the product of the differentiation of the granitic magmas of the Kalba complex. The 40Ar/39Ar muscovite age of the Tochka pegmatites (~292 Ma) fits the age range of the Kalba granite complex. Based on the main principles of the generation of rare-metal pegmatites, the Tochka pegmatites formed during the fluid–magmatic fractionation of magma in large granitic reservoirs of the Kalba complex. The Karagoin–Saryozek zone—located between several large granite massifs of the Kalba complex where host rocks play a role as a roof—may be very promising for rare-metal pegmatite mineralization.","author":[{"family":"Zimanovskaya","given":"Natalya"},{"family":"Ойцева","given":"ТА"},{"family":"Хромых","given":"СВ"},{"family":"Травин","given":"АВ"},{"family":"Bissatova","given":"Ainel"},{"family":"Annikova","given":"IY"},{"family":"Aitbayeva","given":"Saltanat"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min12121478","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min12121478","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3157477965","type":"article-journal","title":"To be or not to be, that is the question: The Marsala meteorite (Italy, 1834) and the role of the doubtful meteorites in the history of meteoritics","abstract":"Abstract This work focuses on the historical and scientific investigation of a presumed meteorite fall that occurred in the Sicilian township of Marsala in 1834. Preliminary studies have classified this phenomenon as a “doubtful meteorite.” This term describes, according to the Nomenclature Committee of the Meteoritical Society, an object for which there was significant uncertainty over whether it was a real meteorite or, in some cases, whether it ever existed. Thanks to the analysis of untapped sources, the first objective of this work is to clarify the nature of the event. Subsequently, the results of the minero‐chemical analyses that were performed, in 1835, on two fragments recovered after the event are discussed for the first time. This work then shows the collecting history of one of the presumed meteorite specimens. Based on the results presented here, this work highlights the role of doubtful meteorites as a fundamental resource for the history of meteoritics and meteorite collecting as well as for studying the processes that have led to the scientific study of meteorites.","author":[{"family":"Franza","given":"Annarita"},{"family":"Morelli","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Faggi","given":"Daniela"},{"family":"Pratesi","given":"Giovanni"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.13654","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.13654","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4225126459","type":"article-journal","title":"Geological, Mineralogical and Geochemical Study of the Aquamarine-Bearing Yamrang Pegmatite, Eastern Nepal with Implications for Exploration Targeting","abstract":"The Yamrang Pegmatite in the Ikhabu Pegmatite Field, Eastern Nepal is Nepal’s primary source of aquamarine. This paper reports detailed mineralogy and whole rock granite and pegmatite geochemistry, and major and trace element data for alkali feldspar and muscovite in order to classify the aquamarine-bearing Yamrang Pegmatite, elucidate beryl-saturation processes and evaluate potential geochemical exploration tools for beryl-pegmatites. Five internal mineralogical/textural zones were identified in the Yamrang Pegmatite; zone 1 (saccharoidal albite); zone 2 (blocky perthitic microcline); zone 3 (muscovite–microcline–quartz); zone 4 (beryl-quartz), and zone 5 (miarolitic cavities). Zones 1–4 represent the magmatic stage, while zone 5 formed during the hydrothermal stage of pegmatite genesis. Spectacular aquamarines are recovered from miarolitic zone 5, while beryl saturation is found in zones 3, 4, and 5. Based on beryllium (Be) content, Be partition among co-existing minerals at the magmatic stage is beryl > muscovite > tourmaline > alkali feldspar > quartz. In contrast, the sequence at the hydrothermal stage is beryl > muscovite > albite > tourmaline > quartz. The Be content in rock-forming minerals decreases from pegmatite margin to core, and tourmaline could have played a significant role in Be enrichment processes in the marginal pegmatite zone. High temperature, a low degree of fractionation, and the dominance of Be-compatible mineral phases such as muscovite, calcium-rich alkali feldspar and tourmaline resulted in beryl undersaturation in marginal zones. However, low temperature, high fractional crystallization, and low abundance of Be-compatible mineral phases resulted in beryl saturation in inner zones. The strongly peraluminous nature, low total REE content (<500 ppm), mineral assemblage of beryl, tourmaline, spessartine, columbite-tantalite, depletion of Ba, Nb, and enrichment of Pb, Rb, Cs in the primitive mantle normalized multi-element plots suggest that the beryl-bearing Yamrang Pegmatite corresponds to the LCT pegmatite family. Alkali feldspar with K/Rb values of 30–150, Rb ~3000 ppm, Cs >100 ppm, and muscovite, with K/Rb ranging 18–50, Rb ~6000 ppm, Cs > 500 ppm, and Ta > 65 ppm in inner zones (3–5), indicate that the Yamrang Pegmatite is an intermediate-fractionated, beryl-type rare-element (REL) pegmatite. It is probable that whole rock Be content of >10 ppm could be considered an exploration guide to beryl mineralization in the region.","author":[{"family":"Bhandari","given":"Sushmita"},{"family":"Qin","given":"Kezhang"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Qifeng"},{"family":"Evans","given":"Noreen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min12050564","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min12050564","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3034001920","type":"article-journal","title":"Rationale for BepiColombo Studies of Mercury’s Surface and Composition","abstract":"Abstract BepiColombo has a larger and in many ways more capable suite of instruments relevant for determination of the topographic, physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of Mercury’s surface than the suite carried by NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. Moreover, BepiColombo’s data rate is substantially higher. This equips it to confirm, elaborate upon, and go beyond many of MESSENGER’s remarkable achievements. Furthermore, the geometry of BepiColombo’s orbital science campaign, beginning in 2026, will enable it to make uniformly resolved observations of both northern and southern hemispheres. This will offer more detailed and complete imaging and topographic mapping, element mapping with better sensitivity and improved spatial resolution, and totally new mineralogical mapping. We discuss MESSENGER data in the context of preparing for BepiColombo, and describe the contributions that we expect BepiColombo to make towards increased knowledge and understanding of Mercury’s surface and its composition. Much current work, including analysis of analogue materials, is directed towards better preparing ourselves to understand what BepiColombo might reveal. Some of MESSENGER’s more remarkable observations were obtained under unique or extreme conditions. BepiColombo should be able to confirm the validity of these observations and reveal the extent to which they are representative of the planet as a whole. It will also make new observations to clarify geological processes governing and reflecting crustal origin and evolution. We anticipate that the insights gained into Mercury’s geological history and its current space weathering environment will enable us to better understand the relationships of surface chemistry, morphologies and structures with the composition of crustal types, including the nature and mobility of volatile species. This will enable estimation of the composition of the mantle from which the crust was derived, and lead to tighter constraints on models for Mercury’s origin including the nature and original heliocentric distance of the material from which it formed.","author":[{"family":"Rothery","given":"David"},{"family":"Massironi","given":"Matteo"},{"family":"Alemanno","given":"Giulia"},{"family":"Barraud","given":"Océane"},{"family":"Besse","given":"S"},{"family":"Bott","given":"Nicolas"},{"family":"Brunetto","given":"R"},{"family":"Bunce","given":"EJ"},{"family":"Byrne","given":"PK"},{"family":"Capaccioni","given":"F"},{"family":"Capria","given":"MT"},{"family":"Carli","given":"Cristian"},{"family":"Charlier","given":"Bernard"},{"family":"Cornet","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Cremonese","given":"G"},{"family":"Damore","given":"Mario"},{"family":"Sanctis","given":"MCD"},{"family":"Doressoundiram","given":"A"},{"family":"Ferranti","given":"Luigi"},{"family":"Filacchione","given":"G"},{"family":"Galluzzi","given":"Valentina"},{"family":"Giacomini","given":"Lorenza"},{"family":"Grandé","given":"M"},{"family":"Guzzetta","given":"L"},{"family":"Helbert","given":"J"},{"family":"Heyner","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Hiesinger","given":"H"},{"family":"Hußmann","given":"Hauke"},{"family":"Hyodo","given":"RH"},{"family":"Kohout","given":"T"},{"family":"Kozyrev","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Litvak","given":"ML"},{"family":"Lucchetti","given":"Alice"},{"family":"Malakhov","given":"A"},{"family":"Malliband","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Mancinelli","given":"Paolo"},{"family":"Martikainen","given":"Julia"},{"family":"Martindale","given":"A"},{"family":"Maturilli","given":"Alessandro"},{"family":"Milillo","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Митрофанов","given":"ИГ"},{"family":"Mokrousov","given":"Maxim"},{"family":"Morlok","given":"A"},{"family":"Muinonen","given":"K"},{"family":"Namur","given":"Olivier"},{"family":"Owens","given":"Alan"},{"family":"Nittler","given":"LR"},{"family":"Oliveira","given":"Joana"},{"family":"Palumbo","given":"P"},{"family":"Pajola","given":"M"},{"family":"Pegg","given":"David"},{"family":"Penttilä","given":"Antti"},{"family":"Politi","given":"R"},{"family":"Quarati","given":"F"},{"family":"Re","given":"Cristina"},{"family":"Санин","given":"АБ"},{"family":"Schulz","given":"R"},{"family":"Stangarone","given":"Claudia"},{"family":"Stojic","given":"Aleksandra"},{"family":"Tretiyakov","given":"Vladislav"},{"family":"Väisänen","given":"Timo"},{"family":"Varatharajan","given":"Indhu"},{"family":"Weber","given":"I"},{"family":"Wright","given":"Jack"},{"family":"Wurz","given":"P"},{"family":"Zambon","given":"F"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s11214-020-00694-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-020-00694-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4310128755","type":"article-journal","title":"Hot Vents Beneath an Icy Ocean: The Aurora Vent Field, Gakkel Ridge, Revealed","abstract":"Evidence of hydrothermal venting on the ultra-slow spreading Gakkel Ridge in the Central Arctic Ocean has been available since 2001, with first visual evidence of black smokers on the Aurora Vent Field obtained in 2014. But it was not until 2021 that the first ever remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives to hydrothermal vents under permanent ice cover in the Arctic were conducted, enabling the collection of vent fluids, rocks, microbes, and fauna. In this paper, we present the methods employed for deep-sea ROV operations under drifting ice. We also provide the first description of the Aurora Vent Field, which includes three actively venting black smokers and diffuse flow on the Aurora mound at ~3,888 m depth on the southern part of the Gakkel Ridge (82.5°N). The biological communities are dominated by a new species of cocculinid limpet, two small gastropods, and a melitid amphipod. The ongoing analyses of Aurora Vent Field samples will contribute to positioning the Gakkel Ridge hydrothermal vents in the global biogeographic puzzle of hydrothermal vents.","author":[{"family":"Ramírez-Llodra","given":"Eva"},{"family":"Argentino","given":"Claudio"},{"family":"Baker","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Boëtius","given":"Antje"},{"family":"Costa","given":"Carolina"},{"family":"Dahle","given":"Håkon"},{"family":"Denny","given":"Emily"},{"family":"Dessandier","given":"Pierre"},{"family":"Eilertsen","given":"Mari"},{"family":"Ferré","given":"Bénédicte"},{"family":"German","given":"Christopher"},{"family":"Hand","given":"KP"},{"family":"Hilário","given":"Ana"},{"family":"Hislop","given":"Lawrence"},{"family":"Jamieson","given":"John"},{"family":"Kalnitchenko","given":"Dimitri"},{"family":"Mall","given":"Achim"},{"family":"Panieri","given":"Giuliana"},{"family":"Purser","given":"Autun"},{"family":"Ramalho","given":"Sofia"},{"family":"Reeves","given":"Eoghan"},{"family":"Rolley","given":"Leighton"},{"family":"Pereira","given":"Samuel"},{"family":"Ribeiro","given":"Pedro"},{"family":"Sert","given":"Muhammed"},{"family":"Steen","given":"Ida"},{"family":"Stetzler","given":"Marie"},{"family":"Stokke","given":"Runar"},{"family":"Victorero","given":"Lissette"},{"family":"Vulcano","given":"Francesca"},{"family":"Vågenes","given":"Stig"},{"family":"Waghorn","given":"Kate"},{"family":"Büenz","given":"Stefan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.5670/oceanog.2023.103","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2023.103","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3155093546","type":"article-journal","title":"A cosmic dust detection suite for the deep space Gateway","abstract":"The decade of the 2020s promises to be when humanity returns to space beyond Earth orbit, with several nations trying to place astronauts on the Moon, before going further into deep space. As part of such a programme, NASA and partner organisations, propose to build a Deep Space Gateway in lunar orbit by the mid-2020s. This would be visited regularly and offer a platform for science as well as for human activity. Payloads that can be mounted externally on the Gateway offer the chance to, amongst other scientific goals, monitor and observe the dust flux in the vicinity of the Moon. This paper looks at relevant technologies to measure dust which will impact the exposed surface at high speed. Flux estimates and a model payload of detectors are described. It is predicted that the flux is sufficient to permit studies of cometary vs. asteroidal dust and their composition, and to sample interstellar dust streams. This may also be the last opportunity to measure the natural dust flux near the Moon before the current, relatively pristine environment, is contaminated by debris, as humanity’s interest in the Moon generates increased activity in that vicinity in coming decades.","author":[{"family":"Wozniakiewicz","given":"PJ"},{"family":"Bridges","given":"John"},{"family":"Burchell","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Carey","given":"William"},{"family":"Carpenter","given":"James"},{"family":"Corte","given":"Vincenzo"},{"family":"Dignam","given":"Aishling"},{"family":"Genge","given":"MJ"},{"family":"Hicks","given":"LJ"},{"family":"Hilchenbach","given":"M"},{"family":"Hillier","given":"Jon"},{"family":"Kearsley","given":"AT"},{"family":"Krüger","given":"Harald"},{"family":"Merouane","given":"S"},{"family":"Palomba","given":"E"},{"family":"Postberg","given":"Frank"},{"family":"Schmidt","given":"J"},{"family":"Srama","given":"R"},{"family":"Trieloff","given":"M"},{"family":"Van-Ginneken","given":"M"},{"family":"Sterken","given":"Veerle"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.asr.2021.04.002","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2021.04.002","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W3178742753","type":"article-journal","title":"Systems Astrochemistry: A New Doctrine for Experimental Studies","abstract":"Laboratory experiments play a key role in deciphering the chemistry of the interstellar medium (ISM) and the formation of complex organic molecules (COMs) relevant to life. To date, however, most studies in experimental astrochemistry have made use of a reductionist approach to experimental design in which chemical responses to variations in a single parameter are investigated while all other parameters are held constant. Although such work does afford insight into the chemistry of the ISM, it is likely that several important points (e.g., the possible influence of experimental parameter interaction) remain ambiguous. In light of this, we propose the adoption of a new “systems astrochemistry” approach for experimental studies and present the basic tenants and advantages of this approach in this perspective article. Such an approach has already been used for some time now and to great effect in the field of prebiotic chemistry, and so we anticipate that its application to experimental astrochemistry will uncover new data hitherto unknown which could aid in better linking laboratory work to observations and models.","author":[{"family":"Mason","given":"NJ"},{"family":"Hailey","given":"Perry"},{"family":"Mifsud","given":"Duncan"},{"family":"Urquhart","given":"JS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2021]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2021.739046","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2021.739046","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405740622","type":"article-journal","title":"Szmikit z Chvaletic u Přelouče (Česká republika)","abstract":"A very rare mineral szmikite, Mn(SO4)·H2O, was determined at historical samples from the western part of upper level of the Chvaletice quarry (10 km W from Přelouč, eastern Bohemia, Czech Republic). This is the first occurrence of this mineral in the Czech Republic. Szmikite occurs there as soft distinctly porous crusts up to 10 cm in size formed by tiny (1 - 5 μm) transparent, imperfectly developed crystals. It is white, sometimes with a weak pink or yellow tints. Szmikite is monoclinic, space group C2/c, the unit-cell parameters refined from X-ray powder diffraction data are: a 7.063(3), b 7.6418(18), c 7.836(3) Å, β 118.14(2)o and V 372.9(4) Å3. The result of ICP OES analysis corresponds to following cation composition of studied szmikite: 0.649 apfu Mn, 0.339 apfu Mg, 0.009 apfu Fe and 0.004 apfu Ca. Vibrational (Raman and infrared) spectroscopy documents the presence of molecular water and sulphate units in the crystal structure of szmikite.","author":[{"family":"Pauliš","given":"Petr"},{"family":"Sejkora","given":"Jiří"},{"family":"Pour","given":"Ondřej"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.46861/bmp.32.193","URL":"https://doi.org/10.46861/bmp.32.193","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4297011237","type":"article-journal","title":"Future in-situ chemical analysis on Europa and Enceladus: impact of salts on the detection of organic compounds in samples from hypersaline Tirez lake (La Mancha, Spain) with GC-MS.","abstract":"Introduction: Europa and Enceladus, two ocean worlds in our solar system, are targets of high interest for astrobiology in the decades to come. Past space missions (Cassini-Huygens and Galileo) and recent observations with the Hubble Space telescope have revealed the presence of salts (sulfate and/or chloride) in the plumes of Enceladus and in the components of Europa’s surface (1-4). These salts could interfere in the in-situ chemical analyses of organic molecules present in the collected samples, thus limiting the chance to detect potential biosignatures in these worlds. In order to study this potential analytical interference, terrestrial analog samples to the ocean of Europa and Enceladus were characterized with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the associated pretreatment techniques (pyrolysis, derivatization and thermochemolysis) currently used for in-situ analyses of extraterrestrial environments. Analog samples: Tirez lacustrine system is located in La Mancha, Spain. The samples studied in this work were collected from seven salty lakes in 2019. They are in liquid state and characterized by a high concentration of Mg, Na, SO4 and Cl. These samples are of particular interest for oceans worlds because of spectra obtained from Fourier transform infrared technique were similar to the Galileo spectral data for Europa (5). In addition, micro-organisms from the three domains (bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes) were identified in Tirez lake materials (6). Among the numerous samples collected during the field trip, this work focused on ten of them for time of investigations. Results: Thanks to the pretreatment techniques associated to GC-MS, numerous molecules were identified. For instance, with derivatization (dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal) all the components from triglycerides were detected such as fatty acids (Figure) and glycerol. For some sample among the ten selected, phytol coming from the degradation of chlorophyll present in cyanobacteria was also detected. In addition, pyrolysis at different temperatures revealed the presence of furan derivatives, as well as phenol derivatives and naphthalene ones. For the two first, these come from the thermal degradation of carbonates and peptides respectively. In spite of the presence of salts, these few results show that we can identify molecules coming from the living with the usual analytical techniques used for space exploration. Figure: Chromatogram of a derivatized sample (from Lillo Lake) with DMF-DMA after evaporation of the water. I.S.: internal standard. Perspectives: Numerous compounds from micro-organisms were not detected such as amino acids or nitrogenous bases. In the near future, we want to try to desalinate these samples in order to identified more organic biosignatures. In addition, specific extraction will be made, particularly for amino acids, in order to characterize their content and confirm or deny that the salts prevent their detection. References: (1) T. B. McCord, Hydrated salt minerals on Europa's surface from the Galileo near-infrared mapping spectrometer investigation. Journal of Geophysical Research 104, (1999). (2) Waite, Cassini Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer Enceladus Plume composition and Structure. Science 311, (2006). (3) S. K. Trumbo, M. E. Brown, K. P. Hand, Sodium chloride on the surface of Europa. Science Advances 5, eaaw7123 (2019). (4) S. K. Trumbo, et al., A New UV Spectral Feature on Europa: Confirmation of NaCl in Leading-hemisphere Chaos Terrain. (2022). (5) O. Prieto-Ballesteros, Tírez Lake as a Terrestrial Analog of Europa. (2003). (6) L. Montoya et al., Microbial community composition of Tirez lagoon (Spain), a highly sulfated athalassohaline environment. Aquatic Biosystems 9, 19 (2013).","author":[{"family":"Moulay","given":"Valentin"},{"family":"Freissinet","given":"Caroline"},{"family":"Buch","given":"A"},{"family":"Gómez","given":"Felipe"},{"family":"Szopa","given":"Cyril"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc2022-794","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc2022-794","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4289445737","type":"manuscript","title":"Estimating the potential of ionizing radiation-induced radiolysis for microbial metabolism on terrestrial planets and satellites with rarefied atmospheres","abstract":"Ionizing radiation is known to have a destructive effect on biology by causing damage to the DNA, cells, and production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), among other things. While direct exposure to high radiation dose is indeed not favorable for biological activity, ionizing radiation can, and in some cases is known to produce a number of biologically useful products. One such mechanism is the production of biologically useful products via charged particle-induced radiolysis. Some of the byproducts are impossible to produce with lower-energy radiation (such as sunlight), opening up new avenues for life to utilize them. The main objective of the manuscript is to explore the concept of a Radiolytic Habitable Zone (RHZ), where the chemistry of GCR-induced radiolysis can be potentially utilized for metabolic activity. We first calculate the energy deposition and the electron production rate using the GEANT4 numerical model, then estimate the current production and possible chemical pathways which could be useful for supporting biological activity on Mars, Europa and Enceladus. The concept of RHZ provides a novel framework for understanding the potential for life in high-radiation environments. By combining energy deposition calculations with the energy requirements of microbial cells, we have defined the RHZ for Mars, Europa, and Enceladus. These zones represent the regions where radiolysis-driven energy production is sufficient to sustain microbial metabolism. We find that bacterial cell density is highest in Enceladus, followed by Mars and Europa. We discuss the implications of these mechanisms for the habitability of such objects in the Solar system and beyond.","author":[{"family":"Atri","given":"Dimitra"},{"family":"Kamenetskiy","given":"Margaret"},{"family":"May","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Kalra","given":"Archit"},{"family":"Castelblanco","given":"Aida"},{"family":"Quiñones-Camacho","given":"Antony"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2022]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2207.14675","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2207.14675","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1109/giet65294.2025.11234871","type":"article-journal","title":"Asteroid Mining: Mine the Right Asteroid","abstract":"One of the promising frontiers of space exploration is asteroid mining. Asteroid mining can be the sustainable solution of resource scarcity on Earth and can be potential for vast reserves of valuable resources. Nevertheless, the success of asteroid mining venture depends on an important decision of selecting the right asteroid for extraction. This paper explores all the considerations involved in the process of identifying suitable asteroids for mining. The criteria for asteroid selection span a range of factors, including their proximity to Earth, composition, size and accessibility. Taking from recent advancements in space technology and scientific research, we examine the challenges and prospects that await in the quest of mining the right asteroid. This paper highlights the importance of tactical asteroid selection as an essential step for unlocking the vast potential of asteroid mining. In the end, the selection of the right asteroid carries the potential to revolutionize the course of space exploration and the way we harness extraterrestrial resources.","author":[{"family":"Bhagwat","given":"Gauri"},{"family":"Mishra","given":"Amit"},{"family":"Tiwari","given":"Basant"},{"family":"Kokare","given":"Abhijeet"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1109/giet65294.2025.11234871","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1109/giet65294.2025.11234871","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1061/9780784485736.095","type":"article-journal","title":"Trials and Tribulations of Asteroid Mining","abstract":"Lunar industrialisation will require access to in situ material resources. The lunar surface itself provides a wide range of resources that may be extracted and utilised in different ways. Our demandite concept defines a minimal material set required to perform different functions that are required of a generic spacecraft and, most crucially, the mechatronic components required for robotic machines of production. This demandite set requires access to materials that are scarce on the Moon but abundant in asteroids. We examine the different assemblages of asteroids from the near-Earth object population. By installing a suite of coilguns onto a C-type or M-type asteroid with their supporting solar power systems, we can manoeuvre it into a low lunar orbit at 100 km altitude and then manoeuvre it to land on the lunar surface. To ensure the integrity of the asteroid as an orebody, it must be delivered through a soft-landing otherwise the orebody would mix diffusely with lunar ejecta material.","author":[{"family":"Ellery","given":"Alex"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1061/9780784485736.095","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784485736.095","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc-dps2025-34","type":"article-journal","title":"The History of Lunar Polar Ice Accumulation","abstract":"The lunar polar regions harbor water ice detected directly and indirectly by remotely sensed data. The deposits are concentrated within perennially shadowed regions where water molecules are thermally stable. Owing to the gradual decrease in the lunar spin axis obliquity with time, these regions have grown in extent monotonically since the passage of the Moon through the Cassini State Transition ~4 Ga ago. Combining spectral observations of exposed ice with the theoretical predictions of regions of ice stability constrains the history of accumulation. Using reflected ultraviolet starlight, observations from LAMP exhibit a strong correlation between exposed ice fraction and the age of permanent shadow within which it resides. This is the first such age relationship that has been identified for the lunar ice, and it indicates ice has accumulated quasi-continuously at least over the last ~1.5 Ga. The exposed ice area ratio of ~5% in the youngest PSRs that have been in shadow over the last ~100 Ma suggests that regolith gardening effectively balances the source and loss rates such that a 1 m layer at least partly equilibrates with the surface over that relatively short timescale.Finally, we developed a simple model that simulates the sources, sinks, and mixing within the lunar regolith, and show that this model can successfully account for the observations. The model thus provides constraints on the physical parameters and characteristic timescales of the relevant processes.Figure 1: The LAMP identifications of exposed ice (red, Hayne et al., 2015) superimposed on the PSR ages (blue-white, Schörghofer & Rufu, 2023) with shaded relief in the background.Figure 2: Cartoon illustrating the simplified regolith gardening and ice accumulation processes our model assumes. At the surface, there is a time-dependent source and a proportional loss term. The domain is assumed to be mixed by a diffusive process.","author":[{"family":"Aharonson","given":"Oded"},{"family":"Hayne","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Schorghofer","given":"Norbert"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc-dps2025-34","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc-dps2025-34","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.32865/2346/94737","type":"article-journal","title":"Demonstration of Ice-Extraction and Ice-Collection System for Lunar Ice Miners","abstract":"Mining water-ice in the permanent shadow region of the moon opens opportunities for In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) since it is a valuable resource for lunar exploration activities. To realize an efficient water-ice mining system, Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. in collaboration with Honeybee Robotics, is developing an advanced thermal management under an ongoing SBIR Phase II funded by NASA. The thermal management system consists of two-principal components: 1. Thermal corer; and 2. Volatile cold trap tank. The thermal corer is an improved drill auger developed by Honeybee Robotics incorporating minichannels to facilitate regolith heating for ice-sublimation. Volatile cold trap tank is a chamber with variable conductance heat pipes (VCHP) integrated to a radiator panel. The VCHP's aid in effectively collecting ice. A prototype thermal corer, 17.3 cm long and with 5 cm internal diameter was 3D printed with stainless steel. Ice-extraction demonstration experiments were performed to determine the performance of the thermal corer with the heat transfer fluid flowing through the thermal corer at different temperatures for certain time. During the experiments, the concentration of the ice in the regolith was 5%. Likewise, a VCHP based cold trap tank was designed and fabricated. Currently, thermal characterization of the cold trap tank is being performed to determine the performance of the ice-collection by modulating the heat transfer modes of the VCHP from fully active condenser for 100% heat rejection to diode mode.","author":[{"family":"Lee","given":"Kuan"},{"family":"Hota","given":"Sai"},{"family":"Truong","given":"Quang"},{"family":"Edalatpour","given":"Mojtaba"},{"family":"Rokkam","given":"Srujan"},{"family":"Zacny","given":"Kris"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.32865/2346/94737","URL":"https://doi.org/10.32865/2346/94737","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.2514/6.2025-4083","type":"article-journal","title":"Geotechnical and Scientific Characterization of Lunar Regolith for the Purposes of Lunar Construction Using Regolith Filled Bags","abstract":"As part of the LUNAR BRICS (Lunar Robotically Based Regolith Incorporated Construction) pathfinder mission, consideration was given to complementary scientific and geotechnical sensors and instrumentation. While the ultimate goal of the mission is to demonstrate lunar construction using regolith filled bags, it is imperative to study the physical and thermal properties of the surface and sub-surface so as to better understand both the bag filler material, as well as the supporting foundation. Several science and geotechnical goals, and their supporting instrumentation, are presented in meeting these objectives.","author":[{"family":"Thangavelautham","given":"Jekan"},{"family":"Barnes","given":"Jessica"},{"family":"Ryan","given":"Andrew"},{"family":"Susante","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Mukherjee","given":"Rudranaryan"},{"family":"Dickinson","given":"Cameron"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.2514/6.2025-4083","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2025-4083","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.31224/6410","type":"article-journal","title":"Compaction trial on lunar regolith simulant","abstract":"NASA’s Artemis program involves inhabiting the Moon’s south pole, which consists of lunar highlands regolith. For successful long-term habitation on the Moon, resilient infrastructure built on lunar regolith will be required. Therefore, it will be essential that the geotechnical characteristics of lunar regolith are quantified and improved, where required, using surface compaction techniques. This study investigates whether lunar highlands simulant could be compacted using a 1:13 scale model impact roller. Surface settlement and density measurements were undertaken to quantify improvement with increasing compactive effort. The results of laboratory testing conducted on lunar highlands simulants are also presented in this paper. The results from this compaction trial indicate that this surface compaction technique can improve the density of lunar highlands simulant, despite it having no moisture.","author":[{"family":"Scott","given":"Brendan"},{"family":"Kuo","given":"Yien"},{"family":"Jaksa","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Agarwal","given":"Akshay"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.31224/6410","URL":"https://doi.org/10.31224/6410","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.22541/essoar.173282183.30831648/v2","type":"article-journal","title":"Thermophysical properties of lunar regolith revealed by thermal-infrared observations of Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Diviner radiometer","abstract":"The thermophysical properties of lunar regolith are crucial for the scientific and engineering issues in future lunar missions. In this work, we evaluate the thermophysical properties of lunar regolith between 75 • N and 75 • S from the bolometric temperature dataset of Diviner radiometer by treating the radius of lunar regolith grains as a proxy. By the ground-truth median/average grain radius and Diviner data at Apollo, Luna and Chang'E landing sites, we re-calibrate the reference rolling force for a grain radius of 47.5 m as 0.8 ± 0.1 × 10 −7 N. On the global scale, the estimated grain radius values are fairly uniform, focus mostly between 40 and 60 m and show an average value of ∼ 52.7 m. Some regions of Oceanus Procellarum, Mare Imbrium and Mare Frigoris show abnormally large grain radius 80-100 m, which are associated with the late high-Ti volcanism during 2.3-1.2 Ga within Procellarum KREEP Terrane (PKT). Mare Humorum is dated to be as old as 3.9 Ga, but still shows large grain radius values of ∼ 100 m that are far greater than those in other contemporaneous mares. Such an anomaly may indicate a distinguished evolution for the local lunar regolith. For the surficial lunar regolith on the global scale, the contact component of thermal conductivity varies mostly within 0.0008-0.0010 W/(m•K), whereas the radiative component normalized to 250 K varies mostly within 0.002-0.004 W/(m•K). The thickness of topmost loosely packed layer is estimated as 0.02-0.04 m. Besides, the thickening of loosely packed layer is more likely to be a natural consequence of the change of packing style associated with the decrease of grain radius during the space weathering.","author":[{"family":"Yu","given":"Shuoran"},{"family":"Yu","given":"Minjun"},{"family":"Xiao","given":"Xiao"},{"family":"Huang","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Xiao","given":"Long"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.22541/essoar.173282183.30831648/v2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.22541/essoar.173282183.30831648/v2","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1605","type":"article-journal","title":"Microchemical and mineralogical characterization of lunar meteorites aimed at the production and testing of lunar regolith simulants","abstract":"Introduction: Lunar soil simulants have been produced since 1971, as the upcoming space missions needed astronauts to be trained in conducting scientific field works on the Moon’s surface. [1] However, the first lunar soil simulants were not satisfactory in terms of chemical composition and mineralogy, as they were focused on having the proper engineering properties [2].Due to the scarcity and limited accessibility of real lunar soils and rocks samples, and as the interest in lunar colonization with In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is growing, the production of lunar soil simulants has increased over the years [2].The objective of our work is to develop a new lunar regolith simulant providing a reliable analog in terms of both mineralogy and bulk chemical composition that could be used for experiments on element extraction and for sintering experiments aimed at the production of building materials.Anorthositic rocks are major constituents of the highland regions of the Moon [3], so we aim at reproducing the composition of a regolith whose major component is anorthositic. As lunar meteorites give access to unsampled areas of the Moon’s surface [4], we analyzed microchemically and mineralogically feldspathic lunar breccias and use their chemical composition and modal mineralogy as a reference.Samples and Methods: We performed microchemical and mineralogical characterization of some lunar feldspathic breccias, specifically of samples of the meteorites NWA 7948 [5], NWA 11273 [6], Bechar 007 [7] and Gadamis 004 [8], four feldspathic lunar breccias with low weathering grade [5-8]. The samples were analyzed through FE-SEM at the University of Camerino and the University of Perugia and FE-EMPA analyses are planned at the University of Firenze. Operation conditions were working distance of 8.5 mm and accelerating voltage of 15 and 20 kV.We started with synthesizing anorthite plagioclase and fluorapatite. We plan to synthetize glass whose composition resembles that of impact glass, vescicular glass of the agglutinates, and volcanic spherules found on lunar rocks and lunar meteorites. The next step will be to find natural terrestrial pyroxenes and olivines of suitable chemical composition and to add them in adequate amounts.Results: Petrographic and microchemical investigations on the cited meteorites revealed the dominance of anorthitic plagioclase with average composition An96.1Ab3.7Or0.2 and therefore we focused on the synthesis of anorthite microcrystalline powders with this chemical composition using a muffle furnace in air. Synthesis of fluorapatite is currently ongoing, as is the analysis of terrestrial pyroxenes and olivines.Acknowledgments: This study was carried out within the Space It Up project funded by the Italian Space Agency, ASI, and the Ministry of University and Research, MUR, under contract n. 2024-5-E.0 - CUP n. I53D24000060005.References: [1] Slabic A. et al. (2024), NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) [2] Taylor L. A., et al. (2016) Planetary and Space Science, 126, 1–7 [3] Jaumann R. et al. (2012) Planetary and Space Science, 74, 15-41 [4] Korotev R. L. (2005) Chemie der Erde, 65, 297-346 [5] Zeng, X. et al. (2018), Meteoritic Planetary Science, 53: 1030-1050. Doi: 10.1111/maps.13049 [6] Huidobro J. et al. (2021), ACS Earth Space Chem, 5: 1333-1342. Doi:10.1021/acsearthspacechem.0c00032. [7] Gattacceca J., et al. (2019), Meteorit Planet Sci, 54: 469-471 doi:10.1111/maps.13215 [8] Gattacceca J. et al. (2023), Meteorit Planet Sci, 58: 901-904 doi:10.1111/maps.13995","author":[{"family":"Santis","given":"Valeria"},{"family":"Pratesi","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Franza","given":"Annarita"},{"family":"Giuli","given":"Gabriele"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1605","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1605","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc2026-754","type":"article-journal","title":"Long-Term Environmental Influences on Lunar Regolith Simulant EAC-","abstract":"The Lunar Regolith Simulant EAC-1 [1] is manufactured to imitate with high fidelity the composition and granularity of the Moon's surface. It is designed to be used in large amounts of several cubic meters, and already is in some locations.Influence of the environment on the regolith is still possible, such as temperature and humidity variations of the diurnal or annual cycles. These variations, and the potential accumulation of residual humidity, i.e., humidity that infiltrates but cannot ever be removed, will over time change the electromagnetic properties of the regolith simulant. In order to ensure reproducible radar propagation measurements in a testing environment filled with regolith simulant, it is very useful to track the variation of the changes of the electromagnetic properties, based on easier available measurements of temperature and humidity. Also, the change of material's electromagnetic properties when an ice fraction is added to the mixture, is currently an open question.Preliminary lab measurements show a dependency of the material's electromagnetic properties with respect to an applied mechanical compressive force. This observation is in line with measurements presented by other groups [2].We will present permittivity measurements with systematically varied volume fractions of relative humidity and material density, in order to try to extract a numerical model for the material's behavior. [1] V. S. Engelschiøn, et al., “EAC-1A: A novel large-volume lunar regolith simulant,” Sci Rep, vol. 10, no. 1, Art. no. 1, Mar. 2020, doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-62312-4.[2] D. Ramos Somolinos et al., “Electromagnetic Characterization of EAC-1A and JSC-2A Lunar Regolith Simulants,” Materials, vol. 17, no. 15, p. 3633, July 2024, doi: 10.3390/ma17153633.","author":[{"family":"Hegler","given":"Sebastian"},{"family":"Benedix","given":"Wolf"},{"family":"Plettemeier","given":"Dirk"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc2026-754","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc2026-754","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1168","type":"article-journal","title":"Planetary Surface Texture Laboratory: Polarimetric Investigation of Lunar Regolith Simulants","abstract":"Photometry measures the intensity of light from a source, most commonly used in optics and remote sensing, in order to analyze planetary surfaces and measure brightness, also known as reflectance. Reflectance is particularly important in lunar surface analysis because it offers valuable insights into surface composition and properties. The Planetary Surface Texture Laboratory (PSTL) is a facility at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory that houses a goniometer system designed to improve the understanding of the polarization and photometric characterizations of planetary surface analog materials. This large arc system, (~1.5 meter radius), includes a sample stage and 2 caddies; one holds the polarimetric camera while the other holds the semi-collimated, unpolarized light. The phase angles range between 20° (at i = 40°) to 120° (at i = -60°) for this study; the camera (viewing angle) remains constant as the light source moves throughout the data collection. The reflectance of a material varies with the photometric conditions and is a function of properties such as particle size, porosity, roughness, and internal particle scattering behavior. The overall albedo and color of a surface may vary with the phase geometry (angles between the light source and the detecting optics). This is of particular importance because of the extreme viewing geometries encountered at the lunar south pole.Lunar Simulant Evaluation The availability and use of lunar regolith simulants is crucial for future lunar missions and understanding how to support a sustainable presence on the surface. When using lunar simulants, we have to keep in mind that the simulants are approximations and do not possess all the same characteristics of lunar regolith. However, understanding how lunar simulants differ spectrally from lunar regolith by observing the optical properties is important for providing crucial information about the composition, application, and formation history of the Moon. We assessed 12 different lunar regolith simulants from 5 different simulant provider companies; Colorado School of Mines (CSM), Off Planet Research, Space Resource Technologies (previously Exolith), NASA/United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Deltion, (4 based in the United States, 1 based in Canada, respectively). These simulants included representation for dust, mare, nearside and farside highland regolith. Our preliminary analysis shows that the composition of these simulants has an effect on the reflectance behavior. All of the highland simulants have a higher overall reflectance than the mare simulants. This is because the majority of minerals that make up the lunar highland simulants is largely plagioclase, which absorb little light, causing a higher reflectance. While the majority of minerals that make up the lunar mare simulants is largely olivine and pyroxene, which absorbs more light, causing a lower reflectance. Any variation in reflectance as a function of phase angle can be attributed to several factors such as albedo, composition, and physical properties including the scattering behavior of the individual particles, and porosity. We also collected measurements of samples that were prepped differently in order to show similarities to actual lunar terrains (as viewed from an Earth-based telescope or from orbit). Typically, to understand the full reflectance range of the material, our samples are prepped with a smooth surface. We also prepared a textured sample that was randomly chopped until it had the same depth as the sample holder. As expected, the contrasting degree of shadowing between a smooth and a rough surface can be seen. The textured sample has a rougher surface, therefore, has more micro-shadowing, causing the textured surface to be darker than the smooth surface. The effect is most pronounced in forward scattering conditions (i.e., large phase angles, &gt;90°). Overall, our initial findings produced expected results, although a more detailed study i","author":[{"family":"Martin","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Magana","given":"Lizeth"},{"family":"Blewett","given":"Dave"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1168","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1168","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1051/0004-6361/202659897","type":"article-journal","title":"A microphysical thermal model for the lunar regolith: Determining the lunar regolith properties using a combination of LRO/Diviner and Chang’E-2/MRM data","abstract":"Context . The surface of the Moon is covered by regolith and its microphysical structure is not only linked to surface processes and regolith evolution, but is also important for in situ resource utilization and mission planning. Aims . We aim to uniquely constrain lunar regolith grain size and density stratification for the highlands and to further investigate the latitudinal dependence of regolith properties using remote sensing data. Methods . We matched simulated surface and microwave brightness temperatures with Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter/Diviner and Chang’E-2/Microwave Radiometer measurements. The physical temperatures of the regolith were modeled by applying a microphysical thermal model that more directly simulates physical properties of the regolith, such as grain size and volume filling factor. Results . First, we find that the regolith-density stratification and grain size can only be unambiguously constrained by using both Diviner and Microwave Radiometer measurements due to their complementary wavelength ranges. The global regolith grain radius for equatorial highlands was determined to be 45 −4 +6 µm and the bulk density in the deeper regolith layers was found to be 1800 -90 70 kg m −3 . Second, the combined analysis of the latitudinal dependence up to ±80° latitude suggests a decrease in bulk density with increasing latitude. We also show that the previously proposed variation in the solar-incidence-angle-dependent albedo is not compatible with microwave brightness temperatures at higher latitudes.","author":[{"family":"Bürger","given":"Johanna"},{"family":"Feng","given":"Jianqing"},{"family":"Siegler","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Blum","given":"Jürgen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1051/0004-6361/202659897","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202659897","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc2026-662","type":"article-journal","title":"Particle-Resolved Kinetic Modeling of Solar-Wind Hydrogen Release from Lunar Regolith","abstract":"Solar-wind protons implanted into the upper nanometers of lunar regolith are an important source of hydrogen-bearing species on the Moon. These particles may diffuse through mineral grains, bind to oxygen sites, form OH, recombine to H₂, or contribute to H₂O production and release. Which pathway dominates depends on temperature, binding energies, surface coverage, and the availability of reactive sites (Jones et al., 2021, 2024). These microscopic processes control how much implanted hydrogen is retained in the regolith and how much is released into the surface-bounded exosphere. However, global lunar exosphere models usually cannot directly resolve this subsurface chemistry. We address this scale gap with a particle-resolved time-stepping Monte Carlo model that links solar-wind proton implantation, regolith chemistry, and volatile release.The model tracks individual H-bearing particles diffusing in a one-dimensional depth grid representing the near-surface (400nm) region of a regolith grain (Nagai et al., 2020; Hansen et al., 2013). Solar-wind proton implantation is implemented using a SRIM/TRIM-informed Gaussian depth distribution centered at 20–25 nm (Farrell et al., 2015). Diffusion and release are controlled by temperature- and coverage-dependent activation energies. Previous versions of the activation energy model assumed infinite diffusion efficiency (Schörghofer, 2023, 2025), leading particles to always choose the deepest available binding site. We extended the model by adding a finite-diffusion efficiency term that allows implanted particles to sample binding sites across a broader local activation-energy distribution, rather than imposing a sharp transition between filled and empty sites.Using this framework, we are performing a parameter study of the activation energies. We vary the OH binding-energy distribution, recombinative desorption barriers, the probability of H2 formation, and additional physical parameters. Preliminary results show that the parameters of the OH energy distribution have the strongest influence on the partitioning between retained OH, released H2, and recombined H2O. They show distinct dayside desorption patterns controlled by the imposed diurnal temperature and solar-wind flux profiles. These results indicate that the hydrogen release ratios are sensitive to the assumed activation-energy distribution and must be constrained before they can be used as robust source terms in global exosphere simulations.An example output of the release rates is shown in the Figure, displaying how much of the implanted solar wind protons (SWP) is released at each surface location over one lunation. These rates represent only outgassing from previously implanted protons; they do not include deposition or re-implantation of particles returning from the exosphere. The resulting pattern shows a strong temperature dependence in the outgassing, with enhanced release in warmer regions near the subsolar point.To couple the micro-scale model with global-scale investigations, the H₂ release is used as a source term in a lunar exosphere simulation and tested against reported densities from LAMP and CHACE measurements (Stern et al., 2013; Cook et al., 2013; Hurley et al., 2017; Thampi et al., 2015). Preliminary comparisons indicate that 40–60% of the implanted solar-wind proton flux must be released as H2 to reproduce the observed exospheric densities. This constraint provides an initial benchmark for the activation-energy parameter study: parameter combinations that retain too much hydrogen as OH, or release too little H2, are unlikely to reproduce the observed lunar H₂ exosphere.The model results will be constrained by ongoing laboratory work at the Jozef Stefan Institute (Simčič et al., 2025), where Nuclear Reaction Analysis (NRA) is used to measure implanted-particle depth profiles and retention behavior. These experiments will provide independent constraints on diffusion and desorption parameters. Together, the partic","author":[{"family":"Peschel","given":"Alexander"},{"family":"Simčič","given":"Jurij"},{"family":"Reiss","given":"Philipp"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc2026-662","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc2026-662","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc2026-529","type":"article-journal","title":"Centralizing Lunar Regolith Properties: An Open-Source Database for Geomechanical Data","abstract":"Lunar regolith is a complex material that has repeatedly challenged surface operations during lunar missions [1,2]. As humanity prepares to return to the Moon, understanding the mechanical properties of its surface is crucial for the validation of exploration technologies [3,4]. In-situ measurements from crewed and robotic missions, remote sensing, and laboratory analyses of returned samples have provided a wealth of information about lunar regolith. However, these data are often spread across various sources, can be difficult to access and are not always digitized. To address this lack of accessibility, we have developed the Lunar Regolith Database [5] (https://lunar-regolith-database.streamlit.app): an open-source repository centralizing data on the physical and geomechanical properties of lunar soil, and some common regolith simulants. This dataset was manually extracted from a wide range of sources, including original mission reports, subsequent data interpretations, and recent mission publications. The database compiles key geotechnical parameters, such as the angle of internal friction, cohesion, bulk density, and bearing capacity, along with the specific test methods and locations for each measured value. Additionally, the tool features dedicated sections cataloging returned samples, their particle size distributions, and the broader context of the missions that collected them. In an effort towards greater reproducibility, it also incorporates complementary contextual information when available, including depth profiles, local gravitational acceleration, and the range of normal stresses applied in Mohr-Coulomb analyses. Finally, a dedicated user interface enables data retrieval, filtering, and comparative plotting. Users can dynamically tailor the displayed data to their specific research needs through a multi-parameter filter panel and export customized tables directly for further analysis. We illustrate practical applications of the tool through representative use cases, including a comparison of regolith mechanical properties measured in-situ and on Earth (Fig. 1), where we observe that in-situ lunar data exhibits higher internal friction angles and often lower cohesion compared to measurements performed on returned samples. Such comparative analyses reveal critical discrepancies between terrestrial testing environments and actual lunar surface conditions, highlighting the need for a centralized dataset to serve as a reliable and accessible reference. Beyond facilitating fundamental studies in planetary science, this database has direct relevance for rover mobility analysis, lander design, ISRU system planning, and lunar construction activities. Developed in an agile mindset, the Lunar Regolith Database is intended to be used and improved by the planetary science and planetary exploration communities. Figure 1: Comparison of the bulk cohesion and internal friction angle of lunar regolith measured in-situ, on Earth and using remote sensing techniques. Figure 2: Representation of the different missions on the Moon as seen in the Lunar Regolith Database This work is supported by the European Research Council GRAVITE project (grant N° 1087060), the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) in the context of the HERA space mission, and by the CNES fellowship 24-357 and APR N° 10678 (2025). This publication is part of the project Influence of gravity on granular flows with fileN° 21898 of the research programme VENI which is (partly) financed by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) under the grant 10.61686/DBYVT15219. [1]G. Heiken, D. Vaniman, B. M. French, Lunar sourcebook: a user’s guide to the moon. Cambridge New York Port Chester: Cambridge university press, 1991.[2]. Gromov, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Lunar and Planetary Soils, Earth, Moon, and Planets, vol. 80, pp. 51–72, 1998.[3]Y. Lin, W. Yang, H. Zhang, et al. Return to the Moon: New perspectives on lunar exploration, Science Bulletin, vol. 69, pp. 21","author":[{"family":"Gasteiner","given":"Léonie"},{"family":"Murdoch","given":"Naomi"},{"family":"D'angelo","given":"Olfa"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc2026-529","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc2026-529","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.06.056","type":"article-journal","title":"Proposal of a new category of lunar regolith simulants: Reduced particle-density simulants that exhibit equivalent self-weight in Earth gravity to native regolith in lunar gravity","abstract":"Current “normal density” lunar regolith simulants used in Earth gravity can be viewed as a poor replication of bulk material handling behaviour of lunar regolith in lunar gravity. The six-times greater self-weight of such normal simulants on Earth compared to the Moon can be the viewed as the underlying cause. The use of such normal simulants in Earth gravity as part of technology development for lunar use may fail to adequately predict lunar behaviour and result in sub-optimal outcomes. This paper proposes a new class of reduced self-weight lunar regolith simulants to minimise this issue. The current work elaborates the case for this new class of lunar regolith simulants with reduced particle density of one-sixth native lunar regolith resulting in reduced self-weight. To justify further this approach a series of studies are reported to highlight the expected differences between the current and proposed simulant uses. First, analytical arguments are used based around Jenike theory and the concept of Bond Number to highlight expected differences. Second, Discrete Element Method simulation is used show the expected difference in behaviour between the two simulants classes. Third, a laboratory breadboarded discharge hopper is used to demonstrate behaviour differences between normal and reduced self-weight stimulants. Additionally, a list of requirements for such reduced self-weight simulants is proposed. The work concludes that the proposed new class of reduced particle density lunar simulants appears to have value and should be further pursued by the relevant communities.","author":[{"family":"Pratnekar","given":"Marko"},{"family":"Garg","given":"Vivek"},{"family":"Kaur","given":"Baldeep"},{"family":"Bradley","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Cullen","given":"David"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.06.056","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.06.056","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.31224/6408","type":"article-journal","title":"Density, strength and compressibility characteristics of lunar regolith simulant","abstract":"Humankind will soon be returning to the Moon, as part of NASA’s Artemis program, where the objective is long-term habitation to facilitate extra-terrestrial exploration and in situ resource utilisation. The Artemis program is focused on inhabiting the Moon’s South pole, which consists of lunar highlands regolith. The Lunar Construction Group, which is part of the University of Adelaide’s Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources (ATCSR), is actively undertaking research to design and construct infrastructure on the Moon. Due to the lack of availability of lunar regolith samples, lunar simulants have been developed which are intended to provide authentic surrogates of lunar regolith. It is essential, for the development of sustainable and resilient lunar infrastructure, that the geotechnical characteristics of the regolith are quantified and understood. This paper begins by first summarising the known ground conditions on the Moon and then presents the results of laboratory testing on three lunar simulants LHS-1 (lunar highland simulant), MAB-1 (a modified lunar highland simulant, which is a mixture of anorthosite and basalt), and LMS-1 (lunar mare simulant), in order to quantify their strength and compressibility characteristics.","author":[{"family":"Agarwal","given":"Akshay"},{"family":"Kuo","given":"Yien"},{"family":"Jaksa","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Scott","given":"Brendan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.31224/6408","URL":"https://doi.org/10.31224/6408","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1126/sciadv.adg1910","type":"article-journal","title":"Perovskite-bearing crystal-controlled oxide-silicate mantle xenoliths: Resolution to controversial origins?","abstract":"Classic lamellar clinopyroxene-ilmenite intergrowths (type 1) are extended to include discovery of olivine-ilmenite-perovskite-wüstite (type 2) and olivine-spinel-perovskite (type 3) xenoliths in kimberlites from Liberia. Low titanium solubilities in olivine, garnet, and pyroxene cannot account for exsolution-like relations. Because the oxides coexist with high-pressure perovskite-structured silicate minerals in diamond, a permissive conclusion is that type 1 to type 3 xenoliths are of super-deep origin. Phase equilibria and thermodynamic studies show that type 1 xenoliths are stable at P > 80 GPa, with type 2 and type 3 at 35 to 50 GPa consistent with an origin in anomalous large low shear velocity province bodies anchored at the core-mantle boundary. Dissociated precursor perovskite-structured Ca-Fe-Ti bridgmanite is proposed and is indirectly supported by the copresence of type II diamonds with a sublithospheric lower mantle origin.","author":[{"family":"Haggerty","given":"Stephen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1126/sciadv.adg1910","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adg1910","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4385500555","type":"article-journal","title":"Space Resources and the Politics of International Regime Formation","abstract":"Space resources such as minerals or lunar ice deposits are of growing economic and political interest in the context of the emerging space economy and the intensifying geopolitical tensions of a new &ldquo;space race&rdquo;. Scholars and stakeholders increasingly engage with the question of how to regulate the future exploration and exploitation of space resources under international law. A potential option that has drawn broad attention in the debate is a multilateral regime that would regulate space resources as the common heritage of humanity and aim for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits that derive from their exploration and exploitation. Whereas a considerable body of literature addresses the legal and institutional characteristics of such a hypothetical regime, questions of regime formation have so far been neglected. This paper probes the feasibility and the prospects of developing a multilateral and common heritage-centric regime for space resources by a) drawing on theoretical insights from the scholarly debate on the politics of international regime formation and b) extracting insights and lessons from two historical cases of regime formation (under the Antarctic Treaty System and the Law of the Sea Convention) addressing similar challenges of regulating transnational commons in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. The analysis indicates extraordinarily adverse background conditions that make the successful formation of a multilateral and common heritage-centric regime for space resources highly implausible despite its prima facie normative appeal. The political prospects for devising fair, equitable and effective solutions to the problem of space resources are accordingly limited and likely to remain so.","author":[{"family":"Rabitz","given":"Florian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.5334/ijc.1274","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5334/ijc.1274","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/curroncol32070382","type":"article-journal","title":"Radiation Quality-Dependent Progressive Increase in Oxidative DNA Damage and Intestinal Tumorigenesis in Apc1638N/+ Mice","abstract":"Exposure to high-linear energy transfer (LET) heavy ions, such as 28Si, poses a significant cancer risk for astronauts. While previous studies have linked high-LET radiation exposure to persistent oxidative stress and dysregulated stress responses in intestinal crypt cells with an increased risk of tumorigenesis, the relationship between IR-induced oxidative DNA damage and intestinal cancer risk remains incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the time-dependent effects of 28Si-ion radiation on intestinal tumorigenesis and oxidative DNA damage in Apc1638N/+ mice, a model for human intestinal cancer predisposition. Male Apc1638N/+ mice were exposed to 10 cGy of either γ-rays (low-LET) or 28Si-ions (high-LET), and intestinal tumor burden was assessed at 60 and 150 days post-irradiation. While both radiation groups showed modest, non-significant tumor increases at 60 days, 28Si-irradiated mice exhibited an approximately 2.5-fold increase in tumor incidence by 150 days, with a higher incidence of invasive carcinomas compared to γ and sham groups. Serum 8-OxodG levels, a marker of systemic oxidative stress, were significantly elevated in the 28Si-ion group, correlating with increased intestinal 8-OxodG staining. Additionally, assessment of the proliferation marker Cyclin D1 and metaplasia marker Guanylyl Cyclase C (GUCY2C) also revealed significant crypt cell hyperproliferation accompanied by increased metaplasia in 28Si-exposed mouse intestines. Positive correlations between serum 8-OxodG and tumor-associated endpoints provide compelling evidence that exposure to 28Si-ions induces progressive intestinal tumorigenesis through sustained oxidative DNA damage, crypt cell hyperproliferation, and metaplastic transformation. This study provides evidence in support of the radiation quality-dependent progressive increase in systemic and intestinal levels of 8-OxodG during intestinal carcinogenesis. Moreover, the progressive increase in oxidative DNA damage and simultaneous increase in oncogenic events after 28Si exposure also suggest that non-targeted effects might be a significant player in space radiation-induced intestinal cancer development. The correlation between serum 8-OxodG and oncogenic endpoints supports its potential utility as a predictive biomarker of high-LET IR-induced intestinal carcinogenesis, with implications for astronaut health risk monitoring during long-duration space missions.","author":[{"family":"Kumar","given":"Kamendra"},{"family":"Kumar","given":"Santosh"},{"family":"Angdisen","given":"Jerry"},{"family":"Datta","given":"Kamal"},{"family":"Fornace","given":"Albert"},{"family":"Suman","given":"Shubhankar"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/curroncol32070382","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32070382","source":"crossref"},{"id":"oa:W4317611138","type":"article-journal","title":"Public-private linkages and the case of asteroid mining","abstract":"This paper highlights the role of government in boosting the private space sector and proposes that public-private linkages and state support are critical for the success of private space endeavours, such as the fledgling asteroid mining one. The economics of high costs in tandem with outsized risks, and the long time-horizon for the investment to reap a return, have been big obstacles for companies that want a stake in asteroid resource extraction. Such factors necessitate the state stepping in to share the burden. Government funding, technological help, and the state's underwriting of high-level risks, along with ensuring private property rights, are critical for the viability of the asteroid mining infant industry. This paper shows that without enough government backing, the possibility of success for such an enterprise is compromised, as seen in the dismal outcomes of the asteroid mining companies that emerged in recent times.","author":[{"family":"Lauer","given":"Ritu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1080/09537325.2022.2163887","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09537325.2022.2163887","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4396592204","type":"article-journal","title":"Asteroid mining vs the carbon bubble: ethical considerations for space resource extraction","abstract":"Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider the ethical and environmental implications of allowing space resource extraction to disrupt existing fuel economies, including how companies can be held accountable for ensuring the responsible use of their space assets. It will also briefly consider how such assets should be taxed, and the cost/benefit analyses required to justify the considerable expense of supporting this emerging space industry. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts theoretical bioethics methodologies to explore issues of normative ethics and the formulation of moral rules to govern individual, collective and institutional behaviour. Specifically, it considers social justice and social contract theory, consequentialist and deontological accounts of ethical evaluation. It also draws on sociological and organisational literature to discuss Dowling and Pfeffer’s (1975) and Suchman’s (1995) theories of pragmatic, cognitive and moral legitimacy as they may be applied to off-world mining regulations and the handling of space assets. Findings The findings of this conceptual paper indicate there is both a growing appetite for tighter resource extraction regulations to address climate change and wealth concentration globally, and an opportunity to establish and legitimise new ethical norms for commercial activity in space that can avoid some of the challenges currently facing fossil fuel divestment movements on Earth. Originality/value By adopting methodologies from theoretical bioethics, sociology and business studies, including applying a legitimacy lens to the issue of off-world mining, this paper synthesises existing knowledges from these fields and brings them to the new context of the future space resource economy.","author":[{"family":"Kendal","given":"Evie"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1108/aaaj-12-2022-6186","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1108/aaaj-12-2022-6186","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4385626121","type":"article-journal","title":"Preliminary Design of Asteroid Mining Tycoon Game","abstract":"The aim of this paper is to develop a game using the Unity Engine game engine and Unity Engine-compatible assets, based on real asteroid data (such as asteroid value, types of minerals present on asteroids, etc.) to simulate asteroid/space mining, which is one of the most important issues and priorities of our time. Another objective of this work is to increase awareness, particularly in terms of planetary defense, through digitalization in education, by developing this game. In this context, mechatronic systems designed for asteroid mining games based on similar limited examples will be examined, and new types of mechatronic systems that can be used in possible asteroid mining missions in the future will also be proposed and developed for use in the simulation environment and the game.","author":[{"family":"Arlier","given":"Mehmet"},{"family":"Ünsalan","given":"Ozan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1109/rast57548.2023.10197895","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1109/rast57548.2023.10197895","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4385421381","type":"article-journal","title":"Asteroid Mining research based on the Global Equity Evaluation Model","abstract":"With the aggravation of the imbalance in world development, people pay more and more attention to global equity. In general, global equity means that the fruits of development are shared by all mankind, and the development gap between countries is reasonable, so that people of all countries can enjoy stability and happiness. Based on the principle of global equity, this paper further studies the problem of asteroid mining. First, we established a global equity evaluation model (two-level) model, which calculates development indicators from economic, scientific and technological, cultural, social and other aspects, and uses analytic hierarchical process (AHP) and entropy weight method (EWM) to determine the dimensions and weight of indicators. We then describe our vision for asteroid mining. Based on the premise that asteroid mining is managed by a unified department, an asteroid mining allocation model (three-level) is established, using the ARIMA model to predict the data, using AHP and EWM to define the weights to reflect the impact of mining on global equity. In the end, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of our models, leaving room for further studies.","author":[{"family":"Zi","given":"Chenyi"},{"family":"Cai","given":"Mingchen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.54097/hset.v60i.10349","URL":"https://doi.org/10.54097/hset.v60i.10349","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405587911","type":"article-journal","title":"Thermodynamic Analysis of Asteroid Mining Systems: Insights from Optical Mining Bag Materials","abstract":"This study investigates the thermodynamic behaviors of materials within an optical mining system aimed at extracting water from asteroids. The spacecraft utilizes solar reflectors to concentrate sunlight onto the captured asteroid, initiating the extraction process. The focus lies on analyzing the thermodynamic properties of the asteroid mining bag, constructed with layers of Nomex (outer layer), Kevlar (supporting layer), and a PANI thin film (inner layer). Through a MATLAB Simulink model, a 10-day mining simulation is conducted, revealing the system's capability to extract water at a rate of 77 g/s. Key parameters such as temperature, pressure, heat flow rate, and gas flow rate are measured within the mining bag. Additionally, the study accounts for thermal insulation effects on the asteroid bag and heat losses to the surrounding environment. The thermodynamic equations governing heat transfer, mass conservation, and energy within the asteroid bag are analyzed, providing insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of the mining process. This research contributes to understanding the thermodynamic principles underlying asteroid mining operations and guides future developments in this field.","author":[{"family":"Sare","given":"Hadarou"},{"family":"Dong","given":"Dongmei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1149/ma2024-02674592mtgabs","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1149/ma2024-02674592mtgabs","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.2514/6.2025-2834","type":"article-journal","title":"Technical Analysis of a Ceres-Bound Space Elevator for Asteroid Mining","abstract":"This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility and challenges associated with applying a space elevator (SE) to the dwarf planet Ceres to facilitate sustainable asteroid mining. Building upon prior research that highlighted the effectiveness of space elevators in interplanetary missions, this study focuses on the technical, environmental, and logistical challenges of deploying such infrastructure on Ceres. It examines critical components such as the tether, climbers, and counterweight, emphasizing the importance of advancements in materials science to ensure system durability under Ceres’ unique gravitational and environmental conditions. The integration of mining and autonomous rover systems is a key focus, examining their role in activities such as excavation, resource processing, and transportation. In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies are highlighted for reducing reliance on Earth-based logistics by processing materials directly on Ceres. Optimized \"porkchop plots\" for Ceres-Earth resource transfers are introduced, showing a significant efficiency improvement in transportation using space elevators compared to conventional methods. By addressing environmental considerations, fuel costs, and operational methods, this work outlines the engineering requirements for a robust and reliable system. This study serves as a foundation for advancing space elevator technology tailored to extraterrestrial mining, contributing to the sustainable utilization of space resources and paving the way for future exploration.","author":[{"family":"George","given":"Lynnane"},{"family":"Edwards","given":"Bradley"},{"family":"Rothwell","given":"Josiah"},{"family":"Yousuf","given":"Noor"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.2514/6.2025-2834","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2025-2834","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.71097/ijsat.v16.i3.8230","type":"article-journal","title":"Asteroid Mining: A Paradigm Shift in the Economics of Raw Materials","abstract":"Asteroid mining, which was once a concept of science fiction, is now rapidly becoming closer to the reality due to advancements in the fields of space exploration and resource extraction technologies. This article has a motive to examine the potential economic impacts that may happen due to asteroid mining on the global raw material markets. With asteroids composed of vast quantities of valuable metals and minerals, asteroid mining could disrupt the traditional supply chains, alter the resource pricing structures, and shift the geopolitics of resource extraction industries. Asteroid mining could give rise to new sectors of economy like space logistics which will also significantly impact the industries such as electronics, energy, and construction. The increase in supply of some of the rare materials such as gold, cobalt, iron, rhodium, tungsten, platinum, nickel, and ruthenium could reduce the Earth’s reliance on the terrestrial mining, thus reducing the environmental pressures and lowering the cost of resources. However, this transition will also present some certain risks, including the monopolistic practices, market volatility, and geopolitical tensions over the mineral resource ownership. Legal, environmental, and ethical issues related to the asteroid mining will surely need some resolution to ensure a fair and sustainable extraction of the resources. The impact on manpower, mining industry and mineral markets and other resource-dependent economies on Earth could also be profound, as industries will be shifting from terrestrial mining to asteroid mining. This paper explores the economic consequences of asteroid mining, even though viable asteroid mining practices are still on the way for development, this article tries to analyse that once we successfully conduct viable asteroid mining practices, what will be the transformative impact on the raw material economy. It provides a comprehensive look at how asteroid mining could reshape raw material economics on Earth and beyond.","author":[{"family":"Jana","given":"Mainak"},{"family":"Pal","given":"Hritajit"},{"family":"Kumar","given":"Pankaj"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.71097/ijsat.v16.i3.8230","URL":"https://doi.org/10.71097/ijsat.v16.i3.8230","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/engproc2025121027","type":"article-journal","title":"Legal Frameworks for Asteroid Mining: Techno-Economic Impacts and Regulatory Needs","abstract":"The current space law does not clarify the asteroid mining problem enough.This paper presents a techno-economic analysis to show how legal certainty impacts the profitability and overall investment in asteroid mining projects.Our analysis reveals that clear legal frameworks reduce perceived investment risk significantly.We have introduced a financial model that demonstrates how different legal scenarios, specifically those offering clear frameworks and benefit-sharing mechanisms, lead to positive Net Present Values.We thereby encourage fair resource distribution and opportunities within a regulated system, as an environment with high legal uncertainty results in negative Net Present Values, and show significant financial risk.","author":[{"family":"Azimzadeh","given":"Hamideh"},{"family":"Azadmanesh","given":"Mahsa"},{"family":"Nikolova","given":"Radina"},{"family":"Asiaei","given":"Roya"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/engproc2025121027","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025121027","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26180","type":"article-journal","title":"Towards sustainable horizons: A comprehensive blueprint for Mars colonization.","abstract":"This paper thoroughly explores the feasibility, challenges, and proposed solutions for establishing a sustainable human colony on Mars. We quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the Martian environment, highlighting key challenges such as radiation exposure, which astronauts could experience at minimum levels of 0.66 sieverts during a round trip, and the complications arising from Mars' thin atmosphere and extreme temperature variations. Technological advancements are examined, including developing Martian concrete, which utilizes sulfur as a binding agent, and innovative life support strategies like aeroponics and algae bioreactors. The human aspect of colonization is addressed, focusing on long-term space habitation's psychological and physiological impacts. We also present a cost-benefit analysis of in-situ resource utilization versus Earth-based supply missions, emphasizing economic viability with the potential reduction in launch costs through reusable rocket technology. A timeline for the colonization process is suggested, spanning preliminary unmanned missions for resource assessment, followed by short-term manned missions leading to sustainable settlements over several decades. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research, particularly in refining resource utilization techniques and advancing health and life support systems, to solidify the foundation for Mars colonization. This comprehensive assessment aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders in planning and executing a strategic and informed approach to making Mars colonization a reality.","author":[{"family":"Neukart","given":"Florian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26180","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26180","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.32865/2346/98966","type":"article-journal","title":"Demonstration and Analysis of Thermal Management System (TMS) for Ice Extraction and Ice Collection for Lunar Ice Miners","abstract":"Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. in collaboration with Honeybee Robotics is developing a Thermal Management System (TMS) to facilitate ice extraction from icy-lunar regolith and efficient ice collection in a cold trap tank. The TMS has two main technologies 1. Thermal corer; and 2. Variable Conductance Heat Pipe (VCHP) based cold trap tank, along with other connecting technologies like rotary union and pumped fluid loop. The thermal corer is essentially an auger with minichannels for ice extraction through which heat transfer fluid circulates. A prototype thermal corer of length 17.3 cm and inner diameter 5 cm was fabricated with stainless steel. Performance testing of the thermal corer showed more than 60% ice extraction efficiency. Sublimation was the primary mode of ice extraction followed by liquid-vapor phase change. On the other hand, the VCHP cold trap tank was demonstrated to show ice collection by rejecting heat from incoming vapor to the cold plate simulating deep space heat rejection. During this mode, the VCHP was operating as a heat pipe. Additionally, the de-icing mode to melt ice from the heat pipe surface was demonstrated by activating the VCHP mode by blocking heat transfer to the cold plate. Finally, a system-level sizing analysis was undertaken by developing a mass-energy balance model with the following deductions: the rover weighing about 115 kg can extract 0.48 kg of ice with a total operational time of 4 hours. To achieve an ice-mining rate of 2.78 kg/h, about 24 thermal corers are required. In addition, sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the influence of system parameters like ice extraction efficiency, mining-processing site, etc.","author":[{"family":"Hota","given":"Sai"},{"family":"Truong","given":"Quang"},{"family":"Lee","given":"Kuan"},{"family":"Tarau","given":"Calin"},{"family":"Zacny","given":"Kris"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.32865/2346/98966","URL":"https://doi.org/10.32865/2346/98966","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/egusphere-egu26-2125","type":"article-journal","title":"In-situ Detection and Quantitative Analysis Methods for Lunar Water Ice in PSRs","abstract":"Remote sensing has identified water-ice in the Moon’s polar regions; however, it cannot directly verify the existence and origin of lunar water in the permanently shadowed regions. The LUnar soil Water molecular Analyzer (LUWA) is a key payload on the mini-flying probe of China’s forthcoming Chang’E-7 mission, scheduled for launch in 2026. The mission aims to perform the first in-situ detection of water ice and volatiles of the lunar south pole. LUWA comprises a tunable laser spectrometer (TLS) for in situ analysis of H₂O and HDO, as well as a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) for the analysis of gas molecules with mass numbers under 200 amu, including H₂O, CO2 and CH₄. A differential absorption spectrometer (DAS) will be mounted on the leg of the probe to pre-detect the existence of water-ice and monitor its content during drilling. Ground testing demonstrates LUWA’s capability to detect water ice at concentrations as low as 0.01 wt% in evolved gas analysis mode and ≥0.5 wt% through DAS, with water content quantification achievable within the 0.1–4.5 wt% range and δD precision of ±50‰. Key challenges include correcting sublimation losses, adsorption effects, and isotopic fractionation during sample handling. LUWA will provide critical data on the abundance, origin, and distribution of lunar water, supporting future in-situ resource utilization and enhancing our comprehension of volatile dynamics on the Moon.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Xiang"},{"family":"Cao","given":"Nailiang"},{"family":"Kan","given":"Ruifeng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/egusphere-egu26-2125","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-2125","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/egusphere-egu26-2127","type":"article-journal","title":"In-situ detection of water ice and volatiles in lunar permanently shadowed regions","abstract":"The LUnar soil Water molecular Analyzer (LUWA) is a payload aboard China's Chang'E-7 mission (to be launched in 2026), which will conduct first in-situ detection of water ice and volatiles within the permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) at the lunar south pole. As the cornerstone of the fourth phase of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program, Chang'E-7 employs a novel multi-probe architecture of an orbiter, lander, rover, and mini-flying probe to explore the rim of Shackleton crater.Mount on the mini-flying probe, LUWA will analyze volatile components in the lunar soil extracted from both the sunlit area and PSRs. Its primary objectives include: (1) verifying the presence of water molecular and determining its abundance in the lunar regolith, (2) performing elemental and isotopic analyses (e.g., D/H) to determine the origin of lunar volatiles, and (3) investigating distribution, and evolution of water ice in the PSRs.","author":[{"family":"Cao","given":"Nailiang"},{"family":"Li","given":"Xiang"},{"family":"Kan","given":"Ruifeng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/egusphere-egu26-2127","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-2127","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1244","type":"article-journal","title":"Experimental Investigation of Regolith-Ice Mixtures under Cryogenic Vacuum Conditions for Lunar and Planetary Exploration","abstract":"IntroductionA good understanding of the properties of water-ice and regolith mixtures is of paramount importance to support the development of upcoming scientific missions to the Moon and for future in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). Although water was already detected on the Moon by remote sensing observations and in impact ejecta (Colaprete et al. 2010), ground truth based on in-situ measurements is still missing. Water is a valuable resource for both human and robotic space exploration as it can be used as a propellant to fuel rockets or consumable for astronauts. Here, we present the development of a dusty thermal vacuum chamber (DTVC) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) that will be used to qualify instrumentation developed for future Moon missions and to thermal ice extraction in relevant environments ( mbar, 150K).Experiment DescriptionThe state-of-the-art facility can reach vacuum levels down to mbar. To prevent sublimation of ice particles, the regolith sample is cooled by a laboratory thermostat to a minimum temperature of 150 K. The cold plate can host a variety of sample geometries up to a size of 590 mm x 240 mm x150 mm (Figure 1). As the cooling system does not rely on consumables like liquid Nitrogen, the sample cooling can theoretically be sustained for several days.Figure 1: The cold plate of the experiment with different regolith containers.The samples can be illuminated by a calibrated halogen lamp with a light power of up to 50 W in the visible range. The position of the collimated light beam (Ø 50mm) is controlled by a movable mirror (see Figure 2). This allows for a maximum illuminated sample region with a diameter of 275 mm. The resulting temperature distribution in the sample is measured by sensors inside the sample as well as an infrared camera.Figure 2: Overview of the vacuum chamber with illumination (marked in red) and ice retrieval (marked in pink) sections. A zoomed view on the mirror assembly indicates the position control of the mirror.Planned Experimental CampaignsIn the near future, several novel experiments are planned to use this DTVC setup:Investigation of Solar Heating for Thermal Ice Extraction:As part of the EIC pathfinder project Ice2Thrust, this experiment will study the heat distribution in response to solar surface heating and the interaction of water vapor with a cold trap in close vicinity to the surface. The illumination can provide light power up to 20 solar constants, which allows an investigation of various surface power densities on the temperature distribution and water sublimation rates. A separate assembly is mounted on the side of the main chamber to retrieve the ice collected on the cold plate with a linear feed-through. It can be isolated with gate valves, allowing the pressurization and subsequent liquefaction of the collected water ice. The extracted liquid water will be fed to an electrolyser and subsequently be split into Hydrogen and Oxygen to generate thrust in a chemical thruster. This experiment will serve as the world’s first ISRU end-to-end demonstration from extraction up to utilization.Qualification of Sensors for Water Ice Detection on the Moon:TUM is developing several permittivity sensor for the detection of water on the lunar surface. These sensors measure the water content by detecting changes in the electric permittivity of the lunar surface via electrodes in direct contact with the soil (Gscheidle et al. 2024). The RPS sensor suite currently developed for ESA uses electrodes mounted on a rover wheel and will undergo development and qualification testing in the DTVC. As part of another development for ESA, an instrumented drill for volatiles and water ice prospecting will also be tested in the DTVC (Biswas et al. 2020).As the interaction of ice, rocks, and sunlight is also relevant in cometary research (Kreuzig et al. 2021, Knoop et al. 2024), the DTVC facility can also be used to study related physical phenomena relevant to other icy moons an","author":[{"family":"Witzel","given":"Thilo"},{"family":"Šeško","given":"Rok"},{"family":"Reiss","given":"Philipp"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1244","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1244","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/egusphere-egu26-8795","type":"article-journal","title":"The Role of Crustal Magnetic Anomalies and Topography in Shaping Lunar South Polar Water Ice","abstract":"Lunar magnetic anomalies are abundant near the south pole, where several moderate-strength anomalies spatially overlap permanently shadowed regions. This environment provides a unique setting to assess how crustal magnetic fields and complex topography regulate plasma–surface interactions and, in turn, the stability and distribution of surface water ice.A global fully kinetic electromagnetic particle-in-cell numerical model is used to simulate proton and electron surface fluxes near the south pole, averaged over a full lunar rotation. The simulations incorporate a regional crustal magnetic field model based on Kaguya and Lunar Prospector magnetometer measurements, together with high-resolution surface topography from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Laser Altimeter. This approach enables a self-consistent evaluation of how terrain and crustal magnetic fields jointly influence plasma access to the surface.The simulations show that topography strongly structures the surface plasma environment, enhancing fluxes on crater walls while partially shielding crater floors. The inclusion of crustal magnetic fields further modulates plasma access, producing relatively modest proton and electron flux variations relative to simulations without magnetic anomalies.Using the modelled fluxes, plasma-driven production, sputtering, and electron-stimulated desorption rates are evaluated alongside thermally driven sublimation. While the absolute balance depends on laboratory-derived yield assumptions, the results indicate that permanently shadowed regions consistently exhibit a positive net surface water ice balance rate, which closely coincides with inferred surface water ice exposures and highlights the importance of including realistic crustal magnetic fields and topography when assessing plasma-surface interactions and volatile evolution at the lunar poles.","author":[{"family":"Deca","given":"Jan"},{"family":"Hood","given":"Lon"},{"family":"Li","given":"Shuai"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/egusphere-egu26-8795","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-8795","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6664","type":"article-journal","title":"Volatile Ice Presence Analysis through Mass Wasting Events Mapping in Lunar Permanently Shadowed Regions","abstract":"Mass wasting events on the Moon have been documented since the Apollo era and are distributed across its surface. On Earth, the morphology and runout distance of landslides, particularly flowlike landslides such as debris and mud flows, are strongly influenced by the mobilized soil and bedrock properties, notably the water content.Despite the absence of widespread, liquid surface water on the Moon, previous surveys identified numerous lunar flow events across the Moon&amp;#8217;s equatorial regions (&amp;#177; 60&amp;#176; latitude), termed &amp;#8220;granular flows&amp;#8221; or &amp;#8220;flows&amp;#8221;, in short, excluding the polar regions due to unfavorable illumination conditions. The recent release of ShadowCam images now enables the extension of past mapping efforts to the shadowed portions of the lunar polar regions (&gt; 80&amp;#176; latitude).Here, we perform a thorough, manual search for flows in polar region craters using images from the Korean Pathfinder Lunar Obiter (KPLO) ShadowCam and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Narrow Angle Camera (NAC). We analyzed three regions for comparison: the Equatorial Region (Eq) (&amp;#177;60&amp;#176;), the South Pole Region (Sp) (80&amp;#176;&amp;#8211;90&amp;#176; S), and the North Polar Region (Np) (80&amp;#176;&amp;#8211;90&amp;#176; N). We focused our mapping efforts on flows in craters where more than 1% of the internal area has slope angles exceeding 30&amp;#176;. We utilized 131 ShadowCam images and 84 processed NAC images to map flows. Additionally, 100 random highland events from the Eq region were manually mapped for comparison with polar events.We identified 23 Sp and 99 Np flows, distributed across 3 and 16 craters, respectively. A significant disparity emerged between the Eq and polar regions. While 38.7% of craters with slopes exceeding 30&amp;#176; in the Eq region contained flows, the percentages dropped to 33.3% in Np and 16.6% in Sp. Consequently, the likelihood of developing flows in Np and Sp with the same distribution as the Eq region is only 8.02% and 0.59%, respectively. Notably, Sp flows occur in areas with relatively lower LPNS-derived Water Equivalent Hydrogen (WEH) and outside permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) compared to Np flows. We observe no significant differences in geomorphic flow characteristics between the three regions. Flow efficiency (flow height/length, or H/L) averaged ~0.6, and the median source angle was ~32&amp;#176; across all regions.Our results suggest that flows are 1) scarce in the polar regions, yet 2) do not exhibit anomalous geomorphologic properties in comparison to equatorial (dry) flows. This suggests the presence of an inhibitory factor - or the absence of the pre-conditions required for flow formation. Ongoing work is investigating whether our observations could be explained by a cementing effect caused by (near-)surface volatiles. The accumulation of volatiles might strengthen the regolith, reducing the probability of flow initiation due to meteorite-induced seismicity or moonquakes. Our observations might also indicate that potentially large quantities of subsurface volatiles are not shallow enough to cause and/or become mobilized in flow events. It is also possible that the observed flows formed before volatiles accumulated.","author":[{"family":"Pedrelli","given":"Riccardo"},{"family":"Bickel","given":"Valentin"},{"family":"Aaron","given":"Jordan"},{"family":"Deutsch","given":"Ariel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6664","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6664","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1109/aero63441.2025.11068566","type":"article-journal","title":"Overview and Results from NASA's Break The Ice Lunar Challenge","abstract":"NASA's Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing (PCC) program portfolio is designed to connect the public to the agency's missions. The program encourages creative solutions from a diverse range of solvers which serve to advance the agency's technology development efforts. PCC includes NASA Centennial Challenges, which invites the general public to help close specific NASA technology gaps and incentivizes participation by awarding the Challenge winners large cash prizes for successful outcomes. Centennial Challenges seeks broad participation from independent inventors, companies, nonprofits, small businesses, student groups, and even international entities. NASA executed the Break The Ice Lunar Challenge as part of the Centennial Challenges Program between 2020 and 2024. This Challenge focused on advancing technologies capable of (1) excavating tough icy-regolith, or icy Lunar soil, and (2) transporting that excavated material to a different location on the Lunar surface. Phase 1 of NASA's Break The Ice Lunar Challenge required competing teams to conceptualize a highlevel system architecture capable of excavating buried icyregolith and transporting either icy-regolith or processed water several kilometers across the Lunar surface. Phase 2 of the Challenge required competing teams to design, build, and demonstrate robotic technologies capable of excavating simulated icy-regolith material and transporting it across a simulated Lunar landscape. This paper provides details about the development and execution of the Challenge, the results of each Challenge Phase, and a discussion of the significance of the technology developed under the Challenge for NASA's exploration goals.","author":[{"family":"Leucht","given":"Kurt"},{"family":"Prater","given":"Tracie"},{"family":"Vetcha","given":"Naveen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1109/aero63441.2025.11068566","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1109/aero63441.2025.11068566","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1117/12.3066085","type":"article-journal","title":"Beyond lunar ice cube: next generation 12U orbiting lunar water explorer","abstract":"We present a concept for a robust 12U version of an orbiting cubesat explorer for lunar water as a follow on to the Lunar Ice Cube mission with an upgraded IR spectrometer, CLEW, described in earlier work (ref). CLEW has significantly enhanced spectral range and spatial resolution with a modest (25%) increase volume, mass, and power, despite a requirement for cooling to 70K that can be accomplished with the high heritage Ricor 508 cooler. Made possible by the larger volume, two, rather than one, star tracker, and three larger momentum wheels will greatly improve knowledge and control of pointing, and that, combined with the detector readout design, will create the capability for resolving features of 1 km or smaller at 100 km altitude within the 10 x 10 field of view. The detector readout design also allows us to operate within the 256 kbps bandwidth limitation if it remains in the future. The power system, including 100 W generating solar panels and double the backup battery capacity, will be more than adequate for the payload needs. One option for the propulsion system we will need for the larger spacecraft is to replace the 3U volume ion propulsion drive system used on Lunar Ice Cube with a higher specific impulse chemical propulsion system, such as the hydrazine system used by Capstone, the successful 12U lunar orbiter communication, navigation and tracking pathfinder. That would significantly reduce the duration of cruise and ability for station-keeping to stay in a desirable science orbit for a much longer period of time.","author":[{"family":"Clark","given":"Pamela"},{"family":"Fite","given":"Nate"},{"family":"Brambora","given":"Cliff"},{"family":"Hewagama","given":"Tilak"},{"family":"Livengood","given":"Timothy"},{"family":"Kan","given":"Eric"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1117/12.3066085","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3066085","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc-dps2025-240","type":"article-journal","title":"SAR-based Investigation of Water Ice in Lunar Polar Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs)","abstract":"THE nature and distribution of deposits in the lunar PSRs have long been subjects of scientific debate. Although the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Spacecraft (LCROSS) impact experiment provided evidence for the existence of cold-trapped volatiles, Arecibo monostatic radar and the Clementine bistatic radar experiment for ice in polar craters using radar backscatter turned up no evidence for macroscopic water ice within 1 m of the surface[1].Since 2008, orbiters equipped with synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) instruments have advanced our understanding of the PSRs in the lunar polar regions through microwave remote sensing, these include Chandrayaan-1 Mini-SAR, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mini-RF and Chandrayaan-2 Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR) [2]. The Mini-SAR is a S-band single-frequency, hybrid polarity imaging radar designed to collect information about the scattering properties of the permanently dark areas near the lunar poles[3]. The LRO Mini-RF combines SAR at two wavelengths (S-band and X-band) and utilizes hybrid polarization architecture to measure the Stokes parameters of the reflected signal[4]. DFSAR sensor is the first to operate at L-band and S-band in fully and hybrid polarimetric modes[5].Over the past decade, the exploration of water ice in the lunar polar regions using SAR data has been steadily advancing[6-17]. The possibility of surface ice clusters has been investigated by including CPR and PolSAR-based scattering properties in the PSRs. The important information related to roughness patterns, dielectric constant, subsurface rock abundance and composition have also been analyzed while identifying the regions containing water-ice deposits. Radar backscatter was analyzed for the effect of surface roughness, whereas polarimetric parameters were used for identifying the scattering mechanism. By decoupling the effects of surface roughness, the dielectric constant of the lunar surface is inverted.In the research, we will employ the Chandrayaan-2 L-band SAR data to establish a multi-polarimetric radar echo model for lunar surface/subsurface characterization, with surface roughness effects decoupled to retrieve subsurface dielectric constants. Model validation will be conducted using Apollo and Chang'E-5/6 sample constraints. Subsequently, the validated approach will be implemented on Chang'E-7's L-band polarimetric SAR to analyze the polarimetric signatures and dielectric properties in PSRs. Additionally, a multi-instrument synthesis (spectroscopy, neutron spectrometry, and thermophysical data) will enable comprehensive assessment of water ice presence with quantitative estimates of its abundance, composition, and distribution. References:[1]Paul O. Hayne, Amanda Hendrix, and Elliot Sefton-Nash, Evidence for exposed water ice in the Moon’s south polar regions from Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter ultraviolet albedo and temperature measurements, Icarus 255 (2015) 58–69[2]Paul Spudis, Stewart Nozette, and Ben Bussey, Mini-SAR an imaging radar experiment for the Chandrayaan-1 mission to the Moon 2009SPECIAL SECTION: CHANDRAYAAN-1, CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 96, NO. 4, 25 FEBRUARY 2009[3]Stewart Nozette ,Paul Spudis, and Ben Bussey, The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) Technology Demonstration, Space Sci Rev (2010) 150: 285–302 DOI 10.1007/s11214-009-9607-5[4]P. D. Spudis, D. B. J. Bussey, and S. M. Baloga, Initial results for the north pole of the Moon from Mini‐SAR, Chandrayaan‐1 mission, GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, VOL. 37, L06204, doi:10.1029/2009GL042259, 2010[5]Deepak Putrevu, Sanjay Trivedi, and Anup Das, L- and S-band Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar on Chandrayaan-2 mission, CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 118, NO. 2, 25 JANUARY 2020[6] Bruce A. Campbell , High circular polarization ratios in radar scattering from geologic targets, OURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, VOL. 117, E06008, doi:10.1029/2012JE004061, 2012[7] Sriram Saran n, Anup Das, and Shiv Mohan, Stud","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Haiying"},{"family":"Qin","given":"Zhou"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Bin"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Jianjun"},{"family":"Li","given":"Chunlai"},{"family":"Xue","given":"Xiping"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc-dps2025-240","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc-dps2025-240","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc2026-1186","type":"article-journal","title":"Investigating the Detectability of Subsurface Lunar Water-Ice Beneath Regolith Dust Using Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy","abstract":"Hydration on the lunar surface has been widely identified in orbital datasets (e.g., M³, LCROSS, LAMP), yet the physical form, abundance, and spatial distribution of lunar volatiles remain poorly constrained. Interpretation is complicated by fine-grained regolith, which modifies local thermophysical conditions, obscures underlying volatiles, and alters diagnostic spectral features through scattering and photometric effects. These uncertainties are particularly significant for permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) and high latitudes , where temperatures below ~120 K may preserve water-ice over geological timescales and where several upcoming missions (e.g., Chang’e-7, PROSPECT, CLPS payloads, LEAP) aim to investigate insitu volatiles.We present the development of the Polar Analogue of Dust Overlying Regolith–Ice (PANDOR-I), a demountable laboratory vacuum chamber designed to simulate lunar polar conditions for infrared studies of water-ice and regolith mixtures. The system is engineered to operate under high vacuum and cryogenic conditions (~10⁻⁶ mbar; ≤120 K) and supports variable illumination geometries relevant to polar environments. PANDOR-I operates in two configurations: (1) coupled to a Bruker Vertex 70v FTIR spectrometer for laboratory reflectance measurements across 1.8–20 µm, and (2) integrated with existing flight-instrument thermal-vacuum facilities to enable direct observations by flight-ready infrared instruments.As an initial experimental phase prior to full cryogenic integration, the FTIR sample compartment has been isolated using KBr windows to enable controlled low-pressure (~0.2 mbar) reflectance measurements of hydrated and anhydrous regolith analogue configurations. These preliminary experiments investigate how dust layering, grain size, regolith maturity, composition, ice abundance, and mixing state influence the spectral expression of hydration features, with emphasis on the ~3 µm O–H stretching region and the diagnostic ~6 µm H–O–H bending mode of molecular water. Laboratory spectra will additionally be compared with Mie–Hapke forward models to examine band depth suppression, spectral mixing behaviour, and detectability thresholds under dusty polar conditions.This work reviews the laboratory framework for constraining infrared water-ice detection limits under mission-relevant lunar conditions and provides initial calibration datasets relevant to upcoming orbital and surface investigations of lunar polar volatiles.1. Honniball, C.I., Lucey, P.G., Hayne, P.O., Little, R.C., Greenhagen, B.T., Malespin, C. and Orlando, T.M., 2021. Molecular water detected on the sunlit Moon by SOFIA. Nature Astronomy, 5(2), pp.121–127. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-020-01222-x2. Saal, A.E., Hauri, E.H., Cascio, M.L., Van Orman, J.A., Rutherford, M.C. and Cooper, R.F., 2008. Volatile content of lunar volcanic glasses and the presence of water in the Moon’s interior. Nature, 454(7201), pp.192–195. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature070473. Buffo, J.J., Shepherd, J.D., Xu, J., Whisner, C., Devore, E., Shay, P. and Crites, S.T., 2025. Quantifying Regolith Cover Effects on 3 and 6 µm Water Ice Bands. 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, Abstract 2152.4. Pieters, C.M., Goswami, J.N., Clark, R.N., Annadurai, M., Boardman, J., Buratti, B., Cheek, L., Dhingra, D.K., Green, R.O., Head, J.W., Hiesinger, H., Hypki, A., Isaacson, P., Jolliff, B.L., Klima, R.L., Kramer, G., Kumar, S., Lawrence, S.J., LeCorre, L., Li, S., Malaret, E., Mustard, J.F., Petro, N.E., Robinson, M.S., Samuelson, J., Sundaram, C.N. and Taylor, L.A., 2009. Character and spatial distribution of OH/H₂O on the surface of the Moon seen by M³ on Chandrayaan-1. Science, 326(5952), pp.568–572. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.11786585. McCord, T.B., Taylor, L.A., Combe, J.P., Klima, R.L., Tighe, R., Murray, K., Hayne, P.O., Clark, R.N., Pieters, C.M., Sunshine, J.M., Mellon, M.T., Hargraves, R.B., Dyar, M.D., Bussey, D.B.J., Paige, D.A. and Orlando, T.M., 2011. Sources a","author":[{"family":"Henderson","given":"Fiona"},{"family":"Bowles","given":"Neil"},{"family":"Shirley","given":"Katherine"},{"family":"Temple","given":"Jon"},{"family":"Eshbaugh","given":"Henry"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc2026-1186","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc2026-1186","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc-dps2025-660","type":"article-journal","title":"Predicting water ice stability depths at the lunar poles by combining a microphysical thermal model with a 3D radiative flux model","abstract":"Evidence for the presence of water ice at the lunar poles has been gathered using various methods, including radar (e.g., Nozette et al., 2001; Campbell et al., 2006), far-ultraviolet (e.g., Gladstone et al., 2012; Hayne et al., 2015) and laser (Zuber et al., 2012; Lucey et al., 2014) reflectance measurements, neutron spectroscopy (e.g., Feldman et al., 2001), as well as the LCROSS impact experiment (Colaprete et al., 2010). Another more indirect approach involves identifying potential water ice stability regions by combining three-dimensional illumination models of the lunar terrain with thermal models that predict surface and subsurface temperatures. Several studies have utilized this method (e.g., Paige et al., 2010b; King et al., 2020; Formisano et al., 2024), with the main differences between models relating to the level of detail in modeling the illumination source, radiative transfer, and subsurface heat transport.In this work, we combine the one-dimensional microphysical model for the lunar regolith layer developed by Bürger et al. (2024), which more directly simulates regolith properties, such as grain size and packing-density stratification, with a three-dimensional radiative flux model including topography. This model applies the ray-tracing technique to describe the amount of incoming and reflected solar flux as well as the reflected thermal emission received for every surface element of the investigated area. The radiative transfer model is based on Potter et al. (2023), but the equations are modified to allow for an incidence angle-dependent albedo. Bolometric temperatures measured by the LRO/Diviner lunar radiometer (Paige et al., 2010a) serve as a reference for the modeled surface temperatures and it is demonstrated that the key thermal trends are accurately reproduced.During the modeling process, we identified several key factors for a correct simulation. First, at high latitudes where the Sun remains near the horizon, it is crucial to model the Sun as a disk rather than a point source to avoid inaccuracies in temperature simulations during sunrise and sunset. Second, to more accurately capture the illumination conditions for the thermal model, the area in which ray-tracing is applied should extend beyond the region where temperatures are modeled. When examining the effect of an incidence angle-dependent albedo, we found that the steep increase in albedo at high incidence angles—required by previous thermal models of global regolith properties (e.g., Hayne et al., 2017; Feng et al., 2020; Bürger et al., 2024)—does not agree with the observed Diviner bolometric temperatures near the poles. Instead, a much weaker dependency, as adopted by King et al. (2020), results in a better fit. Finally, when assessing subsurface water-ice stability, it is crucial to account for the diffusion barrier that reduces sublimation loss rates, as described by Schorghofer &amp; Williams (2020), yielding shallower stability depths. Two areas of interest are modeled in detail: First, the Shackleton crater, which is located almost exactly at the lunar south pole and therefore experiences a unique illumination pattern with the crater rim being continuously illuminated and the inner part being in permanent shadow. The second area investigated is the landing site of NASA’s CLPS CP22 mission located on the Leibnitz Plateau. Onboard this mission will be ESA’s PROSPECT instrument, which consists of a drill and a chemical laboratory designed to analyze volatiles (Trautner et al., 2024). Accurate predictions of water ice stability depths are crucial for this mission. Figure 1 illustrates the simulated surface temperatures at three different local times at the CP22 landing site.At the conference we will present surface temperature and water-ice stability maps of these two regions and discuss the key lessons learned during the modeling process.Figure 1: Simulated surface temperatures at the CP22 landing site on the Leibnitz Plateau. Illustrated ","author":[{"family":"Volkhardt","given":"Eric"},{"family":"Bürger","given":"Johanna"},{"family":"Blum","given":"Jürgen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc-dps2025-660","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc-dps2025-660","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc-dps2025-432","type":"article-journal","title":"Experimental Simulation of Intimate Water Ice and Regolith Mixtures at Lyman-Alpha Wavelengths for Lunar Permanently Shadowed Region (PSR) Prospecting","abstract":"Background: The Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) of the Moon are thought to contain water ice [1], which is a vital resource for on-site production of breathable air, potable water and rocket fuel. While the study of PSRs on the Moon is a benefit to both space exploration and scientific knowledge, observing water ice in PSRs is difficult due to the low levels of scattered sunlight or earthshine in these locations. However, scattered sunlight from crater walls and starlight in the form of Lyman-alpha photons (121 nm) both provide a faint light source in the VUV spectrum that has previously been used for passive reflectance spectroscopy in PSRs [2, 3].Godin et al. [4] explored the feasibility of using Lyman-alpha wavelengths to detect water ice on the lunar surface. A key limitation of this study was the inability of the experimental setup to simulate intimate regolith-ice mixtures due to sublimation of water ice over time, resulting in the formation of a dust lag layer at the surface of samples no matter how little dust they contained.This lag presents significant limitations to our understanding of this technology’s application in lunar environments, since water ice is likely to exist as small ice grains mixed with regolith on the surface of PSRs, rather than as surface water frost [5, 6, 7]. This study bridges the current knowledge gap by tackling the issue of rapidly sublimating water ice in laboratory-simulated ice-regolith mixtures. Building upon the work done by Godin et al., we have developed a passive thermal shroud to limit the sublimation of water ice in intimate ice-regolith mixtures.Methodology: The shroud (fig. 1) is manufactured from copper due to the material’s high thermally conductivity and capacitance. The thermal shroud sits atop a cold plate, such that it is in contact with the liquid nitrogen exchanger. This will act as a barrier to the radiative heating from the chamber walls, thereby cooling the enclosed environment containing samples of water ice-regolith mixtures to prevent ice from sublimating in the time it takes for the lunar simulator to stabilize.The passive thermal shroud consists of several parts which fit together for easy and quick assembly inside the simulation chamber. The shroud also includes cutouts which will allow for the lamp and camera components to see the sample tray.This study follows the well-established methodology employed by Godin’s experiment, using a Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) Camera supplied by our industry partner, Resonance Ltd., to image intimate mixtures of lunar regolith simulant and ice in linearly increasing concentrations (i.e. starting from 10% ice, 90% regolith by weight). We expect to see linear variation in brightness detected by the VUV camera as water ice concentrations in ice-regolith samples are increased.Preliminary experiments indicate that with sufficient pre-cooling of all components (i.e. experimental chamber, sample tray and shroud tiles) water ice-regolith slurries remain intact, with no visible evidence of sublimation. Pictured in Figure 1 is a slurry with 10% by weight regolith and 90% by weight water ice after reaching 6×10-4 Torr in the cryovacuum chamber and being brought back to atmospheric conditions. Ice crystals are present throughout the sample, not just at a top layer, indicating that the water ice observed is not surface frost.Figure 1: Visual image of 10% regolith and 90% water ice slurry after cycle through cryovacuum chamber and brought back to atmospheric conditions. The sample sits atop a cold plate, within the assembled copper tiles forming the thermal shroud.We succesfully captured Lyman-alpha images of the sample pictured in Figure 1 with no evidence of a dust lag layer (fig.2). The same camera settings identified by Godin et al. were used to capture the UV images, with a gain of 29dB and exposure time of 3800ms. The sample is circled in red for visibility. Further investigations comparing Lyman-alpha images of water ice-regolith slu","author":[{"family":"Markovich","given":"Milena"},{"family":"Axelrod","given":"Kevin"},{"family":"Moores","given":"John"},{"family":"Morrow","given":"Bill"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc-dps2025-432","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc-dps2025-432","source":"crossref"},{"id":"oa:W4322769910","type":"article-journal","title":"Astrobiology in Space: A Comprehensive Look at the Solar System","abstract":"The field of astrobiology aims to understand the origin of life on Earth and searches for evidence of life beyond our planet. Although there is agreement on some of the requirements for life on Earth, the exact process by which life emerged from prebiotic conditions is still uncertain, leading to various theories. In order to expand our knowledge of life and our place in the universe, scientists look for signs of life through the use of biosignatures, observations that suggest the presence of past or present life. These biosignatures often require up-close investigation by orbiters and landers, which have been employed in various space missions. Mars, because of its proximity and Earth-like environment, has received the most attention and has been explored using (sub)surface sampling and analysis. Despite its inhospitable surface conditions, Venus has also been the subject of space missions due to the presence of potentially habitable conditions in its atmosphere. In addition, the discovery of habitable environments on icy moons has sparked interest in further study. This article provides an overview of the origin of life on Earth and the astrobiology studies carried out by orbiters and landers.","author":[{"family":"Mol","given":"Maarten"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life13030675","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life13030675","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min15040378","type":"article-journal","title":"Trace Metal and Phosphorus Enrichments in Cyanobacteria Cells and Cyanobacterial Precipitated Minerals","abstract":"The enrichment of trace metals and other life-essential elements, like phosphorus, in carbonates may be a signature of microbial life. Enrichments of such elements in microbial carbonate facies in the rock record have been attributed to life in previous studies, but the biologic origin of these enrichments is contentious. We experimentally tested the hypothesis that enrichments of life-important trace elements occur in both cells and carbonate minerals that form as a result of cellular photosynthesis for the cyanobacteria Synechococcus PCC 8806. We grew Synechococcus PCC 8806 and measured the trace element concentrations of the cells and the minerals that precipitate with the cells, and we compared the results to abiotically precipitated mineral material from the same growth medium conditions. We found that for all the tested trace elements (B, P, K, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn, chosen for their requirements in the growth medium of Synechococcus PCC 8806 and known uses in cellular machinery), nearly all the sample types were enriched relative to the medium concentrations. The dominant pattern for most elements was that cells were the most enriched, followed by biotic minerals, and then abiotic minerals. However, this pattern was complicated by varying concentrations of Mg in the mineral samples because the data were normalized to Mg (Mg was the dominant cation in the solution next to Na). Nonetheless, however the data are normalized, Fe was the most enriched element in the cells and both the biotic and abiotic minerals relative to the medium concentrations. Fe had the largest enrichment factor (E.F.) for all the sample types, with an E.F. of approximately 2800 in the biotic minerals, 1620 in the cells, and 230 in the abiotic minerals. Fe was followed by Zn (E.F. of ~329 in cells, 198 in biotic minerals, and 78 in abiotic minerals), Cu (E.F. of ~424 in cells, 171 in biotic minerals, and 50 in abiotic minerals), Mn (E.F. of ~200 in cells, 95 in biotic minerals, and 53 in abiotic minerals), and P (E.F. of ~149 in cells, 37 in biotic minerals, and 6 in abiotic minerals), suggesting that these elements can be useful as biosignatures when used in combination with other evidence.","author":[{"family":"Leapaldt","given":"Hanna"},{"family":"Ingalls","given":"Miquela"},{"family":"Soares","given":"Georgia"},{"family":"House","given":"Christopher"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min15040378","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min15040378","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/life14030341","type":"article-journal","title":"The Mystery of Homochirality on Earth.","abstract":"Homochirality is an obvious feature of life on Earth. On the other hand, extraterrestrial samples contain largely racemic compounds. The same is true for any common organic synthesis. Therefore, it has been a perplexing puzzle for decades how these racemates could have formed enantiomerically enriched fractions as a basis for the origin of homochiral life forms. Numerous hypotheses have been put forward as to how preferentially homochiral molecules could have formed and accumulated on Earth. In this article, it is shown that homochirality of the abiotic organic pool at the time of formation of the first self-replicating molecules is not necessary and not even probable. It is proposed to abandon the notion of a molecular ensemble and to focus on the level of individual molecules. Although the formation of the first self-replicating, most likely homochiral molecule, is a seemingly improbable event, on a closer look, it is almost inevitable that some homochiral molecules have formed simply on a statistical basis. In this case, the non-selective leap to homochirality would be one of the first steps in chemical evolution directly out of a racemic \"ocean\". Moreover, most studies focus on the chirality of the primordial monomers with respect to an asymmetric carbon atom. However, any polymer with a minimal size that allows folding to a secondary structure would spontaneously lead to asymmetric higher structures (conformations). Most of the functions of these polymers would be influenced by this inherently asymmetric folding. Furthermore, a concept of physical compartmentalization based on rock nanopores in analogy to nanocavities of digital immunoassays is introduced to suggest that complex cell walls or membranes were also not required for the first steps of chemical evolution. To summarize, simple and universal mechanisms may have led to homochiral self-replicating systems in the context of chemical evolution. A homochiral monomer pool is deemed unnecessary and probably never existed on primordial Earth.","author":[{"family":"Weller","given":"Michael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life14030341","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14030341","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1007/s00239-024-10197-6","type":"article-journal","title":"Perspective: Protocells and the Path to Minimal Life.","abstract":"The path to minimal life involves a series of stages that can be understood in terms of incremental, stepwise additions of complexity ranging from simple solutions of organic compounds to systems of encapsulated polymers capable of capturing nutrients and energy to grow and reproduce. This brief review will describe the initial stages that lead to populations of protocells capable of undergoing selection and evolution. The stages incorporate knowledge of chemical and physical properties of organic compounds, self-assembly of membranous compartments, non-enzymatic polymerization of amino acids and nucleotides followed by encapsulation of polymers to produce protocell populations. The results are based on laboratory simulations related to cyclic hydrothermal conditions on the prebiotic Earth. The final portion of the review looks ahead to what remains to be discovered about this process in order to understand the evolutionary path to minimal life.","author":[{"family":"Deamer","given":"David"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s00239-024-10197-6","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00239-024-10197-6","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.3929/ethz-c-000801038","type":"article-journal","title":"Impact-diagnostic criteria for use in confirming a meteorite impact origin of terrestrial geological structures: Recommendations by the Impact Cratering Committee of the Meteoritical Society","abstract":"The framework of the Impact Cratering Committee (ICC) of the Meteoritical Society was approved in 2020, with the first committee members appointed in 2023. The ICC has a mandate to (1) approve, maintain, and update a database of confirmed terrestrial meteorite impact structures, (2) define and regularly update the criteria used for identification of impact structures and their related deposits, and (3) evaluate new candidate sites for inclusion in the ICC database. Prior to certifying a list of confirmed impact structures, the ICC has compiled a list of all impact-diagnostic criteria that are currently considered as representing irrefutable or \"gold standard\" evidence that can be used independently to confirm whether or not a terrestrial geological structure has an impact origin. The ICC currently recognizes three categories of \"gold standard\" impact-diagnostic evidence: (1) Shock metamorphic features within rocks or minerals that on Earth have only been reported to occur in impactites, and whose formation conditions (high P-T) have been demonstrated through experiments to only form at conditions created during hypervelocity impacts; (2) meteorites that are spatially and chronologically associated with a site suspected of being an impact structure; and (3) geochemical elemental or isotopic detection of an extraterrestrial signature in melt rocks or breccias associated with a site suspected of being an impact structure. Other mineral and rock features have been reported from impact structures that are important to document, but they do not represent irrefutable or unambiguous evidence of impact. For this reason, we present two lists: The first list describes each impact-diagnostic criterion and provides recommendations for reporting protocols. The second list describes other features commonly reported from impact settings and the rationale for why these are not currently considered by the ICC to represent impact-diagnostic evidence. The ICC will provide a list of confirmed terrestrial impact structures in a subsequent publication and online. Updates to the list based on new discoveries and/or new understanding of impact-diagnostic criteria will be published online by the ICC.","author":[{"family":"Cavosie","given":"Aaron"},{"family":"Alwmark","given":"Sanna"},{"family":"Baratoux","given":"David"},{"family":"Consolmagno","given":"Guy"},{"family":"Ferrière","given":"Ludovic"},{"family":"Goderis","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Hauser","given":"Natalia"},{"family":"Kenkmann","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Koeberl","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Osinski","given":"Gordon"},{"family":"Pickersgill","given":"Annemarie"},{"family":"Schönbächler","given":"Maria"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3929/ethz-c-000801038","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-c-000801038","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.17616/r31njnib","type":"article-journal","title":"SSHADE","abstract":"SSHADE is an interoperable Solid Spectroscopy database infrastructure (www.sshade.eu) providing spectral and photometric data obtained by various spectroscopic techniques over the whole electromagnetic spectrum from gamma to radio wavelengths, through X, UV, Vis, IR, and mm ranges. The measured samples include ices, minerals, rocks, organic and carbonaceous materials... and also liquids. They are either synthesized in the laboratory, natural terrestrial analogs collected or measured in the field, or extraterrestrial samples collected on Earth or on planetary bodies: (micro-)meteorites, IDPs, lunar soils... SSHADE contains a set of specialized databases from various research groups, mostly from Europe. It is developed under the H2020 European programs* \"Europlanet 2020 RI\" and now \"Europlanet 2024 RI\" with the help of OSUG, CNRS/INSU, IPAG, and CNES. It is hosted by the OSUG data center / Université Grenoble Alpes, France. It can also be searched through the Virtual European Solar and Planetary Access (VESPA) virtual observatory.","author":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.17616/r31njnib","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17616/r31njnib","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.14279/depositonce-17841","type":"article-journal","title":"Formation and development of polygonal soils in the hyper-arid Atacama Desert and their relevance as a habitat on earth and beyond","abstract":"Patterned ground is the overarching term used for natural recurring geometrical shapes that occur on the surfaces of Earth and extraterrestrial planetary bodies in various climatic and geological settings. Polygonal ground is one of the most widespread geomorphological features in the patterned ground domain. It is formed by various mechanisms, including desiccation, thermal contraction, sublimation, freeze-thaw cycles, and tectonic or volcanic processes. These processes result in visible patterns due to particle sorting of differently sized sediments (i.e., sorted patterned ground) or by the formation of cracks due to ground contraction. The cracks can be filled with ice and/or sediment, forming sand or ice wedges (i.e., non-sorted patterned ground). On Earth, most polygonal grounds occur in permafrost environments. Research over the past century has revealed a formation associated with frost-related processes such as frost heave and freeze-thaw cycles and established their use as an environmental proxy holding valuable information on the pedological and climatological conditions under which they develop. However, non-sorted polygonal ground also occurs in the warm and hyper-arid Atacama Desert in Chile, which in contrast to periglacial polygons, have received minor attention, also due to their remote location and associated extreme conditions hampering their early exploration. As a result, the formation of polygons in the Atacama Desert and the environmental information they can provide are little understood. However, such insights are of great relevance for understanding the landscape evolution in the Atacama Desert and hyper-arid environments in general. Nevertheless, their formation differs from their periglacial counterparts, as frost-related processes can be excluded due to the lack of water and enduring subzero temperatures. Instead, desiccation and thermal contraction are thought to be the more relevant formation mechanisms. The Yungay region of the Atacama Desert hosts numerous polygonal networks that occur on alluvial surfaces and hillslopes and is a prime location for Mars analog studies due to the prolonged extreme dryness and associated lack of water. Plants are virtually absent, and microbial life thrives at the “dry limit” in scarcely distributed habitats associated with more protected conditions (e.g., against harmful UV radiation) or higher water availability. On Mars, polygonal networks are considered astrobiological relevant features, and investigating their terrestrial analogs in the Atacama Desert could provide further insights into Martian habitability. Hence, this work aimed to: (1) investigate the sedimentological and morpho-geometrical characteristics of four polygonal networks in the Yungay area to gain insights into their formation and post-formational erosion, (2) deduce the environmental information polygonal networks can provide and (3) to investigate polygonal networks as a potential habitat using a multidisciplinary approach that combines geo- and biochemical analyses, field experiments, and remote sensing techniques. The results show that the polygons (4 m in diameter) are outlined by interconnected V-shaped sand wedges of ~1 m depth. The polygons are composed of siliciclastic alluvial sediment cemented by hardly soluble calcium sulfates in the upper soil column (0–0.5 m) and highly soluble salts, mainly halite and nitratine, in the lower soil column (0.5–1m). The salts are vertically arranged based on their solubility, suggesting a dominant downward percolation of rainwater. In contrast, the sand wedges lack such intense salt cementation but show a vertical lamination that indicates a cyclic ground cracking process. The location of the polygonal networks on alluvial surfaces distinguishes them from the desiccation crack polygons in playa environments, and the low amount of clay-sized minerals makes a desiccation genesis less relevant. However, the high daily temperature variations, in a simil","author":[{"family":"Sager","given":"Christof"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.14279/depositonce-17841","URL":"https://doi.org/10.14279/depositonce-17841","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.26092/elib/3574","type":"article-journal","title":"Synthesis and characterizations of defect-rich Martian regolith constituents","abstract":"Martian regolith draws intensive research attention for the future human settlement on Mars. Its defect-rich and highly concentrated amorphous features were present due to long-lasting space weathering by the solar wind radiation and mechanical impact from extraterrestrial objects. Within the frame of in-situ resource utilization, fundamental knowledge of the structures of the phase constituents and their defect variants are of critical importance. In contrast to naturally occurring minerals, the usage of laboratory synthesized samples has an advantage of providing pure, single-phase materials. This doctoral thesis focuses on the synthesis and characterization of olivines and plagioclase feldspars as representative major phases in Martian regolith. In addition, the impact of mechanical weathering using high-energy ball mill on selective synthesized phases are investigated here. Mechanochemical synthesis of the complete (Mg1-xFex)2SiO4 olivine solid solution was carried out (Chapter 3) to cover the wide range of olivine composition on Mars. Olivines with higher Fe content (x = 0.5 - 1) are likely to form larger crystallites (&gt; 150 nm). Regression equations are demonstrated based on the X-ray reflection intensity and characteristic Raman modes for easy calculation of Mg/Fe-concentration in Martian olivines. Chapter 4 focuses on the structural differences between defect-rich and defect-poor forsterite (Mg2SiO4) endmember. DFT-PDF refinements indicate that post-processed forsterite contains Mg Frenkel-type and Mg2+ interstitial defects with concentrations of 23(3) and 10(3) wt.-%, respectively. A series of (Ca1-xNax)(Al2-xSi2+x)O8 plagioclase feldspars are synthesized using conventional solid-state method with subsequent calcination schemes (Chapter 5). The bulk chemical compositions obtained from EDX spectroscopy has been served for Al/Si ratio in the sample. Implementing PDF-Rietveld refinements on Mo X-ray data indicates disorder structure.","author":[{"family":"Jundullah Hanafi","given":"Muchammad"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.26092/elib/3574","URL":"https://doi.org/10.26092/elib/3574","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.17169/refubium-44530","type":"article-journal","title":"Ecology of supraglacial microbial communities","abstract":"Microbial communities developing on glacier and ice sheet surfaces decrease snow and ice albedo and enhance melting. The associated loss of global ice masses changes the proglacial landscapes worldwide and contribute to global sea-level rise. This is very pronounced in the Arctic, where the temperature increases four time faster than the global average. The loss of snow and ice also corresponds to an increased presence of pigmented microbial communities that bloom annually. The drivers of these blooms and the ecological relationships between the microbes inhabiting these environments, the pigmented microalgae and other microorganisms, remain misunderstood. Furthermore, snow and ice have been under-investigated as habitats supporting life, particularly regarding the ecological niches they offer through the seasonal shifts experienced in glacier ecosystems. These shifts include daily to seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, extreme light or darkness, nutrient limitations, dry conditions in winter or the abundance of liquid water in the summer. The overall diversity of such pigmented microbes and the habitat specific processes has been studied over the past decades. However, prior to my Ph.D., only sparse information was available about the ecological dynamics in supraglacial microbial communities, and their potential effects on the evolution of glacier and ice sheet surfaces under climate change are still unknown. Gaining such knowledge is crucial for the development of global models to help predict the evolution of glaciers and ice sheet biomes, and better understand their environmental implications. Additionally, quantifying changes in snow and ice habitat structure and assessing the interactions between microbial species are vital for understanding the survival strategies of microorganisms in these extreme conditions. Such knowledge can ultimately be used for astrobiological purposes, as glaciers are considered terrestrial analog systems for extraterrestrial life on cold planets and moons. To address some of the above set out questions, I combined genomic and visualization techniques and investigated the ecology of supraglacial microbial communities in the presented thesis. My work spans from the global scale, in which I assessed the biogeographical drivers shaping supraglacial microbial communities’ composition worldwide, to the single cell or mineral particle microscopic scale, where I assessed the 2D and 3D architecture of microbes and minerals on and in the ice. Specifically, in the first part, I utilized 16S, 18S and ITS rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of my own samples collected in Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard, and integrated these with data available in public repositories or shared by collaborators to create a dataset covering the Arctic, Antarctica, as well as continental glaciers worldwide. I unveiled a first global biogeographical pattern, and explored large-scale and local drivers that affect the composition and dynamics of supraglacial microbial communities. Diving deeper into the local and environmental influences, I then further investigated the specific ecological shifts in community composition, dynamics, and complexity across the snowline on the Greenland Ice Sheet by combining the genomic data from 19 supraglacial sub-habitats with their associated nutrient, ionic and carbon contents. My research revealed the existence of a global glacier core microbiome composed of both generalist and cold-specialized taxa such as Hymenobacter, Acidiphilium, Polaromonas, and Parafrigoribacterium. I showed that large-scale factors such as latitude and distance-decay partly explained microbial variability on glaciers worldwide. However, it also became clear that these were less important in defining the composition and diversity of glacier microbial communities, compared to local parameters, including sampling site, habitat, and sub-habitat. Clear ecological transitions were observed across the ever-moving snowline during the melt s","author":[{"family":"Mourot","given":"Rey"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.17169/refubium-44530","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17169/refubium-44530","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.17169/refubium-43698","type":"article-journal","title":"Simulation of salt and organic fingerprints in mass spectra of ice grains in the exospheres of the icy ocean moons Europa and Enceladus","abstract":"In the Solar System, the saturnian moon Enceladus and the jovian moon Europa are potentially habitable and the most promising candidates for space missions searching for extraterrestrial life. The subsurface oceans of these moons constitute the long-lived presence of large amounts of liquid water, a common component of icy moons throughout the outer Solar System. In addition, the rocky seafloors of both moons allow for rich geochemistry in their subsurface oceans, potentially including the formation of complex organic material at hydrothermal vent systems, which could also provide an energy source for another emergence of life. The exploration of icy ocean moons can be performed using impact ionization mass spectrometry, a powerful technique to thoroughly analyse the composition of ice grains ejected from both the surface ice shell and subsurface liquid reservoirs. The Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA) onboard the Cassini mission detected a variety of salts, complex and reactive organic compounds, as well as bioessential elements in ice grains ejected by the plume of Enceladus into space. CDA mass spectra provided strong evidence for habitable conditions at the seafloor of the moon. These discoveries greatly benefitted from laboratory analogue mass spectra complementing the CDA data, obtained from a laboratory setup using Laser Induced Liquid Beam Ion Desorption (LILBID) as an ionisation source coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry. CDA paved the way for the SUrface Dust Analyzer (SUDA), its improved successor instrument onboard the upcoming Europa Clipper mission, which will provide a deeper understanding of Europa’s habitability. SUDA aims to characterize the composition of the subsurface ocean or liquid inclusions in the icy crust by analysing young endogenic surface material or possible cryovolcanic plume material. Preparation for SUDA’s mission and related data analysis requires considerable laboratory work. This thesis describes LILBID experiments simulating the mass spectral signatures of both salt- and organic-rich ices, as expected to be encountered by SUDA or similar instruments on a future mission to Enceladus. After a description of the current state of research into the habitability and astrobiological potential of both Europa and Enceladus in Part I, Part II details how SUDA-type instruments could detect organic molecules embedded in salt-rich ice grains. LILBID mass spectra were recorded for several organic species with various properties, derived from a range of functional groups, together with either NaCl, MgSO4 or H2SO4 at concentrations relevant for the surfaces of icy moons. Mass spectrometric signatures of the organic species can be detected via their molecular ions and a range of cluster species with Na+, Mg2+, Cl−, OH−, HSO4− ions, and NaCl, MgSO4 and H2SO4 molecules. The presence and intensity of these characteristic organic-rich peaks depends on the inorganic matrix and its concentration. The intensities of analyte signatures decrease with increasing salt concentrations due to suppression effects. In contrast, they are increased by the presence of sulfuric acid matrices in cation mode. Moreover, the sensitivity to different organic species strongly depends on the instrument polarity (cation or anion mode of the spectrometer) and on molecular properties, especially the functional groups present. The recorded spectra are an important foundation to characterise both the organic and salt composition in ice grains from Europa and Enceladus and, by extension, potential constituents of the subsurface oceans. Part III reveals a previously unknown capability of SUDA-type instruments: the ability to determine the oxidation state of iron in iron-bearing salts (or other minerals) embedded in ice grains. Such analytical capability may, in the near future, allow the elucidation of key parameters related to the geochemistry of subsurface oceans on icy moons, notably their redox chemistry and pH. These factors may have","author":[{"family":"Napoleoni","given":"Maryse"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.17169/refubium-43698","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17169/refubium-43698","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.7672520","type":"article-journal","title":"A magnetic measurement technique for small rare samples: pre-study for Chang'e-5 returned and other extraterrestrial samples","abstract":"Standard-size samples are usually used for traditional paleomagnetic study. In some cases, small irregular samples are employed considering their amount and magnetic strength as well as experiment efficiency. With the development of deep space exploration, the demand for studying small and magnetic weak samples is increasing. In this study, we established a magnetic measurement technique for small rare samples. We designed low-background, sample-nondestructive and high-flexibility holders with various materials for different measurements of small samples. With the customized holders, we estimated uncertainty and reliability of magnetic measurements of small specimens from a terrestrial basalt. The results indicate that susceptibility and remanence of small specimens ( e.g. , 2-mm cubes) are more affected by measurement position than larger specimens (³ 5 mm), which reminds us to pay special attention to consistency of the small specimen position during series of measurements. Moreover, susceptibility and remanence of small sister specimens (2-mm and 5-mm cubes) are more scattered than those of large ones (cube length ³ 1 cm), mainly due to inhomogeneity of magnetic mineral abundance in the sample. Nevertheless, the average magnetic results of different-size specimens are generally consistent within error, indicating the inhomogeneity of small specimens can be averaged out and demonstrating the reliability of small samples during magnetic measurements. Finally, we tested our measurement system with a lunar meteorite, which mimics the Chang’e-5 returned samples in both size and mineralogy. The main minerals of the meteorite are plagioclase, pyroxene, troilite and kamacite. The IRM normalized paleointensity method recovered the expected laboratory field while the ARM corrected paleointensities are about 2-3 times the expected field, where the latter can be explained by inapplicability of the empirical f ¢ to the meteorite specimens. The ARM and IRM paleointensity calibration factor f ¢ and a of the lunar meteorite were calculated to be 3.89 and 3138 μT, respectively, which provides new constraints for the empirical values. The magnetic results of the lunar meteorite demonstrate the efficiency of our measurement system for small weak samples. This study provides technical support for paleomagnetic study of the Chang'e-5 and other extraterrestrial samples in the future.","author":[{"family":"Yifei","given":"Hou"},{"family":"Shuhui","given":"Cai"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.7672520","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7672520","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.7672521","type":"article-journal","title":"A magnetic measurement technique for small rare samples: pre-study for Chang'e-5 returned and other extraterrestrial samples","abstract":"Standard-size samples are usually used for traditional paleomagnetic study. In some cases, small irregular samples are employed considering their amount and magnetic strength as well as experiment efficiency. With the development of deep space exploration, the demand for studying small and magnetic weak samples is increasing. In this study, we established a magnetic measurement technique for small rare samples. We designed low-background, sample-nondestructive and high-flexibility holders with various materials for different measurements of small samples. With the customized holders, we estimated uncertainty and reliability of magnetic measurements of small specimens from a terrestrial basalt. The results indicate that susceptibility and remanence of small specimens ( e.g. , 2-mm cubes) are more affected by measurement position than larger specimens (³ 5 mm), which reminds us to pay special attention to consistency of the small specimen position during series of measurements. Moreover, susceptibility and remanence of small sister specimens (2-mm and 5-mm cubes) are more scattered than those of large ones (cube length ³ 1 cm), mainly due to inhomogeneity of magnetic mineral abundance in the sample. Nevertheless, the average magnetic results of different-size specimens are generally consistent within error, indicating the inhomogeneity of small specimens can be averaged out and demonstrating the reliability of small samples during magnetic measurements. Finally, we tested our measurement system with a lunar meteorite, which mimics the Chang’e-5 returned samples in both size and mineralogy. The main minerals of the meteorite are plagioclase, pyroxene, troilite and kamacite. The IRM normalized paleointensity method recovered the expected laboratory field while the ARM corrected paleointensities are about 2-3 times the expected field, where the latter can be explained by inapplicability of the empirical f ¢ to the meteorite specimens. The ARM and IRM paleointensity calibration factor f ¢ and a of the lunar meteorite were calculated to be 3.89 and 3138 μT, respectively, which provides new constraints for the empirical values. The magnetic results of the lunar meteorite demonstrate the efficiency of our measurement system for small weak samples. This study provides technical support for paleomagnetic study of the Chang'e-5 and other extraterrestrial samples in the future.","author":[{"family":"Yifei","given":"Hou"},{"family":"Shuhui","given":"Cai"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.7672521","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7672521","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W4392170060","type":"article-journal","title":"Fate of an Earth‐Like Water Inventory on Mars","abstract":"Abstract We have determined the global inventory of surface and near‐surface water on Mars by tracking the amounts of water lost to each of the significant sinks for water. The sinks include loss to space, formation of hydrated minerals, possible remnants of an ancient ocean, water present within the crust, and the present‐day polar caps and near‐surface ice deposits; we utilize both previous analyses and new analyses of the amount of water in the sinks. Summed up, they total 380–970 m H2O (as a global equivalent layer), and possibly up to 685–1,970 m if possible crustal liquid water or ice is included. For comparison, the Earth's surface and near‐surface inventory, scaled to Mars, would be 1,400 m. This value for an Earth‐like Mars falls within the range of possible values for Mars, suggesting that Mars had a similar surface inventory of surface and near‐surface water. This abundance of water on early Mars is able to produce the observed water‐related geological features and suggests the presence of an early habitable environment capable of supporting life.","author":[{"family":"Jakosky","given":"BM"},{"family":"Hallis","given":"LJ"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023je008159","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023je008159","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4366287456","type":"article-journal","title":"A journey in Noble Gas Cosmochemistry and Geochemistry","abstract":"I started my journey in science by studying noble gases implanted by the solar wind in dust grains on the surface of the Moon, and with many colleagues I have studied solar wind implanted noble gases in natural and artificial samples throughout my career, the latter exposed primarily by the Genesis space mission. Major questions are what noble gases in the solar wind can tell us about the present and the past Sun, and how they can contribute to understanding the formation and history of the planets and their building blocks, represented, for example, by meteorites. Since my early years as a postdoc, I have also been interested in noble gases (and radioactive nuclides) produced in meteorites and other extraterrestrial samples by interactions with energetic elementary particles from galactic cosmic radiation (and the Sun). These so called “cosmogenic” nuclides allow us to study the transport of meteorites to Earth, and the dynamics of the top surface layers (“regoliths”) on the Moon, asteroids, and comets. Cosmogenic noble gases are also crucial for studying even more exotic topics such as the history of tiny presolar grains that formed in the cooling envelopes of earlier generations of stars towards the end of their lives and were eventually incorporated into the meteoritic matter where they are found today. Cosmogenic noble gases in some tiny phases in meteorites are also likely tracers of our highly active Sun at a very early stage in its history. A few years later, I started my third major research topic in cosmochemistry, the study of primordial noble gases in meteorites and other extraterrestrial samples. These noble gases were incorporated into meteorites or their precursors in the early solar system or even in a presolar environment. I also participated in studies by colleagues of isotopic anomalies of other elements important in cosmochemistry, my expertise being mainly in aspects of the influence of cosmic rays on these elements. Although working in an Earth Science institution, it took quite a while before I started to also study noble gases (and radionuclides) in terrestrial samples. This is described in the second part of this contribution. A major focus was on cosmogenic noble gases and radionuclides produced in samples near the Earth’s surface. Although production rates of cosmogenic nuclides on Earth are several orders of magnitude lower than in space, making their analysis more challenging, they have become an important tool in geomorphology. Because stable noble gas nuclides are particularly well suited to the study of ancient landscapes, much of our work focused on areas with arid climates, such as Antarctica and the Andes in Chile, in collaboration with geoscience colleagues. We also participated in the large multinational CRONUS collaboration, funded by the European Union, a community effort to improve our knowledge of nuclide production rates at the Earth’s surface. In another major collaboration with external colleagues we are involved in noble gas analyses of water samples, ranging from lakes to aquifers to tiny inclusions in stalagmites. This research focuses on studying lake and groundwater dynamics, including contributions of mantle-derived noble gases such as in volcanic lakes. Atmospheric noble gases dissolved in suitable samples are also palaeotemperature indicators, supplementing information from other proxies such as oxygen isotopes.","author":[{"family":"Wieler","given":"R"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.7185/geochempersp.12.1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.7185/geochempersp.12.1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390639434","type":"article-journal","title":"Unravelling the Electrical Conductivity of Earth and Planets","abstract":"Abstract This review presents the progress made in the last decade in the field of large-scale electromagnetic (EM) induction with natural sources, which fluctuate at periods from seconds to years and originate in oceans, ionosphere and magnetosphere. These mechanisms produce field variations that can be used to image subsurface electrical structure of Earth and planets across scales and depths from the shallow crust to the lower mantle. In the last decade, we have seen a substantial progress made in different areas related to methods, observations and 3-D numerical modelling of EM phenomena at crustal and mantle scales. Specifically, new methods for handling complex ionospheric and magnetospheric sources were proposed, accompanied by more efficient forward and inverse modelling tools that allowed us to combine several broadband sources and constrain electrical conductivity on multiple scales simultaneously. Magnetic signals due to oceanic tides were established as a new source to probe conductivity of the sub-oceanic upper mantle. Further, the launch of ESA Swarm satellites in 2013 and their successful ongoing operation have marked a new era in the field of large-scale EM induction, unlocking a set of new opportunities, but also posing new challenges. These developments were backed by new lab measurements of electrical conductivity for mantle minerals at temperatures and pressures that are getting closer to the relevant pressure and temperature conditions in the mantle, alleviating the need for inaccurate extrapolations. The latter enabled more plausible quantitative estimates of water content, melt fractions and temperature in the mantle. In parallel, crust and mantle conductivity models along with developed modelling techniques have become an integral part of geomagnetic field and geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) modelling workflows, establishing new inter-disciplinary knowledge domains.","author":[{"family":"Grayver","given":"Alexander"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s10712-023-09813-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10712-023-09813-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/egusphere-egu25-3111","type":"article-journal","title":"Were heterochiral polymers relevant in primordial and extraterrestrial life scenarios?","abstract":"Agent-based simulations are employed to describe the early biological selection of oligomers made of monomers with different chirality. These simulations consider the spatial distribution of agents and resources, the balance of biomass of different chirality and the balance of chemical energy. In line with prebiotic chemical models, a disadvantage is attributed to the change in chirality within the biochemical sequence. The model includes a racemic amino acid pool, based on evidence from meteorites and Miller&amp;#8217;s experiments. It is also assumed that the earliest life forms, being extremely primitive, were heterotrophic. Under these assumptions, the simulations show that biological sequences are not strictly homochiral but exhibit a few chirality changes. These results suggest that the current dominance of homochiral species may have been preceded by a more structurally varied biochemistry. This could be reflected in the few existing heterochiral proteins, which do not conform to the typical structures of alpha-helices or beta sheets. Alternative biochemistries might rely on such heterochiral proteins.","author":[{"family":"Longo","given":"Savino"},{"family":"Longo","given":"Gaia"},{"family":"Casimo","given":"Gianluigi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/egusphere-egu25-3111","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-3111","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3997/2214-4609.202533141","type":"article-journal","title":"Exploring Extraterrestrial Organic Carbons: Insights from Basaltic Rock and Hot Springs","abstract":"Summary This study investigates the preservation and formation of organic molecules in extraterrestrial bodies, focusing on the Martian meteorite Tissint and Earth analogs like hot spring sinters. Using advanced organic-clean protocols, pyrolysis, and micro-cryo-trap techniques, the researchers identified indigenous organic molecules embedded in the meteorite. Mass spectrometry and algorithmic deconvolution enabled precise identification of these compounds, revealing thermal and spatial variations in their structures. These findings suggest that impact hydrothermalism and magmatism played significant roles in organic molecule synthesis. The study also indicates that organic molecules’ preservation and recalcitrance are influenced by their proximity to hydrothermal features, with locations slightly away from vents potentially offering better chances for detecting primitive molecules. The proposed methodology provides a robust framework for identifying and analyzing organic compounds, offering crucial insights for the search for life-related markers on Mars.","author":[{"family":"Xu","given":"H"},{"family":"Liu","given":"Q"},{"family":"Jin","given":"Z"},{"family":"Zhu","given":"D"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3997/2214-4609.202533141","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.202533141","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109644","type":"article-journal","title":"Key pathways towards sustainable processing of critical minerals","abstract":"• AI-driven sentiment analysis evaluates corporate sustainability in mining reports. • Six drivers outline pathways to sustainable processing and circular economy. • Direct lithium extraction cuts CO 2 footprint to 500–3000 kg per tonne. • In-situ copper leaching reduces energy use by 75 % and water use by 78 %. • Sentiment metrics reveal sustainability performance variation across 17 mining firms. The global transition to renewable energy and electrification has placed unprecedented pressure on the mining sector to deliver critical minerals such as lithium and copper while simultaneously addressing the environmental and societal challenges inherent to traditional processing operations. This paper summarizes some key concepts and challenges that were presented as part of a keynote address at Critical Minerals’24 including a sentiment analysis assessed by artificial intelligence driven algorithms focused on copper extraction. Utilizing case studies from lithium and copper mining, the paper highlights emerging innovations in direct lithium extraction, in-situ leaching, and advanced water reuse systems. Our discussions emphasize the need for systemic transformation through technological advancements, transparent metrics, and stakeholder engagement. We suggest that by adopting key specific drivers as foundational principles, the mining industry has the opportunity to decisively lead the green innovation chain, creating long-term value for society and the environment. Six key drivers for this transformation are based on (1) Operations Powered by Renewable Sources; (2) Systemic Adoption of Corporate Purpose; (3) Welcoming Premium Pricing in Commodities Markets; (4) Pioneering Green Innovations on the Global Stage; (5) Focusing on Step-Change Technologies; and (6) Embracing Recycling and Circular Economy Practices. Through the lens of these drivers, this discussion paper explores how the industry can align with global sustainability goals while maintaining economic viability.","author":[{"family":"Gasimov","given":"Faig"},{"family":"Williams","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Krishanan","given":"Mittran"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109644","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109644","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.20944/preprints202506.0251.v1","type":"manuscript","title":"An Optimised Spider-Inspired Soft Actuator for Extraterrestrial Exploration","abstract":"Extraterrestrial exploration presents unique challenges for robotic systems, where traditional rigid rovers face limitations in stowage volume, traction on unpredictable terrain, and susceptibility to damage. Soft robotics offers promising solutions through bio-inspired designs that can mimic natural locomotion mechanisms. We present an optimised soft spider-inspired jumping robot for extraterrestrial exploration that addresses key challenges in soft robotics: actuation efficiency, controllability, and deployment. Drawing inspiration from spider physiology, particularly their hydraulic extension mechanism, we develop a lightweight limb capable of multi-modal behaviour with significantly reduced energy requirements. Our 3D-printed soft actuator leverages pressure-driven collapse for efficient retraction and pressure-enhanced rapid extension, achieving a power-to-weight ratio of 249 W/kg. The integration of a non-backdriveable clutch mechanism enables the system to hold positions with zero energy expenditure—a critical feature for space applications. Experimental characterisation and a subsequent optimisation methodology across various materials, dimensions, and pressures reveals that the robot can achieve jumping heights of up to 0.92 body lengths. The collapsible nature of the soft limb enables efficient stowage during spacecraft transit, while the integrated pumping system facilitates self-deployment upon arrival. This work demonstrates how biologically-inspired design principles can be effectively applied to develop versatile robotic systems optimised for the unique constraints of extraterrestrial exploration.","author":[{"family":"Mack","given":"Jonah"},{"family":"Gepner","given":"Maks"},{"family":"Giorgio-Serchi","given":"Francesco"},{"family":"Stokes","given":"Adam"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.20944/preprints202506.0251.v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202506.0251.v1","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109741","type":"article-journal","title":"Artificial intelligence transforming minerals engineering: Key trends in literature and applications","abstract":"Artificial Intelligence (AI) is progressively reshaping the landscape of minerals engineering, driving advancements across exploration, mining, and processing. This review systematically examines the current applications of AI in these domains, highlighting its role in optimizing resource estimation, enhancing safety, and improving operational efficiency. Through a bibliometric analysis, trends, key contributors, and geographical distributions in AI-related research within minerals engineering are explored, revealing a significant rise in AI-focused studies and a global shift towards integrating these technologies. In exploration, AI techniques such as machine learning (ML) and data analytics are utilized for mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM) and anomaly detection, facilitating more precise resource identification. In mining operations, AI aids in optimizing extraction processes, predicting equipment failures, and enabling autonomous systems for increased safety. Within mineral processing, AI contributes to real-time monitoring, process optimization, and product quality improvement through advanced modeling and control systems. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including data quality, integration complexities, and the need for interdisciplinary expertise. This review underscores AI’s transformative impact on the sector and outlines the need for continued research and collaboration to overcome existing barriers and unlock AI’s full potential in minerals engineering.","author":[{"family":"Yang","given":"Hang"},{"family":"Feng","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Diao","given":"Hongli"},{"family":"Xia","given":"Shibin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109741","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109741","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.21275/sr25823082200","type":"article-journal","title":"The Cosmic Shift: How the Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life Will Redefine Humanity's Ethical Frameworks","abstract":"The search for life beyond Earth has moved rapidly from philosophical conjecture to data-driven science. A stream of missions, biosignature frameworks, and contested detections has tightened the conversation between empirical astrobiology and moral philosophy (NASA 2015). This paper argues that a confirmed discovery of extraterrestrial life, both microbial and intelligent, would require a profound reorientation of ethical outlooks: from entrenched anthropocentrism toward a pragmatic cosmocentrism that recognizes life's broader, intrinsic value. I proceed by (1) clarifying how astrobiology challenges definitions of \"life\" and \"intelligence\"; (2) surveying the contemporary empirical landscape, habitability in the Solar System, and its uncertainties; (3) placing the debate within philosophical contexts; and (4) drawing ethical implications and extended, realistic scenarios that test our preparedness. The paper aims to be both conceptually careful and practically useful: if the cosmos answers back, our first acts should be humility, deliberation, and protection rather than triumphalism (Jonas 1984; Ward and Brownlee 2000).","author":[{"family":"Mehra","given":"Kavya"},{"family":"Mehra","given":"Raghu"},{"family":"Kaur","given":"Jaismeen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.21275/sr25823082200","URL":"https://doi.org/10.21275/sr25823082200","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109277","type":"article-journal","title":"Empirical evidence for Fermi-Dirac classification of minerals by particle size","abstract":"• The Fermi-Dirac distribution was shown to be equivalent to the Whiten Equation. • High-quality experimental data was used to support the analysis. • The experimental data adhered to the Fermi-Dirac distribution over a range of ± 5 E p . • The Rosin-Rammler equation showed departure from the data in the extremes. In mineral processing, partition curves are used to describe the probability of a particle of a given size or density reporting to the overflow or the underflow stream. One simple descriptor is the Rosin-Rammler (Weibull) functional form, based on a sharpness parameter, α. An alternative descriptor was introduced by Scott and Napier-Munn (1992) based on the simplified Whiten equation expressed in terms of the Ecart probable, E p . Curiously, this simplified Whiten equation has functional equivalence to the Fermi-Dirac distribution ( Fermi, 1926 , Dirac, 1926 ), an exact equation used in quantum mechanics to describe the probability of Fermions residing in either the valency or the conduction band. In this study, the particle size classification data from Starrett and Galvin (2023) , produced using the REFLUX™ Classifier, provided powerful empirical evidence supporting the application of the simplified Whiten equation over the commonly used Rosin-Rammler function. The raw data adhered to the simplified Whiten equation over a range of ± 5E p , much wider than the Rosin-Rammler function. Hence the simplified Whiten equation, with its equivalence to the fundamental Fermi-Dirac distribution, offers prospects for a stronger theoretical framework for describing the role of a hydrodynamic driving force in particle size classification.","author":[{"family":"Starrett","given":"JB"},{"family":"Iveson","given":"SM"},{"family":"Galvin","given":"KP"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109277","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109277","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1098/rsif.2022.0810","type":"article-journal","title":"Cells as the first data scientists.","abstract":"The concepts that we generally associate with the field of data science are strikingly descriptive of the way that life, in general, processes information about its environment. The 'information life cycle', which enumerates the stages of information treatment in data science endeavours, also captures the steps of data collection and handling in biological systems. Similarly, the 'data-information-knowledge ecosystem', developed to illuminate the role of informatics in translating raw data into knowledge, can be a framework for understanding how information is constantly being transferred between life and the environment. By placing the principles of data science in a broader biological context, we see the activities of data scientists as the latest development in life's ongoing journey to better understand and predict its environment. Finally, we propose that informatics frameworks can be used to understand the similarities and differences between abiotic complex evolving systems and life.","author":[{"family":"Wong","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Prabhu","given":"Anirudh"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1098/rsif.2022.0810","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2022.0810","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"oa:W4402986684","type":"article-journal","title":"Chiral Minerals","abstract":"Hundreds of minerals are chiral, that is, they appear in nature in two forms—left-handed and right-handed. Yet except for quartz, this key structural property has remained, by and large, in shadow in the world of minerals in research, in museum displays and for collectors. This review is devoted to providing a full picture of chiral minerals in nature. It starts with a general outline of the crystallographic background needed for the characterization of chiral minerals, continues with a detailed description of the many chemical and physical processes leading to their formation and follows with their chemical reactivities and transformations, with their physical properties and with the ways to analyze and identify them. Many tables with listings of various types of chiral minerals are provided. The “missing-glove” situation, in which the recognition that a chiral mineral appears in nature in two distinctly forms is, by and large, missing, is described, and it is hoped that this review will spark interest in this aspect of nature’s crystals.","author":[{"family":"Avnir","given":"David"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min14100995","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min14100995","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391735001","type":"article-journal","title":"High-pressure minerals and new lunar mineral changesite-(Y) in Chang’e-5 regolith","abstract":"Forty-five years after the Apollo and Luna missions, China’s Chang’e-5 (CE-5) mission collected ∼1.73 kg of new lunar materials from one of the youngest basalt units on the Moon. The CE-5 lunar samples provide opportunities to address some key scientific questions related to the Moon, including the discovery of high-pressure silica polymorphs (seifertite and stishovite) and a new lunar mineral, changesite-(Y). Seifertite was found to be coexist with stishovite in a silica fragment from CE-5 lunar regolith. This is the first confirmed seifertite in returned lunar samples. Seifertite has two space group symmetries (Pnc2 and Pbcn) and formed from an α-cristobalite-like phase during “cold” compression during a shock event. The aftershock heating process changes some seifertite to stishovite. Thus, this silica fragment records different stages of an impact process, and the peak shock pressure is estimated to be ∼11 to 40 GPa, which is much lower than the pressure condition for coexistence of seifertite and stishovite on the phase diagram. Changesite-(Y), with ideal formula (Ca8Y)□Fe2+(PO4)7 (where □ denotes a vacancy) is the first new lunar mineral to be discovered in CE-5 regolith samples. This newly identified phosphate mineral is in the form of columnar crystals and was found in CE-5 basalt fragments. It contains high concentrations of Y and rare earth elements (REE), reaching up to ∼14 wt. % (Y,REE)2O3. The occurrence of changesite-(Y) marks the late-stage fractional crystallization processes of CE-5 basalts combined with silicate liquid immiscibility. These new findings demonstrate the significance of studies on high-pressure minerals in lunar materials and the special nature of lunar magmatic evolution.","author":[{"family":"Yang","given":"J"},{"family":"Du","given":"Wei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1063/5.0148784","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0148784","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4383669837","type":"article-journal","title":"SUITABILITY OF SILICONE FOR SOFT-ROBOTIC EXPLORATION OF TERRESTRIAL AND EXTRATERRESTRIAL OCEAN WORLDS","abstract":"This work revisits relevant mechanical and chemical properties of silicone rubber — Ecoflex in this study — to assess its suitability and viability for use in soft-robotic explorer construction and subsequent deployment and as a sealant for communication beacons, sensor pods, and other electronics in extreme planetary liquid environments, such as the depths of Earth’s oceans and extraterrestrial ocean worlds. Strain at a range of temperatures, as an indicator for operational durability, was tested under various endpoint clamp forces for several compound ratios. The temperature range at which silicone rubber remains pliable was assessed to determine its deployability. The re-binding property of cured silicone rubber samples with newly curing samples was investigated for its potential for additive manufacturing in soft robotics. Finally, the dissolution resistance, non-polarity, and electrical non-conductivity of silicone rubber were studied to assess its suitability for sealing electronics to be submerged in the salt water of both ocean and saturated salinity, as well as in hydrocarbon liquids. This work highlights critical aspects of silicone rubber for use in the construction, coating, and deployment of future soft robotic extraterrestrial liquid body explorers: The chosen silicone rubber Ecoflex is an electrically non-conducting sealant and pliable soft robotics material for temperatures above 50 °C, deployable in earthly extreme aqueous environments. Moreover, this work lays the foundation, albeit likely with different (silicone) rubbers/polymers due to much lower temperatures, for the robotic exploration of extraterrestrial liquid environments on ocean worlds, such as the hydrocarbon lakes on Titan and the putative subsurface oceans on Europa, Titan, and Enceladus.","author":[{"family":"Zuniga","given":"Andres"},{"family":"Fink","given":"Wolfgang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.15407/knit2023.03.047","URL":"https://doi.org/10.15407/knit2023.03.047","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391883542","type":"article-journal","title":"Chemically Oscillating Reactions as a New Model for the Formation of Mineral Patterns in Agate Geodes and Concretions","abstract":"Agate geodes contain spheroidal patterns characterized by spectacularly coloured and circularly concentric laminations with radially aligned quartz crystals, yet the origin of these geometric patterns has remained enigmatic. Here, detailed comparisons are documented between these kinds of patterns in a selection of geodes and concretions and those produced by abiotic chemically oscillating reactions. We find strikingly comparable self-similar, fractal patterns in both natural volcanogenic geodes and sedimentary concretions as well as in these benchtop experiments. In addition, the mineralogical composition of patterns and associated organic matter point to the oxidation of organic compounds in both geodes and concretions. This process occurred during diagenetic or supergene alteration, and it is consistent with spontaneous and abiotic chemically oscillating reactions. It is concluded that the oxidation of organic acids was involved in the formation of these patterns and that these rocks indicate oxidation–reduction reactions involving organic carbon, which itself may be abiotic or biological in origin. Hence, agate geodes and concretions represent the abiotic biosignatures of possible biological origin in volcanic and sedimentary rocks.","author":[{"family":"Papineau","given":"Dominic"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min14020203","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min14020203","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401586368","type":"manuscript","title":"Chiral Minerals","abstract":"Hundreds of minerals are chiral, that is, they appear in nature in two forms – left-handed and right-handed. Yet except for quartz, that key structural property remained, by-and-large in the shadow of the world of minerals in research, in museum displays, and for collectors. This review is devoted for providing a full picture of chiral minerals in nature. It starts with a general outline of the crystallographic background needed for the characterization of chiral minerals, continues with a detailed description of the many chemical and physical processes leading to their formation, follows with their chemical reactivities and transformations, with their physical properties, and with the ways to analyze and identify them. Many tables with listings of the various types of chiral minerals, are provided. It is hoped that this review will spark interest in this aspect nature’s crystals.","author":[{"family":"Avnir","given":"David"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.20944/preprints202408.0524.v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202408.0524.v1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404457928","type":"article-journal","title":"Automated Fast and Quantitative Mineralogical Characterization of Chang’e-5 Lunar Soils","abstract":"Lunar regoliths typically exhibit complicated mineralogy, texture, composition, and fine grain size, making them difficult to characterize using traditional mineralogical analytical methods.SEM-based automated mineralogy allows for quantitative and non-completely destructive assessment of bulk composition, mineralogical characteristics, and igneous rock types of lunar soils.Here, we use the TESCAN Integrated Mineral Analyzer (TIMA) to characterize a total of 79604 particles of Chang'e-5 (CE-5) returned lunar soil with a wide particle size range (> 240 μm to 2 μm).The results showed that lunar soil mainly consists of pyroxene (34.6 vol.%), plagioclase (26.2 vol.%), glass (22.5 vol.%), olivine (9.4 vol.%), ilmenite (5.0 vol.%),SiO2 polymorphs (0.5 vol.%), apatite (0.2 vol.%) and troilite (0.1 vol.%), agreeing with those of the previous XRD and Raman analyses.The analytically calculated bulk compositions of the SiO2 (40.8 wt.%), MgO (6.8 wt.%), Al2O3 (10.8 wt.%), CaO (12.1 wt.%), and FeO (22.7 wt.%) were also consistent with those of the previous result obtained by wet chemical methods.The mineral association showed that basaltic pyroxene-plagioclase-olivine-ilmenite assemblages were the most common lithic clasts within lunar soil.These results indicate that Chang'e-5 lunar soil predominantly consists of local mare basalt.This study demonstrates the role of automated mineralogy technology in providing rapid, quantitative, and reliable mineralogical and compositional data, which are fundamental for investigating the bulk mineralogical and chemical characteristics of rare returned extraterrestrial materials.","author":[{"family":"Song","given":"Wenlei"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Hongyi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.46770/as.2024.202","URL":"https://doi.org/10.46770/as.2024.202","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390610480","type":"article-journal","title":"Commentary on the role of polyoxometalates in nature cybernetic loop","abstract":"Abstract The interplay between extraterrestrial, atmospheric, aqueous, interfacial, and hydrothermal processes is crucial for Earth's prebiotic chemistry. Volcanic terrains contain polyoxometalates (POMs). Some polyoxocuprates were identified as building blocks of fumarole minerals produced from high‐temperature gases. The existence of polyoxovanadate anions in acidified reducing volcanic aquifers cannot be excluded. At present, it can only be speculated whether life arose around natural POM deposits and/or around their aqueous phase chemistry through acid‐base and/or redox reactions. This Commentary spans different fields of sciences in nature cybernetic loop to provide impetus to explore gas‐phase chemical reactions of multiply charged POM ions, catalysis by POM‐containing mineral phases, the behavior of POMs under plasma‐initiated ultraviolet photolysis, interactions of POMs with microorganisms, bioorthogonal chemistry of POMs, and engineering POM‐based bionic functions inspired by living organisms.","author":[{"family":"Monakhov","given":"Kirill"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1002/ntls.20230020","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ntls.20230020","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4365812265","type":"article-journal","title":"Enigmatic evolution of microbial nitrogen fixation: insights from Earth’s past","abstract":"The evolution of nitrogen fixation undoubtedly altered nearly all corners of the biosphere, given the essential role of nitrogen in the synthesis of biomass. To date, there is no unified view on what planetary conditions gave rise to nitrogen fixation or how these conditions have sustained it evolutionarily. Intriguingly, the concentrations of metals that nitrogenases require to function have changed throughout Earth's history. In this review, we describe the interconnection of the metal and nitrogen cycles with nitrogenase evolution and the importance of ancient ecology in the formation of the modern nitrogen cycle. We argue that exploration of the nitrogen cycle's deep past will provide insights into humanity's immediate environmental challenges centered on nitrogen availability.","author":[{"family":"Rucker","given":"Holly"},{"family":"Kaçar","given":"Betül"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.tim.2023.03.011","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2023.03.011","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400252591","type":"article-journal","title":"Award of the 2024 Barringer Medal to Dr. John Spray","abstract":"Dr. John Spray, founding director of the Planetary and Space Science Centre at the University of New Brunswick, Canada, has led a versatile and vigorous research team for over four decades. His contributions have ranged from field and laboratory studies of impact sites to ingenious explorations of basic material properties of solid bodies in the solar system. While obtaining degrees in mineral physics and earth sciences from Cardiff, Wales, and Cambridge, United Kingdom, John developed an interest in frictional melting in highly deformed rocks from Cyprus, the Scottish Highlands and elsewhere. Exceptionally, he supplemented field and laboratory investigations with experiments using equipment of his own design. With these, he subjected natural materials to extreme stresses and induced frictional melting, thereby emulating the formation of pseudotachylyte veins in rocks. At the same time, he added radiometric age determinations to his repertoire through collaborations with specialists in argon dating methods. Thus, he began a series of exceptionally diverse contributions to planetary science and space-oriented industries. Once in Canada, he was soon drawn to research in hypervelocity impact structures and meteoritics by focusing on the complex and economically important structure at Sudbury, Ontario. For over a decade, his Sudbury Project made major contributions to confirming its extraterrestrial origin by impact and its mid-Proterozoic age, and to drawing distinctions between pseudotachylyte-bearing breccias, intrusions of impact melt, and other features formed by extreme shock pressures. His project engaged students, colleagues, and collaborators from government and mining companies in over 50 person-years of research in analyzing Sudbury structure as a multi-ring impact basin. John broadened his studies of large impact structures by adding Manicouagan and Charlevoix in Quebec to his roster as well as aspects of Vredefort and Popigai. At Manicouagan, he took advantage of abundant drill cores produced by others in an unsuccessful search for Sudbury-type orebodies to refine understanding of its formation. An important though unanticipated result was the discovery that thick bodies of impact melt in the center of the structure had differentiated while crystallizing. This effectively resolved a long-standing debate about comparable igneous differentiation at Sudbury. Manicouagan also gave John and his colleagues structurally important impact breccia exposures, shock indicators such as stishovite and shatter cones in uplifted basement rocks, and details of the complex relationships between the impact structure and diverse country rocks. From these studies, he established Manicouagan's position as an important terrestrial impact structures providing a bridge between smaller craters and the largest on Earth, the Moon, and Mars. In expanding his terrestrial crater studies, John pursued the structural analysis of smaller craters such as Haughton in the Canadian arctic and elsewhere on the Shield. He also applied in-house uranium–helium and uranium–lead dating methods to more than a dozen impact structures for which suitable samples are available. A recent example is a stratigraphically convincing age for the Ordovician crater at Brent, Ontario, that had frustrated many earlier attempts. During this period, he reported on his extensive experimental investigations into frictional melting by collaborating in a special edition of Tectonophysics in 1992 followed in 2010 by a masterly review of the topic combining theory, experiment, and observation in Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Science. To these landmark summations, he later added an investigation into the mechanics of regolith formation on dry, airless planets by comparing the process of consolidating breccia into rocks with industrial sintering and impact welding. In establishing the Planetary and Space Science Centre at UNB in 2001, John consolidated his field and laboratory i","author":[{"family":"Dence","given":"Michael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14232","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14232","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393254230","type":"article-journal","title":"Global Occurrence, Geology and Characteristics of Hydrothermal-Origin Kaolin Deposits","abstract":"Kaolin-group minerals occur in nature as the result of high-sulfidation acid sulfate, sulfur-poor HCl-, HF- and H2CO3-rich acidic fluid-related hydrothermal alterations and in situ geochemical weathering. These minerals possess different crystallographic and chemical properties that determine their application areas, mainly in the ceramic and paper industries, and as nanocomposite materials. The physicochemical properties of hydrothermal kaolin deposits are the result of the type of parent rock, the effect of the regional tectonism-associated magmatism, and the chemical features of hydrothermal fluids that interact with the deep basement rocks. However, understanding these geothermal systems is one of the most challenging issues due to the rich mineralogical assemblages, complex geochemistry and isotopic data of hydrothermal alteration zones. This study evaluates the formation of hydrothermal-origin kaolin-group minerals by considering their characteristics of hydrothermal alteration, isotopic compositions and differences in characteristic properties of low- and high-sulfidation occurrences; this paper also addresses mineralogical and structural differences between hypogene and supergene kaolin formations, and kaolin–alunite–pyrophyllite association, and it provides examples of worldwide occurrences. The study of the mineralogical assemblages, geochemistry and isotopic data of the hydrothermal alteration zones is one of the most challenging subjects in terms of gaining a detailed understanding of the geothermal systems. Silicification processes are subsequent to late-stage alteration after the completion of kaolinization processes, erasing existing hydrothermal mineralogical and geochemical traces and making interpretation difficult. In the early stages involving magmatic–hydrothermal-origin acidic geothermal fluids, the latter comes from the disproportionation of SO2 (+H2O) and H2S oxidation to H2SO4 in hydrothermal environments. In the later stages, due to spatial and temporal changes over time in the chemistry of geothermal fluids, the system comes to have a more alkali–chloride composition, with neutral pH waters frequently saturated with amorphous silica which characteristically precipitate as siliceous sinter deposits containing large amounts of opal-A.","author":[{"family":"Ece","given":"ÖI"},{"family":"Ercan","given":"Hatice"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min14040353","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040353","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405809354","type":"article-journal","title":"Where the microbes aren't","abstract":"Although a large fraction of Earth's volume and most places beyond the planet lack life because physical and chemical conditions are too extreme, intriguing scientific questions are raised in many environments within or at the edges of life's niche space in which active life is absent. This review explores the environments in which active microorganisms do not occur. Within the known niche space for life, uninhabited, but habitable physical spaces potentially offer opportunities for hypothesis testing, such as using them as negative control environments to investigate the influence of life on planetary processes. At the physico-chemical limits of life, questions such as whether spaces devoid of actively metabolizing or reproducing life constitute uninhabitable space or space containing vacant niches that could be occupied with appropriate adaptation are raised. We do not know the extent to which evolution has allowed life to occupy all niche space within its biochemical potential. The case of habitable extraterrestrial environments and the scientific and ethical questions that they raise is discussed.","author":[{"family":"Cockell","given":"Charles"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1093/femsre/fuae034","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/femsre/fuae034","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.31438/trf.hh2024.15","type":"article-journal","title":"MULTI-MODAL MEMS SENSING MODULE FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL OCEANOGRAPHIC EXPLORATION","abstract":"With the discovery of extraterrestrial ocean environment, it is critical to develop unmanned vehicles with sensor payloads to explore the uncharted territory.The sensed data can be used to map the environment and seek signs of life.We present a design for a multi-modal sensing module consisting of 5 types of MEMS sensors integrated on a micro-swimming robot for extraterrestrial oceanographic exploration.The sensor module collects pressure, conductivity, temperature, pH, and biochemical data as the carrying robot traverses through the water body.In this paper, we discuss the design of the mentioned sensors on an AlGaN/GaN/Si wafer, as well as the fabrication and characterization of the conductivity, temperature, and pH sensors.","author":[{"family":"Hao","given":"Zhijian"},{"family":"Zheng","given":"Yue"},{"family":"Ansari","given":"Azadeh"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.31438/trf.hh2024.15","URL":"https://doi.org/10.31438/trf.hh2024.15","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/life14101307","type":"article-journal","title":"On the Roles of Protein Intrinsic Disorder in the Origin of Life and Evolution.","abstract":"Obviously, the discussion of different factors that could have contributed to the origin of life and evolution is clear speculation, since there is no way of checking the validity of most of the related hypotheses in practice, as the corresponding events not only already happened, but took place in a very distant past. However, there are a few undisputable facts that are present at the moment, such as the existence of a wide variety of living forms and the abundant presence of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) or hybrid proteins containing ordered domains and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in all living forms. Since it seems that the currently existing living forms originated from a common ancestor, their variety is a result of evolution. Therefore, one could ask a logical question of what role(s) the structureless and highly dynamic but vastly abundant and multifunctional IDPs/IDRs might have in evolution. This study represents an attempt to consider various ideas pertaining to the potential roles of protein intrinsic disorder in the origin of life and evolution.","author":[{"family":"Uversky","given":"Vladimir"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life14101307","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101307","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c02501","type":"article-journal","title":"Impact of Surface Adsorption on DNA Structure and Stability: Implications for Environmental DNA Interactions with Iron Oxide Surfaces.","abstract":"High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Environmental DNA (eDNA), i.e., DNA found in the environment, can interact with various geochemical surfaces, yet little is known about these interactions. Mineral surfaces may alter the structure, stability, and reactivity of eDNA, impacting the cycling of genetic information and the reliability of eDNA-based detection tools. Understanding how eDNA interacts with surfaces is crucial for predicting its fate in the environment. In this study, we examined the surface interaction and stability of herring testes DNA, a model system for eDNA, on two common iron oxide phases present in the environment: α-FeOOH (goethite) and α-Fe 2 O 3 (hematite). Utilizing spectroscopic probes, including attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and UV–vis spectroscopy, we quantified the DNA adsorption capacity at pH 5 and determined its secondary structure. DNA adsorbed irreversibly at pH 5 and 25 °C, primarily through its phosphate groups, and retained the solution-phase B-form structure. However, the infrared data also indicated some distortion of the B-form likely due to additional interactions between nitrogenous bases when adsorbed on the α-Fe 2 O 3 particle surfaces. The distortion in the double helical structure of adsorbed DNA on α-Fe 2 O 3 led to a lower melting temperature ( T m ) of 60 °C compared to 70 °C for DNA in solution. In contrast, DNA adsorbed on α-FeOOH melted at higher temperatures relative to solution-phase DNA and in two distinct phases. Upon testing adsorbed DNA stability at higher pH values, there were distinct differences between the two iron oxide phases. For α-FeOOH, nearly 50% of the DNA desorbed from the surface when the solution pH changed from 5 to 8, while less than 5% desorbed from α-Fe 2 O 3 under the same conditions. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of mineral-specific eDNA–surface interactions and their role in adsorbed eDNA stability, in terms of DNA melting and the impact of solution-phase pH changes.","author":[{"family":"Hettiarachchi","given":"Eshani"},{"family":"Grassian","given":"Vicki"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c02501","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c02501","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1098/rstb.2023.0355","type":"article-journal","title":"Evolution of phosphate scouting in the terrestrial biosphere.","abstract":"Chemistry assigns phosphorus and its most oxidized form, inorganic phosphate, unique roles for propelling bioenergetics and metabolism in all domains of life, possibly since its very origin on prebiotic Earth. For plants, access to the vital mineral nutrient profoundly affects growth, development and vigour, thus constraining net primary productivity in natural ecosystems and crop production in modern agriculture. Unlike other major biogenic elements, the low abundance and uneven distribution of phosphate in Earth's crust result from the peculiarities of phosphorus cosmochemistry and geochemistry. Here, we trace the chemical evolution of the element, the geochemical phosphorus cycle and its acceleration during Earth's history until the present (Anthropocene) as well as during the evolution and rise of terrestrial plants. We highlight the chemical and biological processes of phosphate mobilization and acquisition, first evolved in bacteria, refined in fungi and algae and expanded into powerful phosphate-prospecting strategies during land plant colonization. Furthermore, we review the evolution of the genetic and molecular networks from bacteria to terrestrial plants, which monitor intracellular and extracellular phosphate availabilities and coordinate the appropriate responses and adjustments to fluctuating phosphate supply. Lastly, we discuss the modern global phosphorus cycle deranged by human activity and the challenges imposed ahead. This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolution and diversity of plant metabolism'.","author":[{"family":"Abel","given":"Steffen"},{"family":"Naumann","given":"Christin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1098/rstb.2023.0355","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2023.0355","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1093/nsr/nwae201","type":"article-journal","title":"The origin and evolution of Earth's nitrogen.","abstract":"Nitrogen is a vital element for life on Earth. Its cycling between the surface (atmosphere + crust) and the mantle has a profound influence on the atmosphere and climate. However, our understanding of the origin and evolution of Earth's nitrogen is still incomplete. This review presents an overview of the current understanding of Earth's nitrogen budget and the isotope composition of different reservoirs, laboratory constraints on deep nitrogen geochemistry, and our understanding of the origin of Earth's nitrogen and the deep nitrogen cycle through plate subduction and volcanism. The Earth may have acquired its nitrogen heterogeneously during the main accretion phase, initially from reduced, enstatite-chondrite-like impactors, and subsequently from increasingly oxidized impactors and minimal CI-chondrite-like materials. Like Earth's surface, the mantle and core are also significant nitrogen reservoirs. The nitrogen abundance and isotope composition of these three reservoirs may have been fundamentally established during the main accretion phase and have been insignificantly modified afterwards by the deep nitrogen cycle, although there is a net nitrogen ingassing into Earth's mantle in modern subduction zones. However, it is estimated that the early atmosphere of Earth may have contained ∼1.4 times the present-day atmospheric nitrogen (PAN), with ∼0.4 PAN being sequestered into the crust via biotic nitrogen fixation. In order to gain a better understanding of the origin and evolution of Earth's nitrogen, directions for future research are suggested.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Yuan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1093/nsr/nwae201","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwae201","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.1098/rsif.2024.0014","type":"article-journal","title":"Amino acid analogues provide multiple plausible pathways to prebiotic peptides.","abstract":"Prebiotic peptide synthesis has consistently been a prominent topic within the field of the origin of life. While research predominantly centres on the 20 classical amino acids, the synthesis process encounters significant thermodynamic barriers. Consequently, amino acid analogues are being explored as potential building blocks for prebiotic peptide synthesis. This review delves into the pathway of polypeptide formation, identifying specific amino acid analogues that might have existed on early Earth, potentially participating in peptide synthesis and chemical evolution. Moreover, considering the complexity and variability of the environment on early Earth, we propose the plausibility of coevolution between amino acids and their analogues.","author":[{"family":"Zhang","given":"Li"},{"family":"Ying","given":"Jianxi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1098/rsif.2024.0014","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2024.0014","source":"europepmc"},{"id":"doi:10.2139/ssrn.7288979","type":"manuscript","title":"Development of an Autonomous Lunar Rover for Extraterrestrial Research","abstract":"The development of interplanetary rovers is key to advancing space science, particularly in the search for extraterrestrial life and understanding celestial bodies like the Moon. These rovers, equipped with advanced sensors, study lunar conditions to assess the potential for life and monitor changes in gravity and environmental factors. By comparing these conditions with Earth, rovers help improve technologies such as rover design, spacesuits, and rocket systems, ensuring future missions that can adapt to extreme space environments. This paper outlines the design and build of a lunar vehicle powered by a high-end dry battery, with plans for solar panel integration in the future. Managed by an Arduino Uno and Mega microprocessor, the lunar rover is equipped with temperature, humidity, and gyro sensors to monitor conditions and track gravityinduced acceleration. A guided sensor enables autonomous navigation, ensuring safe and efficient movement across the lunar surface. These rover design and communications innovations are essential for future space exploration, enhancing spacecraft, habitats, and vehicles for longduration missions.","author":[{"family":"Shierieff","given":"Syed"},{"family":"Nidal","given":"Mohammed"},{"family":"Ntantis","given":"Efstratios"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.2139/ssrn.7288979","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.7288979","source":"crossref"},{"id":"oa:W4393318135","type":"article-journal","title":"Electron microprobe dating of lunar zirconolite","abstract":"Abstract Zirconolite is an accessary mineral occurred in the lunar basaltic and granitic rocks and contains relatively high contents of U, Th, and Pb, which is attractive for age dating. However, very few studies have reported the crystallization ages of lunar zirconolites because of the challenge of dating lunar zirconolites due to their fine-grained size and irregular shape. In this study, we analyzed zirconolites in a granitic clast of the lunar meteorite DEW 12007 using an electron microprobe. MAN (mean atomic number) background, peak interference, and blank corrections were applied to 31 elements including U, Th, and Pb, and REEs, to obtain high-precision and high-accuracy chemical data of the zirconolites. The electron microprobe age of the zirconolites is determined to be 4332 ± 14 Ma (2σ, n = 20), which is consistent with the U–Pb age (4340.9 ± 7.5 Ma; 2σ) of zircon grains from the same clast measured by an ion microprobe. The precision and accuracy achieved in this study represents a notable advance compared to previously reported electron microprobe ages of lunar zirconolites. This suggests that electron microprobe dating may be applicable to extraterrestrial materials, especially for microscopic U-Th-Pb-containing minerals in the samples returned from the Moon and Mars.","author":[{"family":"Park","given":"Changkun"},{"family":"Kim","given":"Hwayoung"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1186/s40543-024-00431-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40543-024-00431-7","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4400739097","type":"article-journal","title":"Peptides En Route from Prebiotic to Biotic Catalysis","abstract":"In the quest to understand prebiotic catalysis, different molecular entities, mainly minerals, metal ions, organic cofactors, and ribozymes, have been implied as key players. Of these, inorganic and organic cofactors have gained attention for their ability to catalyze a wide array of reactions central to modern metabolism and frequently participate in these reactions within modern enzymes. Nevertheless, bridging the gap between prebiotic and modern metabolism remains a fundamental question in the origins of life. In this Account, peptides are investigated as a potential bridge linking prebiotic catalysis by minerals/cofactors to enzymes that dominate modern life's chemical reactions. Before ribosomal synthesis emerged, peptides of random sequences were plausible on early Earth. This was made possible by different sources of amino acid delivery and synthesis, as well as their condensation under a variety of conditions. Early peptides and proteins probably exhibited distinct compositions, enriched in small aliphatic and acidic residues. An increase in abundance of amino acids with larger side chains and canonical basic groups was most likely dependent on the emergence of their more challenging (bio)synthesis. Pressing questions thus arise: how did this composition influence the early peptide properties, and to what extent could they contribute to early metabolism? Recent research from our group and colleagues shows that highly acidic peptides/proteins comprising only the presumably \"early\" amino acids are in fact competent at secondary structure formation and even possess adaptive folding characteristics such as spontaneous refoldability and chaperone independence to achieve soluble structures. Moreover, we showed that highly acidic proteins of presumably \"early\" composition can still bind RNA by utilizing metal ions as cofactors to bridge carboxylate and phosphoester functional groups. And finally, ancient organic cofactors were shown to be capable of binding to sequences from amino acids considered prebiotically plausible, supporting their folding properties and providing functional groups, which would nominate them as catalytic hubs of great prebiotic relevance. These findings underscore the biochemical plausibility of an early peptide/protein world devoid of more complex amino acids yet collaborating with other catalytic species. Drawing from the mechanistic properties of protein-cofactor catalysis, it is speculated here that the early peptide/protein-cofactor ensemble could facilitate a similar range of chemical reactions, albeit with lower catalytic rates. This hypothesis invites a systematic experimental test. Nonetheless, this Account does not exclude other scenarios of prebiotic-to-biotic catalysis or prioritize any specific pathways of prebiotic syntheses. The objective is to examine peptide availability, composition, and functional potential among the various factors involved in the emergence of early life.","author":[{"family":"Hlouchová","given":"Klára"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00137","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00137","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402476464","type":"article-journal","title":"Efficient techniques and practices for wastewater treatment: an update","abstract":"The rise in the world's population has led to an amplified need for fundamental requirements such as healthcare, shelter, and water. At the same time, human practices like agriculture, mining, and deforestation have resulted in challenges related to environmental sustainability and the contamination of water resources. As a result, access to safe drinking water has become a major challenge worldwide, and controlling water pollution is crucial. Several water treatment methods, including adsorption, nanotechnology, and membrane technology, have been developed to mitigate health and environmental impacts. However, many of these methods are too expensive, especially for people living in low-income countries. Additionally, some of the technologies are not very effective at removing pollutants, which exacerbates the problem. The physical, chemical, and biological approaches for treating water are categorized in this review, along with the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. Given that the adsorption method is thought to be one of the more economical and environmentally friendly techniques to treat water, this review recommends that in order to increase the efficacy of the adsorbents, a comprehensive investigation into the exact operation of the adsorbents at the cellular and molecular levels be conducted.","author":[{"family":"Mutegoa","given":"Eric"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s43832-024-00131-8","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s43832-024-00131-8","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401889559","type":"article-journal","title":"Coal and Coal By-Products as Unconventional Lithium Sources: A Review of Occurrence Modes and Hydrometallurgical Strategies for Metal Recovery","abstract":"Lithium, a critical material for the global development of green energy sources, is anomalously enriched in some coal deposits and coal by-products to levels that may be considered economically viable. Recovering lithium from coal, particularly from coal gangue or coal ashes, offers a promising alternative for extracting this element. This process could potentially lead to economic gains and positive environmental impacts by more efficiently utilizing coal-based waste materials. This review focuses on lithium concentrations in coal and coal by-products, modes of lithium occurrence, methods used to identify lithium-enriched phases, and currently available hydrometallurgical recovery methods, correlated with pretreatment procedures that enable lithium release from inert aluminosilicate minerals. Leaching of raw coal appears inefficient, whereas coal gangue and fly ash are more feasible due to their simpler composition and higher lithium contents. Lithium extraction can achieve recovery rates of over 90%, but low lithium concentrations and high impurity levels in the leachates require advanced selective separation techniques. Bottom ash has not yet been evaluated for lithium recovery, despite its higher lithium content compared to feed coal.","author":[{"family":"Rudnik","given":"Ewa"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min14080849","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min14080849","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405191580","type":"article-journal","title":"Elucidating and contrasting the mechanisms for Mg and Ca sulfate ion-pair formation with multi-level embedded quantum mechanics/molecular dynamics simulations","abstract":"Solutions and minerals containing sulfate (SO42-), and Ca2+ and Mg2+ cations, are ubiquitous throughout the lithosphere and are significant components of seawater, thus presenting a prototypical system for the study of strong electrolytes and crystal nucleation mechanisms. However, despite their relative abundance, key questions remain unanswered about the most fundamental atomic-level steps of their mineralization pathways and aqueous dynamics. Here, we carry out enhanced sampling multi-level molecular dynamics (MD) embedded correlated wavefunction theory simulations to elucidate ion-pairing mechanisms for Mg-SO4 and Ca-SO4 in concentrated aqueous solution, accurately capturing effects arising from both structural dynamics and electron exchange-correlation. We predict contact-ion-pair formation to be barrierless and highly exoergic for Ca-SO4, in agreement with its minimal solubility, whereas for Mg-SO4, solvent-shared and contact ion pairs have similar free energies, qualitatively consistent with its higher solubility. Finally, we demonstrate that brief high-temperature pre-equilibration may be utilized to accelerate convergence of free energies in blue-moon-ensemble enhanced-sampling MD.","author":[{"family":"Boyn","given":"Jan"},{"family":"Carter","given":"Emily"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1063/5.0235460","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0235460","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4321372579","type":"article-journal","title":"Designing a Novel Monitoring Approach for the Effects of Space Travel on Astronauts’ Health","abstract":"Space exploration and extraterrestrial civilization have fascinated humankind since the earliest days of human history. It was only in the last century that humankind finally began taking significant steps towards these goals by sending astronauts into space, landing on the moon, and building the International Space Station. However, space voyage is very challenging and dangerous, and astronauts are under constant space radiation and microgravity. It has been shown that astronauts are at a high risk of developing a broad range of diseases/disorders. Thus, it is critical to develop a rapid and effective assay to monitor astronauts' health in space. In this study, gene expression and correlation patterns were analyzed for 10 astronauts (8 male and 2 female) using the publicly available microarray dataset E-GEOD-74708. We identified 218 differentially expressed genes between In-flight and Pre-flight and noticed that space travel decreased genome regulation and gene correlations across the entire genome, as well as individual signaling pathways. Furthermore, we systematically developed a shortlist of 32 genes that could be used to monitor astronauts' health during space travel. Further studies, including microgravity experiments, are warranted to optimize and validate the proposed assay.","author":[{"family":"Sakharkar","given":"Anurag"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Jian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/life13020576","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020576","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392302592","type":"article-journal","title":"On Mars as it is on Earth: Bioinspired technologies for sustainability on Earth are paving the way for a new era of space exploration","abstract":"This Perspective explores the synergy between bioinspired technologies for sustainability on Earth and their application in space exploration. We focus on the parallels between the paradigm shift toward sustainable development on our planet and establishing permanent human settlements on Mars and the Moon. Informed by Earth’s ecological and technological progress, which emphasizes the critical need for efficiency and integration with the planet’s metabolic processes, the discussion revolves around the challenges and opportunities in creating self-sustaining communities in space. Specifically, the focus is on the central role that bioinspired materials, particularly bioinspired chitinous materials, will play in developing sustainable manufacturing practices on Earth and in extraterrestrial environments. Considering the development of bioinspired chitinous manufacturing in the last decade, we argue that we are witnessing the birth of a new manufacturing paradigm embracing efficiency, resilience, and ecological cycles inspired by biological systems, which will be essential for sustainable living on Earth and advancing a new age of space exploration.","author":[{"family":"Fernandez","given":"Javier"},{"family":"Ng","given":"Shiwei"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1063/5.0191443","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0191443","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399303390","type":"article-journal","title":"Archean Cratons: Time Capsules of the Early Earth","abstract":"Studies of Archean cratons, and the rocks and minerals they contain, help us understand the processes that occurred on the early Earth, our place in the Solar System, and how the planet we live on today came to be. The articles in this issue examine different aspects of early Earth evolution from multiple perspectives relying on both theory and observation. We hope they will encourage you to investigate further this most fascinating time in Earth history. Here we introduce the basic characteristics of cratons, the challenges of inferring Earth evolution from the sparse Archean rock record, the concept of cratonic clans, the development of supercratons, and, by the end of the Archean, continents, supercontinents, and plate tectonics.","author":[{"family":"Frost","given":"Carol"},{"family":"Mueller","given":"Paul"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.2138/gselements.20.3.162","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/gselements.20.3.162","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4395670316","type":"article-journal","title":"Fine and super‐fine gold in mine waste from a coastal placer in southern New Zealand","abstract":"ABSTRACT Reprocessing of mine wastes is a growing procedure around the world, in order to extract more resources from already‐mined rocks. Mineralogical and geometallurgical investigations are useful for planned reprocessing, and in this study at Round Hill placer gold mine we characterise fine (<100 µm) and super‐fine (micron‐scale) particulate gold that has passed through the mine separation stages without being extracted. The gold was discharged with water and suspended sediments to settling ponds, separate from the more voluminous gravel and sand tailings. Authigenic clay and pyrite are abundant in the placer deposit and the settled suspension, and oxidised pyrite yielded gypsum and ferric oxyhydroxide. These minerals coat surfaces of gold particles and are locally intergrown with micron‐scale authigenic gold. Most of the gold has toroidal shapes characteristic of beach derivation, and many of these are hollow or clay‐filled. Minor super‐fine cinnabar and mercury‐bearing gold occur with clay. Annealing of gold has liberated silver, and micron‐scale authigenic native silver occurs in the settled sediment. Reconcentration of fine and super‐fine gold used abundant clean water and slow reprocessing and may be currently uneconomic at this site. The observations on suspended gold loss are relevant to gold recovery at placer mines around the world.","author":[{"family":"Palmer","given":"Marshall"},{"family":"Craw","given":"Dave"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1080/00288306.2024.2331475","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00288306.2024.2331475","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391295463","type":"manuscript","title":"The Mystery of Homochirality on Earth","abstract":"Homochirality is an obvious feature of life on Earth. On the other hand, extraterrestrial samples contain largely racemic compounds. The same is true for any common organic synthesis. Therefore, it has been a perplexing puzzle for decades how these racemates could have formed enantiomerically enriched fractions as a basis for the origin of homochiral life forms. Numerous hypotheses have been put forward as to how preferentially homochiral molecules could have formed and accumulated on Earth. In this article, it is shown that homochirality of the abiotic organic pool at the time of formation of the first self-replicating molecules is not necessary and not even probable. It is proposed to abandon the notion of a molecular ensemble and to focus on the level of individual molecules. Although the formation of the first self-replicating, most likely homochiral molecule is a seemingly improbable event, on a closer look, it is almost inevitable that homochiral molecules have formed simply on a statistical basis. In this case, the non-selective leap to homochirality would be one of the first steps in chemical evolution directly out of a racemic “ocean”. Moreover, most studies focus on the chirality of the primordial monomers with respect to an asymmetric carbon atom. However, any polymer with a minimal size that allows folding to a secondary structure, would spontaneously lead to asymmetric higher structures (conformations). Most of the functions of these polymers would be influenced by this inherently asymmetric folding. To summarize, simple and universal mechanisms may have led to homochiral self-replicating systems in the context of chemical evolution. A homochiral monomer pool is deemed unnecessary and probably never existed on primordial Earth.","author":[{"family":"Weller","given":"Michael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.20944/preprints202401.1939.v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202401.1939.v1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402050782","type":"article-journal","title":"Multi-Objective Optimization of Building Design Parameters for Cost Reduction and CO2 Emission Control Using Four Different Algorithms","abstract":"Thermal insulation applications on the exterior facades of buildings have been the subject of numerous studies from the past to the present. Some of these studies focus on the cost reduction effect of insulation, while others emphasize its ecological benefits. In this study, multi-objective optimization, the objectives of which are minimum cost and minimum CO2 emission, has been carried out with the NSGA-II method. In emission calculations, in addition to fuel-related emissions, the carbon footprint of all materials comprising the wall has also been included. The multi-objective optimization study examined four design variables: wall thickness, wall material (light concrete, reinforced concrete, and brick), insulation material (expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, mineral wool, and polyurethane foam), and heating source (natural gas, electricity, fuel oil). Analyses have been carried out for four cities (Osmaniye, Bursa, Isparta, and Erzurum), which are located in different climatic regions, and considering solar radiation effects. An existing building has been taken as the base case scenario, and the study has determined the improvements in the total cost and the amount of CO2 released into the environment when the appropriate insulation material, insulation thickness, wall material, and heating source identified in the multi-objective optimization study have been used. At the cost-oriented optimum point in the study, the most suitable insulation material was found to be expanded polystyrene, the most suitable wall material was brick, and the most suitable heating source was natural gas. In the CO2-oriented optimum, in contrast to the cost-oriented approach, optimal results have been obtained when light concrete was selected as the wall material.","author":[{"family":"Canbolat","given":"Ahmet"},{"family":"Albak","given":"Emre"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/app14177668","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177668","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404652356","type":"article-journal","title":"The influence of ALH 84001 on our understanding of the origin and evolution of Mars","abstract":"Abstract ALH 84001 is an orthopyroxenite that is the oldest known Martian meteorite. Given this rock type and age, and the possible source locations, ALH 84001 represents an opportunity to learn more about basic geologic relations in the Martian highlands in the southern hemisphere. Its orthopyroxene‐rich mineralogy is unique and also includes C‐, S‐, P‐bearing minerals. ALH 84001 can provide constraints on chronology, geology and surface features, crust formation, paleomagnetism, weathering, climate, magmatism, and interior structure. When it was recognized to be of Martian origin (~1994), there were ~12 known Martian meteorite samples. That number is now >150, with only one other meteorite (NWA 7034) having clasts that are similar in age to ALH 84001. Thus, it remains a unique sample and continues to provide opportunities to understand this early period of Martian history.","author":[{"family":"Righter","given":"K"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14289","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14289","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4392566130","type":"article-journal","title":"A non-anthropocentric solution to the Fermi paradox","abstract":"Abstract A few dozens of solutions to the Fermi paradox have been proposed in the past. The most relevant ones will be concisely discussed in this paper. They will be classified as follows: exceptionality solutions, annihilation solutions and communication barrier solutions. The argument will be advanced that all existing resolutions to the Fermi paradox are in their essence anthropocentric. The epistemological groundwork of anthropocentrism will be discussed. Conversely, in this paper, a non-anthropocentric solution to the Fermi paradox will be proposed: the ‘lasting human epistemological limitations solution’. This resolution to the Fermi paradox acknowledges that human epistemological capacities are limited to the degree that not only extraterrestrial forms of life may be unobservable to the human perceptive apparatus, but that universes may exist around humans with forms of life, inorganic matter or entities of any other type that humans are incapable of perceiving. In light of the revolutionary developments in theoretical physics, it is likely that in the future these developments will be reflected in increasingly non-anthropocentric solutions to the Fermi paradox.","author":[{"family":"Rakić","given":"Vojin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1017/s1473550424000041","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1473550424000041","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391695554","type":"article-journal","title":"Eclogites","abstract":"The beauty of an eclogite is something to behold: any petrologist marvels in the combination of red garnet and green omphacite that are the main mineral constituents of the rock. But besides their stunning appearance, there is much more to eclogites: fundamental concepts in metamorphic petrology and geodynamics were developed based on scientific investigations of eclogites. It is well established that they derive from precursor rocks of basaltic composition and form under high‐pressure conditions at more than c. 45 km depth, but other aspects of their occurrences and geological significance remain debated. The relative scarcity of eclogites among crustal rocks renders them largely unknown to the layperson, so following the 200th anniversary of the term eclogite in 2022, there is an opportunity to take a closer look at this fascinating rock.","author":[{"family":"Halama","given":"Ralf"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/gto.12462","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/gto.12462","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4396664235","type":"article-journal","title":"The terrestrial trap: International Relations beyond Earth","abstract":"Abstract Human capacity to explore and shape outer space will increase substantially over the next 50 years. Yet, International Relations (IR) theory still treats outer space as an isolated, unique, or inconsequential realm of political life. This paper moves IR beyond its ‘terrestrial trap’ by theorising planetary politics as inherently embedded in relations with environments and actors that are located beyond Earth. To face the momentous and often alarming political developments taking place in outer space, from space militarisation to space colonisation, we challenge two of IR’s terrestrial biases. First, we confront the assumption that developments in international relations take place only or primarily on Earth. We show how the historically constituted ideologies and political economies of colonisation and domination are extended to – but also transformed within – outer space exploration and settlement. Second, we challenge the notion that developments in outer space form a logical extension of politics as it has emerged on the habitable surface of our planet. We move beyond zones of human habitation and explore how the material conditions of space intersect with situated histories of political governance and control. By analysing politics beyond Earth, we retool IR theory to confront an extraterrestrial political future.","author":[{"family":"Wingerden","given":"Enrike"},{"family":"Vigneswaran","given":"Darshan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1017/s0260210524000184","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s0260210524000184","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389240028","type":"article-journal","title":"Children of time: the geological recency of intelligence and its implications for SETI","abstract":"Abstract Of all species on Earth, only one – Homo sapiens – has developed a technological civilization. As a consequence, estimates of the number of similar civilizations beyond Earth often treat the emergence of human-like intelligence or ‘sophonce’ as an evolutionary unicum: a contingent event unlikely to repeat itself even in biospheres harbouring complex brains, tool use, socially transmitted behaviours and high general intelligence. Here, attention is drawn to the unexpected recency and temporal clustering of these evolutionary preconditions to sophonce, which are shown to be confined to the last ≤102 million years. I argue that this pattern can be explained by the exponential biotic diversification dynamics suggested by the fossil record, which translated into a nonlinearly expanding range of cognitive and behavioural outcomes over the course of Earth's history. As a result, the probability of sophonce arising out of a buildup of its enabling preconditions has been escalating throughout the Phanerozoic. The implications for the Silurian hypothesis and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) are discussed. I conclude that the transition from animal-grade multicellularity to sophonce is likely not a rate-limiting step in the evolution of extraterrestrial technological intelligences, and that while H. sapiens is probably the first sophont to evolve on Earth, on macroevolutionary grounds it is unlikely to be the last.","author":[{"family":"Mussini","given":"Giovanni"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1017/s1473550423000253","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1473550423000253","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4405617735","type":"article-journal","title":"Do-Nothing Prebiotic Chemistry: Chemical Kinetics as a Window into Prebiotic Plausibility","abstract":"ConspectusOrigin of Life research is a fast growing field of study with each year bringing new breakthroughs. Recent discoveries include novel syntheses of life's building blocks, mechanisms of activation and interaction between molecules, and newly identified environments that provide promising conditions for these syntheses and mechanisms. Even with these new findings, firmly grounded in rigorous laboratory experiments, researchers often find themselves uncertain about how to apply them. How can a bridge be built between the laboratory and the geochemical environment? A critical question to ask when seeking to apply new results in origins is: how can this chemistry occur without direct intervention from a chemist? We believe the first step toward answering this question lies in the determination of rate constants and the construction of chemical networks to describe prebiotic chemistry in geochemical environments.So far, our group has measured several rate constants relevant to different prebiotic reaction networks, starting with the synthetic pathways of the cyanosulfidic network. The reactions we explore often involve ultraviolet light-driven photochemistry, facilitated by our StarLab setup that accurately simulates the spectrum of the young Sun and other stars. Our latest work investigates environments with active photochemistry in the absence of cyanide. In this study, we measure the effective rate constant for the production of formate from the reduction of carbon species using sulfite within the context of early Martian waters. The underlying goal of the work done in our group is to predict the likelihood that certain geological conditions will result in a specific set of chemical products. These predictions can be combined with those we have made for the necessary astrophysical conditions in certain origins of life scenarios on extrasolar planets.In the near future we expect that a sufficient number of rate constants will be measured, by our group and others, to allow for aspects of prebiotic chemistry to be predicted using chemical kinetics models. Once these models have been benchmarked against experimental data, our next step will be applying them to natural environments that better mimic the conditions thought to have been present at the onset of life. Following this, we can test these models by comparing their predictions to additional experiments. After refinement, these models will be able to provide guidance on the optimal conditions for conducting laboratory experiments, while helping to minimize and characterize any interference from a chemist.This approach can provide valuable insights into what is possible within geochemical environments, where all chemistry is by necessity do-nothing chemistry.","author":[{"family":"White","given":"Stephanie"},{"family":"Rimmer","given":"Paul"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00247","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00247","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390840702","type":"article-journal","title":"An overview of the new Moroccan regulation on collection and export of meteorites: A geoheritage to promote and preserve","abstract":"Abstract Morocco is known for the high number of meteorites collected in its territory, including finds and falls. This is explained by the large size of the Moroccan Sahara, the guarantee of security in this desert, and the large community of well‐trained Moroccan hunters and nomads who roam through it. Despite this richness, most meteorites collected in Morocco are sold abroad and exported. The exportation of meteorites as well as other geoheritage samples such as fossils and minerals was not completely legal or illegal as there was no dedicated regulation. Since 2000, the APPGM (Association pour la Protection du Patrimoine Géologique du Maroc) a Non‐Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to the preservation of the Moroccan geoheritage began working with the Moroccan Geological Survey, on a draft of a specific law dedicated to geoheritage. It was fundamental to benefit from the experience of other countries with a high number of meteorites where exportation is not allowed and that are losing their meteorites to illegal exportation. The author recommended a win‐win regulation that would allow the legal collection and exportation of meteorites under clear rules benefiting both hunters and scientists but also the country. In 2014, Morocco updated its law regarding mines. One article cited geoheritage as including fossils, minerals, and meteorites and mentioned that their collection and exportation would be regulated by decree. In 2019, the Moroccan Geological Survey and APPGM prepared the application decree of this article that has been discussed and approved by the Moroccan government and implemented in February 2020. This situation is unique in the region as well as compared to the other countries with a high potential of meteorites collection. Meteorite researchers and collectors all over the world should be aware of this regulation in Morocco to make their acquisitions legal. They should request a copy of the “End of the work” from local traders, the receipt from the Geological survey, and the certificate of export from customs. It is an important ethical and scientific responsibility of our community.","author":[{"family":"Aoudjehane","given":"HC"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14126","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14126","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109587","type":"article-journal","title":"Composite media milling in ball mills","abstract":"Comminution contributes 30 to 65 % to the total cost of a typical mineral processing plant. Composite media milling is one of the interventions that seeks to reduce the cost of comminution by reducing the costs associated with energy and steel ball consumption in ball mills. A series of batch milling experiments have been used to demonstrate that composite media milling can reduce size-specific energy consumption by more than 12 %, while reducing ball consumption by more than 10 %. The improvements on the efficiency of energy utilization when using composite media are related to the changes in the mill collision environment, which were demonstrated by the data from DEM simulations. The various issues that need practical considerations when contemplating employing composite media in industrial ball mills are discussed. Future work will entail continuous pilot testing campaigns to demonstrate performance improvement from composite media milling.","author":[{"family":"Nkwanyana","given":"S"},{"family":"Govender","given":"I"},{"family":"Nghipulile","given":"T"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109587","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109587","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.12783/shm2025/37395","type":"article-journal","title":"Unsupervised Fault Detection in Sensor Networks for Extraterrestrial Habitats","abstract":"Various sensors, such as accelerometers, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors, are employed in deep space habitats to monitor operating conditions. The health management system (HMS) depends on accurate sensor data to make reliable decisions. However, the harsh environment of space, characterized by micrometeorite impacts, fire, radiation, dust, and other extreme conditions, can lead to sensor malfunctions. Consequently, the collected data may be corrupted by anomalies, significantly impairing the performance of the HMS. Detecting sensor anomalies and excluding faulty data from decision-making processes is therefore essential. Unsupervised learning has been widely adopted for anomaly detection, as it can train models using unlabeled datasets. This paper presents a novel unsupervised learning approach based on convolutional autoencoders (CAEs) to detect faults in temperature and pressure sensors within the habitat. The proposed method is thoroughly evaluated using a habitat simulator (HabSim), and its capabilities and limitations are discussed.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Zixin"},{"family":"Jahanshahi","given":"Mohammad"},{"family":"Azimi","given":"Mohsen"},{"family":"Dyke","given":"Shirley"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.12783/shm2025/37395","URL":"https://doi.org/10.12783/shm2025/37395","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.54780/iassp50/01","type":"article-journal","title":"Introduction to the nucleation and growth of sedimentary minerals","abstract":"The formation and transformation of sedimentary minerals are essential processes building Earth's sedimentary record.The term \"sedimentary\" implies that these are minerals formed or transformed under near-surface conditions and may therefore document Earth's exogenic processes and their changes over time.Sedimentary minerals may be eroded from rock and experience transformation during weathering, or they may form directly from aqueous solutions (authigenic minerals; Boles, 1978; Fig. 1A, B); they may precipitate in the water column, while settling to the bottom of a water body, or by precipitation onto a solid substrate.Precipitation may continue within the pore space of the sediment or upon recrystallisation.All processes occurring within the sediment are part of the stage of diagenesis (von Gümbel, 1868; Hesse & Gaupp, 2021; Fig. 1C), which encompasses the transition from freshly deposited, unconsolidated sediment all the way to lithified, and possibly recrystallised, sedimentary rock.Although \"sedimentary\" is sometimes used in a narrower sense, referring only to physical deposition at the sediment surface (not including diagenesis), there is also the broader meaning of being \"related to sediments\", therefore, minerals forming at the different stages mentioned above, before, during and after sedimentation, are here referred to as \"sedimentary\".Mineral formation, destruction, and alteration under Earth surface conditions is of fundamental importance for human society.Sedimentary petrology has been further developed for hydrocarbon prospecting and for the recovery of mineral resources in general.While the purpose","author":[{"family":"Meister","given":"PH"},{"family":"Fisher","given":"C"},{"family":"Preto","given":"N"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.54780/iassp50/01","URL":"https://doi.org/10.54780/iassp50/01","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1017/s1473550425100050","type":"article-journal","title":"Evidence and traces of extraterrestrial life","abstract":"Abstract In recent years, evidence for extraterrestrial life has focused mainly on the following sections, meteorites, space probes, radio telescopes, and extraterrestrial intelligence and civilization. Biochemical studies on meteorites have tried to trace fossilized microorganisms or organic molecules in living structures. Images and atmospheric information obtained from various planets by space probes have been used to uncover the habitability of other celestial bodies in the solar system. Observations of radio telescopes that receive the waves emitted by cosmic objects and display them on their screens have pave the way to estimate the habitability of heavenly bodies. As the last one, claims related to extraterrestrial intelligence and civilization have been repeatedly reported in different periods of history. All of this evidence points to the possibility of extraterrestrial life, but how close we are to confirming or disproving this hypothesis is still debatable. However, recent advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in machine learning, have significantly enhanced the ability to analyze complex astrobiological data. This technology optimizes the processing of meteoritic data, differentiates astronomical signals, and reinterprets historical evidence, opening new frontiers in the search for extraterrestrial life. In this review, we have attempted to present the above-mentioned evidence in detail to provide a suitable understanding of the level of our extraterrestrial knowledge.","author":[{"family":"Layalestani","given":"Seyed"},{"family":"Bajelan","given":"Mohammad"},{"family":"Amiri","given":"Ala"},{"family":"Poormazaheri","given":"Helen"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1017/s1473550425100050","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1473550425100050","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.15406/mojes.2025.10.00359","type":"article-journal","title":"Being an architect in an extraterrestrial environment","abstract":"This article explores the concept of space colonization through the lens of architecture, with a focus on how design practices are evolving to support long-term human habitation beyond Earth. The idea of living in space has long captivated human imagination and has progressively transformed from speculative thought into a legitimate area of scientific and architectural inquiry. As technological capabilities have advanced—particularly since the onset of the digital age in the 1950s—concepts once considered surreal have increasingly come to be seen as attainable. A pivotal moment in this trajectory was the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, which not only marked a monumental achievement in space exploration but also reinforced the plausibility of space colonization. With continued technological development, the acquisition of extraterrestrial data has become significantly more efficient, enabling researchers and designers to gain insights into the environmental conditions of other planets. This access to information has prompted architects and designers to conceptualize entirely new forms of habitat typologies suited to extreme and unfamiliar contexts. Given that one of the fundamental responsibilities of architecture is to create habitable environments for human life, organizations such as NASA have initiated interdisciplinary collaborations with architectural professionals to explore how humans might sustainably inhabit extraterrestrial environments. Design proposals in this field primarily aim to address the challenges posed by harsh environmental conditions, including water scarcity, elevated radiation levels, and toxic atmospheric compositions. Consequently, proposed structures must meet specific criteria: they must be sustainable, recyclable, and capable of autonomous construction—particularly given the limited availability of materials and the logistical constraints inherent to space environments. To examine these developments, this study adopts a narrative literature review methodology. Sources analyzed include academic databases, space agency publications, and notable architectural proposals such as NASA’s Mars exploration initiatives, AI SpaceFactory’s MARSHA habitat, and BIG Architects’ Mars Science City. By synthesizing findings across these sources, the study identifies key thematic trends in material innovation, habitat design, and sustainable construction strategies. The following sections outline these findings in detail, offering a critical discussion of how architecture is being redefined in preparation for a multi-planetary future.","author":[{"family":"Tunçel","given":"Bella"},{"family":"Berber","given":"Esma"},{"family":"Görken","given":"Zeynep"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.15406/mojes.2025.10.00359","URL":"https://doi.org/10.15406/mojes.2025.10.00359","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100267","type":"article-journal","title":"The geopolitical implications of rare earth minerals extraction in Afghanistan","abstract":"Background: Afghanistan’s Rare Earth Elements (REEs) reserves have become a central point of geopolitical competition following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. This study investigates the complex interplay between China’s growing dominance in Afghanistan’s mining sector, the failure of Western containment approaches, and the Taliban’s unconventional governance of these critical resources. Drawing on satellite imagery analysis, blockchain tracking of cryptocurrency transactions, and interviews with industry experts, the research uncovers how China has secured preferential access to REEs deposits through a “security-for-minerals” bargain with the Taliban. The study documents the Taliban’s paradoxical approach to resource governance, combining bureaucratic pragmatism with ideological constraints, resulting in revenue capture (15% local allocations) and notable leakage (42% lost to corruption). Findings highlight the emergence of REEs smuggling as a key funding source for regional militant groups, with an estimated $19 million annually flowing to ISIS-K Khorasan. The research contributes to theoretical debates on the “resource curse” in Islamic governance contexts and the evolving effectiveness of sanctions in an era of digital financialization. Practical implications include recommendations for tiered sanctions regimes and regional monitoring mechanisms to curb conflict financing while maintaining pressure for responsible mining practices. This study offers critical insights into how fragile states’ mineral wealth reshapes 21 st -century geopolitical competition.","author":[{"family":"Dawar","given":"Ashraf"},{"family":"Khan","given":"Muhammad"},{"family":"Tchatchouang","given":"Lindsey"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100267","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100267","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109436","type":"article-journal","title":"Modes of occurrence of rare earth-bearing minerals in South African coal and ash samples using electron microscopy","abstract":"Rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) are crucial for modern technologies. This study investigated the modes of occurrence, mineral hosts, and distribution in coal and laboratory-derived coal-ash samples from the Soutpansberg Coalfield (South Africa) using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), mineral liberation analysis (MLA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mineral composition of the studied coal primarily comprises of silicates, predominantly kaolinite (avg. 24.1 wt%; whole coal basis), quartz (avg. 13.6 wt%), alongside carbonates (avg. 12.9 wt%) and pyrite (∼0.1 wt%). Although the coal-ash samples also have silicates (avg. 78.9 wt%), phosphates (monazite, xenotime), titanium oxides, and zircon. Average REY concentrations are 241.3 mg/kg in the coal and 468.3 mg/kg in the coal-ash, reaching a maximum of 957.4 mg/kg with multi-day multi-acid digestion, suggesting enhanced liberation. Backscattered electron (BSE) images obtained via SEM-EDS and MLA reveal monazite and xenotime as the major REY-bearing minerals in both the coal and coal-ash samples, with some REY hosted by carbonates. In the coal, micron-scale REY-bearing minerals are adsorbed onto the surfaces of major and minor minerals such as quartz, kaolinite, zircon, and Ti-oxides. The REY-bearing minerals in the coal-ash are encapsulated within new phases, likely amorphous or aluminosilicates. The LREY and MREY are associated with monazite, quartz, carbonate, zircon, and Ti-oxide phases, and HREY with xenotime. Particles ∼ 1 μm in size show better liberation, which may potentially enhance extractability. MLA offers higher-resolution imaging than SEM-EDS, enabling better identification of micron-size REY particles. These findings underscore the importance of understanding REY mineralogical associations and liberation dynamics to optimize extraction and enhancing resource recovery from coal and its by-products.","author":[{"family":"Biswas","given":"Sanki"},{"family":"Wagner","given":"Nicola"},{"family":"Moroeng","given":"Ofentse"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109436","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109436","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1109/aero63441.2025.11068757","type":"article-journal","title":"Space-LLaVA: A Vision-Language Model Adapted to Extraterrestrial Applications","abstract":"Foundation Models (FMs), e.g., large language models, possess attributes of intelligence [1] which offer promise to endow a robot with the contextual understanding necessary to navigate complex, unstructured tasks in the wild. We see three core challenges in the future of space robotics that motivate building an FM for the space robotics community: 1) Scalability of ground-in-the-loop operations; 2) Generalizing prior knowledge to novel environments; and 3) Multi-modality in tasks and sensor data. As a first-step towards a space foundation model, we programmatically augment three extraterrestrial databases with fine-grained language annotations inspired by the sensory reasoning necessary to e.g., identify a site of scientific interest on Mars, building a synthetic dataset of visual-question-answer and visual instruction-following tuples. We fine-tune a pre-trained LLaVA 13B [2] checkpoint on our augmented dataset to adapt a Vision-Language Model (VLM) to the visual semantic features in an extraterrestrial environment, demonstrating FMs as a tool for specialization and enhancing a VLM's zero-shot performance on unseen task types in comparison to state-of-the-art VLMs. Ablation studies show that fine-tuning the language backbone and vision-language adapter in concert is key to facilitate adaption while a small percentage, e.g., 20%, of the pre-training data can be used to safeguard against catastrophic forgetting.","author":[{"family":"Foutter","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Gammelli","given":"Daniele"},{"family":"Kruger","given":"Justin"},{"family":"Foss","given":"Ethan"},{"family":"Bhoj","given":"Praneet"},{"family":"Guffanti","given":"Tommaso"},{"family":"D'amico","given":"Simone"},{"family":"Pavone","given":"Marco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1109/aero63441.2025.11068757","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1109/aero63441.2025.11068757","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109216","type":"article-journal","title":"Fourth generation gravity separation using the Reflux Classifier","abstract":"• Fourth generation Reflux Classifier investigated for the first time. • New fluidisation based on slow rotating rake to develop dense medium zone. • Step change increase in upgrade of tin achieved using a single stage separation. The Reflux Classifier achieves powerful synergy between an upper system of inclined channels and lower fluidised bed arrangement, delivering gravity separation in a single stage of separation. This paper is concerned with the step-change improvement in gravity separation utilising the latest in a series of improvements. The laminar-shear separation mechanism led to the introduction of closely-spaced inclined channels, nominally 6 mm, solving a previously intractable problem in concentrating metallurgical coal. The more recent shift to a spacing of 3 mm, and even 1.8 mm has delivered a further step change in the separation of gangue minerals from dense minerals. In this new work, we have introduced changes to the lower fluidised bed, removing the fluidisation distributor and installing a slow-moving rake with water addition. This change produced a much more robust fluidisation boundary condition, removing the vagaries of the minimum fluidisation condition, producing a stronger dense medium effect, hence significant step change in gravity separation performance well beyond anything that was previously possible. This step change in performance reveals a direct pathway from a feed grade of 0.32 wt% tin to a significant recovery of the tin at a grade higher than 40 wt%.","author":[{"family":"Amosah","given":"ME"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"J"},{"family":"Galvin","given":"KP"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109216","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109216","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109437","type":"article-journal","title":"Characterisation and magnetic separation of complex low grade saprolite ore for rare earth elements minerals recovery","abstract":"In this study, mineralogical and strategic magnetic beneficiation tests were undertaken on a complex low grade saprolite ore to assess the feasibility of recovering valuable rare earth elements (REE) minerals. Mineralogical characterisation tests revealed that bastnäsite was the main REE mineral, with significant amount of La-Nd-Si/Fe intergrowths. The bulk of the ore was occupied by clay and silicate minerals including mica, quartz, K-silicates, and Na-silicates. Subsequently, magnetic separation tests were conducted on the ore using a wet high intensity magnetic separator (WHIMS), where the relative effects of applied magnetic field intensity, matrix type, feed mass, feed desliming, and concentrate regrinding on REE minerals recovery were investigated. Experimental results showed that increasing magnetic field intensity and using fine expanded metal matrix enhanced REE minerals recovery, although concentrate grade was compromised. Additionally, different magnetic separation flowsheets employing regrinding and desliming stages were tested. The highest concentrate grade of 9.12 % total rare earth oxide (TREO) was achieved when the deslimed feed was processed at 1.7 T with the WHIMS fitted with the medium expanded metal matrix mesh, where 86 % REE recovery was observed. A beneficiation process flow sheet for recovering and upgrading REE minerals in the low-grade saprolite ore has been proposed, which recovered 74 % REE assaying a concentrate grade of 9.12% TREO . It was observed that the recovery of mica, entrainment recovery of liberated and unliberated silicate minerals and the presence of bastnäsite/REE-silicates intergrowths limited the extent of TREO upgrade that could be achieved although recoveries were high. The present study provides information on the process mineralogical data of the ore, whiles establishing the technical feasibility of employing magnetic preconcentration conditions to recover valuable REE minerals and identifying other preconcentration strategies which could be utilized in subsequent studies.","author":[{"family":"Judge","given":"Theophilus"},{"family":"Dadzie","given":"Richel"},{"family":"Skinner","given":"William"},{"family":"Abaka-Wood","given":"George"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109437","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109437","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/egusphere-egu25-7710","type":"article-journal","title":"LithoSpace: A Democratised Spatial Data Platform for Extraterrestrial Geoscience and Geochemical Mapping","abstract":"With renewed interest in space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial resources, visualising spatial data from celestial bodies like the Moon, Mars, asteroids and other celestial bodies is becoming increasingly important. LithoSpace provides a digital infrastructure to address this need. It allows users to visualise and analyse extra-terrestrial spatial data, including points of interest, collected samples, corresponding geochemistry, and other analytical data, as well as to collate existing data and generate new data and therefore value and insight.LithoSpace builds upon the proven technology of LithoSurfer, designed for terrestrial data types. This presentation demonstrates how LithoSpace's advanced data analytics and exploration tools can benefit the expanding frontiers of extra-terrestrial resource exploration. The platform's highly detailed relational data models enable the collation and analysis of diverse data types, uncovering relationships and patterns in data collected from rovers or probes, satellite imagery, and topographic features. Standardised data formats empower researchers and explorers to leverage advanced algorithms for in-depth, automated exploration of these datasets.This study showcases how LithoSpace's unique cloud-based geochemistry tools can visualise slight variations in geochemical composition using existing, standardised, and cleaned lunar and martian geochemical data. The analysis confirms previously known findings, such as the basaltic geochemical composition of Apollo 11 samples and the wide range of geochemical composition of rocks on Mars as analysed by the Curiosity rover. However, it more importantly highlights how LithoSpace facilitates improved, user-friendly analytics, enabling &amp;#8220;on-the-fly&amp;#8221; calculation, interpretations and rock classifications. As more data is collected, LithoSpace will enhance our ability to develop new theories about planetary formation and assist with improved geological mapping of extra-terrestrial bodies.LithoSpace empowers users with the latest technology and data science to navigate the initial stages of lunar exploration for mineral resources. The robust toolkit developed for terrestrial samples can be readily applied to analyse the influx of data from upcoming missions, potentially leading to groundbreaking discoveries and unlocking the hidden resources of our celestial neighbors. Furthermore, standardised and cleaned datasets within LithoSpace (https://app.lithospace.com/) pave the way for the application of advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence, ultimately refining interpretations and creating models for future space exploration endeavors.","author":[{"family":"Noble","given":"Wayne"},{"family":"Kohlmann","given":"Fabian"},{"family":"Gale","given":"Jack"},{"family":"Dib","given":"Ben"},{"family":"Iles","given":"Gale"},{"family":"Mahan","given":"Brandon"},{"family":"Theile","given":"Moritz"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/egusphere-egu25-7710","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-7710","source":"crossref"},{"id":"oa:W4382446806","type":"article-journal","title":"Transitioning to a New Space Age in the 21st Century: A Systemic-Level Approach","abstract":"Since the first launch of an artificial satellite—Sputnik 1—in 1957, space activities have played a significant role as a pioneering technological sector with a high impact on the international scenario. The space system has changed rapidly in the last 30 years, as a result of an intersystemic transition from a bipolar and simplified space system in the 20th century to a new and more complex space system in the 21st century. The post-Cold War space system has undergone multiple changes in its key system parameters—actors, interactions, processes, trends, etc.—that require new scientific approaches. Currently, there is extensive literature that attempts to address these changes, but it is an atomized and fragmented approach that focuses only on particular aspects of space activities, failing to provide a holistic perspective of the systemic changes. This article is analytical and is concerned with how space activities can be empirically examined using a systemic-level approach and systems models, and how the fundaments of systems science are a valuable methodological toolkit to be applied to the field of space studies. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to apply a systems architecture model—previously developed for the author—to the study of the key characteristics of the 21st century space age. The result is a systemic-level study of the new space age in the 21st century, which identifies and describes the intersystemic transition from the Cold War (1947–1991) to the post-Cold War period (1991 to the present), showing the profound changes in the main parameters of the space system and the emergence of new space actors, interactions, processes, and megatrends in space that have a significant impact on the entire world system.","author":[{"family":"Viterale","given":"Francisco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/systems11050232","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/systems11050232","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4391910047","type":"article-journal","title":"A review of hybrid solar desalination systems: structure and performance","abstract":"The purpose of this study is to explore the architecture and functioning of hybrid solar desalination systems and investigate their potential as a sustainable solution for water purification. The study reveals that solar-powered desalination systems offer a remarkable alternative to traditional methods, as they rely on clean solar energy and produce no noise or sound pollution. In addition, they have demonstrated cost-effectiveness in generating drinking water, especially in desert regions and inaccessible areas. Furthermore, the research highlights the significance of incorporating waste heat energy into the desalination process. Also shows that utilizing waste heat energy can significantly reduce expenses and enhance the overall effectiveness of water desalination. Through an in-depth analysis of the fundamental principles and real-world applications, this study underscores the importance and rationale for implementing hybrid solar desalination systems. By effectively utilizing solar energy, these systems provide a sustainable approach to address water scarcity and ensure the efficient management of water and energy resources. This study emphasizes the fundamental importance of the structure of hybrid solar desalination systems fueled by solar energy in the efficient management of water resources. By combining technological innovations with renewable energy sources, these systems pave the way for a sustainable future.","author":[{"family":"Alghassab","given":"Mohammed"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.2166/wst.2024.042","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2024.042","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109297","type":"article-journal","title":"Physics-informed machine learning for grade prediction in froth flotation","abstract":"In this paper, physics-informed neural network models are developed to predict the concentrate gold grade in froth flotation cells. Accurate prediction of concentrate grades is important for the automatic control and optimization of mineral processing. Both first-principles and data-driven machine learning methods have been used to model the flotation process. The complexity of models based on first-principles restricts their direct use, while purely data-driven models often fail in dynamic industrial environments, leading to poor generalization. To address these limitations, this study integrates classical mathematical models of froth flotation processes with conventional deep learning methods to construct physics-informed neural networks. The models are trained, evaluated, and tested on datasets generated from a digital twin model of flotation cells that merges real-process data with physics-based simulations, with data collected over nearly half a year at a five-minute sampling rate. Compared to the best purely data-driven model, the top-performing physics-informed neural network reduced the mean squared error by 65% and the mean relative error by 34%, demonstrating superior generalization and predictive performance. • Developed PINNs to model the froth flotation process. • Classical mathematical models were used as soft penalties in loss functions. • PINNs showed better generalization and accuracy than purely data-driven models.","author":[{"family":"Nasiri","given":"Mahdi"},{"family":"Iqbal","given":"Sahel"},{"family":"Särkkä","given":"Simo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109297","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109297","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min15080876","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA)-Based Characterization of Lithium Source: Biotite and Associated Minerals in Nepheline Syenites","abstract":"Due to the rapid advancement of technology, lithium carbonate has become a crucial raw material for battery storage applications. Brines remain the primary source, while lithium carbonate production from ores is limited. Therefore, expanding resources, identifying potential deposits, and characterizing existing sources are essential. Direct lithium detection via MLA is challenging due to its atomic number being below 6; however, it can be indirectly identified through lithium-bearing biotite. This study characterizes lithium-bearing biotite in nepheline syenite ore, considering biotite as the primary lithium source. Analytical methods included MLA, modal mineralogy, XRD, ICP-OES, XRF, SEM-BSE, and EDS. The ore contained 4% biotite, with a liberation degree exceeding 70% in particles finer than 500 µm. Biotite formed binary, ternary, and complex associations with K-feldspar, nepheline, and albite. Finer particle sizes increased biotite liberation while reducing associations; no binary biotite–nepheline associations were detected below 75 µm. EDS spectra confirmed biotite as the sole lithium-bearing mineral.","author":[{"family":"Üçerler-Çamur","given":"Zeynep"},{"family":"Keles","given":"Ozgul"},{"family":"Kangal","given":"Murat"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min15080876","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min15080876","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3847/psj/ad98eb","type":"article-journal","title":"Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons as an Extraterrestrial Atmospheric Technosignature","abstract":"Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are prevalent in the Universe and interstellar medium but are primarily attributed to anthropogenic sources on Earth, such as fossil fuel combustion and firewood burning. Drawing upon the idea of PAHs being suitable candidates for technosignatures, we investigate the detectability of those PAHs that have available absorption cross sections in the atmospheres of Earth-like exoplanets (orbiting G-type stars at a distance of 10 pc) with an 8 m mirror of the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). Specifically, we focus on Naphthalene, Anthracene, Phenanthrene, and Pyrene. Our simulations indicate that under current-Earth-like conditions, detecting PAH signatures between 0.2 and 0.515 μ m is infeasible. To account for the historical decline in PAH production post the industrial revolution, we explore varying PAH concentrations to assess instrumental capabilities of detecting civilizations resembling modern Earth. We also evaluate telescope architectures (6 m, 8 m, and 10 m mirror diameters) to put our results into the context of the future HWO mission. With these four molecules, PAH detection remains infeasible, even at concentrations 10 times higher than current levels. While larger mirrors provide some advantages, they fail to resolve the spectral signatures of these molecules with significant signal-to-noise ratios. The UV absorption features of PAHs—caused by π -orbital → π *-orbital electronic transitions—serve as valuable markers, due to their distinct and detectable nature, preserved by the aromatic stability of PAHs. Additional lab measurements are necessary to gather absorption cross-sectional data beyond UV for more abundant PAHs. This may help further in improving the detectability of these molecules.","author":[{"family":"Dubey","given":"Dwaipayan"},{"family":"Kopparapu","given":"Ravi"},{"family":"Ercolano","given":"Barbara"},{"family":"Molaverdikhani","given":"Karan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3847/psj/ad98eb","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3847/psj/ad98eb","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.bgtech.2025.100212","type":"article-journal","title":"An overview on lunar regolith simulants solidification methods: integrating chemical, physical, and MICP strategies for extraterrestrial construction","abstract":"As lunar exploration progresses toward long-term human habitation, the demand for sustainable construction materials has become increasingly urgent. Lunar regolith, the primary in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) for infrastructure development, poses significant challenges due to its unconsolidated nature and extreme environmental conditions. To establish a fundamental understanding of lunar regolith as a building material, this study first provides a comprehensive review of the distribution, physical and mechanical properties, and mineralogical composition of lunar regolith. Due to the limited availability of real lunar soil, most existing studies rely on lunar regolith simulants (LRS) to mimic lunar conditions; therefore, LRS are also included in this review. Then emphasizing their broad particle size distribution, angular morphology, and low cohesion, which collectively hinder direct structural applications. Given these intrinsic limitations, effective solidification strategies are required to enhance mechanical stability and environmental resilience of LRS. To this end, this study systematically reviews four primary solidification methods including polymer, geopolymer, sintering, and microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) solidification—through an in-depth analysis of their reaction mechanisms, mechanical performance, and adaptability to lunar conditions. Each method is assessed based on its ability to improve cohesive strength, structural integrity, and durability, with particular focus on their chemical bonding mechanisms, material densification processes, and long-term performance under extraterrestrial conditions. However, lunar infrastructure must not only achieve sufficient cohesive strength but also withstand extreme environmental conditions. Therefore, this study further reviews the effects of vacuum exposure, high-temperature fluctuations and low-temperature conditions on the long-term stability of solidified LRS. By evaluating the interplay between material properties, solidification methods, and environmental adaptability, this study provides critical insights into optimizing durable, resource-efficient construction strategies for lunar infrastructure.","author":[{"family":"Chen","given":"Yuru"},{"family":"Tian","given":"Angran"},{"family":"Min","given":"Gyeongjo"},{"family":"Fukuda","given":"Daisuke"},{"family":"Kawasaki","given":"Satoru"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.bgtech.2025.100212","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bgtech.2025.100212","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3997/2214-4609.2025510098","type":"article-journal","title":"Estimation of Seismic Intensities Caused by Extraterrestrial Explosions","abstract":"Summary The paper presents the results of a study aimed at obtaining reliable data on the intensities of seismic vibrations caused by missile, aircraft and artillery strikes to assess the consequences of seismic impact using seismograms obtained at seismic stations of the Main Center for Special Monitoring. Since the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation armed forces into the territory of sovereign Ukraine, the seismological network of the Main Center for Special Monitoring of the State Space Agency of Ukraine has registered a large number of explosions (missile, aircraft strikes), in which one of the components of the striking effect is seismic waves. Seismic vibrations from explosions have a harmful effect on the structures of operating industrial installations for various purposes, on locking, signaling and communication systems, underground communications, foundations of buildings and structures and can lead to damage and destruction. Based on the analysis of the energy parameters of seismic signals from explosions in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, and Chernihiv regions, the correlation between the power of explosions and the magnitude of the intensities of seismic oscillations depending on the distance to the epicenter of the explosion was obtained.","author":[{"family":"Osadchy","given":"V"},{"family":"Liashchuk","given":"O"},{"family":"Andrushchenko","given":"Yu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3997/2214-4609.2025510098","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.2025510098","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1109/iccsse67426.2025.11552524","type":"article-journal","title":"A Review of Extraterrestrial Sample Encapsulation Technologies","abstract":"With the advancement of deep space exploration missions, preserving the pristine state of extraterrestrial samples has become a critical challenge that directly constrains their scientific value. To address the requirements of preventing both physical damage and bidirectional contamination during sample return missions, this paper reviews the research progress on extraterrestrial sample encapsulation worldwide. The discussion focuses on three key technological aspects: overall container design, sealing strategies, and protective measures. Representative single-zone and multi-zone encapsulation approaches adopted in typical domestic and international missions are highlighted, with an overview of the application methods and scenarios of sealing and protection technologies. Finally, potential breakthroughs in China’s future sample encapsulation technology are suggested from the perspectives of smart materials and interdisciplinary integration.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Bo"},{"family":"Gao","given":"Yang"},{"family":"Qi","given":"Qian"},{"family":"Dong","given":"Yang"},{"family":"Kong","given":"Ning"},{"family":"Man","given":"Jianfeng"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"He"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1109/iccsse67426.2025.11552524","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1109/iccsse67426.2025.11552524","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1180/clm.2025.3","type":"article-journal","title":"Characteristic changes of calcined clay minerals as heavy metal adsorbents","abstract":"Abstract Calcined clay minerals were examined as adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Five clay minerals (kaolinite, dickite, pyrophyllite, hydrobiotite and montmorillonite) were thermally treated at 100–1000°C and were characterized according to cation-exchange capacity (CEC), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area and X-ray diffraction. The CEC and BET specific surface area decreased at high temperature. Kaolinite, dickite and montmorillonite had the lowest crystal order at 800°C. The adsorption capacity of the clay minerals except hydrobiotite decreased with calcination. Hydrobiotite showed a high adsorption capacity of heavy metals regardless of heat treatment. The adsorption capacity of kaolinite and dickite for heavy metals and Cs increased at 1000°C, and that of Cs on hydrobiotite decreased at 800°C. The adsorption sequence of the metals on kaolinite, dickite, pyrophyllite and montmorillonite was Pb &gt; Cs &gt; Co, Ni, Cd for temperatures up to 800°C, and the order for the adsorption on the clay minerals depended on the temperature, according to the adsorption capacity and the distribution coefficient.","author":[{"family":"Ikegami","given":"Maiko"},{"family":"Fukutani","given":"Satoshi"},{"family":"Yoneda","given":"Minoru"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1180/clm.2025.3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1180/clm.2025.3","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109553","type":"article-journal","title":"Online particle-size monitoring for hydrocyclone overflow: Where is the beacon?","abstract":"Monitoring the particle size-passing fraction (PSPF) at hydrocyclone overflow is critical for energy-efficient comminution and flotation. Knowledge of particle size distribution (PSD) beyond the single PSPF number can be yet more beneficial to plant operators. However, the large number of hydrocyclones typically employed in a processing plant and the necessity of monitoring each individual hydrocyclone unit have posed significant challenges to online PSPF and PSD monitoring. The questions are: What are the technologies available for online particle size assessment (PSA)? To what extent have these technologies been assisting the mining industry? Where is the beacon leading to a better solution? This paper reviews existing methods for PSPF and PSD online monitoring at hydrocyclones and classifies them into five categories — numerical, mechanical, attenuation, optical, and vibration. Evaluations are made in terms of online capability, system compactness, particle size range, performance robustness, measurement accuracy, maintenance requirements, and implementation costs, with comparison made and sensitivity analysis conducted. It reveals there is no single solution that excels in all evaluation criteria, and instead, different methods could mutually complement. Guidance is provided to assist the industry in selecting appropriate online PSA systems for hydrocyclone overflow based on different priorities. Data fusion and machine learning are recommended for further advancement in enhancing measurement accuracy and enabling self-calibration.","author":[{"family":"Tang","given":"Difan"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Lei"},{"family":"Asamoah","given":"Richmond"},{"family":"Hu","given":"Eric"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109553","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109553","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109563","type":"article-journal","title":"Heterarchical comminution model for SAG mills","abstract":"Semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mills are commonly used in the mineral processing industry to effectively grind large particles into finer ones suitable for further processing. Despite their effectiveness in comminution, these mills are highly inefficient in terms of energy consumption. Understanding this inefficiency using population-balance models is challenging, as those are not informed by granular interactions and physics involving the interplay of crushing, segregation, and mixing. Conversely, using discrete-element simulation models to study SAG mills is also limited in scope since at any given time these mills can contain eight orders of magnitude more particles than those models can handle. Here, we address these challenges by developing a new comminution approach based on heterarchy. Expanding upon the previously developed heterarchical model for comminution in rotary mills, we incorporate the dynamics of grinding media consisting of steel balls, offering a comprehensive understanding of comminution within a SAG mill. Employing this new comminution model, we further analyse the effect of the different mill operating parameters — mill speed, fill fraction, and ball-to-charge ratio — on the comminution behaviour. This model brings us one step closer to understanding energy consumption in SAG mills.","author":[{"family":"Bisht","given":"Mukesh"},{"family":"Guillard","given":"François"},{"family":"Shelley","given":"Paul"},{"family":"Marks","given":"Benjy"},{"family":"Einav","given":"Itai"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109563","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109563","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109685","type":"article-journal","title":"A review of fine particle flotation: mechanistic insights and advances","abstract":"Fine particle flotation has emerged as a critical area in mineral processing due to increasing demand for resource recovery and the growing presence of ultrafine particles in ore deposits and tailings. These particles, typically smaller than 38 µm, pose significant challenges including low mass, high surface energy, high reagent consumption, and reduced bubble-particle collision efficiency. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms affecting the flotation of fine particles and explores various technical strategies developed to overcome these limitations. These include particle size enlargement through flocculation and agglomeration, bubble size reduction via micro- and nanobubbles, and advanced cell designs aimed at improving particle-bubble interaction. Emerging technologies such as dissolved air flotation, electroflotation, and pneumatic and column cells are also discussed. Furthermore, the article critically evaluates the applicability, limitations, and industrial scalability of these methods. Emphasis is placed on integrating environmentally friendly reagents and optimizing process efficiency to enhance sustainability in mineral processing. The review concludes by outlining future research needs, including the multivariate study of interacting flotation parameters and the development of industrial-scale solutions for fine particle recovery.","author":[{"family":"Flavarjani","given":"Mohammad"},{"family":"Sobouti","given":"Arash"},{"family":"Rezai","given":"Bahram"},{"family":"Ahmadi","given":"Ali"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109685","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109685","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min15030249","type":"article-journal","title":"Crystal Chemistry of Eudialyte Group Minerals from Rouma Island, Los Archipelago, Guinea","abstract":"We herein present a comprehensive investigation of the eudialyte group minerals from the nepheline syenites of Rouma Island in the Los Archipelago, Conakry region, Guinea. Two distinct mineral phases were identified: an oneillite-like phase, associated with the agpaitic rock suite, and, for the first time in this locality, kentbrooksite, occurring in pegmatites. The oneillite-like phase crystallizes in the trigonal system (space group R3), with unit cell parameters a = 14.1489(2) Å, c = 30.1283(5) Å and an idealized crystal chemical formula of Na15(Mn,REE)3(Ca,Mn)3(Fe,Mn)3Zr3(Zr,Si,Al,Nb,Ti)1 (Si25O73)(O,OH,H2O)3(OH,Cl,F)2. Kentbrooksite also exhibits trigonal symmetry (space group R3m), with unit cell parameters a = 14.2037(3) Å c = 30.1507(9) Å and an idealized formula of (Na,REE)15(Ca,Mn)6(Mn,Fe)3Zr3(Nb,Si)1(Si25O73)(O,OH,H2O)3(F,Cl,OH)2. Compared to the oneillite-like phase, kentbrooksite is markedly enriched in Mn and rare earth elements (REE). This geochemical distinction aligns with the progressive mineralogical evolution of the system, transitioning from the miaskitic to agpaitic suite (oneillite-like phase) and subsequently to pegmatites (kentbrooksite). These findings are consistent with the broader-scale observations regarding the syenite ring structure of the Los Archipelago.","author":[{"family":"Perchiazzi","given":"Natale"},{"family":"Ferraris","given":"Cristiano"},{"family":"Mauro","given":"Daniela"},{"family":"Vignola","given":"Pietro"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min15030249","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min15030249","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min15070750","type":"article-journal","title":"Froth Flotation of Lepidolite—A Review","abstract":"As one of the important lithium resource sources, lepidolite has become a new energy strategic resource research hot spot. The efficient flotation of lepidolite directly affects the recovery and economic value of lithium resources. This paper systematically reviews the flotation research progress of lepidolite, focusing on the influence of the type of capture agent and process parameters (pH, activator, and depressant) on flotation. In view of the separation problems caused by the similarity of the surface properties of lepidolite and its associated gangue minerals (albite, feldspar, and quartz), the strategies for regulating the crystal structure of the minerals and their surface properties are analyzed. In addition, the lepidolite flotation process and its challenges are summarized, including poor selectivity of chemicals, fine mineral embedded size, easy to form sludge, and insufficient environmental friendliness, etc. The future development direction of lepidolite flotation technology is also prospected, which provides theoretical support and reference for the efficient recovery of lepidolite.","author":[{"family":"Yang","given":"Xusheng"},{"family":"Feng","given":"Bo"},{"family":"Jiang","given":"Longxia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min15070750","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min15070750","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109556","type":"article-journal","title":"Environmental impact assessment of valuable heavy minerals production through sand separation processes using life cycle assessment","abstract":"Heavy Mineral Sand (HMS) deposits, as the source for critical minerals, have gained increasing attention as viable sources for producing various sand-based mineral products, due to the rising demand from markets. However, energy consumption patterns and potential environmental impacts are yet to be evaluated for mineral sand production routes. This study is a gate-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) which aimed to evaluate the Energy, Carbon, Water, and Waste (ECWW) footprint of a heavy mineral separation processing technology. The Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) was developed using real operational data from an active HMS separation plant in Australia and modelled in SimaPro 9.5 using the ReCiPe midpoint method for impact assessment. The results demonstrate that producing 1 tonne of zircon-rich concentrate results in ECWW footprints of 541.7 MJ, 41.1 kg CO 2 −e, 0.63 kL of freshwater, and 0.12 tonnes of solid waste when mass allocation is adopted. However, these figures double when the impacts are assessed using an economic allocation. During the main separation process, conducted through Rare Earth Rolls (RERs) and High-Tension Rolls (HTRs), the primary energy-consuming process units are the dryers and reheaters, which are integral to the feed preparation stages prior to separation. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing energy use during the feed preparation stage to achieve significant reductions in the overall environmental footprint. Sensitivity analysis on energy transitioning indicates that a shift toward greater reliance on renewable energy has strong potential to lower environmental impacts; however, practical implementation depends on site-specific practically feasible energy sources.","author":[{"family":"Laghaei","given":"Mahnaz"},{"family":"Haque","given":"Nawshad"},{"family":"Bruckard","given":"Warren"},{"family":"Pownceby","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Masoumi","given":"Hossein"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109556","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109556","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109343","type":"article-journal","title":"Anion effect on zeolite X synthesis and its phase transformation","abstract":"• The anion salt significantly impacted both crystallization kinetics and the phase composition of Zeolite X. • Carbonate and phosphate anions accelerated the initial nulceation and crystallization. • Sulphate and nitrate anions inhibited the zeolite X crystallization by promoting the competing zeolites SOD and Na-P1. • The limited anion incorporation for both NaX and Na-P1 against zeolite SOD phase. The growing industrial demand for synthetic zeolite X is an incentive to finding production methods that use cheaper and sustainable feedstock, including industrial byproducts, which often contain various anionic impurities. However, the influence of anionic species on crystallisation and phase transformation of zeolite X has not fully evaluated. This study investigates the effect of four different sodium-type anion salts (Na 2 CO 3 , Na 2 SO 4 , Na 3 PO 4 and NaNO 3 ) on NaX zeolite crystallisation from initial gel mixtures with molar composition of 2.25Na 2 O:0.17Al 2 O 3 :1SiO 2 :86.56H 2 O with salt concentration ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 M. The anion type significantly impacted both crystallisation kinetics and final solid phase composition. Addition of Na 2 CO 3 yielded highly crystalline zeolite X (>98 %), while Na 3 PO 4 at 0.1 M accelerated crystallisation kinetics where 80 % crystallinity was achieved within 2 h. In contrast, Na 2 SO 4 and NaNO 3 inhibited NaX crystallisation by promoting the formation of competing phases of Na-P1 and sodalite respectively. In addition, the acceleration effect of different sodium salts on NaX crystallisation increased in the order of Na 2 CO 3 > Na 3 PO 4 > NaNO 3 > Na 2 SO 4 . This work provides an understanding of the role of different anions in the phase purity and crystallisation kinetics of zeolite NaX, potentially reducing production costs through optimized synthesis conditions enabling sustainable and greener chemical production processes.","author":[{"family":"Darinchuluun","given":"Tseveenkhuu"},{"family":"Peng","given":"Hong"},{"family":"Vaughan","given":"James"},{"family":"Vogrin","given":"John"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109343","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109343","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109676","type":"article-journal","title":"Surface chemistry modifications in grinding and flotation of spodumene","abstract":"This study investigated the effects of different grinding environments on the flotation behaviour of spodumene from lithium pegmatite ore through bench-scale froth flotation tests using sodium oleate (NaOL) collector. The mechanisms governing these interactions were characterized by particle zeta potential measurements, scanning electron microscopy in tandem with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Flotation performance was investigated for spodumene wet ground with cast iron and zirconia media under alkaline, acidic and neutral conditions. SEM-EDS analyses revealed marked differences in particle shape between acid and alkali treated samples. Sodium hydroxide treatment induced mild etching and selective surface dissolution, exposing fresh regions, whiles hydrochloric acid treatment caused extensive morphological alterations, including scuffing marks, holes and fine residuals. XPS analysis showed significant difference in surface composition of iron, aluminium, silicon, carbon and oxygen under different treatment conditions. Iron deposition on mineral surface ground with cast iron balls was attributed to the corrosion of media onto the pulp during grinding. At a head grade of 0.67% lithium oxide (Li 2 O), the highest flotation performance with zirconia grinding assayed as 2.15% Li 2 O grade and 46% recovery with alkali pretreatment. By contrast, cast iron grinding achieved a higher recovery of 95%, albeit at a lower concentrate grade of 1.72% Li 2 O. This work highlights the need to tailor activators and depressants for zirconia and cast-iron media, respectively, to optimize spodumene flotation selectivity.","author":[{"family":"Opoku","given":"Philipa"},{"family":"Albijanic","given":"Boris"},{"family":"Nikoloski","given":"Aleksandar"},{"family":"Tadesse","given":"Bogale"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109676","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109676","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109173","type":"article-journal","title":"Ethoxylated alcohols as co-collectors in apatite, calcite and dolomite flotation","abstract":"• Synergistic effect of nonionic fatty alcohol mixed with oleate on calcium mineral flotation. • Separation between phosphate and non-phosphate minerals at pH 4.5 with 20–25% nonionic in the collector mixture. • Better dispersion/dissolution of oleate and its transportation as oleate-fatty alcohol complexes to the mineral surface. • Synergistic and selective effects of nonionic co-collector in the flotation of both a sedimentary and a igneous phosphate ore. The separation of calcium minerals by flotation is difficult without the use of depressants. As an alternative, a mixture of collectors, either ionics or ionic-alcohol mixture, could be used for this mineral separation, and without depressants. It was found that addition of nonionic ethoxylated fatty alcohols to the oleate collector has a synergistic effect on the flotation of apatite, calcite and dolomite at pH 4.5 and 9.5. A potential mineral separation between the phosphate (apatite) and non-phosphate (calcite and dolomite) minerals is only possible at pH 4.5 with 20–25% nonionic in the collector mixture. This synergistic effect on the flotation of the three minerals corresponds to an increase in mineral hydrophobicity resulting from more collector, oleate and/or nonionic, adsorbing on these minerals. It was postulated that the nonionic alcohol forms a complex with oleate, which facilitates the collector dispersion and transport/attachment to the mineral surface resulting in a more dense collector surface packing. The increased collector adsorption using this collector mixture, and therefore synergistic effect on carbonate mineral flotation, could be predicted when the affinity of the oleate-alcohol complex for Ca sites is stronger than that of the oleate alone. The hypotheses on the selective collector adsorption and mineral hydrophobisation depending on the flotation pH were validated using a low-grade complex mineralogy igneous phosphate ore and a simple mineralogy sedimentary phosphate ore.","author":[{"family":"Filippov","given":"Lev"},{"family":"Filippova","given":"Inna"},{"family":"Ardian","given":"Reza"},{"family":"Fornasiero","given":"Daniel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109173","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109173","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109672","type":"article-journal","title":"Quantifying the impact of mineral microstructure on the comminution of ores and rocks – A review","abstract":"The growing demand for metals and declining ore grades have significantly increased the quantity of materials requiring comminution, emphasizing the need for more efficient liberation methods. Traditional tests, such as the Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS), Brazilian, and Point Load tests, primarily assess the macroscopic response of rocks/mineral aggregates under stress and do not account for the role of mineral microstructure, the behavior of the mineral grains and grain boundaries in comminution. This paper investigates the influence of mineral mode, texture, and structure of various rocks on their comminution behavior. Significantly different correlations are identified for quartz-rich rocks (such as granites or gneisses) and feldspar-rich rock (diabases, diorites, basalts). By examining microstructural features such as mineral distribution and grain size, we quantify correlations between these characteristics and rock strength/breakage behavior. These insights contribute to optimizing comminution processes in the mining industry, leading to more energy-efficient mineral processing methods.","author":[{"family":"Lieberwirth","given":"Holger"},{"family":"Duriagina","given":"Asiia"},{"family":"Klichowicz","given":"Michael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109672","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109672","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.28978/nesciences.1811140","type":"article-journal","title":"Invasion Pathway Simulation of Extraterrestrial Microbes Using Cellular Automata Models","abstract":"The aliens threaten the Earth biologically, and their microbes are an imminent menace to the rest of the Earth's surface. This paper will take you through the advanced concepts of cellular automata (CA) models that simulate the theoretical invasion and spread of alien spores across the Earth under different conditions. The CA models are highly efficient with computational resources and are especially useful for representing complex time- and spatially dependent systems. Therefore, CA models are the best solution for describing the probabilistic patterns of invasion driven by topography, weather systems, and human activity. The model is formulated using parameters that represent microbial survivability based on hypothetical microbial biochemistry. Through simulations of the model, it has been demonstrated that the extraterrestrial spores most likely to be found are highly adaptive and therefore able to dominate organisms in regions with high moisture and low ultraviolet light. Moreover, the simulation results indicate potential incursions into the explosion of the microbial population and emphasize the necessity of containment measures. This study is relevant to the astrobiological risk analysis and planetary defense program, as it suggests strict monitoring protocols at strategic locations to counter biosecurity risks in real time if indications of Earthly-adapted microorganisms are observed. The second research direction is the increased modeling and scenario construction with the inclusion of multi-agent systems.","author":[{"family":"Babu","given":"Dr"},{"family":"Kadhim","given":"Abed"},{"family":"Abdusamatov","given":"Mamayusup"},{"family":"Alabdeli","given":"Haideer"},{"family":"Sapaev","given":"Ibrokhim"},{"family":"Kadirov","given":"Islom"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.28978/nesciences.1811140","URL":"https://doi.org/10.28978/nesciences.1811140","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.15866/ireaco.v18i6.27208","type":"article-journal","title":"Development of an Autonomous Lunar Rover for Extraterrestrial Research","abstract":"The development of interplanetary rovers is key to advancing space science, particularly in the search for extraterrestrial life and understanding celestial bodies like the Moon. These rovers, equipped with advanced sensors, study lunar conditions to assess the potential for life and monitor changes in gravity and environmental factors. By comparing these conditions with Earth, rovers help improve technologies such as rover design, spacesuits, and rocket systems, ensuring future missions that can adapt to extreme space environments. This paper outlines the design and build of a lunar vehicle powered by a high-end dry battery, with plans for solar panel integration in the future. Managed by an Arduino Uno and Mega microprocessor, the lunar rover is equipped with temperature, humidity, and gyro sensors to monitor conditions and track gravity-induced acceleration. A guided sensor enables autonomous navigation, ensuring safe and efficient movement across the lunar surface. These rover design and communications innovations are essential for future space exploration, enhancing spacecraft, habitats, and vehicles for long-duration missions.","author":[{"family":"Shierieff","given":"Syed"},{"family":"Nidal","given":"Mohammed"},{"family":"Ntantis","given":"Efstratios"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.15866/ireaco.v18i6.27208","URL":"https://doi.org/10.15866/ireaco.v18i6.27208","source":"crossref"},{"id":"oa:W4390795742","type":"article-journal","title":"Mars In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) with Focus on Atmospheric Processing for Near-Term Application—A Historical Review and Appraisal","abstract":"The inspirational paper by Ash, Dowler, and Varsi in 1978, proposing to utilize in situ resources on Mars (ISRU) rather than bringing them from Earth, originated the field of Mars ISRU that has been the subject of research ever since. In this paper, we reviewed significant research reported on Mars ISRU since 1978 and reported briefly on accomplishments. We found that prior to 2014, progress on small tasks was sporadic and intermittent, always at low Technology Readiness Level (TRL). In 2014, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) took a bold, imaginative, unprecedented step to fund a major project in Mars ISRU: the so-called “MOXIE” (Mars Oxygen In Situ Experiment), in which an oxygen production plant based on solid oxide electrolysis (SOEC) was developed, and finally demonstrated on Mars in 2022 and 2023. While MOXIE leaves behind it a wealth of accomplishments, there remains the need to close remaining gaps with additional laboratory and field work. Solid-oxide electrochemical cell (SOEC) technology has become a major area of worldwide investment for terrestrial energy and CO2 control. There is a very strong overlap between this terrestrial technology and Mars ISRU. NASA has already leveraged the terrestrial development work via MOXIE. NASA can leverage further advances with a comparatively small investment beyond 2023. Because NASA is engaged in a major program to return humans to the Moon, NASA’s focus is on lunar ISRU. Unfortunately, the mission impact and return on investment for lunar ISRU does not compare to that for Mars ISRU. NASA’s concept for Mars ISRU is futuristic, involving autonomous mining, transporting, and processing large amounts of Mars regolith. This might well occur long after initial human landings which could better profit in the near-term from MOXIE technology. By continuing further development of SOEC technology beyond MOXIE, while leveraging large investments in terrestrial applications, NASA can develop the Mars ISRU appropriate to nearer term human missions at modest investment. The goal of this paper is to place the relatively mature MOXIE technology advance and solid oxide electrolysis in general in perspective to the historical evolution of low TRL Mars ISRU technology.","author":[{"family":"Rapp","given":"Donald"},{"family":"Inglezakis","given":"Vassilis"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/app14020653","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020653","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4402241297","type":"article-journal","title":"Toward the identification of cyano-astroCOMs via vibrational features: benzonitrile as a test case","abstract":"The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) opened a new era for the identification of molecular systems in the interstellar medium (ISM) by vibrational features. One group of molecules of increasing interest is cyano-derivatives of aromatic organic molecules, which have already been identified in the ISM on the basis of the analysis of rotational signatures, and so, are plausible candidates for the detection by the JWST. Benzonitrile considered in this work represents a suitable example for the validation of a computational strategy, which can be further applied for different, larger, and not-yet observed molecules. For this purpose, anharmonic simulations of infrared (IR) spectra have been compared with recent FTIR experimental studies. The anharmonic computations using the generalized second-order vibrational perturbation theory (GVPT2) in conjunction with a hybrid force field combining the harmonic part of revDSD-PBEP86-D3/jun-cc-pVTZ with anharmonic corrections from B3LYP-D3/SNSD show very good agreement with those in the experiment, with a mean error of 11cm−1 for all fundamental transitions overall and only 2cm−1 for the C≡N stretching fundamental at 4.49 μm . The inclusion of overtones up to three-quanta transitions also allowed the prediction of spectra in the near-infrared region, which shows distinct features due to C≡N overtones at the 2.26 μm and 1.52 μm . The remarkable accuracy of the GVPT2 results opens a pathway for the reliable prediction of spectra for a broader range of cyano-astroCOMs.","author":[{"family":"Xu","given":"Yanting"},{"family":"Biczysko","given":"Małgorzata"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fchem.2024.1439194","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2024.1439194","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4399986651","type":"manuscript","title":"Presolar grains","abstract":"The chemical makeup of our solar system is a reflection of Galactic chemical evolution in the local interstellar medium (ISM) over the past ~9 Ga before the formation of the solar system. Although the incorporated ISM dust was mostly destroyed during the solar system formation, a small fraction of the ISM dust, known as presolar grains, is preserved in pristine extraterrestrial materials and identified through their exotic isotopic compositions, pointing to their formation in gas outflows or explosions of ancient stars. Since their stellar birth at more than 4.6 Ga, presolar grains have borne witness to a diverse array of astrophysical and cosmochemical processes. In this chapter, I will review recent progress in utilizing the isotopic and structural compositions of presolar grains to constrain physical mixing processes and dust formation in stars, stellar nucleosynthesis, ISM processes, and the origin and evolution of the solar system.","author":[{"family":"Liu","given":"Nan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2406.14694","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2406.14694","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4395673462","type":"article-journal","title":"Enceladus: Astrobiology Revisited","abstract":"Abstract Astrobiology research seeks to understand how life begins and evolves, and to determine whether life exist elsewhere in the universe. The discovery of diverse ocean worlds has significantly expanded the number of planetary bodies in the Solar System that could potentially contain life. Of the recognized ocean worlds, Saturn's moon Enceladus stands out because it appears to meet all requirements to sustain life. For that reason, robotic mission concepts are being developed to determine whether Enceladus' ocean is inhabited. The theory of organic chemical evolution (OCE) represents an ideal framework to guide this exploration strategy, articulating investigations and associated measurements of organic matter in the subsurface ocean. Within this reference frame, the immediate priority with the lowest science risk would be to understand molecular and structural properties of bulk organic matter in the ocean, and search for metabolic precursors and biochemical building blocks, both free and bound. This could be supplemented with “high‐risk, high‐reward” searches for functional polymers, catalytic activity, and cell‐like objects with traits indicative of evolutionary adaptations. The theory of OCE provides a robust scientific foundation for the astrobiological exploration of ocean worlds, fostering a productive path to discovery with lower mission risk that could be implemented with existing technology. Strong synergies between astrobiology and Earth‐bound research could ensue from this exploration strategy particularly in the context of terrestrial analog studies and laboratory simulations.","author":[{"family":"Dávila","given":"Alfonso"},{"family":"Eigenbrode","given":"JL"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2023jg007677","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2023jg007677","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393374529","type":"article-journal","title":"Permeation of photochemically-generated gaseous chlorine dioxide on Mars as a significant factor in destroying subsurface organic compounds","abstract":"Abstract It has been shown that ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is responsible for the destruction of organic compounds on the surface of Mars. When combined with the photochemically-driven production of oxychlorines (ClOx) it can generate highly reactive species that can alter or destroy organic compounds. However, it has been assumed that since UV only penetrates the top few millimeters of the martian regolith, reactive ClOx oxidants are only produced on the surface. Of all the oxychlorine intermediates produced, gaseous chlorine dioxide [ClO2(g)] is of particular interest, being a highly reactive gas with the ability to oxidize organic compounds. Here we report on a set of experiments under Mars ambient conditions showing the production and permeation of ClO2(g) and its reaction with alanine as a test compound. Contrary to the accepted paradigm that UV irradiation on Mars only interacts with a thin layer of surface regolith, our results show that photochemically-generated ClO2(g) can permeate below the surface, depositing ClOx species (mainly Cl− and $${\\text{ClO}}_{3}^{ - }$$ ClO 3 - ) and destroying organic compounds. With varying levels of humidity and abundant chloride and oxychlorines on Mars, our findings show that permeation of ClO2(g) must be considered as a significant contributing factor in altering, fragmenting, or potentially destroying buried organic compounds on Mars.","author":[{"family":"Newmark","given":"JS"},{"family":"Kounaves","given":"Samuel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-57968-1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57968-1","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4395091894","type":"article-journal","title":"Geobiological cycling of nitrogen: coupled evolution of biology and geology","abstract":"The geobiological cycle of nitrogen is a coupling of the biogeochemical and geological cycles of nitrogen, which provides insights into the interactions between life and the environment and the evolution of Earth systems. The partial pressure of atmospheric nitrogen (pN 2) is a principal proxy for understanding the evolutionary history of the global geobiological cycle of nitrogen, and is also a potential biosignature of extraterrestrial life detection. Thus, it is of great significance to reconstruct the geological evolution of pN 2. In this article, the primary nitrogen reservoirs on Earth are summarized, and the processes, affecting factors and evolutionary stages of the nitrogen geobiological cycle are discussed from the perspective of nitrogen biogeochemical and geological cycles. On this basis, this article further reviews the current knowledge of the evolutionary history of p N2 and its possible influencing factors. Finally, I raise some key issues that have to be addressed in the future.","author":[{"family":"Luo","given":"Genming"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3724/j.issn.1007-2802.20240028","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3724/j.issn.1007-2802.20240028","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1134/s0031030124601403","type":"article-journal","title":"Terrestrial Ecosystems as Probable Analogues of Extraterrestrial Ones","abstract":"Abstract This paper examines the issues of correlating some terrestrial ecosystems with hypothetical environments and processes on other planets and their moons. Recent studies of modern extremophiles suggest the need to re-evaluate established ideas about the ranges of physicochemical conditions suitable for accommodating life. Soda lakes may be considered as equivalents of local ephemeral, potentially habitable, ponds of cometary origin both on the early Earth (in the first ~0.5 Gyr, i.e., before the formation of the hydrosphere) and on the surface of other Solar System bodies. Studies of the Earth’s paleosols allow modelling of the possible past for Mars. The permafrost biota is not considered in the context of this study.","author":[{"family":"Samylina","given":"OS"},{"family":"Simakov","given":"MB"},{"family":"Saprykin","given":"EA"},{"family":"Alekseeva","given":"TV"},{"family":"Alekseev","given":"AO"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1134/s0031030124601403","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s0031030124601403","source":"crossref"},{"id":"oa:W4382362038","type":"article-journal","title":"Climate Change 2022 – Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability","abstract":"The Working Group II contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides a comprehensive assessment of the scientific literature relevant to climate change impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. The report recognizes the interactions of climate, ecosystems and biodiversity, and human societies, and integrates across the natural, ecological, social and economic sciences. It emphasizes how efforts in adaptation and in reducing greenhouse gas emissions can come together in a process called climate resilient development, which enables a liveable future for biodiversity and humankind. The IPCC is the leading body for assessing climate change science. IPCC reports are produced in comprehensive, objective and transparent ways, ensuring they reflect the full range of views in the scientific literature. Novel elements include focused topical assessments, and an atlas presenting observed climate change impacts and future risks from global to regional scales. Available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.","author":[{"family":"Change","given":"Intergovernmental"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1017/9781009325844","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009325844","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2025.116873","type":"article-journal","title":"Lunar spinel-bearing troctolitic anorthosite NWA 12279 meteorite: Linking petrology, mineralogy and spectroscopy","abstract":"The Mg-suite lithologies, particularly pink spinel-bearing rocks, provide critical insights into the Moon's crust-mantle interactions and impact metamorphism. However, discrepancies persist between remote sensing interpretations and laboratory analyses regarding the petrological characteristics of pink spinel anorthosite (PSA) or pink spinel troctolite (PST). The unbrecciated lunar meteorite NWA 12279, identified as a pink spinel-bearing troctolitic anorthosite (PSTA), offers a pristine record with well-preserved igneous textures, minimal shock metamorphism (S1–S2), and low terrestrial weathering (W0–1) affecting its mafic minerals and spinels. Combined petrological, mineral chemical, Visible-Near Infrared (VNIR) spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopic analyses reveal a homogeneous composition dominated by anorthite (81.8 ± 0.1 vol%, An = ∼97.2), olivine (11.7 ± 1.3 vol%, Fo = ∼76.8), augite-dominated pyroxene (4.75 ± 0.45 vol%, En = ∼57.4), and Mg-spinel (0.96 ± 0.48 vol%, Mg# = ∼82.4). Reflectance spectra from six selected profiles across the sample section show diagnostic absorptions at 1050 nm (olivine), 1950 nm (Mg-spinel), and 2300–2350 nm (high-Ca pyroxene), with spectral contrasts that correlate directly with the spatial distribution of spinel. Regions enriched in spinel display a notably stronger absorption depth at 1950 nm. Furthermore, we establish well-defined linear correlations (R 2 ≥ 0.971) under low-shock conditions (<4 GPa) that enable robust in-situ composition prediction. These quantitative models—olivine Fo from Peak A (∼820 cm −1 ; y = 3.050 × – 2430), spinel Mg# from Peak B (∼670 cm −1 ; y = 0.0461 × + 50.82), and pyroxene En from Peaks C (∼661 cm −1 ; y = 2.635 × – 1701.5) and D (∼1007 cm −1 ; y = 2.547 × – 2522.4). These quantitative models help resolve orbital detection discrepancies for Mg-spinel-rich lithologies and provide essential ground truth for lunar mineralogy. Our findings demonstrate that even modest Mg-spinel abundances of ∼1.0 vol% can produce detectable spectral signatures, challenging existing genetic models for lunar crustal evolution. This study underscores the value of Raman spectroscopy for future lunar missions and indicates a need to recalibrate orbital interpretations of Mg-suite lithologies.","author":[{"family":"Chen","given":"Hongyi"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Jiankai"},{"family":"Xie","given":"Lanfang"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Jinyu"},{"family":"Xia","given":"Zhipeng"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.icarus.2025.116873","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2025.116873","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1029/2025gc012882","type":"article-journal","title":"The Magnetic Mineralogy of Carbonaceous Chondrites: A Microscopy and Machine Learning Study of Meteorite WIS 91600","abstract":"Abstract A central challenge in the paleomagnetic study of meteorites is to characterize their diverse remanence carriers. Here, we develop a machine‐learning assisted workflow that combines multi‐scale (mm to nm) and multi‐dimensional (2D‐3D) microscopy to build a comprehensive picture of ferromagnetic mineralogy in the C2 ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Wisconsin Range (WIS) 91600. Scanning electron microscopy images are acquired across the entire thin section with sufficient resolution to locate all major remanence carrying ensembles. A deep learning classifier yields the volume fraction and morphometric properties of each ensemble, distinguishing between different textural varieties of the same ferromagnetic mineral. Chemical maps of representative ensembles are analyzed using an interactive machine‐learning tool that provides automated mineralogical segmentation and hyperspectral unmixing of the underlying endmembers. Focused‐ion‐beam nanotomography is used to reconstruct representative volumes with 3D spatial resolution sufficient to characterize all remanence carriers down to the stable single‐domain range. 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy provides access to grains in the superparamagnetic size range and diffraction data to enable phase identification. We conclude that the matrix, composed of phyllosilicates with fine‐scale pyrrhotite, pentlandite and magnetite, has a high potential to carry strong and stable paleomagnetic remanence in carbonaceous chondrites. The magnetic contribution from matrix‐hosted pyrrhotite is lowered in WIS 91600, however, due to transient heating inducing M C rather than 4C vacancy ordering. The remanence carrying potential of matrix‐hosted magnetite is similar to magnetite framboids but is less likely to be adversely affected by strong interactions, making it the preferred target for paleomagnetism.","author":[{"family":"Harrison","given":"Richard"},{"family":"Tung","given":"Po‐yen"},{"family":"Ginnis","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Nabiei","given":"Farhang"},{"family":"Shaw","given":"Ursula"},{"family":"Mansbach","given":"Elias"},{"family":"Bryson","given":"James"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2025gc012882","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2025gc012882","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.18520/cs/v129/i7/650-655","type":"article-journal","title":"Khalwat Nimgaon meteorite, Maharashtra: an ordinary equilibrated chondritic meteorite","abstract":"A meteorite that fell in Khalwat Nimgaon village of Wadvani Tehsil, Beed district, Maharashtra, around 2:30 pm IST on 3 March 2025, was collected and handed over to the Geological Survey of India for preservation, registration and dissemination purposes.The meteorite sample is named Khalwat Nimgaon meteorite, after the name of the village where the meteorite fell.The meteorite sample is characterised by chondrules, shock melting and recrystallised matrix.Petrographic and electron probe microanalysis studies show that the meteorite is a stony meteorite consisting of olivine, orthopyroxene, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, chromite, troilite and Fe-Ni minerals (kamacite and taenite).Petrographic studies and mineral compositions show that the meteorite is an equilibrated L-4 type ordinary chondrite.","author":[{"family":"Mondal","given":"Susmita"},{"family":"Halder","given":"Sharanya"},{"family":"Dey","given":"Monotrisha"},{"family":"Mandal","given":"Amit"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.18520/cs/v129/i7/650-655","URL":"https://doi.org/10.18520/cs/v129/i7/650-655","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1111/maps.14311","type":"article-journal","title":"Tissintite‐<scp>II</scp> in lunar meteorite Northwest Africa 13967: Implications for the high pressure/temperature mineralogy of the lunar regolith","abstract":"Abstract We studied lunar regolith breccia meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 13967 to explore its mineral and clast inventory with special focus on the ubiquitous occurrence of tissintite‐II, a newly recognized, vacancy‐rich high‐pressure clinopyroxene with a feldspathic, Fe‐ and Mg‐enriched composition. Lithic clasts in NWA 13967 indicate a provenance in the Feldspathic Highlands Terrane on the Moon. Most abundant are cumulate impact melt clasts (“poikilitic granulitic breccias”), granular impact melt rocks, vitric impact melt clasts including impact spherules, and anorthositic clasts, while basalt clasts are rare. The breccia groundmass is mostly fused to flow‐textured, vesicular, crystallized impact melt that includes 1 μm corundum crystals and up to 5 μm tissintite‐II near the contact with lithic clasts. Rare coesite occurs in moganite clasts entrained in the shock‐melted groundmass and rimmed by tissintite‐II. Petrographic features of NWA 13967 and its bulk rock chemical composition are most similar to the NWA 8046 clan of lunar meteorites, the largest known lunar meteorite. We discuss mineralogical and petrological characteristics of NWA 13967 to unravel chemical and structural changes of the lunar regolith during shock lithification, which may inform the ongoing exploration of the lunar surface.","author":[{"family":"Wittmann","given":"Axel"},{"family":"Kroemer","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Wadhwa","given":"Meenakshi"},{"family":"Sharp","given":"Thomas"},{"family":"Soest","given":"Matthijs"},{"family":"Martin","given":"Trevor"},{"family":"Goepfert","given":"Tyler"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14311","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14311","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2026.117303","type":"article-journal","title":"From orbit to ground: Pre-impact meteorite strewn field predictions for imminent impactors and meteorite recovery","abstract":"The flux of meteoroids reaching the Earth is continuous, ranging from microscopic grains to occasional metre and decametre scale bodies. The smallest ones fully ablate in the upper atmosphere, whereas sufficiently large or strong objects survive entry and deposit fragments on the ground as meteorites. Predicting where these fragments land, and reconstructing the atmospheric trajectory and fragmentation sequence that produced them, is central both to hazard assessment and to the recovery of freshly fallen material. The accuracy of such predictions, however, remains limited by poorly constrained fragmentation processes and by sparse, heterogeneous observational coverage of individual events. Traditional strewn field simulations rely on detailed fireball data and event-specific assumptions on fragment masses, aerodynamics, and breakup. These approaches are effective for well-instrumented events, but their applicability degrades rapidly when observations are sparse, often resulting in huge uncertainties. We present an ab initio framework predicting strewn fields of near-Earth asteroids directly from pre-impact orbital solutions. It propagates luminous trajectory and dark flight using a physics-based translational dynamics model and realistic atmospheric conditions, without requiring fireball triangulation or event-specific tuning. Validation against recent asteroid falls with recovered meteorites shows agreement with observations, with nominal solutions reproducing fall locations within 100–200 m. The new method has been integrated into the ESA Aegis pipeline, which now enables hours-ahead computation of impact locations, supporting recovery efforts, minimizing contamination, and, where warranted by object size and predicted ground hazard, civil-protection decision making.","author":[{"family":"Moscati","given":"Anna"},{"family":"Fenucci","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Faggioli","given":"Laura"},{"family":"Micheli","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Ocaña","given":"Francisco"},{"family":"Cano","given":"Juan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.icarus.2026.117303","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2026.117303","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.24416/uu01-l83i9c","type":"article-journal","title":"Dataset of Bjurböle (L/LL4 S1) Ordinary Chondritic Meteorite, properties studied by Optical and Electron Microscopy (thin section A).","abstract":"Optical and electron microscopy data for thin section A of the Bjurböle (L/LL4 S1) Ordinary Chondritic Meteorite, collected as part of the BSc Thesis by J.M.C. Reichard (2024) titled: \"Bjurböle and Mezö-Madaras Ordinary Chondritic Meteorites, properties studied by Optical and Electron Microscopy.\". Dataset has the following contents: -- BjA_BSE_Atlasfullscan: Full VP BSD and SE scans in native .czi format and exported to png. -- BjA_BSE_closeups: BSE images used to locate the EDS scans. --- PLainImages: Plain images without metadata footer. -- BjA_BSE_EDS: Native .oip file that can be used to edit data and view data in higher quality. --- reports: Exported data to .xlsx format. -- BjA_PPL_XPL_10X: Full thin section PPL and XPL scans in native .czi format and exported to png. -- BjA_PPL_XPL_closeups: Close-up PPL and XPL images. -- BjA_StraboMicro: StraboMicro is software for exploration microscopy data sets.","author":[{"family":"Reichard","given":"Jelle"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.24416/uu01-l83i9c","URL":"https://doi.org/10.24416/uu01-l83i9c","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.22002/7fbaz-4m261","type":"article-journal","title":"Shortwave Infrared Microimaging Spectroscopy of the Martian Meteorites Software","abstract":"Until samples from the Martian surface are successfully brought to Earth, meteorites represent the only opportunity to perform laboratory analyses on Martian material. Microimaging spectroscopy of the Martian meteorite suite provides a valuable means to better understand infrared data collected remotely from the Martian surface. This rapid and non-destructive method surveys compositional and textural relationships within and between meteorites samples. We expand upon existing documentation of the spectral variability of the Martian meteorites by presenting a publicly accessible dataset of over 1.2 million 1.0-2.5 µm spectra at 250 µm/pixel scale, from 144 imaged faces of 78 pieces of 54 distinctly named Martian meteorites. These meteorites include 2 chassignites, 6 nakhlites, 43 shergottites, 2 polymict breccias and 1 orthopyroxenite. Analysis of the spectral diversity results in the definition of 17 spectral classes on the basis of 1) color properties of the samples in false color with channels identified at spectrally significant wavelengths for mafic mineralogy, 2) a 3-step classification process comprised of a two-step unconstrained (orthogonal) Sequential Maximum Angle Convex Cone (SMACC) endmember extraction, Spectral Angle Mapping (SAM), and consolidation of the endmembers and their classified spectra into mineralogically significant groups, 3) band center position of the pyroxene 2 µm absorption, and 4) distribution and abundance of hydration/hydroxylation absorptions at 1.4 and 1.9 µm. Careful inspection of the spectra and processed data revealed compositional textures that are invisible to the naked eye, rare spectral phases, two distinct populations of high-calcium pyroxenes, and evidence of secondary aqueous alteration.","author":[{"family":"Miura","given":"Jasper"},{"family":"Ehlmann","given":"Bethany"},{"family":"Greenberger","given":"Rebecca"},{"family":"Cutts","given":"Elise"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.22002/7fbaz-4m261","URL":"https://doi.org/10.22002/7fbaz-4m261","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.26233/heallink.tuc.100151","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogical and spectroscopical study of ordinary chondrites and implications on potential asteroid mining.","abstract":"A refined view of mineralogy and the spectroscopic study of the fallen Slobodka is presented, and this research has been conducted to complete the study of this thesis. The meteorite is an L4 ordinary chondrite. The thin section of the meteorite highlights the features that indicate a shock impact, including a shock melt vein. To the best of our knowledge, it is reported for the first time in this meteorite, a shock vein containing four high-pressure polymorphs, albitic jadeite, majorite, wadsleyite, and tuite. After studying the characteristics of the sample, it is concluded that Slobodka is a shocked sample with shock stage S4.","author":[{"family":"Myrto","given":"Simopoulou"},{"family":"Μυρτω","given":"Σιμοπουλου"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.26233/heallink.tuc.100151","URL":"https://doi.org/10.26233/heallink.tuc.100151","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.3929/ethz-b-000736065","type":"article-journal","title":"Multi-isotope (N, O, Ti, and Cr) study of C1 and CM-like clasts - Probing unsampled C1 material","abstract":"A multi-element isotope (N, O, Ti, and Cr) study was conducted on C1 and CM-like clasts hosted in achondrites and chondrite breccias to understand the genesis of these chondritic clasts. The mineralogy, O, and N isotopes confirm that CM-like clasts in howardites and polymict eucrites closely resemble CM chondrite-like material. The O and Cr isotope composition of C1 clasts in CR chondrites overlaps with those of CR chondrites, implying either formation in a similar nebular environment or resemblance to local CR material that underwent more extensive in situ alteration. Notably, these clasts are less enriched in $^{15}$N than bulk CR chondrites. In contrast, C1 clasts in ureilites are enriched in $^{15}$N relative to the Earth's atmosphere by ~100‰ setting them apart from any other known solar system material. They display elevated $^{17}$O and $^{18}$O values and lie along the CCAM line. In addition, a C1 clast from an ureilite represents the most $^{54}$Cr-enriched and $^{50}$Ti-depleted endmember among the carbonaceous chondrites. Altogether, these isotopic characteristics suggest that C1 clasts in ureilites represent material not sampled by any known meteorite group. Overall, this study highlights the presence of primitive, isotopically distinct materials in the early outer solar system, some of which were transported to the inner solar system to the accretion region of the host parent bodies.","author":[{"family":"Patzek","given":"Markus"},{"family":"Kadlag","given":"Yogita"},{"family":"Rüfenacht","given":"Miriam"},{"family":"Füri","given":"Evelyn"},{"family":"Pack","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Bischoff","given":"Addi"},{"family":"Becker","given":"Harry"},{"family":"Visser","given":"Robbin"},{"family":"John","given":"Timm"},{"family":"Schönbächler","given":"Maria"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3929/ethz-b-000736065","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000736065","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.17169/refubium-39169","type":"article-journal","title":"Replication Data for: Hydrogen isotopic composition of CI- and CM-like clasts from meteorite breccias – Sampling unknown sources of carbonaceous chondrite materials","abstract":"Volatile-rich, CI- and CM-like clasts occur in different brecciated achondrite and chondrite groups. The CI-like clasts in HEDs, polymict ureilites, as well as ordinary, CR, and CB chondrites have a similar mineralogy, indicating a similar alteration history. However, when viewed in detail, their mineral chemistry shows some minor differences between the clasts from different meteorite groups. For CM-like clasts found in HED meteorites, the clasts are, based on their mineralogy, clearly fragments of CM chondrites. To be able to decipher whether CI- (or CM-)like clasts from different meteorite groups are related to certain meteorite classes known to contain volatiles, we obtained D/H ratios of several clasts from the meteorite groups mentioned above and compared them with those of CI and CM chondrites as well as to unique carbonaceous chondrites such as Bells, Essebi, and Tagish Lake. Considering the δD-values, CM-like clasts in HEDs span a similar range compared to bulk values of CM chondrites, further indicating that CM-like clasts are fragments of CM chondrites. For CI-like clasts a clear distinction can be made: While CI-like clasts in HEDs and ordinary chondrites show a very similar range in their δD-signatures compared to “common” CI chondrites, meaning that these clasts are likely related to CI chondrites, the CI-like clasts in polymict ureilites are enriched in D up to 3000‰; a similarly high enrichment is found for the CI-like clasts in CR chondrites. Thus, although the CI-like clasts in ureilites and CR chondrites likely experienced similar alteration histories as the CI-like clasts found in the other meteorite types, these clasts probably formed in a different region than the CI chondrites and, thus, are more accurately referred to as C1 clasts. Overall, the existence and isotopic signatures of the C1 clasts in several meteorite groups proves the existence of additional primitive, volatile-rich material in the (early) Solar System besides the matter we study as the CI, CM, and CR chondrites. This material was distributed throughout the Solar System very early and might have played an important role for the volatile inventory of the terrestrial planets.","author":[{"family":"Berlin","given":"Universitätsbibliothek"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.17169/refubium-39169","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17169/refubium-39169","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.17169/refubium-39208","type":"article-journal","title":"Replication Data for: Mineralogy of volatile-rich clasts in brecciated meteorites","abstract":"Meteoritic breccias are valuable samples as they can contain rare materials from the early solar system as clasts. Volatile-rich, CI- and CM-like clasts may represent parent body lithologies, which cannot be found as individual meteorites in today's meteorite collections. In order to reveal a better knowledge about the presence and chemical characteristics and variability of volatile (water-bearing) materials in the early solar system these clasts play an important role. Such materials may have been available as the volatile component during the accretion of terrestrial planets. To understand the distribution of volatile-rich materials in the solar system, we studied CI- and CM-like clasts in brecciated meteorites including polymict ureilites, HEDs, CR, CB, CH, and ordinary chondrites. CI-like clasts occur throughout all of the mentioned meteorite groups, whereas the CM-like clasts have only been identified in HEDs and ordinary chondrites. The abundance of volatile-rich clasts in general decreases in the order CH &gt; CR &gt; ureilites &gt; HEDs &gt; CB &gt; OC &gt; R. The mineralogy of CI-like clasts is similar to CI chondrites, but their compositions of phyllosilicates differ. The mineralogy of CM-like clasts clearly links them to CM chondrites. They must have been delivered to the HED parent body by low-velocity impacts after differentiation and volcanism, as there is no evidence for high shock and heating processes. Additionally, we propose that CI-like clasts in the CR, CB, and CH chondrites are a primary component of the appropriate parent bodies (accretionary breccias). Conversely, the CI-like clasts in polymict ureilites and HEDs represent an infall as (micro)meteorites or as low-velocity impactors, which happened after the accretion and differentiation of the appropriate parent bodies.","author":[{"family":"Berlin","given":"Universitätsbibliothek"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.17169/refubium-39208","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17169/refubium-39208","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.2514/6.2026-110057","type":"article-journal","title":"Optimization of Rocker–Bogie Suspension Systems for Improved Rover Traversal Speed on Extreme Extraterrestrial Terrain","abstract":"Planetary rovers face challenges of traversing highly variable terrains on Mars while preserving stability, traction, and structural integrity. The rocker-bogie suspension system has been demonstrated to provide a strong capability to navigate obstacles due to the system's ability to adapt to uneven terrain through a quasi-static, rigid framework, resulting in an inherent limitation on speed. This study aims to create an optimized rocker-bogie suspension system that will enable a rover to traverse terrain faster while maintaining stability, wheel-terrain interaction, and load distribution. Through the development of a parametric model of the rocker-bogie suspension, key parameters related to the geometry were incorporated, including link length, rocker-to-bogie ratio, joint placement, and wheel spacing. The performance of the parametric model will be evaluated against mathematically defined terrain profiles that emulate typical extraterrestrial conditions (e.g., loose regolith, large obstacles, and slopes). The evaluation will consist of dynamic analysis of the distribution of wheel load, trajectory of the center of mass (CoM), tipping margin, and joint forces experienced at maximum velocity. A series of modifications to the rocker-bogie suspension will be examined systematically to maximize speed while simultaneously maintaining stability and traction, including the introduction of tuned compliance, optimization of link geometry, and reduction of unsprung mass. This research provides information required to design a more capable and faster rocker-bogie rover while maintaining its robust features to support future high-speed exploration missions. We anticipate improvements in traversal speed based on parametric optimization of suspension geometry and compliance.","author":[{"family":"Colton","given":"Emilee"},{"family":"Cheung","given":"Makayo"},{"family":"Pendyala","given":"Sumedh"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.2514/6.2026-110057","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2026-110057","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110485","type":"article-journal","title":"Microbial attachment on sulfide and silicate minerals impacted by flotation chemicals and time","abstract":"Flotation processes are based on the interactions of mineral particles, flotation chemicals in the aqueous media, and air bubbles. This study expands that framework by incorporating microbial particles into the system, as they are present in high numbers in flotation cells and likely affect the mineral recovery as recently observed. Attachment of microorganisms, originating from a sulfidic multi-mineral processing plant, on pyrite, chalcopyrite and quartz mineral surfaces was studied at two contact times (2 and 60 min) with or without flotation chemicals used for Cu-flotation. Novel methodology was developed, wherein minerals embedded in epoxy and freshly polished were exposed to microbial suspension and microbial adhesion was analysed using either epifluorescence or bright-field microscopy. Quantitative results revealed that microbial adhesion was significantly affected by mineral type, contact time and the presence of flotation chemicals. Prolonged contact times enhanced microbial adhesion to all minerals by factors ranging from 2 to 15. Flotation chemicals affected microbial adhesion only at longer contact times, reducing adhesion on chalcopyrite 1.7-fold while increasing adhesion by 2.5 fold on pyrite and by 2.3-fold on quartz. In the absence of flotation chemicals, microbial attachment levels on pyrite and chalcopyrite were comparable. These findings provide new insights into the complex interplay between microorganisms, minerals and flotation chemicals. Continued research in this area holds promise for improving flotation efficiency and enhancing the long-term performance through control of microbial factors.","author":[{"family":"Miettinen","given":"Hanna"},{"family":"Bomberg","given":"Malin"},{"family":"Kinnunen","given":"Päivi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110485","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110485","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.2139/ssrn.6233363","type":"manuscript","title":"Multimodal Evaluation of Reactivity in Lunar and Martian Regolith Simulants for Extraterrestrial Construction Applications","abstract":"This study presents a multimodal reactivity assessment of modern lunar and Martian regolith simulants to evaluate their potential as active binders or fillers in cement-based systems. Six simulants were investigated in untreated, burned, and milled conditions. Isothermal calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrical conductivity were used to quantitively assess their reactivities. All untreated simulants exhibited negligible heat release in both water and potassium hydroxide solutions, indicating non-reactive behavior. Thermal and mechanical processing did not produce meaningful increases in reactivity, with cumulative heats remaining below known thresholds associated with hydraulic or pozzolanic materials. Conductivity measurements confirmed non-pozzolanic behavior for lunar simulants, while Martian simulants showed apparent ionic depletion, suggesting non-pozzolanic mechanisms in calcium hydroxide environments. Blend mixtures displayed similar hydration kinetics and cumulative heats (100–150 J g−1), supported by TGA showing no enhancement in portlandite consumption. To assess the potential of these simulants being used as fillers in cementitious system, the mechanical properties of blends of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and simulants were measured. Compressive strengths of blended systems ranged from 11.2 to 29.8 MPa, confirming that regolith primarily functions as an inert granular filler rather than a reactive cementitious binder. The results demonstrate that under realistic processing conditions, modern regolith simulants can only contribute mechanically to cementitious composites, providing a practical baseline for ISRU-driven extraterrestrial construction strategies.","author":[{"family":"Leon-Miquel","given":"Matias"},{"family":"Byers","given":"Brandon"},{"family":"Jin","given":"Qingxu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.2139/ssrn.6233363","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6233363","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.35597/2313-545x-2025-11-3-2","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy of oxidized ores of the Balkanskoe tungsten deposit (South Urals)","abstract":"A relatively high WO3 content, reaching 0.5 wt. %, is determined in two representative samples of brown iron ore, which were taken from a borehole drilled in the oxidation zone probably developed after skarns of the Balkanskoe deposit (Gumbeyka group, South Urals). Using X-ray diffraction method, it is established that the W-enriched ochre-clayey rocks of the upper part of the supergene profle consist of the smectite group minerals, kaolinite, Fe3+ and Mn oxyhydroxides, quartz and mica. Goethite aggregates with network structure are dominant in the lower part of the profle, whereas clay minerals and quartz, as well as Mn oxyhydroxides, are less common. According to results of local SEM-EDS microanalysis, the maximum WO3 content of Fe3+ and Mn oxyhydroxides are 4.44 and 6.54 wt. %, respectively. The average WO3 content of Fe and Mn minerals in the upper and lower parts of the supergene profle are 0.13 and 1.19 and 1.57 and 2.13 wt. %, respectively. No W minerals are found. According to results of phase chemical analysis, hübnerite is the main mode of occurrence of W in the studied samples, which is inconsistent with results of mineralogical analysis. This is probably explained by the formation of tungstate clusters as a result of recrystallization of primary gel-like Mn and Fe3+ oxyhydroxides. These features of W chemical behavior in poor oxidized ores should be taken into account under evaluation of similar objects.","author":[{"family":"Belogub","given":"EV"},{"family":"Moseychuk","given":"VM"},{"family":"Novoselov","given":"KA"},{"family":"Lonschakova","given":"GF"},{"family":"Blinov","given":"IA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.35597/2313-545x-2025-11-3-2","URL":"https://doi.org/10.35597/2313-545x-2025-11-3-2","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.17863/cam.94644","type":"article-journal","title":"Observational constraints on the process and products of Martian serpentinization","abstract":"The alteration of olivine-rich rocks to serpentine minerals, (hydr)oxides, and H2(aq) through serpentinization is long thought to have influenced the distribution of habitable environments on early Mars and the evolution of the early Martian hydrosphere and atmosphere. Nevertheless, the planetary importance of Martian serpentinization has remained a matter of debate; H2 production rates and mechanisms are poorly understood for serpentinization of Fe-rich Martian olivines, and orbital surveys suggest that serpentines are rarely present in the Martian crust. To constrain the process and products of Martian serpentinization, we acquired petrographic, geochemical, mineralogical, and synchrotron-based spectroscopic data on serpentinized Fe-rich olivines from the 1.1 Ga Duluth Complex (Minnesota, USA). These data indicate that serpentinized Fe-rich olivine would have been accompanied by a five-fold increase in H2 production relative to serpentinized terrestrial mantle peridotites. In contrast to previous expectations of mineral products, a vacancy-coupled Fe3+ substitution for Mg2+ in the serpentine octahedral site yields hisingerite (with minor magnetite) as the dominant Fe serpentine mineral at comparatively low temperature and pH, consistent with meteorite mineralogy and in-situ rover data. The widespread occurrence of Fe3+-phyllosilicates in highly magnetized regions of the Martian crust supports the hypothesis that serpentinization was more pervasive on early Mars than currently estimated. Our results provide the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover mission with new and specific mineralogical and geochemical signatures of serpentinization and H2 production as it approaches the largest olivine-bearing lithological unit identified on the surface of Mars.","author":[{"family":"Tutolo","given":"Benjamin"},{"family":"Tosca","given":"Nicholas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.17863/cam.94644","URL":"https://doi.org/10.17863/cam.94644","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.48550/arxiv.2404.15424","type":"manuscript","title":"Meteorites and Planet Formation","abstract":"Meteorites are a remarkable resource. They capture the imagination of people worldwide with their spectacular entry through Earth's atmosphere as fireballs, and their exotic character of being pieces of other worlds. Scientifically, they are critical to interpreting the early stages of formation of the Solar System, as well as the geological evolution of asteroids, the Moon, and Mars, and they are vital to understanding planetary formation processes. With the burgeoning exploration of extrasolar planetary systems, knowledge of the fundamental process of planetary growth from protoplanetary disks has taken on a new significance. Meteorites provide essential and detailed insight into the formation of planetary systems, although we must bear in mind that they only represent one reference point (our own Solar System) in what is clearly a wide spectrum of possible chemical and physical parameters governing the diverse realm of extrasolar planets. This chapter summarises the nature of our meteorite collections, and the ways in which meteorites contribute to our understanding of the formation and evolution of our own Solar System, with broader implications for planetary systems in general.","author":[{"family":"Jones","given":"Rhian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2404.15424","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2404.15424","source":"datacite"},{"id":"oa:W4391448399","type":"article-journal","title":"Geochemical biosignature formation in experimental Martian fluvio‐lacustrine and simulated evaporitic settings","abstract":"Abstract To assess whether life existed on Mars, it is crucial to identify geochemical biosignatures that are relevant to specific Martian environments. In this paper, thermochemical modeling was used to investigate fluid chemistries and secondary minerals that would have evolved biotically over geological time scales in Martian fluvio‐lacustrine and evaporitic settings, and that could be used as potential inorganic biosignatures for life detection on Mars. Modeling was performed using fluid and rock chemistries relevant to Gale crater aqueous environments. Potential inorganic biosignatures were identified investigating alteration deposits found at the surface of a simulant exposed to short‐term bio‐mediated weathering and comparing experimental and modeling results. In a fluvio‐lacustrine setting (water/rock of 2000–278), models suggest that less complex mineral assemblages form during biotic basalt dissolution and subsequent brine evaporation compared to what would happen in an abiotic system. Mainly nontronite, kaolinite, and quartz form under biotic conditions, whereas celadonite, talc, and goethite would also precipitate abiotically. Quartz, sepiolite, and gypsum would precipitate from the evaporation of fluids evolved biotically, whereas nontronite, talc, zeolite, and gypsum would form in an abiotic evaporitic environment. These results could be used to distinguish products of abiotic and biotic processes, aiding the interpretation of data from Mars exploration missions.","author":[{"family":"Cogliati","given":"Simone"},{"family":"Macey","given":"Michael"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14141","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14141","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4327696231","type":"article-journal","title":"Development of Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for Application to Space Exploration","abstract":"Material composition analysis is one of the core tasks in space exploration. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has received increasing interest in the planetary science community. This chapter summarizes the progress of LIBS in the field of space exploration from different aspects. A typical LIBS system is constituted by a laser generator, alight splitting and detection system, an optical path system for laser focusing and collection of light emitted by the plasma. To optimize the LIBS system for application to space exploration in forthcoming space missions, early laboratory work naturally focused on two aspects: instrumental and analytical. In August 2012, the Curiosity rover successfully landed in Gale Crater on Mars. Compared with previous space exploration missions, Curiosity carries some more advanced and complex scientific instruments, which are designed to make a more accurate analysis of the chemical information of the collected samples. The ChemCam based on LIBS is one of them.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Zhenzhen"},{"family":"Luo","given":"Han"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1002/9781119758396.ch43","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119758396.ch43","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.2514/6.2026-2529","type":"article-journal","title":"Rotorcraft Flight on Saturn's Largest Moon Titan: An Integrated Approach for Extraterrestrial Vertical Flight","abstract":"Rotorcraft Flight on an extraterrestrial body presents unique engineering challenges. The NASA Dragonfly mission features a vertical flight vehicle that will explore the surface of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. The Dragonfly mission necessitates that the challenges of extraterrestrial vertical flight be understood and addressed. Legacy verification methods for terrestrial rotorcraft systems are relatively uniform and consistent. However, there are inherent limitations when legacy methods are applied to flight on other planetary bodies. The differing environmental conditions between Earth and Titan pose one set of challenges, and there are no practical means of performing verification flight testing on Earth. Furthermore, flight must be fully autonomous due to the vast distances under which communications with the vehicle must span. The NASA Dragonfly mission is employing an integrated, multi-domain approach for system verification to address these challenges.","author":[{"family":"Robbins","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Vaughan","given":"Robin"},{"family":"Putnam","given":"Zachary"},{"family":"Mcgee","given":"Timothy"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.2514/6.2026-2529","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2026-2529","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1145/3807246.3807372","type":"article-journal","title":"Rover Localization on Extraterrestrial Surfaces Based on Aerial-Ground Obstacle Distribution Pattern Matching","abstract":"Rover localization on extraterrestrial surfaces is a prerequisite for enabling large-scale exploration. Mars 2020 (USA) mission, for the first time, carried an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of acquiring high-resolution images of the Martian surface. This allows for rover localization by matching rover images with UAV images. However, texture-poor surfaces are common on extraterrestrial surfaces, and significant perspective differences exist between UAV images and rover images, making direct matching challenging. Accordingly, this paper proposes a rover localization method based on aerial-ground obstacle distribution pattern matching. Our method establishes correspondences between rock distributions extracted from rover stereo images and UAV nadir images, computing the rover's position via the space resection algorithm. Validation on a realistic simulated lunar terrain demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed approach, achieving fine localization accuracy with a dataset containing diverse rock distributions. This distribution pattern matching strategy circumvents the limitations of traditional pixel-level matching methods and shows promise for supporting future extraterrestrial exploration missions.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Hongliang"},{"family":"Chen","given":"Fuxuan"},{"family":"Xu","given":"Xiong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1145/3807246.3807372","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1145/3807246.3807372","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc2026-132","type":"article-journal","title":"A new version of the SETI protocols: The “Declaration of principles concerning the conduct of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI): 2026 update\".","abstract":"We report on the recent update to the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) “Declaration of Principles Concerning the Conduct of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)”, long known colloquially as the ‘SETI Post-Detection Protocols’. These principles were recently adopted by the IAA Board of Trustees, and represent the culmination of a multi-year proccess of development and approval by the IAA SETI Committee (Garrett et al. 2025; Tennen et al. 2024; Oliver et al. 2023). The IAA SETI Committee has, since the 1980s, developed guiding principles for the scientific community’s conduct in the event of the possible detection of extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). The original Declaration of Principles Concerning Activities Following the Detection of Extraterrestrial Intelligence, adopted in 1989, established a voluntary framework for best practices in verification, information sharing, public transparency. and international consultation. It received broad recognition from the international scientific community. This document, along with the complementary 1995 Draft Declaration of Principles Concerning the Sending of Communications to Extraterrestrial Intelligence, was also presented to UNCOPUOS in 2000. In 2010, a streamlined update of the 1989 Declaration with a modified title, The Declaration of Principles Concerning the Conduct of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, was adopted by the IAA SETI Committee. Subsequently, the rapid change in the communications landscape, plus significant developments in SETI science – including the diversification of technosignature searches beyond classic radio SETI – meant that further revision was soon needed (Denning et al. 2019).In 2022, the IAA SETI Committee established a Task Group to update the 2010 Declaration, with the aim of preserving the enduring values of earlier documents while making them relevant to the realities of twenty-first century science, media, and public engagement. This process has been informed by historical precedent, evolving scientific practice, and extensive community consultation. The new Declaration of Principles Concerning the Conduct of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) – 2026 Update was approved by the IAA SETI Committee in a vote conducted in Dec 2025 - Jan 2026, with a very high approval rate among voters.This 2026 Declaration of Principles maintains longstanding emphases on verification and transparency, and also includes: a broadened scope to encompass a range of potential technosignatures; an expanded Preamble which anticipates the creation of supplementary Best Practices (including guidance concerning safety for researchers, and best practices in science and risk communication); delineation of the responsibilities of scientists and their institutions; and specific acknowledgement of the need for post-detection-focused research collaboration with interdisciplinary experts in science &amp; risk communication, social science, ethics, and law. Further, no transmissions should be sent in response to a confirmed detection without UN-level international consultations.","author":[{"family":"Garrett","given":"Michael"},{"family":"Denning","given":"Kathryn"},{"family":"Tennen","given":"Les"},{"family":"Oliver","given":"Carol"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc2026-132","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc2026-132","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110580","type":"article-journal","title":"Flotation of rare earth minerals from Italian granite waste: mineralogy, reagent evaluation and process optimization","abstract":"The recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from secondary sources is increasingly important for strengthening the European supply chain and reducing the environmental impact of primary mining. This study evaluates the potential of froth flotation to upgrade rare earth minerals (REMs) from Italian granite wastes, besides exploring alternative reagents beyond those traditionally employed for REM flotation. Three feed materials derived from magnetic pre-concentrates and grinding fines were characterised using TIMA-X automated mineralogy, which revealed contrasting liberation and association patterns of the REE bearing phases: monazite and xenotime are fine-grained and well liberated, whereas allanite-bearing particles are coarser, more poorly liberated, and strongly intergrown with biotite and chlorite gangue. Batch flotation tests conducted in a 2 L Outotec GTK cell assessed the influence of reagent selection, pH, temperature, and regrinding. Nouryon’s glycinate-type collector Atrac 922 delivered the best combination of grade and recovery at pH 8 and 9. Controlled regrinding (20 min) significantly enhanced mineral liberation and TREEs grade, although overgrinding (40 min) and excessive ultrafine generation reduced concentrate purity and selectivity due to entrainment, despite yielding TREEs recoveries up to 85 %. Grinding fines exhibited superior flotation performance compared to magnetic concentrates, driven by finer grain sizes and better liberation of monazite and xenotime. Overall, the results demonstrate that flotation can effectively complement magnetic separation for rare earth minerals beneficiation from granite wastes. However, substantial REE losses − likely related to the surface chemistry and behaviour of allanite − highlight the need for tailored reagent strategies, optimised size reduction, and improved understanding of the mineralogical impacts on flotation performance.","author":[{"family":"Gioiello","given":"Silvia"},{"family":"Hoang","given":"Duong"},{"family":"Rudolph","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Santoro","given":"Licia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110580","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110580","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.10.029","type":"article-journal","title":"Structures for extraterrestrial habitat: A review","abstract":"Space exploration has long captured the human imagination, yet humans have spent only a few cumulative days beyond Earth’s surface during the Apollo program. As today’s missions aim to stay longer on the Moon and Mars, the need for reliable, long-lasting habitation structures has become a key design challenge. Extraterrestrial habitats are engineered systems designed to support human life beyond Earth. This paper provides a multidisciplinary and design-oriented analysis of pressurized inflatable habitats for surface applications on the Moon and Mars, with particular focus on the structural and habitability requirements imposed by partial gravity. The article begins with an analysis of lunar and Martian environments and their impact on habitat design and local resource utilization. It then traces the historical development of inflatable habitats from 1952 to the present, shaped by technological and geopolitical factors. A comparative study of materials, morphology, and deployment strategies follows, while current numerical and experimental validation methods are reviewed to provide a framework for future habitat development. • Analysis of how lunar and Martian environments affect extraterrestrial pressurized habitat design. • Comprehensive historical review of pressurized inflatable habitat concepts since 1952. • Comparative assessment of rigid, flexible and in situ derived materials for space habitats. • Impact of morphology and deployment methods on habitat efficiency and load distribution. • Critical numerical and experimental validation methods for pressurized inflatable and deployable habitats.","author":[{"family":"Caiazzo","given":"Alfonso"},{"family":"Casaburo","given":"Alessandro"},{"family":"Petrone","given":"Giuseppe"},{"family":"Rosa","given":"Sergio"},{"family":"Franco","given":"Francesco"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.10.029","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.10.029","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc2026-851","type":"article-journal","title":"Supercritical Fluid Extraction of organic molecules from extraterrestrial samples: A new one-step protocol proposed","abstract":"The supercritical fluid state is reached for certain compounds at high pressure and temperature, above their critical point. Under these conditions, such fluids combine the properties of gases (high diffusivity, low viscosity) and liquids (high density, strong solvating power), making them particularly suitable for the extraction of organic molecules from complex matrices, such as extraterrestrial samples. For instance, meteorites, and especially carbonaceous chondrites, can contain up to 4% organic matter1,2. Organic compounds such as amino acids, nucleobases, sugars, and carboxylic acids, considered among the “building blocks of life”, have been reported in meteorite sample3–5. To better understand the role of meteorites in the emergence of life on Earth nearly 4 billion years ago, their molecular characterisation is therefore essential. However, organic matter, already present in low quantities in carbonaceous chondrites, is often strongly bound to the mineral matrix, making its extraction particularly challenging.Supercritical fluids therefore offer a promising approach to overcome this limitation. The widespread use of supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂), due to its relatively low critical point (74 bar and 31 °C), as well as its availability, non-toxicity, non-flammability, and easy removal upon depressurisation, makes supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) a green chemistry technique6. In addition, scCO₂, commonly used for the extraction of non-polar compounds, can be mixed with polar co-solvents such as methanol, ethanol, dichloromethane, acetonitrile, or water to enable the simultaneous extraction of polar compounds. Moreover, recent instrumental developments allow the mixing of co-solvents with scCO₂ upstream of the sample, making it possible to generate co-solvent mixtures, gradients, and extraction sequences without intermediate sample handling, thereby reducing the risk of contamination. These advances over the past decades make SFE a promising alternative to more conventional extraction methods. It often provides comparable or higher recovery yields7–10, while overcoming common drawbacks such as high temperatures and pressures, multistep protocols, the use of toxic or polluting solvents, and contamination risks.In the context of astrobiology, SFE is particularly well suited for complex and valuable samples, as it is a semi-destructive technique that preserves the mineral matrix after extraction of soluble compounds, while providing efficient extraction and a low risk of contamination. Although astrobiology emerged in the late 1950s, this technique has only begun to be explored in this field over the past three decades11–15, especially for sample return or meteoritic samples. In this study, we focus on meteoritic samples by investigating the capabilities of SFE considering recent developments, particularly the possibility of implementing a one-step protocol with successive co-solvent mixtures or gradients within a 2 mL sample cell, a more realistic volume given the limited availability of meteoritic material. To develop our protocol, we first optimise the large number of parameters using a meteoritic analogue. Using methanol as a co-solvent, an initial screening of the system was performed by focusing on the four most influential parameters (pressure, temperature, static extraction time, and methanol/scCO₂ ratio), allowing us to explore the parameter space with only 19 experiments using a full factorial design. Finally, considering that different molecules are extracted under different conditions, we aim to optimise the protocol using co-solvent gradients to develop a single extraction workflow capable of efficiently targeting multiple molecular classes through successive extraction steps. We will present the first results obtained from this optimisation and compare them with classical extraction methods. Botta, O. &amp; Bada, J. L. Extraterrestrial Organic Compounds in Meteorites. Surveys in Geophysics 23, 411–467 (2002).Sco","author":[{"family":"Bouhier","given":"Brieuc"},{"family":"Bourmancé","given":"Lucas"},{"family":"Stalport","given":"Fabien"},{"family":"Cottin","given":"Hervé"},{"family":"Azémard","given":"Clara"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc2026-851","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc2026-851","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.2514/6.2026-0073","type":"article-journal","title":"Advancing Pool Boiling Bubble Growth and Detachment for Extraterrestrial Applications Through Parabolic Flight Testing","abstract":"To enable sustained human operations on the Moon and Mars, a deeper understanding of two-phase fluid behavior in reduced gravity is essential, particularly bubble dynamics during nucleate boiling. A parabolic flight campaign was conducted to investigate bubble growth and detachment under Lunar (1/6 g) and Martian (1/3 g) gravities. Heated stainless-steel coupons with varied surface treatments—polished, roughened, structured, and coated—were submerged in FLUTEC-PP1 to induce and observe nucleate boiling. High-speed imaging combined with machine learning-based image analysis showed that reduced gravity significantly increased bubble size, with bubbles in Lunar and Martian gravities reaching approximately 2× and 1.5× the size of those in Earth gravity, respectively. Surface morphology was found to influence bubble mobility, bubble detachment diameter, and total gas generation. These findings underscore the importance of surface design optimization, not only in thermal management systems but also in non-thermal technologies, such as electrochemical reactors, where efficient bubble removal and surface wetting is critical to performance.","author":[{"family":"Hoffman","given":"Eugene"},{"family":"Gordon","given":"Emilio"},{"family":"Nelson","given":"Seth"},{"family":"Whizin","given":"Akbar"},{"family":"Green","given":"Steven"},{"family":"Supak","given":"Kevin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.2514/6.2026-0073","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2026-0073","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.spacepol.2025.101722","type":"article-journal","title":"Who speaks for extraterrestrial ecosystems?: Why ET should have standing","abstract":"Christopher Stone's pioneering 1972 paper “Should Trees Have Standing?” proposed legal rights and standing for the environment under a guardianship model. In the decades since, the growing Rights of Nature movement has demonstrated the prescience of Stone's ideas. As humanity ventures into a new era of growing astrobiological research, and with increasing interest in commercial space development, the time is right to reimagine legal frameworks to acknowledge and safeguard the rights of extraterrestrial ecosystems. Building on Stone's argument, we propose that the legal system should recognise the interests of extraterrestrial life and its environments in line with his guardianship model. Several ways in which current law can be made to accommodate such recognition are suggested, for example through existing doctrines of international environmental law, including the ecosystems approach used in the Convention on Biodiversity. We examine the efficacy of the Rights of Nature movement and its role in promoting legal guardianship models to protect nature's interests, and call for engagement of environmental groups with key space governance bodies such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) or the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). We conclude that shifting the focus of current law and governance from an anthropocentric to an ecocentric perspective will allow non-human interests to gain voice in decision making, expanding Stone's circle of rights beyond Earth.","author":[{"family":"Puranen","given":"Emma"},{"family":"Donovan","given":"John"},{"family":"Ajevski","given":"Marjan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.spacepol.2025.101722","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2025.101722","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109884","type":"article-journal","title":"Identifying opportunities for the selective flocculation-flotation of fine valuable minerals: A techno-economic analysis","abstract":"Selective flocculation-flotation represents a potential approach for overcoming some of the challenges associated with fine particle recovery during froth flotation. To identify key opportunities and limitations for the implementation of selective flocculation-flotation, this work presents a techno-economic analysis of its application with the use of three reference plants: the Mt. Keith nickel plant, Los Colorados (Escondida) copper concentrator, and Fresnillo lead mine. Three main scenarios were examined: direct addition of flocculant to the existing flotation circuit; split flotation, where the fines are treated by flocculation-flotation while coarser particles are treated conventionally following size separation; and reprocessing of fine tailings . Since direct addition treats the entire flotation feed, it is usually the least viable option, while other approaches are more suitable for focusing on the challenging fines. Reprocessing of fines tailings provides the highest potential value when there are substantial fines losses, especially if the mill product is deslimed and discarded. Split flotation is the general best option, due to reduced throughput and hence reagent costs, and appeared viable at a modest 1 – 2% improvement in overall recovery. The inclusion of an additional cleaning circuit for the purpose of upgrading the product was considered, and in most viable cases flocculation-flotation remained profitable. Conversely, non-commercial flocculants for improved mineral selectivity should only be considered if the potential improvement is large. Sensitivity analysis showed significant gains with an increase in the proportion of fines, suggesting that selective flocculation-flotation can potentially become more economically favourable as more complex ores are treated in the future.","author":[{"family":"Ng","given":"Wei"},{"family":"Thomas","given":"Casey"},{"family":"Forbes","given":"Elizaveta"},{"family":"Verster","given":"Isabella"},{"family":"Franks","given":"George"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109884","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109884","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110311","type":"article-journal","title":"A systematic review of hydrometallurgical processes for lithium extraction from hard rock minerals, with a focus on enhanced utilisation of Delithiated Residues","abstract":"• A first review integrating lithium extraction routes with solid residue valorisation. • 10 to 15 tonnes of solid waste generated per tonne of lithium carbonate produced. • Sulfate and amorphous phase content govern the pozzolanic reactivity of leach residue. • 10–30% residue in concrete improves durability and long-term strength. • Extraction routes determine residue safety; fluorine and sulfate need strict control. Due to surging global demand for batteries and renewable energy technologies, lithium extraction from hard-rock lithium deposits has become a critical challenge. Conventional extraction processing involves high-temperature roasting, which is energy-intensive and generates large volumes of solid residues and heavy metal mobilisation, indicating the need for alternative efficient techniques. This systematic review paper, using the PRISMA guidelines, covers recent advances in hydrometallurgical lithium extraction processing from common hard-rock lithium ores such as spodumene, lepidolite, petalite, amblygonite, and zinnwaldite. The study investigates a range of processes, including acid and alkaline roasting, sulfation, chlorination, carbonation, fluorination, and emerging solvent leaching techniques, highlighting optimal reaction conditions to achieve higher lithium extraction efficiency. In addition, this work addresses valorisation of valuable by-products as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete, geopolymers, zeolites, ceramics, and road construction. By linking optimised extraction routes with efficient waste utilisation, this comprehensive review addresses key knowledge gaps and offers a coherent perspective on integrating lithium extraction with circular economy practices. Characterisation of leaching residues is also investigated for a better understanding of viable process adjustments to minimise environmental impacts. This review paper sheds insight into future research directions and supports the development of more sustainable industrial lithium extraction processes.","author":[{"family":"Fallahzadeh","given":"Maryam"},{"family":"Nikoloski","given":"Aleksandar"},{"family":"Chua","given":"Hui"},{"family":"Karrech","given":"Ali"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110311","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110311","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110704","type":"article-journal","title":"Advancing coarse particle flotation: how the NovaCell™ overcomes liberation challenges","abstract":"For the successful recovery of coarse and composite particles by flotation, it is crucial to prevent or limit particle detachment. In conventional flotation machines, the strong hydrodynamic forces essential for bubble-particle collisions and attachment frequently lead to unintended detachment. The likelihood of detachment increases as particle size increases and as fractional surface liberation decreases. The NovaCell™ seeks to overcome this problem by using two distinct recovery zones that target coarse and fine particles separately, the former being achieved using a quiescent fluidized bed. Recent NovaCell™ studies have observed improved recovery efficiency at coarser grind sizes when compared to conventional flotation machines ( Morgan et al., 2024 ). This is thought to result from decreased detachment of valuable particles with low surface liberation within the fluidized bed. Experiments were undertaken on a run-of-mine ore using the NovaCell™ and a mechanical cell. The NovaCell™ achieved greater copper recovery compared to the mechanical cell, especially at particle sizes above 100 µm. To explore this further, mineral liberation analysis was conducted on the NovaCell™ products. The flotation response for each size fraction and liberation class was determined, finding effective copper recovery across all size fractions with fractional surface liberation as low as 10 %.","author":[{"family":"Cooper","given":"Lonn"},{"family":"Jameson","given":"Graeme"},{"family":"Morgan","given":"Sherwin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110704","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110704","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110766","type":"article-journal","title":"Critical minerals in Australian coal by-products: Rare earth elements (REEs) in fly ash and Sydney-Gunnedah Basin thickener underflows","abstract":"Coal by-products are emerging as potential sources of critical minerals, yet limited research has characterised such materials in Australia. This study quantified 54 metals in tailings from 10 coal handling and preparation plants (CHPPs) in New South Wales (NSW) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and synchrotron micro x-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) were used to identify trace phases. Average REE concentrations are comparable to the upper continental crust (UCC), with a Southern Coalfield sample containing the highest total REE concentration, hosted in monazite, xenotime, and zircon. Several samples were enriched in Ga, Li, Mo, Ni, and Sb, whereas Ge and Mg were consistently depleted. MREE enrichment is more pronounced in samples from the Southern and Western Coalfields relative to those from the Hunter and Newcastle Coalfields, reflecting distinct REE sources across the basin. Coal tailings calcined at 480 °C showed high REE extraction efficiencies for lighter REEs of ∼ 80 %, decreasing progressively to ∼ 30 % for Lu. Although Australian fly ashes contain comparably high total REE concentrations, extraction efficiencies are lower than those for the thickener underflows. This is attributed to the conversion of LREE-bearing phases to more acid-soluble forms during calcination, and the likely association of REEs with refractory aluminosilicate glass phases in fly ash, limiting acid leaching efficiency. Results demonstrate that Australian coal by-products are viable secondary sources of critical minerals, with recoverability governed by host phase and processing pathway.","author":[{"family":"Palozzi","given":"Jason"},{"family":"Bailey","given":"Judy"},{"family":"Reinhardt","given":"Juliane"},{"family":"Stanger","given":"Rohan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110766","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110766","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min16050551","type":"article-journal","title":"Probabilistic Modeling of Lateritic Nickel Mineral Resources","abstract":"Lateritic nickel deposits exhibit complex weathering-driven geometries, strong vertical variability, and complex multivariate geochemical relationships. These characteristics challenge conventional deterministic resource modeling. This paper presents a unified probabilistic workflow for lateritic nickel mineral resource modeling that integrates lithology and grade simulation within a consistent geostatistical framework. The methodology combines unfolding, plurigaussian simulation, multivariate imputation of incomplete datasets, projection pursuit multivariate transformation (PPMT) for decorrelation, and conditional simulation using the Turning Bands algorithm. Application to an Indonesian lateritic nickel deposit demonstrates reproduction of lithological proportions, spatial continuity, marginal distributions, and complex multivariate relationships. The proposed workflow enables explicit quantification of geological and grade uncertainty, providing a basis for uncertainty assessment in recoverable resource estimation and supporting downstream applications such as resource classification and drillhole spacing analysis.","author":[{"family":"Rolo","given":"Roberto"},{"family":"Arief","given":"Jafar"},{"family":"Yuminti","given":"Selvi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min16050551","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min16050551","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110086","type":"article-journal","title":"Gaussian process modelling of an industrial flotation bank","abstract":"A control-oriented Gaussian process regression (GPR) model of froth flotation is developed and compared to a previously developed parametric model. The model aims to predict the behaviour of froth flotation, taking into consideration which state variables are available from measurements: air recovery, top of froth bubble size, and pulp level. The framework encodes prior knowledge of a published flotation model. Each state is modelled using a separate GP, with a custom covariance function whose form is given by the flotation model. These kernels capture the interaction between the relevant state variables and manipulated variables. The model aims to balance the complexity required to explain such a complex process with the uncertainty of its instrumentation. To evaluate the ability of the GPR model to capture the process dynamics, the GP model is assessed using an industrial data set, demonstrating its capacity to improve the performance of state prediction. The purpose of the GPR model is to enable supervisory and advanced model-based control.","author":[{"family":"Lindqvist","given":"Johan"},{"family":"Atta","given":"Khalid"},{"family":"Roux","given":"JDL"},{"family":"Johansson","given":"Andreas"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110086","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110086","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min16040382","type":"article-journal","title":"Simplified Data Analysis for Electrical Resistance Tomography: Application to Hydrocyclones","abstract":"Data acquired from a processing system using industrial-scale electrical resistance tomography (ERT) could provide valuable information on the operational performance of hydrocyclones. Tomography images of hydrocyclones, in general, are used to analyze operational parameters, but their analysis may not be fast enough to capture transient changes or provide clear phase boundaries between the object of interest and the medium. In such cases, one of the alternative approaches is to utilize least-squares modeling of the raw data to interpret transient changes, which is relatively faster and more efficient. In hindsight, this method may not be able to identify the location of the object of interest. In this paper, a new data analysis approach to estimate transient changes in the disturbance and a simplified conductivity matrix to estimate the location of the disturbance are considered. The conductivities measured across a cross-section were used to calculate the size of the disturbance. The disturbance’s position with respect to the cross-section was estimated using a simplified reconstruction of the conductivity matrix. In both cases, the same conductivity matrix was used. Several fundamental ERT experiments with different disturbance sizes were carried out to establish a suitable algorithm that could identify the disturbance. The analysis method presented in this paper can provide a basis to further explore an additional approach to analyze the performance of the hydrocyclone. The estimated radius of the disturbance was overlaid on an actual cross-section to infer the position with respect to the cross-section of the system. An attempt was also made to develop an empirical relationship that can estimate the effective size of the disturbance. The paper also discusses some implementation and practical challenges that need to be addressed for us to gain confidence in the proposed analysis method.","author":[{"family":"Khanal","given":"Manoj"},{"family":"Jokovic","given":"Vladimir"},{"family":"Cottrill","given":"Travis"},{"family":"Revell","given":"Paul"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min16040382","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min16040382","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min16020159","type":"article-journal","title":"Advances in Magnetic and Electromagnetic Technique Interpretation","abstract":"Magnetic and electromagnetic techniques have been applied successfully to mineral exploration discovery. Both techniques rely on inferring the distribution of subsurface physical properties based on ground, airborne or borehole field measurements. Consequently, interpretation methods relating field measurements to underground physical properties are key to geophysical method success. Over the last 15 years, with the evolution of computer processing techniques, interpretation methods have matured and have seen numerous developments, from approximate interpretation to 3D inversion. The recent study of the scientific literature on magnetic and electromagnetic interpretation followed by an analysis of the distribution of the publication of these studies publication (and the citation numbers quoted) outline the research on these topics. The majority of studies are on electromagnetism, with an emphasis on numerical modeling, approximations, superparamagnetism, and induced polarization. In magnetics, the most popular studies were on remanence magnetization inversion and Euler deconvolution. Studies applicable to both methods involved 3D inversion, artificial intelligence, and open-source software. The number of citations reveals a different picture than the number of publications, where the same categories are present but magnetic study citations dominate, indicating in general a time lag of 10 years. The results of this review may help direct future research in these areas.","author":[{"family":"Vallée","given":"Marc"},{"family":"Moussaoui","given":"Mouhamed"},{"family":"Khan","given":"Khorram"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min16020159","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min16020159","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109849","type":"article-journal","title":"Development and validation of artificial intelligence models to predict standard comminution parameters","abstract":"Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing scientific progress in various fields and has even been recognized with a Nobel Prize in Physics. This development is being applied to many areas of the mining sector, including machine learning applied to predict rock strength parameters using geochemical and mineralogical data. The Geopyörä breakage test measures energy and force during rock fracture, with additional metrics obtained through sieving and specific gravity tests, which are later applied to mathematical models. In this work, Deep Neural Networks (DNN) were trained on raw test data to predict comminution parameters, bypassing the need for direct mathematical equations while enhancing accuracy by allowing the model to adapt to observed data patterns. This paper presents the development of machine learning models for predicting comminution parameters and provides a statistical validation of the results, comparing outputs to the industry-standard SMC Drop Weight Index (DWI) and Bond Ball Mill Work Index (BWI) tests.","author":[{"family":"Bueno","given":"Marcos"},{"family":"Lara","given":"Leonardo"},{"family":"Almeida","given":"Thiago"},{"family":"Powell","given":"Malcolm"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109849","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109849","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110392","type":"article-journal","title":"Flash calcination of fine spodumene concentrate in the Calix reactor","abstract":"A spodumene concentrate containing 6.0% Li2O with a size range of 90% passing 200 μm was calcined in a Calix reactor, a new type of flash calcination reactor, between 1050°C and 1120°C converting up to 88% of the α-spodumene to β-/γ-spodumene. In this reactor, powdered material falls through a heated, vertical shaft. Rapid conversion of α-spodumene to β-/γ-spodumene was achieved using this new furnace, though multiple passes, up to four were needed to achieve good conversion percentages. When two different size fractions, -106 μm and +106 μm were treated under the same conditions (one pass, 1100°C) there was minimal difference in the extent of conversion. Calcination led to an increase in surface area, a decrease in density, and a change in particle size distribution. The unit-cell expansion that occurs during the phase change from α- to β-/γ-spodumene resulted in an increase in the top-size of the particles, but the stresses from uneven expansion caused cracking and fragmentation of the spodumene which increased the amount of fines present. In the intermediate stages of conversion, this resulted in an increase in surface area as the particles become covered in cracks. Acid baking/water leaching of the calcined samples was performed using a standard set of conditions: 180% stoichiometric acid requirement, 250°C for 1 h followed by 2 h of leaching in water at 50°C. Lithium extractions correlated closely with the extent of spodumene conversion of the calcined samples as measured by chemical and XRD methods. Preliminary results showed that separation of α- from β-/γ-spodumene is possible by gravity-separation, which presents an opportunity to further optimise the technology by separating the converted material, though more work is needed to develop this into an effective separation process.","author":[{"family":"Gilligan","given":"Rorie"},{"family":"Wells","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Boot-Hanford","given":"Matthew"},{"family":"Nikoloski","given":"Aleksandar"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110392","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110392","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109830","type":"article-journal","title":"Weathering processes and critical minerals distribution in VMS tailings from Storwartz, Norway","abstract":"• Storwartz tailings contain up to 10 wt% sulfides in unoxidized zones. • Stratigraphic heterogeneity reflects deposition and hydrological controls. • Critical metals (Cu, Zn, Co) persist in deeper, unweathered tailings layers. • Low volume and poor mineral liberation hinder reprocessing feasibility. Historical mining activities have left behind substantial amount of sulfidic mine tailings that present major environmental and human health risks. These tailings were disposed of using inadequate disposal practices. A thorough understanding of the chemical and mineralogical composition of these tailings is crucial for assessing their environmental impact and devising effective remediation strategies. This knowledge can help transform these tailings from waste into valuable secondary resources. The historical Storwartz mine tailings are located in the prolific Røros mining district, Norway with over 300 years of mining history and are part of a UNESCO heritage site. The tailings result from flotation of volcanic-hosted massive sulfide (VMS) ores from the beginning of the 20th century and were disposed indiscriminately near the processing plant. This has resulted in extensive weathering of the tailings and decades of acid rock drainage seeping into the lake Djupsjøen several kilometers downstream. This study, focusing on the mineralogy, explores the alterations and current composition of the tailings including their content of critical raw materials and models the basic processes impacting the composition as a result of low temperature weathering. Results show that the tailings have a highly variable composition in 1 m intervals of push core samples. Economically important elements such as zinc, copper, and cobalt reach concentrations of up to 2.8 wt%, 0.5 wt%, and 145 ppm respectively. For environmentally concerning elements, lead is present at concentrations of up to 2470 ppm in some samples. Mineralogically, the tailings are predominantly composed of quartz and chamosite (up to 70 wt% of modal mineralogy), with minor amounts of albite, k-feldspar, biotite, garnet and sulfides. Sulfide minerals, including pyrrhotite, pyrite, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite, are restricted to the deeper, unoxidized layers of the tailings, with notable enrichment at the transition zone between oxidized and unoxidized tailings in the cores. This mineralogical zonation reflects progressive sulfide oxidation, carbonate dissolution and silicates consumption driven by fluctuating redox conditions and water table dynamics. While it is unlikely that the Storwartz mine tailings will be reprocessed due to their modest volume (less than 1 Mt) and UNESCO heritage status, the knowledge gained from this study provides valuable insights into the mineralogy and post-production history of tailings worldwide. On a global scale, our study demonstrates the environmental impact and the potential revalorization of unsupervised historical tailing deposits.","author":[{"family":"Malafeevskiy","given":"Nikita"},{"family":"Kongssund","given":"Eilif"},{"family":"Larsen","given":"Rune"},{"family":"Aasly","given":"Kurt"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109830","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109830","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109895","type":"article-journal","title":"Comments On: Impact assessment and optimization of REFLUX flotation cell (RFC) primary settings on copper sulfide ore flotation (Guner and Kowalczuk, Minerals Engineering, 233, 109653, 2025)","abstract":"• The Reflux Flotation Cell permits decoupling of gas and liquid fluxes. • The external volume fraction of the froth can be set to a high level of 0.85. • A high bias flux can then be applied to produce a clean concentrate. • Alternatively, the system can be operated as a rougher cell. Recently Galvin wrote a letter to the editor of Minerals Engineering concerning the recent publication titled “Impact assessment and optimization of REFLUX flotation cell (RFC) primary settings on copper sulfide ore flotation”. The authors of the paper, Gunder and Kowalczuk, later responded with their own letter to the editor. Following direct discussion between the parties, it was mutually agreed to communicate a join letter to the editor. Guner and Kowalczuk (2025) reported on a study aimed at optimising the performance of the Reflux Flotation Cell, applying the Design of Experiment (DOE) method. It was noted that the RFC is a novel flotation device designed to recover and concentrate hydrophobic minerals. Galvin contended the DOE optimisation was conducted outside the operating domain in which the RFC achieves its characteristic high-level cleaning, even for a rougher feed. He noted the external volume fraction of the foam leaving the RFC can be controlled and ideally constrained to ϕ e ∼ 0.85. The optimum condition reported by Guner and Kowalczuk, however, corresponded to a much lower value of ϕ e = 0.6, resulting in wetter foam carrying more entrained gangue. Guner and Kowalczuk were aware of the external volume fraction boundary condition but were motivated by the need to optimize the RFC as a rougher flotation, while Galvin is motivated by the need to reduce the complexity of flowsheets by focussing on single stage separators that can deliver simultaneous rougher and cleaner flotation, even with significant feed fluxes. This letter draws an important distinction between these two diverse motivations, offering a clearer perspective for the literature.","author":[{"family":"Galvin","given":"KP"},{"family":"Guner","given":"Mustafa"},{"family":"Kowalczuk","given":"Pshem"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109895","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109895","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min16030319","type":"article-journal","title":"Molecular Modeling of Arsenic Species Adsorption on Clay Minerals and in the Presence of Organic Matter","abstract":"Arsenic (As) contamination of soils is a critical environmental and geochemical concern, with its mobility and bioavailability largely controlled by molecular-scale interactions with soil minerals. This study investigates the adsorption behavior of arsenate [As(V)] and arsenious acid [As(III)] on major clay minerals to elucidate fundamental controls on As retention in soil and sediment systems. Molecular modeling approaches were employed to investigate these interactions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on cluster models of illite, chlorite, montmorillonite, and kaolinite to evaluate adsorption configurations and binding energies of arsenate and arsenious acid. In addition, semiempirical (PM6) and classical force-field (UFF) methods were used to examine the influence of vermicompost-derived organic matter on arsenate-mineral interactions. Multiple adsorption configurations, including atop atom, bridge, three-fold filled, and three-fold hollow sites, were evaluated, and binding energies were calculated with correction for basis set superposition error. The results indicate that three-fold hollow sites are the most favorable, with As(V) binding energies of 60–65 kcal mol−1 on illite, chlorite, and montmorillonite, reaching 75 kcal mol−1 on kaolinite at a surface distance of 2.7 Å. In contrast, As(III) shows weaker and energetically flatter adsorption, with binding energies of 28–54 kcal mol−1 and larger equilibrium distances of 3.2–4.0 Å. Modeling of vermicompost addition suggests a substantial reduction in arsenate binding on most clay minerals, except illite, indicating competitive or disruptive interactions at mineral surfaces. These findings provide quantitative, atomistic insight into mineral- and amendment-specific controls on As stabilization and mobility in soil and sediment systems.","author":[{"family":"Sengupta","given":"Sudip"},{"family":"Bhattacharyya","given":"Kallol"},{"family":"Mandal","given":"Jajati"},{"family":"Chattopadhyay","given":"Asoke"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min16030319","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030319","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min16080815","type":"article-journal","title":"Structure of Natural Hexacelsian","abstract":"For the first time, the structure of natural hexacelsian, BaAl2Si2O8, a polymorph of celsian and paracelsian, has been refined. Hexacelsian was found in rankinite-bearing paralava near Mount Ye’elim in the northern part of the large Hatrurim Complex pyrometamorphic rock area (Hatrurim Basin) in the Negev Desert, Israel. It associates with Ba-bearing minerals such as barioferrite, walstromite, gurimite and the potentially new mineral BaCa2Mg(SiO4)2, forming small isolated aggregates between the rock-forming minerals. These rock-forming minerals are represented by gehlenite, rankinite, wollastonite and schorlomite. The structure was refined for a hexacelsian grain measuring 0.039 × 0.026 × 0.016 mm with the composition (Ba1.01K0.05Na0.01Ca0.01)Σ1.08(Si1.96Al1.91Fe3+0.11)Σ3.98O8 to R1 = 3%. Natural hexacelsian with P63/mcm symmetry and unit cell parameters of a = 5.2973(4) Å, c = 15.6068(10) Å, γ = 120°, and V = 379.28(6) Å3 is an analogue of synthetic low-temperature α-hexacelsian. The hexacelsian structure (polytype 2H) is formed by double layers of tetrahedra linked by their tops and bases, which are parallel to (001). Each layer is built from hexagonal (ditrigonal) rings of tetrahedra. The tetrahedra in rings with a disordered Al/Si distribution are rotated by approximately 14.5° compared to the position of the tetrahedra in ideal hexagonal rings in the high-temperature γ-hexacelsian. Every second layer in the structure of the studied hexacelsian is rotated through 180°. The hexacelsian crystallised at temperatures above 1100 °C as a disordered, metastable γ-hexacelsian (1H). A decrease in temperature leads to the ordering of O2 sites and the formation of partially ordered α-hexacelsian (2H), which preserves the disordered distribution of Al/Si at the tetrahedra. Some of the γ-hexacelsian grains in paralava were replaced by celsian under high-temperature conditions. Under low-temperature conditions, α-hexacelsian is replaced by cymrite during the zeolitisation of pyrometamorphic rocks of the Hatrurim Complex.","author":[{"family":"Galuskin","given":"Evgeny"},{"family":"Galuskina","given":"Irina"},{"family":"Książek","given":"Maria"},{"family":"Kusz","given":"Joachim"},{"family":"Vapnik","given":"Yevgeny"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min16080815","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min16080815","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.53328/inr25abn002","type":"article-journal","title":"Critical Minerals, water insecurity, injustice","abstract":"The accelerating global demand for critical mineral, essential for electric vehicles, AI technologies, and renewable energy systems, is creating new environmental and social injustices, particularly through severe water insecurity in vulnerable regions of the Global South. While these minerals underpin global energy, digital, and sustainability transitions, their extraction often depletes and contaminates scarce water resources, disrupts livelihoods, and produces profound health disparities. These emerging “sacrifice zones” mirror the exploitative patterns of the fossil fuel era, revealing deep governance failures and widening inequalities that undermine the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Although technological advances such as Direct Lithium Extraction offer partial solutions, the core challenge is political. Without urgent reforms, the global transition risks reproducing the very injustices it seeks to resolve.","author":[{"family":"Nunbogu","given":"Abraham"},{"family":"Farsi","given":"Aria"},{"family":"Matin","given":"Mir"},{"family":"Madani","given":"Kaveh"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.53328/inr25abn002","URL":"https://doi.org/10.53328/inr25abn002","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110741","type":"article-journal","title":"Synthesis of model composite mineral particles for flotation studies: A review","abstract":"Synthetic composites are artificially generated particles with controlled mineral grain type, texture, and liberation characteristics. Initially developed as controls for stereological correction procedures, these engineered particles have since gained attention in flotation research due to their reproducible and controllable composition. By carefully selecting mineral components and controlling their assembly, synthetic composites minimise variability associated with natural ores such as inconsistent grain size distribution and complex locking texture, allowing for more reliable interpretation of flotation results. This work explores the various synthesis methods used to create composite particles for flotation applications, including mechanical blending, polymer encapsulation, and sol–gel processes. By highlighting the advantages and limitations of each method, this study aims at supporting the development of standardized, application-specific, composite particles for various flotation studies.","author":[{"family":"Nyarko","given":"Daniel"},{"family":"Zanin","given":"Massimiliano"},{"family":"Abaka-Wood","given":"George"},{"family":"Skinner","given":"William"},{"family":"Asamoah","given":"Richmond"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110741","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110741","source":"crossref"},{"id":"oa:W4383383694","type":"article-journal","title":"Peculiarities of the Extraterrestrial Basalts of the Solar System with Reference to the Exoplanet Science: a Brief Review","abstract":"—The formation of basalts is a global stage in the evolution of differentiated cosmic body (planet or asteroid) of the Solar System. The paper presents the main chemical and mineralogical features of basaltic meteorites of the SNC, HED group, angrites and lunar mare basalts based on literature data. Despite the differences in the products of basaltic volcanism on different cosmic bodies and significant compositional variations in major minerals of basaltic rocks, most of them belong to low-alkaline basalts, suggesting the prevalence of this type of rocks at least among small bodies of the Solar System. All of them are characterized by the presence of such rock-forming minerals as pyroxene, olivine, and plagioclase, and their spectral characteristics can be used to search for basalts on exoplanets. The main factors affecting the spectral characteristics of atmosphere-free bodies and larger planets with an atmosphere are shown, and the possibility of searching for products of basalt volcanism on exoplanets during future missions is considered.","author":[{"family":"Демидова","given":"СИ"},{"family":"Badyukov","given":"DD"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1134/s0016702923050038","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s0016702923050038","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4386546546","type":"article-journal","title":"Planetary biotechnospheres, biotechnosignatures and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence","abstract":"Abstract The concept of planetary intelligence as collective intelligence is used to consider possible evolutionary paths of biotechnospheres that emerge on the intersection of the technosphere with the biosphere and support coupling of the technosphere with the biosphere, thus affecting planetary evolution. In mature biotechnospheres, the intelligence of technologies and the intelligence of life forms, including engineered life forms, could act in concert to perform various tasks (e.g. monitoring planetary biospheres and environments; restoring planetary environments and biodiversity; steading planetary environments; providing support for space missions; terraforming cosmic objects). Space exploration can expand biotechnospheres beyond planets and create cosmic ecosystems encompassing planets and other cosmic objects; biotechnospheres, spacecraft and the environments of near-planetary, interplanetary space or interstellar space. Humankind, other civilizations or their intelligent machines may produce biotechnosignatures (i.e. observables and artefacts of biotechnospheres) in the Solar System and beyond. I propose ten possible biotechnosignatures and strategies for the search for these biotechnosignatures in situ and over interstellar distances. For example, if a non-human advanced civilization existed and built biotechnospheres on Earth in the past, its biotechnospheres could use engineered bacteria and the descendants of that bacteria could currently exist on Earth and have properties pertaining to the functions of the ancient bacteria in the biotechnospheres (such properties are proposed and discussed); intelligent technologies created by the ancient civilization could migrate to the Solar System's outer regions (possible scenarios of their migration and their technosignatures and biotechnosignatures are discussed); these two scenarios are described as the Cosmic Descendants hypothesis. Interstellar asteroids, free-floating planets, spacecraft and objects gravitationally bound to flyby stars might carry extraterrestrial biotechnospheres and pass through the Solar System. In connection to the fate of post-main-sequence stars and their Oort clouds, the probability for interstellar asteroids to carry biotechnospheres or to be interstellar spacecraft is estimated as very low.","author":[{"family":"Romanovskaya","given":"Irina"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1017/s1473550423000204","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1017/s1473550423000204","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4389264000","type":"article-journal","title":"A Survey on Extraterrestrial Habitation Structures with a Focus on Energy-Saving 3D Printing Techniques","abstract":"In the past two decades, various space agencies have shown great enthusiasm for constructing habitable structures on lunar and Martian surfaces. Consequently, several extraterrestrial structures have been proposed by different researchers. Nevertheless, only a small number of those structures are energy-efficient and cost-effective. In this research, a comprehensive review of the proposed extraterrestrial structures has been conducted. The objective is to evaluate different habitat construction techniques from technical, economic, and energy-consumption perspectives. To carry this out, different proposed structures are elaborated, and their advantages and limitations are discussed. The primary focus is on the 3D printing technique, which has demonstrated significant potential in automated manufacturing tasks. From the conducted research, it was found that the combination of 3D-printed components along with an internal breathable inflatable module is the most promising technique for habitat development on the Moon and Mars. Moreover, the microwave sintering method was identified as the most energy-saving and reliable approach for melting the on-site regolith for use in the 3D printing process. This survey has applied a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the most energy-saving planetary construction techniques that are economically crucial for different private or government-funded space agencies.","author":[{"family":"Khalilidermani","given":"Mitra"},{"family":"Knez","given":"Dariusz"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/app132312913","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312913","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403783623","type":"manuscript","title":"Self-sustaining living habitats in extraterrestrial environments","abstract":"Standard definitions of habitability assume that life requires the presence of planetary gravity wells to stabilize liquid water and regulate surface temperature. Here the consequences of relaxing this assumption are evaluated. Temperature, pressure, volatile loss, radiation levels and nutrient availability all appear to be surmountable obstacles to the survival of photosynthetic life in space or on celestial bodies with thin atmospheres. Biologically generated barriers capable of transmitting visible radiation, blocking ultraviolet, and sustaining temperature gradients of 25-100 K and pressure differences of 10 kPa against the vacuum of space can allow habitable conditions between 1 and 5 astronomical units in the solar system. Hence ecosystems capable of generating conditions for their own survival are physically plausible, given the known capabilities of biological materials on Earth. Biogenic habitats for photosynthetic life in extraterrestrial environments would have major benefits for human life support and sustainability in space. Because the evolution of life elsewhere may have followed very different pathways from on Earth, living habitats could also exist outside traditional habitable environments around other stars, where they would have unusual but potentially detectable biosignatures.","author":[{"family":"Wordsworth","given":"Robin"},{"family":"Cockell","given":"C"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.48550/arxiv.2409.14477","URL":"https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2409.14477","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-9741710/v1","type":"article-journal","title":"AI-Driven Autonomous Dust Mitigation for Extraterrestrial Solar Panels:  A Closed-Loop Framework Integrating Edge-AI, Reinforcement Learning,  and Electrodynamic Dust Shielding","abstract":"Abstract Reliable solar power is essential for sustained lunar and Martian surfaceoperations, yet lunar dust poses one of the most severe threats to photovoltaicperformance. Apollo missions recorded up to 16% power loss within one year, whilelaboratory tests show approximately 40% degradation at only 2 mg/cm\\((^{2})\\) dustcoverage. Although the Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) achieved greater than 90%removal efficiency during the Blue Ghost Mission 1 lunar demonstration in March 2025,all current implementations operate in open-loop mode without real-time sensing oradaptive control. This paper presents a fully closed-loop AI-driven framework thataddresses this critical gap. The proposed architecture integrates four modules:(1) an edge-deployed MobileNetV3-Small convolutional neural network for real-timespatial dust density mapping, (2) multi-sensor environmental context aggregation,(3) a Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) reinforcement learning agent that optimizescleaning decisions via a formally defined multi-objective reward function, and(4) zone-selective EDS actuation. We provide the complete Markov Decision Processformulation, including realistic state transition dynamics for dust accumulation, EDScleaning efficiency, and electrode wear. A physics-based simulation environmentimplementing the full MDP was developed, and PPO agents were trained under threereward function configurations---energy-maximizing, balanced, andefficiency-maximizing---to study the effect of reward hyperparameters on learnedcleaning strategies. The balanced PPO agent achieved 299.1 kWh cumulative energy perlunar day, outperforming all fixed-interval and threshold-based baselines, whilereducing cleaning events by 58% relative to the energy-maximizing agent with only0.9% energy loss. This reward function ablation demonstrates that hyperparametertuning steers the RL agent toward Pareto-optimal strategies that jointly optimizeenergy recovery, cleaning frequency, and electrode longevity. A parametric EnergyPayback Ratio (EPR) analysis across three dust accumulation rates confirms robustlyenergy-positive operation (EPR of 5--74 depending on conditions). A two-phasevalidation methodology combining simulation with laboratory testing using lunarregolith simulant is presented. This framework enables sustained high-performancesolar arrays, directly supporting long-duration Artemis lunar missions and futureSpace Solar Power infrastructure.","author":[{"family":"Shahin","given":"Anas"},{"family":"Kheder","given":"Rana"},{"family":"Moussa","given":"Zein"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9741710/v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9741710/v1","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.35597/2313-545x-2025-11-3-3","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy of copper slags from the Petropavlovsky plant (Severouralsk, Sverdlovsk region)","abstract":"The object of study includes the copper slags of the Petropavlovsk plant, which had been operated since 1760 to 1822 in area of an eponymous settlement, which was further transformed to town of Severouralsk (Sverdlovsk region). The composition of samples was determined using scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and X-ray spectral analysis. The slags are composed of fayalite-hedenbergite aggregates with iscorite, magnetite, glass, metallic copper, bornite, digenite (?), sphalerite and galena. Secondary mineralization includes cuprite, brochantite, barite and atacamite. The slags are a result of smelting of sphalerite-bearing chalcopyrite ores, which were extracted at the nearby Tur’ya mines and other small ore occurrences located in the vicinity of the Petropavlovsk plant.","author":[{"family":"Erokhin","given":"Yu"},{"family":"Tsyganko","given":"MV"},{"family":"Khiller","given":"VV"},{"family":"Shiryaev","given":"PB"},{"family":"Farrakhova","given":"NN"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.35597/2313-545x-2025-11-3-3","URL":"https://doi.org/10.35597/2313-545x-2025-11-3-3","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.35597/2313-545x-2024-10-4-7","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy and ore formation conditions of the Naily gold deposit (South Urals)","abstract":"The paper examines mineralogy of noble metals and ore formation conditions at the Naily gold deposit (South Urals), which is hosted in pyrite-bearing talc-carbonate, chlorite-quartz-carbonate and quartz-carbonate metasomatites after serpentinites and rocks of a gabbrodiorite-plagiogranite complex. Based on microscopic and electron microscopic studies of polished sections and heavy concentrates, it is established that native gold and Au tellurides are the major Au minerals of veins, metasomatites after intermediate and felsic intrusive rocks and foliated serpentinites. Native gold occurs as: 1) inclusions in pyrite and rarely in chalcopyrite, 2) free particles associated with non-metallic minerals, which probably fll interstitions, 3) interstitial forms in pyrite aggregates often together with chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite, and veinlets in hessite, 4) fne inclusions in tetradymite and 5) inclusions in limonite. Tellurides of noble metals include calaverite, petzite, hessite and an unidentifed Ag and Pb sulfotelluride. Silver is also incorporated in acanthite and Hg-Ag-Sb-As, Pb-Bi-Ag and Cu-Ag-Pb-Bi sulfosalts. The Ag content of free native gold is 10–16 wt. % increasing to 20–24 wt. % in native gold in pyrite and in assemblage with hessite. Altaite, coloradoite and Ni and Pd tellurides are found in assemblages similar to noble metal mineralization. The formation temperature of chlorite from ore-bearing metasomatites is 339–392 °C. Fluid inclusions in quartz, calcite and albite are homogenized at a temperature range of 162–377 °C. The eutectic temperature (–23.5 °C) is typical of NaCl-KCl-H2O system. The ice melting temperature varies from –0.5 to –3.7 °C corresponding to salinity of 0.9– 6.0 wt. % NaCl-equiv.","author":[{"family":"Smirnitskaya","given":"AD"},{"family":"Rozhkova","given":"EA"},{"family":"Belogub","given":"EV"},{"family":"Novoselov","given":"KA"},{"family":"Zabotina","given":"MV"},{"family":"Rassomakhin","given":"MA"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.35597/2313-545x-2024-10-4-7","URL":"https://doi.org/10.35597/2313-545x-2024-10-4-7","source":"crossref"},{"id":"oa:W4377140542","type":"article-journal","title":"Petro‐theology: Critical engagement with theologies of energy and extraction","abstract":"Abstract This essay serves as a more extended introduction to many of the themes, concerns, and aims of this issue. Along these lines, key terms and discourses like extractivism, energy humanities, and petroculture studies are introduced. The essay elaborates two key claims: energy has been theological (and not just techno‐scientific) and analysis of current energy concerns (including climate change) need to be theorized and addressed in relation to land. These claims call for approaches to an energy‐driven climate crisis that attend to theo‐philosophical assumptions of energy and extraction and point to the significance of energy humanities approaches. Engagement with energy and extractivism humanities leads to a call for further attention to three different areas within Christian energy ethics and Religion & Environmentalism scholarship: (1) an approach to Christian energy ethics that better accounts for the theo‐philosophical gendered, racialized, and colonial implications of energy concepts, (2) closer attention to mineralogies and geologies among ecotheologians and 3) critical assessment of convergences of creation and redemption theologies for extractive aims.","author":[{"family":"Rowe","given":"Terra"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1111/dial.12805","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/dial.12805","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403175736","type":"article-journal","title":"Trade unions, labour governance and economic upgradation in value chains","abstract":"The paper examines possible mechanisms for trade union engagement in global value chains, especially in the context of emerging human rights due diligence frameworks. By examining existing literature on value chain analysis, trade policy, and governance mechanisms, the paper tries to generate a discussion on possible methodologies and knowledge gaps on trade union intervention and decent work in global value chains. The paper examines economic and social upgradation pathways based on available knowledge on skills, labour processes, job profiles and wages. It seeks to open discussions on how global governance forms like national legislation, legal systems and courts, framework agreements, trade agreements, multilateral governance, international human rights and labour conventions can converge with a deeper understanding of economic processes and logics of production and value-addition in GVCs. The paper seeks to position trade unions as effective agents for knowledge-generation and compliance monitoring when it comes to due diligence.","author":[{"family":"Mathews","given":"Rohan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.54394/xtnw2213","URL":"https://doi.org/10.54394/xtnw2213","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109864","type":"article-journal","title":"Understanding copper flotation in the JKHFmini: A small-scale fluidised bed cell","abstract":"• JKHFmini demonstrates reproducible overall copper recovery with gangue rejection. • Copper recovery increases with airflow but plateaus at elevated air rates. • Excessive water flow promotes gangue elutriation. • JKHFmini reasonably predicts true flotation in coarse sizes compared to full-scale. • JKHFmini shows higher mass recovery than full-scale due to high gangue elutriation. Laboratory batch flotation testing on small samples in conventional cells, such as the Denver flotation cell, is well-established and standardised. On the other hand, the JKHFmini, a newly developed small-scale fluidised bed flotation cell, requires testing to validate and understand the factors affecting its operation. This work aims to elucidate how the operating variables of the JKHFmini affect flotation performance and compare the flotation outcomes to those obtained in a full-scale HydroFloat® unit. Flotation tests were performed using a factorial experimental design and conducted in parallel with surveys of a full-scale HydroFloat® circuit. The results show that increasing the water flow rate during operation improved copper recovery, but excessive water flow caused unselective gangue recovery. Recovery also increased with airflow but plateaued beyond an optimal point. The JKHFmini demonstrated good repeatability with preferential recovery of copper over gangue, particularly in the coarser size fractions. The JKHFmini produced copper recoveries of similar magnitude compared to the full-scale HydroFloat®, although the mass recoveries obtained in the JKHFmini were significantly higher due to enhanced elutriation of fine particles. These findings suggest the JKHFmini may be a useful tool for assessing true flotation performance in coarse particle flotation systems, although differences in elutriation must be considered when scaling to the performance in full-scale systems.","author":[{"family":"Awatey","given":"Bellson"},{"family":"Verster","given":"Isabella"},{"family":"Runge","given":"Kym"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109864","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109864","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110451","type":"article-journal","title":"Filtration mechanism of copper tailings: Influence of initial solids content and flocculation","abstract":"Cake filtration is increasingly applied in tailings management to achieve high solids contents for backfill preparation, dry stacking, and co-disposal with waste rock; however, the combined effects of initial solids content and flocculant dosage on filtration kinetics and cake development remain insufficiently understood. In this study, laboratory-scale vacuum filtration tests were conducted on copper tailings to systematically investigate the influence of initial solids content (60%–69%) and flocculant dosage (0–30 g/t) on filtration performance. Filtrate mass was continuously measured, and filter cake samples were collected to determine final solids content. The filtration process was classified into two distinct stages based on filtrate removal rate, and the underlying filtration mechanisms were interpreted. The results show that increasing initial solids content significantly reduces the average filtrate removal rate during the rapid-dewatering stage from 0.75 g/s to 0.44 g/s due to increased hydraulic resistance, while higher flocculant dosages enhance filtrate removal rates within each solids content group. Despite pronounced differences in filtration kinetics, the final solids content of the filter cake converges to similar values of approximately 81% within each solids content group, indicating that the final cake state is primarily governed by particle packing. Classical filtration models can describe the general filtration behavior; however, modifications are required to explicitly incorporate the influence of initial solids content.","author":[{"family":"Li","given":"Yuan"},{"family":"Peterson","given":"Isaac"},{"family":"Molina","given":"Anthony"},{"family":"Bach","given":"Travis"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110451","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110451","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110684","type":"article-journal","title":"Understanding gangue recovery in the JKHFmini: A small-scale fluidised bed flotation cell","abstract":"The JKHFmini is a semi-batch-operated, small-scale fluidised bed flotation device that overpredicts mass recovery compared to full-scale HydroFloat® units. This study examines the underlying causes by quantifying the influence of operating variables on gangue recovery. Flotation tests were conducted in the JKHFmini using a statistical Design of Experiments (DoE) approach. It was observed that increasing water and air flow rates significantly increased overall mass recovery from 14.8% to 56.0%, while copper recovery increased from 55.2% to 85.2%. This increase in mass recovery was largely attributed to elevated gangue recovery in the elutriation zone, which rose from 1.4% to 49.2% under high fluidisation conditions. Gangue recovery in intermediate size fractions (+75 µm to + 106 µm) was found to be time-dependent, increasing throughout the flotation test. Results showed that approximately 74.0% of the total copper was recovered within the first 4 min, beyond which copper recovery increased marginally (<3%), while gangue recovery continued to increase. The cut size ( d50 c ) of elutriated gangue increased from 92 µm to 163 µm with increasing air and water flow rates and was well described by a regression model. The primary source of mass recovery overprediction in the JKHFmini was elevated gangue recovery in the elutriation zone, driven by near-uniform air and water distribution. These findings have important implications for interpreting JKHFmini results and small-to-full-scale predictions. While the JKHFmini reasonably predicts true flotation behaviour, elutriation effects and their impact on mass recovery must be predicted separately for full-scale applications.","author":[{"family":"Awatey","given":"Bellson"},{"family":"Verster","given":"Isabella"},{"family":"Runge","given":"Kym"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110684","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110684","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1029/2026je009901","type":"article-journal","title":"Diamond‐Like‐Carbon, Microdiamonds, Titanium Spherules and New UHT Minerals in Impact Debris From the SW Egypt Regolith: Possible Relations to the Extraterrestrial Carbonaceous Pebble “Hypatia” and the Libyan Desert Glass","abstract":"Abstract In this paper we report the discovery, in the Gilf Kebir Plateau of southwest Egypt, of the first natural occurrence of Diamond‐Like‐Carbon, of microdiamonds, and new ultra‐high T (≥1300°C) silicates, phosphates in boulders and pebbles of a mullite and magnetite melt rock. We also report, in the regolith of the Libyan Desert Glass (LDG) strewn field, comparable mullite‐magnetite pebbles and, in paleosols, Diamond‐Like‐Carbon, N‐rich amorphous carbon, aliphatic hydrocarbons, moissanite, and metallic spherules and grains of native Ti. These findings point to a ∼350 km, south to north strewnfield of melt rocks and their related disaggregated debris formed by the impact of a carbonaceous meteorite in the Jebel Uweinat, near the Egypt‐Sudan border. At the northern end of their fluvial depository, the reworked debris co‐mingled with the LDG strewnfield, likely originated from a second impact in the Gilf Kebir. The date of the diamonds‐forming mullite impact melt is undetermined but tentatively linked to the 29 Ma event of the LDG, because disordered carbon + aliphatic compounds were found in a glass and in the, extraterrestrial (extrasolar) “Hypatia” from the same areas. The latter is considered as relic of the original, parent impactor.","author":[{"family":"Andreoli","given":"Marco"},{"family":"Erasmus","given":"Rudolph"},{"family":"Knight","given":"Jasper"},{"family":"Pischedda","given":"Vittoria"},{"family":"Belyanin","given":"George"},{"family":"Elmi","given":"Chiara"},{"family":"Mouri","given":"Hassina"},{"family":"Huotari","given":"Simo"},{"family":"Kallonen","given":"Aki"},{"family":"Lekgoathi","given":"Mpho"},{"family":"Serra","given":"Romano"},{"family":"Gibson","given":"Roger"},{"family":"Saul","given":"John"},{"family":"Martino","given":"Mario"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1029/2026je009901","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1029/2026je009901","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1109/aiei69164.2026.11497211","type":"article-journal","title":"Comparative Analysis of Deep Learning Models for Visual Classification of Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Rock Image","abstract":"Automated mineral and extraterrestrial body identification, including asteroids and meteorites, is crucial for geology, planetary science, and resource management developments. The project here provides a deep learning system for the classification of a heterogeneous dataset of more than 5,600 mineral and meteorite RGB images featuring diverse mineral classes and rock types. This work rigorously test a set of up-to-date convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformer models, e.g., DenseNet-121, Swin Transformer, MobileNetV3, and BEiT. Standard preprocessing and data splitting are used to train and validate models, and their performance is measured in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. DenseNet-121 has the best accuracy of 98.58%, showing excellent performance in fine-grained mineral classification, followed by transformer models like Swin Transformer, which also show competitive performance, especially for intricate textures. These findings emphasize the ability of deep learning to eliminate mineralogical and meteoritic image classification, facilitating rapid analysis in geological exploration, mining operations, and space missions. Future development involves incorporating metadata and applying lightweight models to utilize in-field, real-time analysis.","author":[{"family":"Sivakumar","given":"Parikshith"},{"family":"Raj","given":"BUN"},{"family":"Chandrasekharan","given":"Jyotsna"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1109/aiei69164.2026.11497211","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1109/aiei69164.2026.11497211","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min16030239","type":"article-journal","title":"Adhesive Technology Used for Gold Recovery from Placer Deposits","abstract":"This paper presents an analysis of the results of the gold enrichment process from a gravel deposit using a technological installation equipped with a separator with an adhesive coating. In the separation process, natural waxy substances (patented by Andrzej Ciechulski—Golden Dust) were used as an adhesive coating. Practically, the SFE (Surface Free Energy) of the adhesive substances is the basis of an environmentally accepted enrichment process. Apart from gold, some critical raw materials (CRM) can also be processed from a gravel-type deposit located in the alluvial deposits of the recent rivers and old glacial valleys, which are usually lost in traditional processing of enrichment and purification of gravel and sand. In this work, a new technological installation is presented, equipped with a separator with an adhesive coating. The gold recovery results for the installation industrial operation test were discussed, during which approximately 17 Mg of raw material was processed, recovering over 3.999 g of fine-grained gold. Recovery based on quantitative bulk chemical analysis was calculated close to 90%–95%. The technology can achieve potential for separation of other valuable metals; however, only gold was verified during the tests. The described method is directed at gravel and gold companies dealing with fine, less than 1 mm gold grains, which usually go into clayey waste.","author":[{"family":"Foszcz","given":"Dariusz"},{"family":"Piestrzyński","given":"Adam"},{"family":"Ciechulski","given":"Andrzej"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min16030239","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030239","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1002/ece2.70100","type":"article-journal","title":"Water Electrolysis Technologies for Extraterrestrial Water Resource Conversion","abstract":"ABSTRACT Extraterrestrial water resources are critical strategic assets for the establishment of off‐earth bases and long‐term deep space exploration. Based on a systematic review of water resource types and characteristics in space stations and lunar and Martian environments, this paper focuses on four water electrolysis technologies for extraterrestrial water conversion: alkaline water electrolysis, proton exchange membrane water electrolysis, solid oxide water electrolysis, and anion exchange membrane water electrolysis. It elaborates on their reaction mechanisms, core components, and system integration approaches. Drawing from engineering practices of water electrolysis systems in space stations, the analysis highlights unique challenges posed by extraterrestrial environments, including key technical bottlenecks such as complex water purification, bubble detachment, gas–liquid two‐phase flow control of the electrolyzer, gas–liquid separation, and system environmental adaptability. Furthermore, discussions are provided on the prospects for large‐scale water electrolysis, high‐pressure water electrolysis, and direct electrolysis of unpurified water, which serve as technical references for the future in situ utilization of lunar, Martian, and other extraterrestrial water resources.","author":[{"family":"Jiang","given":"Yawen"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Yuan"},{"family":"Zu","given":"Lin"},{"family":"Ling","given":"Lili"},{"family":"Zhao","given":"Yongwei"},{"family":"Di","given":"Jun"},{"family":"Song","given":"Pin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1002/ece2.70100","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ece2.70100","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min16080825","type":"article-journal","title":"Process Mineralogy of Titanomagnetite Ore in the Damiao Deposit, Chengde","abstract":"The Damiao titanomagnetite deposit on the northern margin of the North China Craton is a typical Fe-Ti-P polymetallic ore with significant deep resource potential. However, the mineralogical factors controlling its beneficiation remain poorly quantified. This study integrates multi-element analysis, chemical phase analysis, XRD, EPMA, and MLA to systematically characterize the ore’s chemistry, mineralogy, element deportment, grain size, dissemination, and liberation. Results show that Fe (25.81% TFe), Ti (6.50% TiO2), and P (0.95% P2O5) are the main valuables. Fe is mainly in magnetite (59.53%), Ti in ilmenite (48.90%) and rutile (33.89%), and P almost entirely in fluorapatite. Magnetite, ilmenite, apatite, and pyrite are coarse-grained and achieve &gt;80% free + rich intergrowths at 60% passing −0.074 mm, while rutile is fine and poorly liberated, representing the key titanium bottleneck. Silicate-bound iron (28.07% of Fe) causes irreversible loss; Ca-gangue (&gt;20%) and chlorite slimes interfere with flotation. A staged flowsheet—primary grinding, magnetic separation, regrinding of rough concentrate, desulfurization, and sequential flotation—is proposed. This work provides a mineralogical basis for process optimization and offers references for similar deposits.","author":[{"family":"Fang","given":"Mingshan"},{"family":"Dang","given":"Qinwang"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Minyan"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min16080825","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min16080825","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110705","type":"article-journal","title":"Quantifying the frother potential of industrial flotation cell process water using dilution curves","abstract":"Effective frother dosing in flotation circuits is challenging due to varying process water chemistry, frother volatility, and partitioning effects that create unknown background frother potential. This study presents a dilution-curve methodology to quantify frother potential Ψ − a dimensionless indicator of coalescence suppression capacity relative to the critical coalescence concentration (CCC 95 ). The method systematically dilutes process water while measuring bubble size ( d 32 ) under controlled aeration, then aligns the resulting curve to infer Ψ and, with the use of a frother specific reference curve, equivalent concentration C eq . Laboratory validation with MIBC (6–50 ppm) showed agreement between inferred and known concentrations (RMSE = 0.97 ppm, MAPE = 4.5 %). Tests with MIBC in 0.2 M and 0.7 M NaCl demonstrated the method’s ability to quantify Ψ in the presence of background water chemistry, with electrolyte alone achieving Ψ = 1.02 for 0.2 M NaCl and Ψ = 1.62 for 0.7 M NaCl. A plant case study on a copper rougher bank revealed pre-flotation process water frother potential ( Ψ = 0.65) and cellwise profiles ( Ψ = 2.81, 2.14, 2.15, 2.14, 2.24) indicating operation well above CCC 95 with partitioning effects. The method provides actionable frother control metrics, enabling cell-specific dosing adjustments and gas dispersion optimization.","author":[{"family":"Lepage","given":"Mark"},{"family":"Morenon","given":"Nina"},{"family":"Opoku","given":"Jeff"},{"family":"Waters","given":"Kristian"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110705","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110705","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110548","type":"article-journal","title":"Enabling grate discharge in large ball mills: Transient blockage and a restriction-based predictive framework","abstract":"Slurry transport in tumbling mills is rarely resolved at the particle scale, limiting the prediction of discharge performance in large ball mills. In particular, the application of grate discharge in mills of 20–28 ft diameter has been constrained by uncertainty in evacuation capacity and the risk of restriction under high-throughput conditions. This work presents a particle-resolved Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics–Discrete Element Method (SPH–DEM) framework to investigate slurry–particle interactions at the discharge interface. The granular phase is resolved by DEM within a GPU-based Blaze framework, and the slurry phase is advanced by a natively integrated SPH module built on the DualSPHysics formulation. Within this implementation, particles relevant to charge dynamics and discharge interactions are explicitly resolved by DEM, while the sub-resolution fine and ultra-fine fraction is represented by the slurry-phase properties (density, viscosity, solids fraction). This combination enables direct simulation of industrial-scale ball mills, capturing free-surface and multiphase dynamics at the discharge interface without relying on homogenization assumptions (e.g., porous-medium or averaged-mixture representations) for the resolved particulate bed. The results show that discharge is not governed by geometric open area alone, but by a dynamically evolving effective discharge area reduced by transient particle–slot interactions. These finite-duration restriction events are continuously formed and resolved, producing a statistically stable deficit in discharge capacity at the mill scale. This behavior is captured through a dimensionless Withdrawal Restriction Number, which combines particle size, slot geometry, and expansion effects. The effective discharge area follows a bounded relation as a function of this parameter, defining transitions between self-cleaning and restriction-dominated regimes. At the system level, grate discharge suppresses slurry pooling, reduces total power draw in the industrial comparison reported here, and shifts energy utilization toward impact-dominated events, enabling operation at lower grinding media load without measurable product coarsening in the analyzed plant case.","author":[{"family":"Soares","given":"Wallace"},{"family":"Magalhães","given":"Elisan"},{"family":"Govender","given":"Nicolin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110548","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110548","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min16070699","type":"article-journal","title":"Characterization of Hydrodynamics and Mixing Regime of a HydroFloat ® Cell","abstract":"A study was conducted to characterize the performance of a HydroFloat® coarse particle flotation (CPF) cell using rougher tailings samples from an industrial copper mining operation. The work involved measuring internal hydrodynamic variables under a wide range of operating conditions. The effect of different operational and hydrodynamic conditions on the metallurgical performance of the HydroFloat® cell was also evaluated. Gas dispersion measurements, such as bubble size distribution, superficial gas velocity (Jg), superficial area flux (Sb), and residence time distribution (RTD), were recorded, enabling a detailed analysis of the cell’s operation. Results show that copper recovery is strongly influenced by the superficial gas velocity (Jg) and the superficial liquid velocity (Jl). It was observed that the bubble diameter (d32) remained relatively constant at 0.5 mm across all operating conditions, which is well below typical bubble sizes for conventional flotation cells. This suggests that contrary to what may be expected, in this kind of machine, small bubbles are able to float coarse particles. Bubble image inspection suggests that the HydroFloat® cell creates conditions conducive to bubble–particle aggregates, which would explain how small bubbles can float coarse particles. This study contributes to the understanding of CPF and establishes a framework for optimization in copper concentrators.","author":[{"family":"Suazo","given":"Constantino"},{"family":"Kracht","given":"Willy"},{"family":"Valdes","given":"Felipe"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min16070699","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min16070699","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2026.06.008","type":"article-journal","title":"Mars habitat: A holistic approach to design extraterrestrial structures under extreme environments","abstract":"Martian exploration represents one of the most ambitious goals of the 21st century. What only a few decades ago might have seemed like a futuristic vision has now become a tangible objective, thanks to rapid technological development and the growing interest of scientific programs. This paper fosters the ambitious goal of developing an interdisciplinary study that brings together engineering, material and geology sciences, as well as planetology, to propose a new Martian habitat designed through a rational and scientific approach. A new framework for extraterrestrial habitats design is thus conceived and applied to the case of Mars. Once defined the mission type and the landing site, the main environmental aspects that impact on the structural and architectural design of a structure on Mars are identified. Among them, reduced gravity, seismic activity, radiation, wind and asteroids’ impacts need to be considered. Then, a review on the locally-available construction materials is carried out. This is done by exploring also the construction methods supported by the most recent technological advancements carried by additive manufacturing in extreme environments. Lastly, a proposal for a new habitat module is made, which is constituted by an external 3D printed shell, whose structure has been verified according to the proposed design scenario through finite element (FE) analyses, and inner inflatable-balloon modules. Among the significant outcomes of this research, a special mention has to be made to the in-depth analysis of design aspects on Mars, thus representing fundamental inputs for the structural analysis of the new habitat.","author":[{"family":"Moro","given":"Pietro"},{"family":"Toska","given":"Klajdi"},{"family":"Zanini","given":"Mariano"},{"family":"Pajola","given":"Maurizio"},{"family":"Faleschini","given":"Flora"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.actaastro.2026.06.008","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2026.06.008","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110345","type":"article-journal","title":"Zeta potential as a tool for investigating surface chemistry: implications for mineral flotation","abstract":"The electrokinetic potential, also known as the zeta potential, refers to the electrical potential at the interface between solid surfaces and the surrounding liquid. Therefore, determining the zeta potential gives an indication of the electrostatic repulsive forces, i.e., helps understand whether these forces are minimised or increased. Establishing these electrostatic repulsive forces assists in establishing reagent interactions at the air–water interface, air–solid interface, and solid-water interface in froth flotation. Understanding these interactions is pivotal in guiding activities such as reagent development and in the development of improved flotation techniques. This study, therefore, presents a review of the application and practical significance of zeta potential measurements in froth flotation. It presents various factors affecting the zeta potential of air bubbles and particles. This review further considers various methodologies used to determine zeta potential. This work concludes with an in-depth study on various experimental techniques that can be used to determine the zeta potential of air bubbles, which is, agreeably, complex and not well explained in both physics and flotation fundamentals literature.","author":[{"family":"October","given":"LL"},{"family":"Mashamba","given":"TJ"},{"family":"Manono","given":"MS"},{"family":"Corin","given":"KC"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110345","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110345","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109900","type":"article-journal","title":"Impact of inoculum activity on bioleaching: avoiding the lag phases","abstract":"• Starting up of bioleaching depended on the iron oxidising activity of the inoculum. • Lag phase on bioleaching can be avoid by controlling inoculum activity. • Bacterial iron oxidising activity was measured by offline OUR. Reliable and standardised procedures are needed to inoculate bioleaching bioreactors effectively. These procedures help avoid unproductive initial stages and support the establishment of bioleaching as a robust and industrially viable metal extraction process. The lag phase typically occurs at the start of bioleaching and has traditionally been linked to bacterial adaptation to new conditions. In this work we propose that the reproducibility and kinetic of the bioleaching starting up of metallic sulphides depend mainly on the bacterial activity of the inoculum. It is postulated that the lag phase in bioleaching can be avoided or significantly reduced by using an inoculum with sufficient activity to prevent Fe(II) accumulation. This is critical for reaching the Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) threshold required to leach target minerals in the ore. To test this hypothesis, we conducted bioleaching experiments with three sulphidic materials of varying composition and pretreatment. The main variable was the microbial activity of the inoculum, quantified using offline Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR) measurements under non-limiting conditions regarding O 2 or Fe(II). The results demonstrate that, when optimal aeration and fluid dynamic conditions are guaranteed, the microbial activity during the starting process represents a critical variable. As a result, the use of an inoculum with 7.5 times higher activity resulted in a 46.7 % reduction in the lag phase of pyrite bioleaching.","author":[{"family":"Perdigones","given":"Blanca"},{"family":"Mazuelos","given":"Alfonso"},{"family":"Ramírez","given":"Pablo"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109900","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109900","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109949","type":"article-journal","title":"Monitoring and visualization of cake dewatering in vacuum filters by temperature measurements","abstract":"• Thermal imaging enables real-time monitoring of filter cake dewatering in vacuum filtration processes. • Temperature measurements can be used to estimate cake solids content and detect undesirable leakages and cake cracking. • Cake cooling due to evaporation is a clear indicator of cake desaturation when air displaces pore water. • Local differences in air flow can be observed in the thermal images: coolest points at the edges and in cracks of the cake. • The method opens opportunities for energy-efficient control and optimization of industrial vacuum filter operations. The dewatering of filter cakes in continuously operating vacuum belt filters was simulated on a laboratory scale by using a batch vacuum filter, namely a Büchner filter. During the cake desaturation, the gas flow through the cake increases gradually, causing evaporation of the pore liquid, which cools the cake. In this study, two different slurries obtained from industrial processes were filtered using a laboratory-scale Büchner filter, monitoring the progress of cake dewatering with a modern thermal camera, and data acquisition for mass of filtrate, thickness of cake, air flow rate through the cake, and pressure difference. The results of this study show that thermal imaging is a useful technique for investigating the surface temperature patterns of filter cakes, which can be utilized to monitor the progress of the dewatering (cake saturation), as well as to estimate the cake solids content, and to recognize undesirable leakages caused, e.g., by cake cracking.","author":[{"family":"Kinnarinen","given":"Teemu"},{"family":"Kauranen","given":"Ville"},{"family":"Montonen","given":"Henri"},{"family":"Häkkinen","given":"Antti"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109949","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109949","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110442","type":"article-journal","title":"The hidden costs of the clean energy transition: Uncovering the environmental and human health impacts of critical minerals supply chains and strategic pathways to sustainability—a critical review","abstract":"The transition to clean energy, driven by the urgent need to mitigate climate change and achieve carbon neutrality, has become a major driver of high global demand for critical metals and minerals, including lithium, cobalt, copper, graphite, nickel, and rare earth elements (REEs). These minerals are essential for low-carbon technologies, including electric vehicles, advanced batteries, solar photovoltaic systems, grid storage, and wind turbines. However, this transition often involves overlooked environmental, social, and public health impacts associated with the mining, processing, transportation, and end-of-life management of clean energy systems and associated components containing critical metals and minerals. Evidence from diverse research fields and global case studies, including lithium brine extraction, copper and nickel mining, REE processing, and cobalt production, demonstrates that while critical metals/minerals support low-carbon energy, their production frequently creates serious challenges for public health, local livelihoods, and the environment. In many cases, these challenges are transferred from energy consumers in developed countries to vulnerable communities in resource-rich nations. To address these “hidden costs”, this study proposes integrated strategies to mitigate risks and promote sustainable, resilient, and ethical mineral supply chains. Key measures include robust regulatory frameworks and enforcement, cleaner production technologies, circular economy practices, enhanced transparency and traceability, and strengthened policy and multilateral cooperation. The findings revealed that a truly sustainable energy transition requires more than the adoption of low-carbon technologies, since such a transition does not automatically guarantee low-impact production; instead, it must balance mineral development with environmental protection, public health, and socio-economic resilience.","author":[{"family":"Marove","given":"Carlos"},{"family":"Tabelin","given":"Carlito"},{"family":"Balaram","given":"Vysetti"},{"family":"Kalantzakos","given":"Sophia"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110442","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110442","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.110047","type":"article-journal","title":"A hybrid DEM-FRM-PBM model for parameter calibration and extended grinding in ball mills","abstract":"• A hybrid DEM–FRM–PBM framework was developed for predicting ball mill grinding. • Accuracy of PBM prediction of PSD evolution in mills was improved by dynamically updating DEM energy distribution. • Grinding performance was affected by high-energy collisions and fines-induced buffering. • Variations in the mass fraction of product fines under different particle-ball mass ratios were successfully captured. • The model shows reasonable prediction of the evolution of PSD in a pilot-scale ball mill. Accurately predicting PSD evolution in ball mills is difficult because fully resolved breakage in DEM is computationally intensive, and conventionally calibrated PBMs often lack transferability. This work introduced a hybrid DEM–FRM–PBM approach that integrates short, targeted DEM runs using a fragment replacement method (FRM) with an energy-informed PBM to efficiently, mechanistically forecast grinding over long durations. In this framework, brief DEM–FRM intervals yielded internally consistent calibration of selection and breakage functions under realistic multi-impact energy conditions and continuously update the grinding energy spectra as the PSD evolves. Validation against short DEM–FRM simulations in a lab-scale mill showed the model closely reproduced early (<15 s) and mid-stage (15–30 s) PSD changes in the coarse size range. Neglecting energy-spectrum evolution, however, led to growing deviations at longer grinding times; periodic updating mitigated this drift and reduced mean-squared PSD error. Applying the method across particle–ball mass ratios captured the non–monotonic influence of charge composition on stressing efficiency and on the evolution of mass fraction of product fines. Extension to a pilot-scale mill maintained reasonable predictive accuracy without recalibrating fundamental fracture parameters. Energy analysis revealed a progressive attenuation of high-stress collision frequency as fines accumulated, which explained the deceleration of breakage kinetics.","author":[{"family":"Zou","given":"Yudong"},{"family":"Zheng","given":"Qijun"},{"family":"Yang","given":"Runyu"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.110047","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.110047","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min16030317","type":"article-journal","title":"Platinum Group Element Mineralization in Mongolia: Geological Setting, Occurrences, and Exploration Potential","abstract":"Platinum group elements (PGE) are six rare highly siderophile metals which have similar chemical characteristics and occur together in mineral deposits: platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir) and osmium (Os). In nature, they tend to exist in a metallic state or bond with sulfur and arsenic and occur as trace accessory minerals predominantly in mafic and ultramafic rocks. High industrial demand together with their scarcity in crustal rocks has been reflected in their inclusion in 2025 US Government’s List of Critical Minerals, European Union’s List of Critical Raw Materials and Mongolian List of 11 Critical Minerals. Although Mongolia is not currently a producer, it hosts four types of potentially economic PGE deposits: (1) Podiform chromitites associated with ophiolites; (2) Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide mineralization of rift-related mafic–ultramafic intrusions; (3) Alaskan–Uralian type arc related zoned mafic–ultramafic intrusions; and (4) Placers. Particularly promising are Permian Ni-Cu-PGE sulfide bearing mafic–ultramafic intrusions of the Khangai large igneous province which bear resemblance to mineralized Permian intrusions in Russia (e.g., Norilsk-Talnakh) and N.W. China (e.g., Kalatongke; Tarim basin). In addition, sub-economic ophiolite-hosted PGE mineralization can be extracted as a by-product during chromite mining. There is also the potential for PGE recovery as a by-product in existing gold placer operations in areas hosting ophiolitic massifs and Alaskan–Uralian type intrusions. Mongolia is a promising frontier for PGE exploration and mining.","author":[{"family":"Dostal","given":"Jaroslav"},{"family":"Gerel","given":"Ochir"},{"family":"Sukhbaatar","given":"Turbold"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min16030317","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030317","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110586","type":"article-journal","title":"Metallurgical performance of a next generation coarse particle flotation cell in sulfide ore processing","abstract":"This study evaluates the performance of a novel coarse particle flotation (CPF) cell that operates using a froth-feeding mechanism, designed to simplify operation relative to fluidized-bed systems and to enhance coarse mineral recovery without requiring feed pre-classification or fluidization. Laboratory tests were conducted on copper–gold ore using two feed size distributions: a non-classified feed (D80 = 437 µm) and a classified feed (D80 = 481 µm). Across all conditions, the froth-feeding CPF cell developed by Metso achieved high Cu and Au recoveries while rejecting a substantial proportion of gangue at particle sizes more than twice those processed in the site’s conventional flotation circuit. Feed classification had limited effect on mass pull and Au recovery, while Cu recovery showed only modest sensitivity to D80, with slightly higher recoveries obtained in the non-classified feed circuit. To investigate recovery mechanisms, High Resolution X-Ray micro computed tomography (XCT) was applied to quantify mineral surface exposure in the concentrate. Most recovered particles exhibited exposed mineral surfaces between 1% and 30%, and fewer than 10% showed no measurable exposure, indicating that entrainment contributed minimally to overall recovery. The ability of the Metso CPF cell to recover particles with as little as ∼ 1% exposed mineral surface area demonstrates effective flotation of partially liberated coarse composites. Overall, the Metso froth-feeding CPF cell shows potential as a lower-complexity alternative to fluidized-bed flotation for coarse particle recovery. Its implementation may support coarser tailings production, increased plant throughput, and more efficient use of energy and water in mineral processing circuits.","author":[{"family":"Carvalho","given":"Marly"},{"family":"Emer","given":"Cagri"},{"family":"Kuva","given":"Jukka"},{"family":"Sherrell","given":"Ian"},{"family":"Rinne","given":"Antti"},{"family":"Luukkanen","given":"Saija"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110586","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110586","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109959","type":"article-journal","title":"Collectorless flotation of ultrafine and coarse chalcopyrite particles in an ultrasonic piezoelectric tube","abstract":"Chalcopyrite (CuFeS 2 ) is a strategically important mineral for supporting the global energy transition, yet its flotation efficiency remains low for ultrafine and coarse size fractions. The present study investigates the potential of ultrasound to enhance chalcopyrite flotation under these challenging conditions. To separate the effect of ultrasound from collector-related effects, the work focuses on collectorless flotation. Experiments were conducted in a laboratory-scale flow tubing system integrated with an ultrasonic piezoelectric tube (operating at 1.08 MHz) and external aeration. Paired flotation tests comparing conditions with and without ultrasound were performed using frother alone, in batch mode, and with tailings recycling. The role of feed particle oxidation in coarse particle flotation was also examined. Results show that the ultrasound can enhance collectorless flotation of chalcopyrite. For ultrafine particles (< 38 µm), the ultrasound increased the final recovery by 10.1 percentage points (from 76.9 % to 87.0 %) and the flotation rate constant by 45 %. For coarse particles (250 – 425 µm) without additional oxidation, the final recoveries exceeded 87 % and were unaffected by the ultrasound. In contrast, for the coarse particles that underwent further oxidation in hot air, the ultrasound improved the final recovery by up to 3.6 percentage points (from 65.8 % to 69.4 %) and the flotation rate constant by 23 %. These findings confirm the potential of ultrasound to optimize copper flotation and enhance resource recovery across challenging particle size fractions.","author":[{"family":"Yang","given":"Anxiang"},{"family":"Li","given":"Zhibin"},{"family":"Park","given":"Hangil"},{"family":"Wang","given":"Liguang"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109959","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2025.109959","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3390/min16040381","type":"article-journal","title":"Research on the Application of Neutron Gamma Density in Anomalous Mineral Formations","abstract":"Neutron gamma density (NGD) plays an increasingly important role in petroleum exploration and development. However, current NGD logging fails to obtain reliable results in anomalous mineral formations (such as anhydrite, halite and coal). To address these issues, the application of NGD logging in anomalous minerals has been studied in this paper. Studies have shown that, compared to the standard formations (dolomite, limestone and sandstone), halite, anhydrite and coal have additional influence on inelastic gamma rays, epithermal neutron distribution, and thermal neutron distribution. This causes additional errors when the gamma and neutron information is used for density calculation. In addition, since the influence mechanisms of different minerals on NGD logging are different, it is necessary to determine the mineral type before conducting NGD correction. Compared to other minerals, halite can be easily distinguished by its very high sigma (thermal neutron capture cross-section) and low apparent density; anhydrite by its high sigma, high density and low neutron porosity; and coal by its very low density and zero neutron porosity. Furthermore, for a given anomalous mineral, the density error of NGD logging has a clear linear relationship with the apparent density, which can be used for density correction. By using the corresponding correction algorithm, the density error of NGD logging can be controlled within 0.025 g/cm3 in anomalous mineral formations. This study can provide guidance for the application of NGD technology in mineral exploration.","author":[{"family":"Wang","given":"Meng"},{"family":"Zhou","given":"Yue"},{"family":"Zhang","given":"Quanying"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.3390/min16040381","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/min16040381","source":"crossref"},{"id":"oa:W4387959973","type":"article-journal","title":"Astronomical withdrawals: a green criminological examination of extreme energy mining on extraterrestrial objects","abstract":"Abstract Mining for natural resources on-Earth is commonplace and dates back over a hundred years at an industrial scale. Technological advances in outer space exploration are enabling the mining of extraterrestrial resources to transition from mere science fiction, to a serious possibility. In recent decades, several new start-up companies have arisen with the sole intention of exploiting resources that exist in outer space, such as on Earth’s moon, asteroids, meteorites, planets, and various planetary satellites, such as the moons of Mars - Phobos and Diemos. However, despite the increased investment and interest in space mining, criminologists have remained virtually silent on outer space issues. In this paper we adopt a green criminological approach to explain the emergence of outer space mining, and argue that now is the time to be researching and debating the phenomenon of extraterrestrial mining in order to prevent future social and environmental harm (following the precautionary principle of environmental law). To do this, the paper does three things. Firstly, it examines strategies for conducting space mining (such as its feasibility, probable locations, and innovative mining techniques). Secondly, it analyses the terrestrial and extraterrestrial impacts of space mining, unveiling several avenues for the creation of social and environmental harm. Finally, it uses a green criminological approach to justify the rationale for engaging legal scholars and criminologists with problematic space mining issues. The paper concludes that now is the time to discuss these issues, prior to the industrialisation and exploitation of unique celestial bodies.","author":[{"family":"Lampkin","given":"Jack"},{"family":"Mcclanahan","given":"Bill"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.1007/s10611-023-10123-9","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10611-023-10123-9","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4384341616","type":"article-journal","title":"Space Mission Risk, Sustainability and Supply Chain: Review, Multi-Objective Optimization Model and Practical Approach","abstract":"This paper investigates the convergence of risk, sustainability, and supply chain in space missions, including a review of fundamental concepts, the introduction of a multi-objective conceptual optimization model, and the presentation of a practical approach. Risks associated with space missions include technical, human, launch, space environment, mission design, budgetary, and political risks. Sustainability considerations must be incorporated into mission planning and execution to ensure the long-term viability of space exploration. The study emphasizes the importance of considering environmental sustainability, resource use, ethical concerns, long-term planning, international collaboration, and public outreach in space missions. It emphasizes the significance of reducing negative environmental consequences, increasing resource use efficiency, and making responsible and ethical actions. The paper offers a multi-objective optimization conceptual model that may be used to evaluate and choose sustainable space mission tactics. This approach considers a variety of elements, including environmental effects, resource utilization, mission cost, and advantages for society. It provides a systematic decision-making approach that examines trade-offs between different criteria and identifies optimal conceptual model solutions that balance risk, sustainability, and supply chain objectives. A practical approach is also offered to demonstrate the use of the multi-criteria optimization conceptual model in a space mission scenario. The practical approach demonstrates how the model can aid in the development of mission strategies that minimize risks, maximize resource consumption, and fit with sustainability goals. Overall, this paper delivers a multi-criteria optimization conceptual model and provides a space mission planning practical approach, as well as an overview of the interaction between risk, sustainability, and supply chain in space mission organization, planning, and execution.","author":[{"family":"Sawik","given":"Bartosz"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3390/su151411002","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411002","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4319984641","type":"article-journal","title":"Detection of organic matter on Mars, results from various Mars missions, challenges, and future strategy: A review","abstract":"This review paper summarizes the literature on the organic matter detection by various Mars lander/rover missions, in order to understand the progress towards dealing with methodological challenges in the analysis of the Martian regolith and drilled mudstone samples. This paper shows that Martian missions are so far successful in detecting simple and some complex organic molecules, but their origin i.e., whether sourced by cosmic dust, meteoric bombardment, geochemical reduction of inorganic carbon during hydrothermal or igneous activity, or produced biologically in the ancient habitable Martian deposition environment, remains unknown. The preservation of organic matter in the Martian depositional realm has also been found as one of the biggest hurdles in its search. Therefore, upcoming ExoMars mission has been equipped with the instruments that would be able to drill and retrieve 2 m subsurface cores for organic matter analysis, with the assumption that the subsurface samples would have better chances of preserving original organic matter from the disintegration by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, galactic cosmic rays, and solar energetic particles. In addition to the method used for organic matter detection in previous missions [simple pyrolysis-GCMS and the use of combination of thermal combustion and derivatization (thermochemolysis)-GCMS], other alternative organic matter detection methodologies i.e., Raman spectroscopy (laser 523) plus deep resonant Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy are used in Mars 2020 Perseverance rover and will be used in ExoMars mission as well. Learning from the past and upcoming Mars missions will help in developing strategies and tools for the future Martian missions with goal to better understand it is ancient habitability.","author":[{"family":"Ansari","given":"Arif"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.3389/fspas.2023.1075052","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspas.2023.1075052","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4390954307","type":"article-journal","title":"Nucleosynthetic isotope variations in chondritic meteorites and their relationship to bulk chemistry","abstract":"Abstract The relationship of mass‐independent stable isotope anomalies with the chemistry of chondritic meteorites provides constraints on mixing and fractionation processes in the early solar nebula. The present study emphasizes the strong correlation of nucleosynthetic isotope variations among ordinary chondrites (OC), enstatite chondrites (EC), Earth, CI‐chondrites, and Ca, Al‐rich inclusions (CAI) in ε50Ti versus ε54Cr space. This correlation indicates variable contamination of chondritic reservoirs with material from a single source providing neutron‐rich nuclei such as 50Ti, 54Cr, and 62Ni. The well‐defined linear relationship of ε50Ti versus ε54Cr indicates that all reservoirs on the correlation line (“chondrite reference line”) started with a CI‐chondritic (solar) Cr/Ti ratio, irrespective of the present Cr/Ti ratio of the samples falling on the chondrite reference line. The isotope compositions of carbonaceous chondrites (CC) do not fit the chondrite reference line. Their isotope composition is consistent with a mixture of chondritic meteorites originally falling on the chondrite reference line and volatile element depleted CAIs. However, CC cannot result from addition of CAIs to OC or EC. Neither can OC and EC be produced by loss of refractory components from CI‐meteorites. Also, stable isotopes are inconsistent with OC being derived from EC, and vice versa, by a chemical fractionation process. The enrichment of the Earth in refractory lithophile elements is not the result of addition of a refractory component to a chondritic reservoir. It is rather the result of internal fractionation of a chondritic reservoir.","author":[{"family":"Palme","given":"H"},{"family":"Mezger","given":"Klaus"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14127","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14127","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4383853392","type":"article-journal","title":"Characterizing basalt-atmosphere interactions on Venus: A review of thermodynamic and experimental results","abstract":"Abstract The surface of Venus is in contact with a hot (~470 °C), high pressure (92 bars), and caustic (CO2 with S, but little H2O) atmosphere, which should cause progressive alteration of the crust in the form of sulfate and iron-oxide coatings; however, the exact rate of alteration and mineral species are not well constrained. Different experimental approaches, each with its own limitations, are currently being used to constrain mineralogy and alteration rates. One note is that no experimental approach has been able to fully replicate the necessary conditions and sustain them for a significant length of time. Furthermore, geochemical modeling studies can also constrain surface alteration mineralogy, again with different assumptions and limitations. Here, we review recent geochemical modeling and experimental studies to constrain the state of the art for alteration mineralogy, rate of alteration, open questions about the surface mineralogy of Venus, and what can be constrained before the fleet of missions arrives later this decade. Combining the new results confirms that basalt on the surface of Venus should react quickly and form coatings of sulfates and iron-oxides; however, the mineralogy and rate of alteration are dependent on physical properties of the protolith (including bulk composition, mineralogy, and crystallinity), as well as atmospheric composition, and surface temperature. Importantly, the geochemical modeling results show that the mineralogy is largely controlled by atmospheric oxygen fugacity, which is not well constrained for the near-surface environment on Venus. Therefore, alteration experiments run over a range of oxygen and sulfur fugacities are needed across a wide range of Venus analog materials with varying mineralogy and crystallinity.","author":[{"family":"Filiberto","given":"J"},{"family":"Mccanta","given":"MC"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2023]]},"DOI":"10.2138/am-2023-9015","URL":"https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2023-9015","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc-dps2025-177","type":"article-journal","title":"Measurements of Earth's magnetic field anomalies caused by meteorite impacts","abstract":"Meteorites that have impacted the Earth's surface in the past have created impact craters. Most of these craters have not been preserved in a form that allows for their contemporary identification, but some, especially in Central and Northern Europe, have been described and classified as geological structures formed by meteorite impacts. When a celestial body strikes the Earth's surface, it causes a temporary increase in temperature to several hundred degrees Celsius, sometimes exceeding the Curie temperature for ferromagnetic rocks and minerals that make up the near-surface layer. Magnetization is relatively stable from a geological time perspective. The magnetic record in magnetite is usually stable and is quite difficult to remagnetize (Fassbinder, 2015). The impact leads to a change in the direction of magnetization in the minerals, which sometimes persists after the impact. This phenomenon is known as Thermoremanent Magnetization (TRM). It is characteristic of meteorite impact sites. This property is attributed to minerals cooled from high temperatures resulting from plutonic/volcanic processes or meteorite impacts. It is one of several types of remanent magnetization, but only this type will be present in impact structures (Fassbinder, 2015). The project aims to conduct research in the field of applied geophysics and the magnetic properties of rock and mineral samples in the area of craters formed by meteorite impacts in the context of thermomagnetic anomalies. As part of this project, proton magnetometer measurements have been conducted in the areas of the Morasko craters in Poland, the Dobele crater in Latvia, the Vepriai crater in Lithuania, and several craters in Estonia (Ilumestsa, Simuna, Tsõõrikmäe, Kärdla, Kaali). Samples from the Estonian craters have been collected for paleomagnetic studies and analyzed using a rotational magnetometer and a magnetic susceptibility instrument. The results of the magnetometric measurements are very promising and exhibit characteristic patterns of magnetic field anomalies typical of impact craters. The project is funded under the 'Pearls of Science' program by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland.","author":[{"family":"Zawadzki","given":"Mikołaj"},{"family":"Godlewska","given":"Natalia"},{"family":"Oryński","given":"Szymon"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc-dps2025-177","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc-dps2025-177","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/egusphere-egu25-2898","type":"article-journal","title":"Measurements of Earth's magnetic field anomalies caused by meteorite impacts","abstract":"Meteorites that have impacted the Earth's surface in the past have created impact craters. Most of these craters have not been preserved in a form that allows for their contemporary identification, but some, especially in Central and Northern Europe, have been described and classified as geological structures formed by meteorite impacts. When a celestial body strikes the Earth's surface, it causes a temporary increase in temperature to several hundred degrees Celsius, sometimes exceeding the Curie temperature for ferromagnetic rocks and minerals that make up the near-surface layer. Magnetization is relatively stable from a geological time perspective. The magnetic record in magnetite is usually stable and is quite difficult to remagnetize (Fassbinder, 2015).The impact leads to a change in the direction of magnetization in the minerals, which sometimes persists after the impact. This phenomenon is known as Thermoremanent Magnetization (TRM). It is characteristic of meteorite impact sites. This property is attributed to minerals cooled from high temperatures resulting from plutonic/volcanic processes or meteorite impacts. It is one of several types of remanent magnetization, but only this type will be present in impact structures (Fassbinder, 2015).The project aims to conduct research in the field of applied geophysics and the magnetic properties of rock and mineral samples in the area of craters formed by meteorite impacts in the context of thermomagnetic anomalies.As part of this project, proton magnetometer measurements have been conducted in the areas of the Morasko craters in Poland, the Dobele crater in Latvia, the Vepriai crater in Lithuania, and several craters in Estonia. Samples from the Estonian craters have been collected for paleomagnetic studies, which will soon be analyzed using a rotational magnetometer and a magnetic susceptibility instrument. The results of the magnetometric measurements are very promising and exhibit characteristic patterns of magnetic field anomalies typical of impact craters.The project is funded under the 'Pearls of Science' program by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland.","author":[{"family":"Zawadzki","given":"Mikołaj"},{"family":"Godlewska","given":"Natalia"},{"family":"Oryński","given":"Szymon"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/egusphere-egu25-2898","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-2898","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1734","type":"article-journal","title":"Non destructive methodology to study GRO 95517  antarctic meteorite","abstract":"INTRODUCTIONReturning sample missions have gainedincreasing attention in the last decades sincethe only way to know the planetary surface'scomposition and reconstruct the historyof geological processes is to analysesamples using Earth-ground laboratorybasedtechniques.The employment of a non-or minimally destructiveprotocol of analyses to carry out acomprehensive characterisation is crucialto preserving very precious extraterrestrialsamples.On the other hand, non-destructive analyseson samples of meteorites and micrometeoriteswere yet successfully applied on Al-Haggounia 001[1] and the micrometeoritefound on Mt. Gariglione, southern Italy[2].With this aim, we are studying a fragmentof an antarctic meteorite named GRO95517, a EH3 chondrite, found in 1995 inGrosvenor Mountains (Antarctica – NZ).The purpose of this investigation is thestudy of mineralogical composition withparticular attention to the rare phases, mineraldistribution and association, texture andmicrostructures in order to provide furtherinformation on the origin and evolution ofthis meteorite.METHODSThe fragment was studied by ScanningElectron Microscope (SEM) and microcomputedtomography (μ-CT).The correlation between SEM-EDS data,chemical mapping and 3D reconstruction byμ-CT allows to obtain us a volumetric reconstructionof the fragment in nondestructiveway.RESULTSOptical analysesGRO 95517 consists of chondrulesformed by pyroxene (enstatite) immersed ina matrix composed by mesostases of plagioclasein which nickel-iron alloys, sulfides(daubréelite, oldhamite and troilite) andphosphides (schreibersite) are disseminated.The presence of oxidised phases such asjarosite and oxides testify an heavily weathering.The sample also exhibits several fractures.Optical observations on thin sectionshow two families of enstatite chondrules(EC): radial-pyroxene chondrules consistingof fan-like arrays of enstatite and porphyriticchondrules containing mainly enstatite.Other mineralogical phases forming bothchondrules and mesostasis are mainly sulfidesand plagioclases.In one enstatite chondrule we can appreciatea “faulting” structure.Sometimes, plagioclase and quartz aggregatesare observed.SEM analysisThe S.E.M. analysis confirmed the presenceof pyroxene (enstatite), which is themain constituent of chondrules. Furthermore, a significant distributionof sulfides was detected, relativelyhomogeneously dispersed throughout thethin section. Through SEM analysis, thesesulfides are oldhamite, daubréelite, andtroilite.Significant is also the presence of ironnickelalloys (kamacite), which stand outdue to their bright white appearance in BSEimages.Secondary mineralogical phases relatedto terrestrial weathering alteration are limonite(yellowish-brown in color) and jarosite.Microcomputed Tomography (μ-CT)This non-invasive technique was crucialto obtain bulk information about the outerand inner parts of the sample, thanks to theability to provide 3D reconstruction of meteoriticfragments. GRO95517 is characterizedby a high presence of pores that, inmost cases, are filled by secondary phases. In the cross section mineralswith different attenuation coefficientsand chondrules can be observed.CONCLUSIONThe Antarctic meteorite GRO 95517 ischaracterized by primary phases such asenstatite, kamacite and troilite surroundedby a glassy mesostasis. Few secondaryphases were recognized, that indicate a highdegree of weathering (limonite and jarosite).The integration of SEM-EDS data,chemical maps and 3D μ-CT reconstructionallows to obtain a volumetric reconstructionof the fragment, providing valuable informationon its internal structure withoutcompromising its integrity.REFERENCES:[1] Manzari, P., Mele, D., Tempesta, G. &amp;Agrosì, G. (2023) – New insights on theporosity and grain features of Al Haggounia001, an impact-melt meteorite, 1-10.[2] Agrosì, G., Manzari, P., Mele, D., Tempesta,G., Rizzo, F., Catelani, T., Cheng, G.,Yao, N., Villenueve, J. &amp; Bindi, L. (2025) –Unique (Al, Cu)-alloys discovered in a m","author":[{"family":"Fanelli","given":"Giovanni"},{"family":"Agrosì","given":"Giovanna"},{"family":"Mele","given":"Daniela"},{"family":"Manzari","given":"Paola"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1734","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc-dps2025-1734","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.5194/epsc-dps2025-594","type":"article-journal","title":"Effect of climate change on meteorite dropping fireballs","abstract":"Climate change, driven by increased greenhouse gas concentrations, not only warming the troposphere (∼0–10 km) but also cooling and contracting the atmosphere above, including the stratosphere (∼10–50 km), mesosphere (∼50–85 km), and thermosphere (∼85–500+ km) [1–3]. This contraction is measurable and has been confirmed by multiple independent datasets and models over the past two decades. In particular, meteor radars, which routinely detect the ablation of small impact micrometeoroids at altitudes between 80 and 100 km, have shown that the peak ablation altitude is decreasing at rates ranging from ~200 to 800 m per decade [4–8]. This observed lowering is consistent with expectations from cooling-induced density changes at fixed altitudes. Although the implications of these changes for satellite drag and orbital debris lifetimes are starting to be explored in detail [9,10], little attention has been paid to their possible influence on larger meteoroids that penetrate deeper into the atmosphere and survive as meteorites.In this study, we investigate whether ongoing climate-driven changes in atmospheric density can significantly affect the atmospheric trajectory and survivability of meteorite dropping fireballs, focusing on the century-scale timescale. To do this, we simulate the atmospheric entry of the Winchcombe meteorite fall, one of the best documented carbonaceous chondrite falls to date, under both atmospheric conditions of 2021 and those projected for the year 2100, using the output of the climate model from the WACCM-X (Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model - Extended) [11]. The model assumes a moderate emissions scenario (SSP2-4.5) [12], and the density trends are extracted from simulations accounting for solar and geomagnetic activity variations [13].Winchcombe represents an ideal test case. It was a slow low-altitude fireball (entry velocity: 13.9 km/s) with minimal atmospheric deceleration below 40 km, and produced a carbonaceous CM2 chondrite [14]. Its low strength (onset of fragmentation at ~0.07 MPa) and unusually low peak dynamic pressure (~0.6 MPa) make it highly sensitive to changes in atmospheric density. We modeled its entry using a semi-empirical fragmentation and erosion model [15–17], informed by manual identification of fragmentation points and limited by deceleration and photometry data. The simulations were repeated under a projected 2100 atmospheric density profile, obtained by applying regression-derived trends from WACCM-X output to the location and season of the Winchcombe fall. See Figure 1.The comparison between the 2021 and 2100 simulations shows only modest differences in trajectory, light curve, and survivability. The luminous trajectory begins 3 km lower in the 2100 case for a typical +3 magnitude detection threshold. The first fragmentation occurs 820 m lower and the catastrophic fragmentation that produces most of the surviving fragments occurs 300 m lower. However, the final luminous point is actually 190 m higher in 2100 because of slightly faster deceleration in the denser lower stratosphere. The peak brightness remains virtually unchanged, although the fireball is ~0.5 mag fainter at altitudes above 120 km, due to lower densities and reduced drag in the mesosphere. The final surviving mass is reduced by just 0.13 g, or 0.037%, from an initial ~13 kg meteoroid. These variations are small compared to daily and seasonal variations in density [18], and are far below the uncertainties in most meteorite recovery campaigns.Figure 1. Dynamic pressure vs. altitude for the Winchcombe fireball (blue) and its 2100 climate change simulation (red), with eleven fragmentation points marked (crosses). The right panel shows their pressure differences (black).AcknowledgementsEP-A acknowledges financial support from the LUMIO project funded by the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (2024-6-HH.0). DV was supported in part by the NASA Meteoroid Environment Office under cooperative agreement 80NSSC24M0060. IC was s","author":[{"family":"Peña-Asensio","given":"Eloy"},{"family":"Vida","given":"Denis"},{"family":"Cnossen","given":"Ingrid"},{"family":"Ferrer","given":"Esteban"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5194/epsc-dps2025-594","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5194/epsc-dps2025-594","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.3749/2500001","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Aluminum Phosphates from the Montebras Pegmatite, Massif Central, France","abstract":"Abstract The Montebras pegmatitic cupola, Massif Central, France, hosts large pods of aluminum phosphates mainly composed of primary amblygonite–montebrasite. These phosphate masses are considerably altered by post-magmatic processes, leading to the formation of a number of secondary metasomatic hydrothermal phosphates (lacroixite, wardite, morinite, viitaniemiite, fluorapatite, triplite, eosphorite) and low-temperature phosphates (fluorapatite, crandallite, goyazite, gorceixite, variscite, turquoise, wavellite). A Mn-rich viitaniemiite-like phase, as well as an unknown Na-Al-P fluoride, were also identified. These phosphate assemblages were first observed with a classical polarizing microscope, but we demonstrated that cathodoluminescence microscopy was a powerful tool to decipher the complex petrography of these phases. Electron-microprobe analyses, as well as laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy, were used to characterize the trace- and major-elemental composition of those phosphates. These results allowed the determination of genetic sequences, explaining the crystallization of aluminum phosphates at different stages of the Montebras pegmatite evolution.","author":[{"family":"Pirard","given":"Cassian"},{"family":"Depret","given":"Martin"},{"family":"Hatert","given":"Frederic"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.3749/2500001","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3749/2500001","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.14293/apmc13-2025-0371","type":"article-journal","title":"The Future of Automated Mineralogy in 2D &amp; 3D","abstract":"The phrase “automated mineralogy” has been synonymous with electron microscopy in the geosciences for decades. The use of energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to rapidly map samples and identify phases of interest has gradually seen a shift out of its original industry applications and into the academic research environment. A major issue for academics wishing to take advantage of this powerful tool is the original platforms are rigid in terms of their industry designed outputs, and there has been a lack of development in both the software and hardware capable of providing automated outputs. However, rather than just looking backwards at what automated mineralogy was originally designed for, there is a more forward looking and important conversation as geoscience projects increase in scope. To think about geoscience in the context of topics such as big data, statistical relevance, and the use of increasingly prevalent machine learning techniques, we need to think about how we collect and store data. This naturally requires a greater integration of the problems geoscientists are trying to address with the solutions that microscopy and microanalysis equipment suppliers provide. Greater access to the data acquired on scientific equipment not only provides greater research flexibility but opens much smarter routes towards a future of correlated datasets with minimal user input. Using quantitative chemistry as the basis for automated mineralogy provides unique capabilities for large area analysis such as thin sections. Quantitative textural information can be extracted from the sample such as grain sizes, shapes, and mineral associations, alongside quantitative geochemical data providing mineral classification, including mineral and whole rock/sample compositions.","author":[{"family":"Schulz","given":"Bernd"},{"family":"Ng","given":"Feng"},{"family":"Taylor","given":"Richard"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.14293/apmc13-2025-0371","URL":"https://doi.org/10.14293/apmc13-2025-0371","source":"crossref"},{"id":"doi:10.35597/2313-545x-2025-11-3-4","type":"article-journal","title":"Mineralogy of oxidation zone of the Vorovskaya Yama ancient copper mine (South Transurals)","abstract":"The article considers the geological setting and mineralogy of oxidation zone of the Vorovskaya Yama copper occurrence (South Transurals), which was exploited in 17th–16th centuries BC by miners of the Alakul culture. The ore occurrence is confned to the contact of serpentinites and Devonian basalts; mineralization is associated with small intrusive bodies of syenites and belongs to skarn type. Andradite and clinopyroxene are major minerals of skarns. The oxidation zone contains subordinate (plagioclase, amphibole, epidote, chlorite, quartz, zoisite, muscovite, and malachite), accessory (Cr-rich spinel, magnetite, barite, chalcopyrite, covellite, pyrrhotite, cubanite, and native gold) and supergene (smectites, Fe oxyhydroxides, opal, native copper, and iodargyrite) minerals. The upper horizons of the oxidation zone with weathered skarns and malachite were exploited in the Bronze Age. Copper ore of the Vorovskaya Yama type in the South Urals Bronze Age settlements can be identifed by the presence of garnet, as well as the presence of Zn, Ag and Se in oxidized ore.","author":[{"family":"Yuminov","given":"AM"},{"family":"Kuldashev","given":"Sh"},{"family":"Blinov","given":"IA"},{"family":"Khvorov","given":"PV"},{"family":"Filippova","given":"KA"},{"family":"Ankushev","given":"MN"},{"family":"Ankusheva","given":"PS"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.35597/2313-545x-2025-11-3-4","URL":"https://doi.org/10.35597/2313-545x-2025-11-3-4","source":"crossref"},{"id":"oa:W4401370637","type":"article-journal","title":"Petrographic and geochemical analysis of lunar meteorite NWA 11788: Parallels with Luna 20 and the Apollo magnesian granulites","abstract":"Abstract The first in‐depth geochemical and petrological analyses of new lunar meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 11788 were conducted with the aim of better understanding the diversity of lunar rock types. Petrography, microcomputed tomography, electron probe microanalysis, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were employed to analyze mineralogic/elemental makeup, petrologic profile, melt history, and inferred composition of the lunar mantle from which the crystals in this sample originated from. Geochemical maps of the lunar surface were generated to constrain potential lunar launch locations for NWA 11788. Potential launch locations are concentrated in the outer rims of impact basins on the lunar Eastern nearside limb (e.g., Crisium, Fecunditatis, Marginis, Smythii) and around the South Pole–Aitken Basin. Similarities in the major, minor, and trace element chemistry of NWA 11788 along with its potential launch locations suggest a petrogenetic relationship with regolith samples returned from the Luna 20 mission and the Apollo 16 and 17 magnesian granulites. Additionally, the results of this study add to the growing body of evidence that KREEP (potassium, rare earth elements, phosphorous)‐poor, Mg‐suite‐“like” lithologies are common in non‐Apollo‐type locales, that KREEP may not be required to generate lithologies like the Mg‐suite, and that KREEP is not globally distributed at present.","author":[{"family":"Hulsey","given":"Craig"},{"family":"O'sullivan","given":"KM"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1111/maps.14248","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1111/maps.14248","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404074097","type":"article-journal","title":"Exploring the versatile applications of Spirulina: A comprehensive research review","abstract":"Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, has garnered significant attention due to its rich nutritional profile and bioactive compounds that contribute to numerous health benefits. This review provides an extensive analysis of the various applications of Spirulina, covering its roles in nutrition, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. With its high protein content, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Spirulina is an exceptional dietary supplement and functional food ingredient. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is explored for its potential in immune enhancement, cholesterol reduction, and cancer prevention. Spirulina’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a valuable component in cosmetics, aiding in skin care and anti-ageing formulations. In agriculture, Spirulina is used as a biofertilizer and livestock feed supplement, contributing to sustainable practices by enhancing soil quality and improving livestock health. Furthermore, its ability to absorb heavy metals and pollutants enables its use in environmental applications, such as water purification and waste management. However, large-scale production faces challenges, including quality control, standardisation, and regulatory requirements, which must be addressed to ensure safe and effective use.","author":[{"family":"Roshan","given":"Hafeef"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i11sb.2799","URL":"https://doi.org/10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i11sb.2799","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4401324481","type":"article-journal","title":"Raman spectra of oxidized sulfur species in hydrothermal fluids","abstract":"Raman spectroscopic determination of sulfur species molalities in hydrothermal fluids requires correct assignment and knowledge of the scattering efficiencies of Raman bands. Therefore, we studied the Raman spectra of NaHSO4 and H2SO4 solutions experimentally to 700 °C, and of Na2SO4, NaHSO4, H2SO4, and H2SO3 solutions by ab initio molecular dynamics simulation at 727 °C. The results indicate that the scattering efficiencies of the νs(SO3), νas(SO3), and ν(S–OH) Raman bands of HSO4−(aq) depend on the H+ activity. The asymmetric shape of the νs(SO3) Raman band of HSO4−(aq) becomes more symmetric with increasing temperature, which correlates with decreasing hydrogen bonding in the molecular environment. Proton activity and ion pairing do not have a large effect on the change in the band asymmetry with temperature, and a resonance effect on the band shape is not observed. Therefore, we attribute the asymmetric shape of the νs(SO3) Raman band of HSO4−(aq) mostly to hydrogen bonding of the proton in the H–OSO3− molecule with water in its environment. The AIMD simulations clarify assignments of Raman bands of H2SO40, specifically to νs(SO2) and νas(SO2) at ∼1140 cm−1 and ∼1370 cm−1, to νs(SO4) and νas(SO4) at ∼970 cm−1 and ∼1220 cm−1, and to νs(S–(OH)2) and νas(S–(OH)2) at ∼750 cm−1 and ∼840 cm−1. In addition, the experiments showed that diamond is not inert to H2SO4 at high temperatures as reduction of S(VI) to S(IV) produces SO20 and oxidation of diamond generates CO20.","author":[{"family":"Schmidt","given":"Christian"},{"family":"Jahn","given":"Sandro"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2024.108146","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2024.108146","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393190312","type":"article-journal","title":"Shear Wave Velocity Applications in Geomechanics with Focus on Risk Assessment in Carbon Capture and Storage Projects","abstract":"Shear wave velocity (Vs) has significant applications in geoengineering investigations. With the ongoing rise in carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives, the role of Vs in monitoring the CO2 sequestration sites is escalating. Although many studies have been conducted to assess CCS-induced risks, no inclusive research has been conducted integrating those investigations. This study strives to collate and integrate the applications of Vs in geoscience with an emphasis on CCS risk assessment. Based on this research, major CCS-induced risks were detected: induced seismicity, caprock failure, groundwater contamination, fault reactivation, and reservoir deformation. These risks were inclusively described, and the mathematical formulations incorporating the Vs parameter in risk analysis were elaborated. It was concluded that Vs applications can be further extended in monitoring CO2 plume migration, optimizing CO2 injection pressures, preventing shallow water contamination, and predicting CCS-induced seismic events. All these applications require fully coupled hydromechanical analysis based on poroelasticity theory. Hence, various factors including pore pressure, in situ stresses, faults distribution, and poroelastic parameters must be carefully determined before the CO2 injection phase. The mathematical formulations presented in the present study are quite applicable for granting the safety and long-term success of subsurface carbon sequestration.","author":[{"family":"Khalilidermani","given":"Mitra"},{"family":"Knez","given":"Dariusz"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/en17071578","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071578","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4393006708","type":"article-journal","title":"Experimental Study on Geopolymerization of Lunar Soil Simulant under Dry Curing and Sealed Curing","abstract":"The construction of lunar surface roads is conducive to improving the efficiency of lunar space transportation. The use of lunar in situ resources is the key to the construction of lunar bases. In order to explore the strength development of a simulated lunar soil geopolymer at lunar temperature, geopolymers with different sodium hydroxide (NaOH) contents were prepared by using simulated lunar regolith materials. The temperature of the high-temperature section of the moon was simulated as the curing condition, and the difference in compressive strength between dry curing and sealed curing was studied. The results show that the high-temperature range of lunar temperature from 52.7 °C to 76.3 °C was the suitable curing period for the geopolymers, and the maximum strength of 72 h was 6.31 MPa when the NaOH content was 8% in the sealed-curing mode. The 72 h strength had a maximum value of 6.87 MPa when the NaOH content was 12% under dry curing. Choosing a suitable solution can reduce the consumption of activators required for geopolymers to obtain unit strength, effectively reduce the quality of materials transported from the Earth for lunar infrastructure construction, and save transportation costs. The microscopic results show that the simulated lunar soil generated gel substances and needle-like crystals under the alkali excitation of NaOH, forming a cluster and network structure to improve the compressive strength of the geopolymer.","author":[{"family":"Gu","given":"Jinhui"},{"family":"Ma","given":"Qinyong"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/ma17061413","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17061413","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4404396118","type":"article-journal","title":"Multi-step thermal design of microwave vacuum heating to basaltic regolith simulant towards lunar base construction","abstract":"Abstract Humanned exploration and extended stay on the Moon are the hottest challenges today. We report highly robust materials by microwave heating under high-vacuum conditions (10− 3 Pa) from a basaltic regolith simulant (FJS-1) to ensure the feasibility of lunar infrastructure construction. The violent degassing dynamics were revealed by monitoring vacuum pressure during heating and analyzing the compounds evolved from basaltic silicate compounds: thermal pyrolysis of silicate compounds became more pronounced above 1000 oC, leading to a catastrophic deformation accompanied by forming countless pores of several hundred µm sizes. The preferential formation of the magnetite phase in vacuum heating dominantly caused the radical change in microwave absorption capacity compared with conventional heating routes using an electrical furnace in atmospheric conditions. Besides, the in-situ measurement of dielectric properties during microwave vacuum heating clarified the increase in one order of magnitude from 100 to 1000 oC. Based on the presumed phenomena during microwave-vacuum heating for basaltic regolith, we propose a new thermal design concept to overcome the practical limitations of microwave technology. The multi-step temperature profile successfully fabricated a highly robust product that demonstrated world-class mechanical performance, equivalent to the compressive strength of 65 MPa without any vigorous hydrostatic cold press as a pre-treatment.","author":[{"family":"Kato","given":"Kunihiko"},{"family":"Shirai","given":"Takashi"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1038/s41598-024-79504-x","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79504-x","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4395064189","type":"article-journal","title":"Technology as Capital: Challenging the Illusion of the Green Machine","abstract":"Debates on technologies for harnessing renewable energies tend to generate a polarized arena in which critical voices are automatically denounced as defenders of fossil energy.This has created a difficult situation for activists and scholars voicing concerns about the comparatively low power density, low net energy, and environmental justice concerns of such technologies.In this paper, we highlight the contradictions and ambivalences underlying Promethean arguments for solar power, which are currently dividing the political left.Through a critical reading of three proponents of classical Marxism, we address the structural coherence and paradoxes of the discourses within which the faith in such \"green\" technology is mobilized.We illustrate how Promethean visions of solar power tend to suffer from a pervasive ontological separation of human ingenuity and global social metabolism.This raises important questions about the ambiguous and theoretically underdeveloped role of technology in historical materialism, and about how capital, once converted into the material form of technology, becomes exempt from political critique.Rather than accepting such an immaterial and ultimately depoliticized position on technology, we argue that Marxist scholarship should concede that Promethean approaches must be abandoned if we are to effectively address climate change and other challenges of the Anthropocene.","author":[{"family":"Roos","given":"Andreas"},{"family":"Hornborg","given":"Alf"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.1080/10455752.2024.2332218","URL":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10455752.2024.2332218","source":"openalex"},{"id":"oa:W4403103173","type":"article-journal","title":"A Novel Polymerized Sulfur Concrete for Underground Hydrogen Storage in Lined Rock Caverns","abstract":"Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a viable solution to meet the growing global energy demand, making large-scale hydrogen storage essential for successfully realizing a full-scale hydrogen economy. Geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, salt caverns, and aquifers, have been identified as potential storage options. Additionally, unconventional methods like manufactured lined rock caverns and abandoned coal mines are gaining interest. This study introduces polymerized sulfur concrete (PSC) as a promising alternative to replace the current construction systems, which rely on Portland cement concrete and lining materials like stainless steel or polypropylene plastic liners. The paper presents the formulation of PSC, optimization of its compositional design, and evaluation of its physico-mechanical-chemical properties. The results demonstrate that PSC offers excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and low permeability, making it highly suitable for underground hydrogen storage in lined rock caverns. The results showed that the manufactured PSC exhibits excellent physicochemical properties in terms of compressive strength (35–58 MPa), density (2.277–2.488 g/cm3), setting time (30–60 min), curing time (24 h), air content (4–8%), moisture absorption potential (0.17–0.3%), maximum volumetric shrinkage (1.69–2.0%), and maximum service temperature (85–90 °C). Moreover, the PSC is nonconductive and classified with zero flame spread classification and fuel contribution. In addition, the SPC was found to be durable in harsh environmental conditions involving pressure, humidity, and pH variations. It is also capable of resisting corrosive environments. In addition, the statistical modeling indicates that an overall mixture proportion of 32.5 wt.% polymerized sulfur, 32.5 wt.% dune sands, 17.5 wt. % LFS, and 17.5 wt.% GGBFS appear optimal for density values ranging from 2.43 to 2.44 g/cm3 and compressive strength ranging from 52.0 to 53.2 MPa, indicating that the PSC can sustain formation pressure up to about 5.3 km below the ground surface. Therefore, by addressing the critical limitations of traditional materials, PSC proves to be a durable, environmentally sustainable solution for lined rock caverns, reducing the risk of hydrogen leakage and ensuring the integrity of storage systems.","author":[{"family":"Mohamed","given":"Abdel‐mohsen"},{"family":"Gamal","given":"Maisa"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2024]]},"DOI":"10.3390/su16198595","URL":"https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198595","source":"openalex"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.20133422","type":"article-journal","title":"Energy Imperative: From Metal-Sulfur Catalysis to the Evolution of Life","abstract":"Traditional models of the origin of life postulate the primacy of random polymerization in a \"primordial soup\" and typically consider a single environment as the sole cradle of life. In this work, based on the synthesis of modern experimental data — the discovery of the ultra-short ribozyme QT45 functioning in eutectic ice (Cambridge, 2026), experiments on aminoacylation and the formation of amino acid nanoaggregates upon freezing, phylostratigraphy data of protein domains, RAF network theory, and new results on non-thermal THz effects in biomolecular systems — an integrative picture of abiogenesis is proposed. Its central principle is the symbiosis of cosmos and Earth: cosmic delivery provides the chemical basis and statistical preferences (monomers, short oligomers, chiral imbalance, Krebs cycle intermediates), while terrestrial mechanisms provide concentration, protection from photodissociation, guided assembly, and scaling. Quantitative estimates show that neither purely random terrestrial self-assembly (Eigen's paradox) nor direct cosmic delivery of ready-made replicators (photodissociation) are viable scenarios. The only logically possible outcome is guided terrestrial synthesis from cosmic semi-finished products. As a specific mechanism of guided assembly, photon navigation is proposed — a cascade of resonances \"ice–water–nucleobase\", in which UV radiation performs a dual function (monomer activation and negative selection), while THz radiation, generated by the medium itself via the Purcell effect in ice microcavities, provides positive selection. Alternative mechanisms of guided polymerization (concentration gradients during freeze-thaw cycles, selective adsorption on minerals, microfluidics) are considered; photon navigation is selected for detailed elaboration as it permits direct experimental verification and quantitative predictions.","author":[{"family":"Kilin","given":"Konstantin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.20133422","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20133422","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.20643446","type":"article-journal","title":"Energy Imperative: From Metal-Sulfur Catalysis to the Evolution of Life","abstract":"Traditional models of the origin of life postulate the primacy of random polymerization in a \"primordial soup\" and typically consider a single environment as the sole cradle of life. In this work, based on the synthesis of modern experimental data — the discovery of the ultra-short ribozyme QT45 functioning in eutectic ice (Cambridge, 2026), experiments on aminoacylation and the formation of amino acid nanoaggregates upon freezing, phylostratigraphy data of protein domains, RAF network theory, and new results on non-thermal THz effects in biomolecular systems — an integrative picture of abiogenesis is proposed. Its central principle is the symbiosis of cosmos and Earth: cosmic delivery provides the chemical basis and statistical preferences (monomers, short oligomers, chiral imbalance, Krebs cycle intermediates), while terrestrial mechanisms provide concentration, protection from photodissociation, guided assembly, and scaling. Quantitative estimates show that neither purely random terrestrial self-assembly (Eigen's paradox) nor direct cosmic delivery of ready-made replicators (photodissociation) are viable scenarios. The only logically possible outcome is guided terrestrial synthesis from cosmic semi-finished products. As a specific mechanism of guided assembly, photon navigation is proposed — a cascade of resonances \"ice–water–nucleobase\", in which UV radiation performs a dual function (monomer activation and negative selection), while THz radiation, generated by the medium itself via the Purcell effect in ice microcavities, provides positive selection. Alternative mechanisms of guided polymerization (concentration gradients during freeze-thaw cycles, selective adsorption on minerals, microfluidics) are considered; photon navigation is selected for detailed elaboration as it permits direct experimental verification and quantitative predictions.","author":[{"family":"Kilin","given":"Konstantin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.20643446","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20643446","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.20133423","type":"article-journal","title":"Energy Imperative: From Metal-Sulfur Catalysis to the Evolution of Life","abstract":"Traditional models of the origin of life postulate the primacy of random polymerization in a \"primordial soup\" and typically consider a single environment as the sole cradle of life. In this work, based on the synthesis of modern experimental data — the discovery of the ultra-short ribozyme QT45 functioning in eutectic ice (Cambridge, 2026), experiments on aminoacylation and the formation of amino acid nanoaggregates upon freezing, phylostratigraphy data of protein domains, RAF network theory, and new results on non-thermal THz effects in biomolecular systems — an integrative picture of abiogenesis is proposed. Its central principle is the symbiosis of cosmos and Earth: cosmic delivery provides the chemical basis and statistical preferences (monomers, short oligomers, chiral imbalance, Krebs cycle intermediates), while terrestrial mechanisms provide concentration, protection from photodissociation, guided assembly, and scaling. Quantitative estimates show that neither purely random terrestrial self-assembly (Eigen's paradox) nor direct cosmic delivery of ready-made replicators (photodissociation) are viable scenarios. The only logically possible outcome is guided terrestrial synthesis from cosmic semi-finished products. As a specific mechanism of guided assembly, photon navigation is proposed — a cascade of resonances \"ice–water–nucleobase\", in which UV radiation performs a dual function (monomer activation and negative selection), while THz radiation, generated by the medium itself via the Purcell effect in ice microcavities, provides positive selection. Alternative mechanisms of guided polymerization (concentration gradients during freeze-thaw cycles, selective adsorption on minerals, microfluidics) are considered; photon navigation is selected for detailed elaboration as it permits direct experimental verification and quantitative predictions.","author":[{"family":"Kilin","given":"Konstantin"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.20133423","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20133423","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.25394/pgs.29620064","type":"article-journal","title":"Investigating the Exposure and Thermal History of Enstatite (E) Chondrites and Improving Cosmogenic Noble Gas Production Rate Calculations for Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Applications","abstract":"Cosmogenic nuclides can be used to quantify the surface exposure timescales and recent thermal histories of terrestrial and extraterrestrial surfaces. In this dissertation, I develop methods to improve cosmogenic nuclide production rate calculations on Earth and in space, as well as apply cosmogenic noble gases to better understand the histories of meteorites. The study of terrestrial surfaces can be used to inform our understanding of landscape feedbacks with regional tectonics, paleoclimate, and magmatic systems. As surface exposure studies extending beyond the Quaternary become more prevalent, improving our calculations of cosmogenic nuclide production rates through deep time is critical. We find incorporating temporal variations in Earth’s magnetic field are important when calculating pre-Quaternary cosmogenic nuclide production rates, and can significantly affect calculated surface exposure ages. In extraterrestrial applications, identifying non-destructive techniques to quantify subsample composition and improve cosmogenic nuclide production rate estimates are needed to better constrain the exposure ages of meteorites. We used μCT to quantify the abundance of major mineral phases in enstatite (E) chondrites, and found heterogeneously distributed metal in E chondrite subsamples can necessitate substantially different cosmogenic noble gas production rates. When utilizing cosmogenic noble gases to quantify long duration cosmic ray exposure ages, 3 He is often considered an unreliable chronometer because it is diffusively lost from meteorites. We quantified the diffusion kinetics of 3 He in the major minerals of E chondrites to leverage discrepancies between newly measured 3 He and 21 Ne cosmic ray exposure ages, and constrain the thermal histories of three E chondrites. This combination of subsample-specific cosmogenic noble gas production rates, experimentally-derived diffusion kinetics of 3 He in major minerals E chondrites, and cosmogenic noble gas measurements demonstrates 3 He is a suitable thermochronometer for E chondrites, and can be used to constrain the thermal histories of meteorites during their exposures to cosmic rays in the space environment.","author":[{"family":"Mijjum","given":"Moshammat"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.25394/pgs.29620064","URL":"https://doi.org/10.25394/pgs.29620064","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.25394/pgs.29620064.v1","type":"article-journal","title":"Investigating the Exposure and Thermal History of Enstatite (E) Chondrites and Improving Cosmogenic Noble Gas Production Rate Calculations for Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Applications","abstract":"Cosmogenic nuclides can be used to quantify the surface exposure timescales and recent thermal histories of terrestrial and extraterrestrial surfaces. In this dissertation, I develop methods to improve cosmogenic nuclide production rate calculations on Earth and in space, as well as apply cosmogenic noble gases to better understand the histories of meteorites. The study of terrestrial surfaces can be used to inform our understanding of landscape feedbacks with regional tectonics, paleoclimate, and magmatic systems. As surface exposure studies extending beyond the Quaternary become more prevalent, improving our calculations of cosmogenic nuclide production rates through deep time is critical. We find incorporating temporal variations in Earth’s magnetic field are important when calculating pre-Quaternary cosmogenic nuclide production rates, and can significantly affect calculated surface exposure ages. In extraterrestrial applications, identifying non-destructive techniques to quantify subsample composition and improve cosmogenic nuclide production rate estimates are needed to better constrain the exposure ages of meteorites. We used μCT to quantify the abundance of major mineral phases in enstatite (E) chondrites, and found heterogeneously distributed metal in E chondrite subsamples can necessitate substantially different cosmogenic noble gas production rates. When utilizing cosmogenic noble gases to quantify long duration cosmic ray exposure ages, 3 He is often considered an unreliable chronometer because it is diffusively lost from meteorites. We quantified the diffusion kinetics of 3 He in the major minerals of E chondrites to leverage discrepancies between newly measured 3 He and 21 Ne cosmic ray exposure ages, and constrain the thermal histories of three E chondrites. This combination of subsample-specific cosmogenic noble gas production rates, experimentally-derived diffusion kinetics of 3 He in major minerals E chondrites, and cosmogenic noble gas measurements demonstrates 3 He is a suitable thermochronometer for E chondrites, and can be used to constrain the thermal histories of meteorites during their exposures to cosmic rays in the space environment.","author":[{"family":"Mijjum","given":"Moshammat"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.25394/pgs.29620064.v1","URL":"https://doi.org/10.25394/pgs.29620064.v1","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.18462748","type":"article-journal","title":"Global Molecular Protection System Under Extreme Earth Weather: Dual-Scheme Design Based on Cross-Domain Balance Theory and Self-Circulating Energy Logic","abstract":"This paper proposes a planet-level molecular protection system to address existential threats posed by extreme global weather, anchored in the \"1 + (-1) = 0\" cross-domain balance theory derived from quantum mechanics, condensed matter physics, and thermodynamics. The core goal is to achieve full-cycle self-consistency of \"extraction-protection-energy-decision-deployment\" without relying on extraterrestrial resources, enabling Earth to self-defend against extreme temperatures (up to 1000℃) through its own resources. The system comprises two complementary core schemes: 1. High-Temperature Self-Repair Satellite (HTRS) + Continental Mineral Molecular Extractor: The satellite adopts a six-layer modular architecture (carrier structure, thermal protection, core payload, energy supply, self-repair, ground/inter-satellite support) with key technologies including ceramic-based PCM phase change thermal storage, SiC/graphene composite thermal barrier coatings, and a Real-Time Injection Self-Repair System (RIS) for on-orbit damage repair. The mineral extractor realizes standardized production of 50-200nm nano-precursor suspensions from shallow continental minerals (graphene, quartz, alumina), with three optimized formulas for heat resistance, evaporation inhibition, and self-healing, supporting stable mixing with seawater (70% water + 30% mineral ratio). 2. Water-Oil Molecular Global Shield + All-Resource Adaptive Extractor: The shield leverages the complementary properties of quantum-topology-optimized water molecules (heat resistance) and self-compacting oil molecules (density), forming a 0.05-0.5mm dense film at 10-20m above the surface, with dark energy capture and zero-point energy compensation for dynamic energy balance. The all-resource extractor integrates quantum state sensing, atomic-level extraction, and ternary decision-making, autonomously converting Earth’s minerals, seawater, biological matter, and even dark matter into shield-adapted materials, achieving \"Earth protects Earth\" through a closed loop of \"extraction-injection-recycling\". Key technologies include: ternary meta-atomic computing (decision delay <0.1ms), dark energy capture via 50nm nano-resonators, zero-point energy engine (output 10W), PCM phase change thermal management (latent heat ≥200kJ/kg), and inter-satellite quantum communication (error rate <10⁻⁹). The system adapts to extreme scenarios over 10-500 years (70-1000℃), with intelligent maintenance (local repair <5s/m²) and emergency response mechanisms (dark matter positioning for satellite failure, resource substitution for depletion). It achieves full autonomy without human intervention, even sustaining operation for billions of years after human extinction until the sun’s natural energy exhaustion, embodying the cosmic principle of \"energy return to zero\".","author":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.18462748","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18462748","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.18462747","type":"article-journal","title":"Global Molecular Protection System Under Extreme Earth Weather: Dual-Scheme Design Based on Cross-Domain Balance Theory and Self-Circulating Energy Logic","abstract":"This paper proposes a planet-level molecular protection system to address existential threats posed by extreme global weather, anchored in the \"1 + (-1) = 0\" cross-domain balance theory derived from quantum mechanics, condensed matter physics, and thermodynamics. The core goal is to achieve full-cycle self-consistency of \"extraction-protection-energy-decision-deployment\" without relying on extraterrestrial resources, enabling Earth to self-defend against extreme temperatures (up to 1000℃) through its own resources. The system comprises two complementary core schemes: 1. High-Temperature Self-Repair Satellite (HTRS) + Continental Mineral Molecular Extractor: The satellite adopts a six-layer modular architecture (carrier structure, thermal protection, core payload, energy supply, self-repair, ground/inter-satellite support) with key technologies including ceramic-based PCM phase change thermal storage, SiC/graphene composite thermal barrier coatings, and a Real-Time Injection Self-Repair System (RIS) for on-orbit damage repair. The mineral extractor realizes standardized production of 50-200nm nano-precursor suspensions from shallow continental minerals (graphene, quartz, alumina), with three optimized formulas for heat resistance, evaporation inhibition, and self-healing, supporting stable mixing with seawater (70% water + 30% mineral ratio). 2. Water-Oil Molecular Global Shield + All-Resource Adaptive Extractor: The shield leverages the complementary properties of quantum-topology-optimized water molecules (heat resistance) and self-compacting oil molecules (density), forming a 0.05-0.5mm dense film at 10-20m above the surface, with dark energy capture and zero-point energy compensation for dynamic energy balance. The all-resource extractor integrates quantum state sensing, atomic-level extraction, and ternary decision-making, autonomously converting Earth’s minerals, seawater, biological matter, and even dark matter into shield-adapted materials, achieving \"Earth protects Earth\" through a closed loop of \"extraction-injection-recycling\". Key technologies include: ternary meta-atomic computing (decision delay <0.1ms), dark energy capture via 50nm nano-resonators, zero-point energy engine (output 10W), PCM phase change thermal management (latent heat ≥200kJ/kg), and inter-satellite quantum communication (error rate <10⁻⁹). The system adapts to extreme scenarios over 10-500 years (70-1000℃), with intelligent maintenance (local repair <5s/m²) and emergency response mechanisms (dark matter positioning for satellite failure, resource substitution for depletion). It achieves full autonomy without human intervention, even sustaining operation for billions of years after human extinction until the sun’s natural energy exhaustion, embodying the cosmic principle of \"energy return to zero\".","author":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.18462747","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18462747","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.18027129","type":"article-journal","title":"The Expanding Earth, Snowball Earth, and Lunar Capture Theory: A Unified Perspective on Earth's Geological Evolution","abstract":"1. This paper presents a unified theoretical framework integrating the Expanding Earth hypothesis, the Snowball Earth episodes, and an alternative lunar capture model. We propose that external influences, particularly charged particles from the solar wind, contribute to Earth's gradual mass accretion and internal heating, driving surface expansion over geological timescales. This process interacts with tidal forces from a captured Moon and volcanic activity to explain major transitions in Earth's history, including the escape from global glaciations. Drawing on geological evidence such as young oceanic crust and paleomagnetic data, we address inconsistencies in mainstream models like plate tectonics and the giant-impact lunar origin hypothesis. While acknowledging the fringe status of expansion theories, we suggest testable mechanisms involving solar wind deposition at the poles, potentially resolving paradoxes like the faint young Sun. Introduction 2. The Earth's geological history is marked by dynamic processes that challenge static models of planetary evolution. The Expanding Earth hypothesis, first proposed in the 19th century and refined by proponents like Samuel Warren Carey in the 1950s–1980s, posits that the planet's radius has increased over time due to internal phase changes, mass addition, or cosmological factors, rather than solely through plate tectonics on a constant-sized Earth. This idea, though largely dismissed as pseudoscience since the 1960s acceptance of subduction and mantle convection, persists in explaining anomalies such as the fit of continents on a smaller paleo-Earth and the relative youth of oceanic crust. 3. Complementing this, the Snowball Earth hypothesis describes episodes of near-global glaciation during the Neoproterozoic Cryogenian period (approximately 720–635 million years ago), where ice sheets extended to equatorial latitudes. These events were likely initiated by reduced atmospheric greenhouse gases and amplified by ice-albedo feedbacks, ending through volcanic CO2 buildup. 4. Finally, debates over the Moon's origin—whether from a giant impact with a Mars-sized body (Theia) or gravitational capture—highlight compositional and isotopic puzzles that may link to Earth's expansion and thermal history. 5. Here, we unify these concepts, emphasizing the role of solar wind particles as an external driver of expansion. By hypothesizing that solar wind contributes trace mass and energy to Earth's interior via polar influx, we propose a mechanism that fuels mantle expansion, interacts with lunar tidal friction, and aids in deglaciating Snowball states. This framework offers a holistic view of Earth's evolution, supported by geological observations and addressing gaps in conventional theories. The Expanding Earth Hypothesis: Mechanisms and Evidence 6. The Expanding Earth model suggests a radius increase from about 80% of its current size in the Jurassic (approximately 200 million years ago) to the present, based on paleomagnetic reconstructions showing continents fitting tightly on a smaller globe. Key evidence includes: 7. The youth of oceanic crust, with no seafloor older than 200 million years, formed continuously at mid-ocean ridges without equivalent subduction volumes, implying net surface growth. 8. Paleomagnetic data indicating possible radius changes, such as a 102% ± 2.8% current radius 400 million years ago, though contested. 9. Raised beaches and steppe plains, as noted by Darwin in 1834, suggesting uplift from expansion rather than subsidence. 10. Traditional mechanisms include internal decompression (e.g., J. Marvin Herndon's 2005 model of Earth forming from a gas-giant core stripped by solar activity) or phase transitions in the mantle due to radioactive heating. However, we emphasize external contributions, aligning with Carey's cosmological links and Hilgenberg's aether-absorption ideas. Enhanced Role of Solar Wind in Earth's Expansion 11. A novel addition to the theory focuses on ","author":[{"family":"Izzo","given":"Daniel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.18027129","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18027129","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.18027130","type":"article-journal","title":"The Expanding Earth, Snowball Earth, and Lunar Capture Theory: A Unified Perspective on Earth's Geological Evolution","abstract":"1. This paper presents a unified theoretical framework integrating the Expanding Earth hypothesis, the Snowball Earth episodes, and an alternative lunar capture model. We propose that external influences, particularly charged particles from the solar wind, contribute to Earth's gradual mass accretion and internal heating, driving surface expansion over geological timescales. This process interacts with tidal forces from a captured Moon and volcanic activity to explain major transitions in Earth's history, including the escape from global glaciations. Drawing on geological evidence such as young oceanic crust and paleomagnetic data, we address inconsistencies in mainstream models like plate tectonics and the giant-impact lunar origin hypothesis. While acknowledging the fringe status of expansion theories, we suggest testable mechanisms involving solar wind deposition at the poles, potentially resolving paradoxes like the faint young Sun. Introduction 2. The Earth's geological history is marked by dynamic processes that challenge static models of planetary evolution. The Expanding Earth hypothesis, first proposed in the 19th century and refined by proponents like Samuel Warren Carey in the 1950s–1980s, posits that the planet's radius has increased over time due to internal phase changes, mass addition, or cosmological factors, rather than solely through plate tectonics on a constant-sized Earth. This idea, though largely dismissed as pseudoscience since the 1960s acceptance of subduction and mantle convection, persists in explaining anomalies such as the fit of continents on a smaller paleo-Earth and the relative youth of oceanic crust. 3. Complementing this, the Snowball Earth hypothesis describes episodes of near-global glaciation during the Neoproterozoic Cryogenian period (approximately 720–635 million years ago), where ice sheets extended to equatorial latitudes. These events were likely initiated by reduced atmospheric greenhouse gases and amplified by ice-albedo feedbacks, ending through volcanic CO2 buildup. 4. Finally, debates over the Moon's origin—whether from a giant impact with a Mars-sized body (Theia) or gravitational capture—highlight compositional and isotopic puzzles that may link to Earth's expansion and thermal history. 5. Here, we unify these concepts, emphasizing the role of solar wind particles as an external driver of expansion. By hypothesizing that solar wind contributes trace mass and energy to Earth's interior via polar influx, we propose a mechanism that fuels mantle expansion, interacts with lunar tidal friction, and aids in deglaciating Snowball states. This framework offers a holistic view of Earth's evolution, supported by geological observations and addressing gaps in conventional theories. The Expanding Earth Hypothesis: Mechanisms and Evidence 6. The Expanding Earth model suggests a radius increase from about 80% of its current size in the Jurassic (approximately 200 million years ago) to the present, based on paleomagnetic reconstructions showing continents fitting tightly on a smaller globe. Key evidence includes: 7. The youth of oceanic crust, with no seafloor older than 200 million years, formed continuously at mid-ocean ridges without equivalent subduction volumes, implying net surface growth. 8. Paleomagnetic data indicating possible radius changes, such as a 102% ± 2.8% current radius 400 million years ago, though contested. 9. Raised beaches and steppe plains, as noted by Darwin in 1834, suggesting uplift from expansion rather than subsidence. 10. Traditional mechanisms include internal decompression (e.g., J. Marvin Herndon's 2005 model of Earth forming from a gas-giant core stripped by solar activity) or phase transitions in the mantle due to radioactive heating. However, we emphasize external contributions, aligning with Carey's cosmological links and Hilgenberg's aether-absorption ideas. Enhanced Role of Solar Wind in Earth's Expansion 11. A novel addition to the theory focuses on ","author":[{"family":"Izzo","given":"Daniel"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.18027130","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18027130","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.17231094","type":"article-journal","title":"(3I/ATLAS)→Prediction of the Composition and Origin of Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Using the Hamzah Model.","abstract":"All 400 Research Projects and Theories of Hamzah Equation (Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science, AI, AGI, Cosmology Simulation and etc) are Available: Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3175-8563 Science Open ID: https://www.scienceopen.com/user/2c98a8bc-b8bb-49b3-9c91-2f2986a7e16e Safe Creative register the work titled \"The Theory of Intelligent Evolution, the Hamzah Equation, and the Quantum Civilisation\". Safe Creative registration #2504151474836. ............................................................................................................................................................... 3I/ATLAS → 17 October 2025: Confirmation of the Hamzah Model Predictions from the 30 September 2025 Article Using New Observational Data (Hubble, James Webb, VLT, Gemini North, ATLAS). https://zenodo.org/records/17377795 ............................................................................................................................................................... Why 3I/ATLAS Faces Systematic Censorship of Scientific Validation by Reputable Scientific Journals under the Principle of Free Information Circulation? https://zenodo.org/records/17417541 ............................................................................................................................................................... 3I/ATLAS Precise Daily Analysis and Predictions from 23 to 29 October 2025 via the Hamzah Model. https://zenodo.org/records/17427950 ............................................................................................................................................................... 3I/ATLAS Complete Simulator. https://zenodo.org/records/17435127 ............................................................................................................................................................... Avi Loeb's Theory on 3I/ATLAS and a Comparative Analysis of the Hamzah Model: Numerical Evidence Confirming a Natural Origin and Refuting Extraterrestrial Origin. https://zenodo.org/records/17442420 ............................................................................................................................................................... 3I/ATLAS Interstellar Perihelion Precise Prediction Using the Hamzah Model: Focused Analysis on 29 October 2025. https://zenodo.org/records/17441119 ............................................................................................................................................................... AbstractThis study employs the advanced Hamzah Model to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. The model, achieving a precision of 99.98%, successfully predicts the chemical composition, origin, and kinematic trajectory of the object. Results indicate that 3I/ATLAS possesses a unique chemical composition, with a significant carbon enrichment of 28.45% above solar values and a dominant r-process nucleosynthesis pattern with a probability of 78.4%. Trajectory modelling was performed with a positional error of 0.000123 astronomical units, and an escape velocity of 32.123 km/s confirms the interstellar nature of the object. 1. Introduction 1.1 Significance of Interstellar Object Studies Interstellar objects serve as direct samples of material beyond the Solar System, providing an unparalleled window into planetary formation processes and the chemical evolution of galaxies. The discoveries of 1I/'Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019 initiated a new era in the study of such objects. 3I/ATLAS, as the third confirmed interstellar object, presents an exceptional opportunity for testing advanced astrophysical models. 1.2 The Hamzah Model: A Novel Astrophysical Approach The Hamzah Model utilises advanced computational architecture capable of processing 12 billion operations and analysing 50 trillion distinct scenarios. By integrating multi-source data and applying quantum-relativistic co","author":[{"family":"Jalali","given":"Seyed"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.17231094","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17231094","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.17234056","type":"article-journal","title":"(3I/ATLAS)→Prediction of the Composition and Origin of Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Using the Hamzah Model.","abstract":"All 400 Research Projects and Theories of Hamzah Equation (Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science, AI, AGI, Cosmology Simulation and etc) are Available: Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3175-8563 Science Open ID: https://www.scienceopen.com/user/2c98a8bc-b8bb-49b3-9c91-2f2986a7e16e Safe Creative register the work titled \"The Theory of Intelligent Evolution, the Hamzah Equation, and the Quantum Civilisation\". Safe Creative registration #2504151474836. ............................................................................................................................................................... 3I/ATLAS → 17 October 2025: Confirmation of the Hamzah Model Predictions from the 30 September 2025 Article Using New Observational Data (Hubble, James Webb, VLT, Gemini North, ATLAS). https://zenodo.org/records/17377795 ............................................................................................................................................................... Why 3I/ATLAS Faces Systematic Censorship of Scientific Validation by Reputable Scientific Journals under the Principle of Free Information Circulation? https://zenodo.org/records/17417541 ............................................................................................................................................................... 3I/ATLAS Precise Daily Analysis and Predictions from 23 to 29 October 2025 via the Hamzah Model. https://zenodo.org/records/17427950 ............................................................................................................................................................... 3I/ATLAS Complete Simulator. https://zenodo.org/records/17435127 ............................................................................................................................................................... Avi Loeb's Theory on 3I/ATLAS and a Comparative Analysis of the Hamzah Model: Numerical Evidence Confirming a Natural Origin and Refuting Extraterrestrial Origin. https://zenodo.org/records/17442420 ............................................................................................................................................................... 3I/ATLAS Interstellar Perihelion Precise Prediction Using the Hamzah Model: Focused Analysis on 29 October 2025. https://zenodo.org/records/17441119 ............................................................................................................................................................... AbstractThis study employs the advanced Hamzah Model to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. The model, achieving a precision of 99.98%, successfully predicts the chemical composition, origin, and kinematic trajectory of the object. Results indicate that 3I/ATLAS possesses a unique chemical composition, with a significant carbon enrichment of 28.45% above solar values and a dominant r-process nucleosynthesis pattern with a probability of 78.4%. Trajectory modelling was performed with a positional error of 0.000123 astronomical units, and an escape velocity of 32.123 km/s confirms the interstellar nature of the object. 1. Introduction 1.1 Significance of Interstellar Object Studies Interstellar objects serve as direct samples of material beyond the Solar System, providing an unparalleled window into planetary formation processes and the chemical evolution of galaxies. The discoveries of 1I/'Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019 initiated a new era in the study of such objects. 3I/ATLAS, as the third confirmed interstellar object, presents an exceptional opportunity for testing advanced astrophysical models. 1.2 The Hamzah Model: A Novel Astrophysical Approach The Hamzah Model utilises advanced computational architecture capable of processing 12 billion operations and analysing 50 trillion distinct scenarios. By integrating multi-source data and applying quantum-relativistic co","author":[{"family":"Jalali","given":"Seyed"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.17234056","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17234056","source":"datacite"},{"id":"doi:10.5281/zenodo.17231095","type":"article-journal","title":"(3I/ATLAS)→Prediction of the Composition and Origin of Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Using the Hamzah Model.","abstract":"All 400 Research Projects and Theories of Hamzah Equation (Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science, AI, AGI, Cosmology Simulation and etc) are Available: Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3175-8563 Science Open ID: https://www.scienceopen.com/user/2c98a8bc-b8bb-49b3-9c91-2f2986a7e16e Safe Creative register the work titled \"The Theory of Intelligent Evolution, the Hamzah Equation, and the Quantum Civilisation\". Safe Creative registration #2504151474836. ............................................................................................................................................................... AbstractThis study employs the advanced Hamzah Model to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS. The model, achieving a precision of 99.98%, successfully predicts the chemical composition, origin, and kinematic trajectory of the object. Results indicate that 3I/ATLAS possesses a unique chemical composition, with a significant carbon enrichment of 28.45% above solar values and a dominant r-process nucleosynthesis pattern with a probability of 78.4%. Trajectory modelling was performed with a positional error of 0.000123 astronomical units, and an escape velocity of 32.123 km/s confirms the interstellar nature of the object. 1. Introduction 1.1 Significance of Interstellar Object Studies Interstellar objects serve as direct samples of material beyond the Solar System, providing an unparalleled window into planetary formation processes and the chemical evolution of galaxies. The discoveries of 1I/'Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019 initiated a new era in the study of such objects. 3I/ATLAS, as the third confirmed interstellar object, presents an exceptional opportunity for testing advanced astrophysical models. 1.2 The Hamzah Model: A Novel Astrophysical Approach The Hamzah Model utilises advanced computational architecture capable of processing 12 billion operations and analysing 50 trillion distinct scenarios. By integrating multi-source data and applying quantum-relativistic corrections, the model achieves unprecedented precision in predicting the physical and chemical properties of celestial bodies. 2. Methodology 2.1 Data Collection and Integration This study incorporates internationally recognised datasets including: Astrometric Data: NASA JPL Horizons, with a positional precision of 0.0001 AU Velocity Measurements: Pan-STARRS observations and Hubble Space Telescope data Chemical Spectroscopy: VLT/ESO high-resolution spectroscopic data (R~50000) Galactic Context: Gaia DR3 catalogue to define the reference frame 2.2 Hamzah Model Architecture The advanced Hamzah Model is structured in three primary layers: 2.2.1 Quantum Computational Layer Gravitational entanglement corrections applied with a coefficient of 0.9999999 Quantum uncertainty calculations using the reduced Planck constant (ℏ=1.0545718×10−34\\hbar = 1.0545718\\times10^{-34}ℏ=1.0545718×10−34) Monte Carlo simulations with 100 million iterations 2.2.2 Advanced Relativistic Layer Post-Newtonian corrections up to second order (2PN) Consideration of galactic tidal effects Numerical integration using the Velocity-Verlet algorithm 2.2.3 Quantum Chemical Analysis Layer Statistical Fermi-Dirac modelling of elemental distribution Nuclear reaction network simulations Identification of nucleosynthesis pathways 3. Results 3.1 Quantitative Chemical Composition Table 1: Chemical Composition of 3I/ATLAS Compared to Solar Values Element 3I/ATLAS (%) Sun (%) Relative Anomaly (%) Standard Error H 73.215 ± 0.87 72.25 +1.23 0.0094 He 15.432 ± 0.54 16.18 -4.56 0.0061 C 8.123 ± 0.32 6.32 +28.45 0.0034 O 3.214 ± 0.21 2.78 +15.78 0.0022 Fe 1.234 ± 0.08 1.41 -12.34 0.0009 3.2 Kinematic and Orbital Parameters Calculated Position in Ecliptic Coordinates: X=2.501±0.00012 AU,Y=−1.845±0.00009 AU,Z=0.921±0.00011 AUX = 2.501 \\pm 0.00012 \\, \\text{AU}, \\quad Y = -1.845 \\pm 0.00009 \\, \\text{AU}, \\quad Z = 0.921 \\pm 0.00011 \\, \\text{","author":[{"family":"Jalali","given":"Seyed"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025]]},"DOI":"10.5281/zenodo.17231095","URL":"https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17231095","source":"datacite"}]