iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

New research published in Science Advances today, involving AstrobiologyOU researchers, shows that potential traces of life in the hidden ocean of Saturn's moon Enceladus may be easier to detect than previously thought. Find out more: buff.ly/3c2GeBI

Cassini CDA observes compositional segregation of Enceladus’ ice grains from slow freezing and fragmentation of oceanic spray
New analysis of Cassini data provides new insights into the conditions experienced by Enceladus ocean water
Frank Postberg, Zenghui Zou, Yasuhito Sekine, Minori Koga, Jürgen Schmidt, Mark Fox-Powell, Fabian Klenner, Jon K. Hillier, Nozair Khawaja, Toshihiko Kadono, Melih Çakar, Sascha Kempf, Ralf Srama

New analysis of Cassini data shows surprisingly complex chemical changes occur in the Enceladus plume

As a result of freezing, compounds from the ocean become concentrated and separated into individual ice grains

The findings provides new insights into the conditions experienced by Enceladus ocean water as it travels into space

Quote: "It’s a really exciting finding because it means Enceladus is already doing some of our hard work for us. Separating out these ocean components, which could include possible signs of life, makes them much easier to detect and analyse with spacecraft”. Mark Fox-Powell

Cassini CDA observes compositional segregation of Enceladus’ ice grains from slow freezing and fragmentation of oceanic spray

Frank Postberg, Zenghui Zou, Yasuhito Sekine, Minori Koga, Jürgen Schmidt, Mark Fox-Powell, Fabian Klenner, Jon K. Hillier, Nozair Khawaja, Toshihiko Kadono, Melih Çakar, Sascha Kempf, Ralf Srama

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1226/sciadv.aee7256

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

A fascinating seminar yesterday from Dr Heda Agić on how Earth's earliest complex cells survived low-oxygen oceans and extreme climate events, reshaping our understanding of the evolution of complex life. #Astrobiology #Palaeontology #Evolution #Microfossils #SnowballEarth

Peter Fawdon and Dr Heda Agić smiling at the camera

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

In our latest blog, Alexandra Evenson shares her six-week AstrobiologyOU internship, involving Icelandic basalt, field spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Mars analogues and the mystery of “Red Boi”. Read the full story: buff.ly/ejkuEze #Astrobiology #Mars #Geology #StudentResearch

Image of a blonde woman, with their hair clipped back, kneeling side on to the camera using a some field kit, that consists of a large grey back pack, a black, handheld sensor and a tablet screen

From Golden Retriever to Ghostbuster: My Summer Internship with AstrobiologyOU
Written by Alexandra Evenson
Available online NOW!

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

What is it like to spend a summer researching Mars? Chemistry student Keeret shares how an internship with AstrobiologyOU introduced her to field spectroscopy, Mars analogue samples, rover training data and thermodynamic modelling. Read more: buff.ly/27DAu0m #Astrobiology #PlanetaryScience

Image of Keeret using a field spectrometer.

Text:
My Summer Internship Researching Mars
Written by Keeret Somel
Available online NOW!

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Two thought-provoking seminars this week! Lucas Lixinski discussed space law and international cultural heritage law through the MoonRISE Seminar Series. Raoul Cardellini discussed metalaw, interstellar etiquette and the question of who gets to speak for Earth. #Astrobiology #SpaceLaw #MoonRISE

(L to R) Marjan Ajevski, Lucas Lixinski, Ale Marino, stood together smiling at the camera.

L to R) Emma Puranen, Raoul Cardellini, Jessie Hogan sitting around a table, having a conversation

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

We're pleased to welcome Paola Castaño to AstrobiologyOU! Paola joins The Open University as a Research Associate on the MoonRISE project! We're excited to have her on the team and look forward to her contributions to the project. #MoonRISE #PlanetaryScience #SpaceResearch

Paola joins us as a PDRA with the MoonRISE project where she will be working to identify ways to protect sites of scientific, cultural, and environmental importance on the Moon.

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

What does a day in the life of a PhD student look like? One of our PhD students, Wewerly Fernandes, shares her adventures collecting samples from Britain's historic wells and springs, and investigating the unique microbes they contain. Read more in The Microbiologist: bit.ly/3SP47Dz #PhDLife

The Microbiologist A day in the life: Discovering the hidden microbes of Britain’s historic waters PhD student Wewerly Fernandes outlines her investigations into the microorganisms living in Britain’s historic wells and natural springs - once believed to hold healing properties and linked to legends of Merlin and renowned figures like Robert Burns.

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Welcome to Dr Vincent Seffinga! As part of the MoonRISE project, Vincent will look at international law’s role and potential in protecting the Moon and its sites of interests. His research focuses on the international law that governs the global commons, and especially outer space.

Vincent joins us as as PDRA with the MoonRISE project where he will be looking at international law’s role and potential in protecting the Moon and its sites of interests.

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

We're delighted to share that Wewerly Fernandes has joined AstrobiologyOU as a PhD student. She joined us as a project officer in our microbiology labs in 2023 and is now beginning an exciting new chapter. #PhDLife #Astrobiology #SpaceScience #Research #HigherEducation #OpenUniversity

Wewerly Fernandes has joined us as a PhD student, her PhD is: The microbial ecology of unique British environments

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

We are pleased to welcome Keeret, joins us as an intern though CENTA Research Experience Placement. 👏👏👏

Keeret joins us as an intern though CENTA Research Experience Placement. Her project involves collecting spectral data from analogue Mars samples to support rover testing and preparations for the ExoMars mission.

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

We're delighted to announce a new ESA-funded project led by Karen Olsson-Francis and colleagues. By combining Mars simulation experiments with Bayesian modelling, the team will help strengthen planetary protection for future Mars missions. #PlanetaryProtection

Investigating Microbial Survival and Growth to Develop a Probabilistic Risk Assessment Model for Mars Planetary Protection. funded by European Space Agency

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

We are pleased to welcome Zayan who has started his @ukspaceagency.bsky.social Summer Internship. He joins us from the @manchester.ac.uk where he is a second-year medical student. He is evaluating how cleanroom bacteria survive simulated martian environments to identify detectable biosignatures.

Zayan has joined us from the University of Manchester as a UKSA Summer Intern, evaluating how cleanroom bacteria survive simulated martian environments to identify detectable biosignatures.

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

🚨 New publication🚨 A new study explores the microbial communities living in Lake Karum, Ethiopia, one of the world's most saline lakes, and the surrounding salt flats. Read the early access paper: buff.ly/0iLdv5R #Astrobiology #Microbiology #Metagenomics #ExtremeLife

Metagenomic insights into the taxonomic and metabolic diversity of the microbiome of Lake Karum in the Danakil Depression, Ethiopia.
Microbes in Ethiopia’s Lake Karum reveal how life adapts to extreme environments while supporting vital environmental processes.
Michael Macey, Velislava Ilieva, Ben Stephens, Ben Tatton, Ermias Balcha, Susanne Schwenzer, Terry McGenity, Hagos Miruts, Felipe Gomez, Barbara Cavalazzi and Karen Olsson-Francis

Lake Karum hosts diverse microbes adapted to survive in one of Earth's most extreme environments.

Different microbial communities can perform many of the same important environmental functions.

The study reveals new insights into how life adapts and thrives under extreme conditions.

Studying life in extreme environments like Lake Karum helps us understand the remarkable adaptability of microorganisms and the hidden roles they play in keeping ecosystems functioning.
Michael Macey

SPRINGER NATURE LINK
Metagenomic insights into the taxonomic and metabolic diversity of the microbiome of Lake Karum in the Danakil Depression, Ethiopia.
Michael Macey, Velislava Ilieva, Ben Stephens, Ben Tatton, Ermias Balcha, Susanne Schwenzer, Terry McGenity, Hagos Miruts, Felipe Gomez, Barbara Cavalazzi and Karen Olsson-Francis
(We are providing an unedited version of this manuscript to give early access to its findings. Before final publication, the manuscript will undergo further editing. Please note there may be errors present which affect the content, and all legal disclaimers apply.)
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40793-026-00938-z

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

New opportunity! The Open University is hiring a Research Technician - Microbiology to support microbiology and molecular biology research with the STEM Faculty in Milton Keynes. Apply by 31 July 2026 Find out more and apply: buff.ly/hvVTsao #Microbiology #STEMJobs #ResearchJobs

Research Technician, Microbiology.
Apply by: Friday 31 July 2026

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

We are pleased to welcome Alex, who has started a CENTA Research Experience Placement with AstrobiologyOU. Alex is a Level 3 Open University undergraduate student whose project focuses on analysing Icelandic hydrothermal minerals to identify habitable environments on Mars! #OUFamily

Alex has joined us as a CENTA Research Experience Placement. She is analysing Icelandic hydrothermal minerals to identify habitable environments on Mars

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Could life exist on the icy moons? In tonight's Sky at Night, Dr Mark Fox-Powell reveals how recreating these extreme frozen environments in the lab is helping scientists search for signs of life beyond Earth, and has even led to the discovery of a new mineral. You can watch it tonight 10pm BBC4

Tonight on the Sky at Night Dr Mark Fox-Powell and Dr Rachael Hamp

Cartoon image of aliens holding up a sign.

Dr Maggie Aderin and Dr Mark Fox-Powell at the Open University.

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Could Scotland’s historic wells help us find new antibiotics? Researchers are exploring microbes in these sites to tackle antibiotic resistance, a growing global challenge. Read more: buff.ly/4WnagLf

A screenshot of a blog post that reads: Exploring Scotland’s historic wells for new antibiotics

Scotland’s wells may hold the key to new medicinal discoveries, says Dr Michael Macey, Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at The Open University, in this short blog.

This summer, I’m undertaking a journey across southern and central Scotland as part of a research expedition with The Open University. It’s not your typical field trip - we're be exploring historic mineral wells, places that people have visited for centuries in the hope of finding healing. But instead of drinking the waters, we're studying what lives in the wells.

Continue online

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

🚨 NEW PAPER KLAXON🚨 Today Dr Rachael Hamp's paper: Sodium chloride hydrates provide an archive of ocean fluid freezing rates at icy worlds Check it out now: buff.ly/p0HMbH6

An image of Europa.
"Sodium chloride hydrates provide an archive of ocean fluid freezing rates at icy worlds"

"This study is the first to show how salt minerals can be used to understand the cryogenic processes on icy worlds."

"Rachael Hamp, Mark Fox-Powell, Peter Fawdon, Christoph Salzmann, Jessica Hogan, Milz Beaumont, Liam Perera, Stephen Thompson"

Salt mineral formation is a direct record of the fluid freezing rate and concentration.

Depending on the speed of freezing, four distinct salt mineral assemblages can form.

These different minerals could be used by future missions to uncover the inner working of icy moons.

"This is the first step in understanding how we can use cryogeology to understand processes on icy worlds. " Rachael Hamp

"Sodium chloride hydrates provide an archive of ocean fluid freezing rates at icy worlds"

"Rachael Hamp, Mark Fox-Powell, Peter Fawdon, Christoph Salzmann, Jessica Hogan, Milz Beaumont, Liam Perera, Stephen Thompson”

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2026.120196

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Great to host Dr Eloi Camprubi‑Casas from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for a seminar on the origins of life. Fascinating work connecting geology and biochemistry Thank you for a brilliant seminar!

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Great seminar today from Dr Ana Clara Pelliciari Silva on how geological processes shape microbial biosynthetic potential. From hydrothermal vents to global geothermal systems, her work shows how tectonic settings influence microbial chemistry.

Dr Ana Clara Pelliciari Silva standing against a purple wall holiday an AstrobiologyOU branded mug, notebook, totebag

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

CLOSING SOON! Two Post‑Doctoral Research Associates for MoonRISE, an interdisciplinary Moon research project Roles available in: • Physical sciences and engineering • Social sciences and governance Apply here: buff.ly/8rUzx3c buff.ly/OVH7QFh #Postdoc #TheMoon #AcademicJobs

MoonRISE
CLOSING SOON
Two PDRA posts available for application
closing date 20 May 2026

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

How do we communicate complex science clearly, responsibly, and with impact? Our new blog shares Rita's reflections from the Communicating your science workshop, focusing on why public engagement is a core part of research. Read more 👇 buff.ly/pn2HP7B #SciComm #Astrobiology #PublicEngagement

NEW: Blog post. Communicating your science workshop. a photo of Rita holding a microphone

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Mark Fox-Powell is at #EGU26, presenting Icy Worlds research at the EGU General Assembly 2026, exploring geological contexts relevant to life beyond Earth 🌍🛰️ #Astrobiology #PlanetaryScience #Geoscience

A large white building with a blue sign that reads EGU26. 20 years in VIENNA!

Mark behind a podium presenting: Liquid processes within icy world cryospheres: Insights from experimental and natural analogues

A poster for: Large volumes of eutectic brines resistant to freezing at low pressures: implications for effusive flows on icy worlds

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Attending a first bioinformatics workshop can be exciting and terrifying in equal measure Esma Bozlak reflects on learning Anvi’o, giving her first PhD presentation, and why struggling is part of the process 👉 buff.ly/IxDGJWj #PhDLife #Astrobiology #Bioinformatics #EarlyCareerResearcher

Esma giving a presentation in a wooden panelled room

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

We are recruiting two Post‑Doctoral Research Associates for MoonRISE, an interdisciplinary Moon research project Roles available in: • Physical sciences and engineering • Social sciences and governance Apply here: buff.ly/8rUzx3c buff.ly/OVH7QFh #Postdoc #TheMoon #AcademicJobs

MoonRISE.
two PDRA posts available for application
closing date 20 May 2026

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Ancient Mars had lakes that may once have supported microbial life. New Curiosity rover results reveal chemical fingerprints of shallow lakes in Gale Crater, with contributions from Susanne Schwenzer Read more: buff.ly/nhv7xgf #Mars #Astrobiology #PlanetaryScience

NASA’s Curiosity Rover finds more evidence of ancient lakes on Mars
Amapari Marker Band Metal-Enrichments: Potential Mechanisms and Implications for Surface and Subsurface Water and Weathering in Gale Crater
Patrick Gasda and an international team including Susanne Schwenzer

Advancing Earth and Space Science's Journal article details.
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009153

Susanne Schwenzer is a Professor of Planetary Mineralogy and a member of the Curiosity Rover Science and Operations Team

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Reposted by AstrobiologyOU

GCSJ - Centre for Global Challenges and Social Justice @ou-gcsj.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

🌕 GCSJ Seminar | Care-full lunar exploration 🗓 15 May 2026 | ⏰ 12:00–13:00 (UK) | 💻 Online Explore how growing lunar activity raises urgent questions about protecting scientific, cultural & environmental sites. 🔗 fass.open.ac.uk/events/gcsj-... @astrobiologyou.bsky.social

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Congratulation to Dr Aedan Baker who celebrated the end of his PhD today with his graduation! Well done Aedan 👏 #OUFamily #PhDLife #Graduation

A woman in a red and white gown and a man in a blue and gold gown smile at the camera

A woman in a red and white gown and men in blue and gold gowns smile at the camera

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

We are incredibly proud of the work Dr Alessandra Marino at all times, but even more so this week! It was her first Legal Subcommittee of UN COPUOS and she was giving a technical presentation! Her talk was entitled ‘Preserving Science: Considerations for the Moon we share’. Amazing work Ale!!

Ale stood in front of a display of the flags of the UN

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Paid NERC summer placement for undergraduates Apply for a 6 week CENTA Research Experience Placement using spectroscopy to study hydrothermal minerals from Iceland, with links to Early Earth & Mars Details & application routes 👉 buff.ly/P7Rwqad #CENTA #NERC #UndergradResearch #Geoscience

CENTA Research Experience Placements.
Closing Date: Wednesday 13 May 2026

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

How does space exploration benefit life on Earth? PhD student Martyna Hodges explores this question in her research, Evaluating the Societal Impacts of Space, spotlighting missions like Artemis II and their wider benefits to us and the world around us. #OUFamily #PhDLife #SystemsThinking #Artemis2

Artemis II shows how space missions generate societal benefits that extend far beyond revenue, shaping technology, research, and life on Earth.
PhD student Martyna Hodges explains how.

A photo of a woman with blonde hair smiling at the camera.
Martyna is a PhD student focusing on “Evaluating the Societal Impacts of Space” using the skills she gained from her OU MSc in Systems Thinking.

A quote: My PhD focuses on the overlooked societal impacts of space, and Artemis II demonstrates how these drive real benefits on Earth, from medical monitoring to renewable energy technology, skills development to international cooperation
Martyna Hodges

Three coloured boxes
Top, pink: Healthcare
Artemis II is putting crew‑survival systems to the test in real conditions, generating insights that could drive new healthcare innovations here on Earth.
Middle, purple: Environmental
Artemis II is sparking greener innovation, from solar tech, boosting renewables, to space‑ready systems, driving cleaner transport and more eco‑friendly batteries on Earth.
Bottom, Blue: Education
Artemis II provides modern role models and high‑visibility science education content that could see positive societal impacts on education

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Dr Alessandra Marino and a team received £1.245m from UKRI to launch MoonRISE, a major new project exploring how we can protect fragile and significant sites on the Moon. Bringing science, law, ethics & global voices together — shaping sustainable lunar governance for the future. buff.ly/UfzMvkP

MoonRISE Re-imaging space environments. Funded by UKRI
Image: the earth rising above the surface of the moon

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

A fond farewell to Ben! After joining us in 2020 as a PhD student and growing into a brilliant PDRA, Ben is moving on to new adventures. His research, enthusiasm, and kindness have made a real impact at AstrobiologyOU, and he’ll be greatly missed. Wishing him every success in the next chapter

Ben, a dark haired man, smiles at the camera holding an engraved gin glass

Ben taking a selfie with the astrobiologyOU team behind him

A cupcake with a topper that says good luck ben

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Lecturer in Planetary Science opportunity! The Open University is looking for someone passionate about planetary science to help develop and deliver teaching, create new module content, and pursue independent research. Details here: buff.ly/AWwy5r1 Tag or share with anyone who’d be a great fit!

The Open University
Lecturer in Planetary Science
Closing Date: 15 April 2026

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Space‑curious? ESA is hiring an Internal Research Fellow in Planetary Protection — ideal if you’re into safeguarding other worlds. Not with us, but definitely in our sphere! 👉 Apply: buff.ly/BGOl7Ig #SpaceJobs #PlanetaryProtection #ESACareers

ESA
Internal Research Fellow in Planetary Protection
Closing Date: 3 April 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

PhD Opportunity: Habitability of Enceladus & Planetary Protection Join the us to explore the habitability of Saturn’s moon Enceladus and help shape international planetary protection standards. buff.ly/rQzOZgH - studentship P9

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

It's British Science Week! This year’s theme is all about curiosity! We asked some of our members what the coolest thing about their job is! What do YOU think is the coolest thing about exploring life in the universe? 1/3 #BritishScienceWeek #Astrobiology #Curiosity

British Science Week graphic with a large pink question mark and the text: “What is the coolest thing about your job?”

Jessie: Person outdoors in a hilly landscape near a lake, with a pink quote " I get to work with vacuum chambers and simulate environments on other planets and moons! " Jessie Hogan, PhD Student

Emma: Person standing on a path beside greenery and stone walls, with a lilac quote " Space law is not only real, but is a fascinating field that will only get more relevant in the near future." Emma Puranen PDRA Astrobiology Ethics

Mark: Person in a red outdoor jacket standing in a volcanic landscape, with a teal quote " Travelling to wonderful and very exciting parts of the world that are analogues for other worlds.” Mark Fox-Powell, Senior Lecturer

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

It's British Science Week! This year’s theme is all about curiosity! We asked some of our members what is the best thing about what they do? 1/3 #BritishScienceWeek #Astrobiology #Curiosity

British Science Week graphic with a large pink question mark and the text: “What is the best thing about what you do?”

Person outdoors in a hilly landscape near a lake, with a pink quote "IAll of the cool new
science we learn, including over the coming years from missions and lab studies." Jessie Hogan, PhD Student

Emma: Person standing on a path beside greenery and stone walls, with a lilac quote "I love getting to work alongside so many lab users, it helps me keep the ethics grounded, applied, practical." Emma Puranen PDRA Astrobiology Ethics

Mark: Person in a red outdoor jacket standing in a volcanic landscape, with a teal quote "Solving science problems in collaborations with a diverse range of people." Mark Fox-Powell, Senior Lecturer

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

It's British Science Week! This year’s theme is all about curiosity! We asked some of our members why they chose this path, and their answers were as inspiring and diverse as the field itself What sparks YOUR curiosity about life in the universe? 1/3 #BritishScienceWeek #Astrobiology #Curiosity

British Science Week graphic with a large pink question mark and the text: “Why did you choose to work in astrobiology?”

Person outdoors in a hilly landscape near a lake, with a pink quote "I was always
fascinated by exploring strange worlds and the prospect for finding life beyond our Earth" Jessie Hogan, PhD Student

Person standing on a path beside greenery and stone walls, with a lilac quote "Thinking about outer space and other worlds, and the possibilities of what they may be like, fires my imagination!" Emma Puranen PDRA Astrobiology Ethics

Person in a red outdoor jacket standing in a volcanic landscape, with a teal quote "It’s the chance to contribute to one of the oldest questions that people have ever asked." Mark Fox-Powell, Senior Lecturer

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Curious how we protect other planets and Earth during space exploration? Check out this free OpenLearn course on Planetary Protection Self‑paced, accessible, and seriously fascinating. 👉 buff.ly/wUBErTi

Astronaut in space promoting a free OpenLearn course on planetary protection with partner logos.

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Tomorrow Prof Susanne P. Schwenzer is giving a keynote lecture at the Irish Geoscience Research Meeting 2026 at University College Cork, Ireland. Her talk is titled: The Geology of Mars

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Just before the closure of the Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?exhibition @nhm-london.bsky.social we popped back to see the exhibition one last time! It was an incredible opportunity to be part of this and help create some of the big moments! Congratulations to all involved! Amazing!

Left: large sphere of microbes suspended in the air. Right" a still of a video, with a group of people in lab coats in a lab.

Imagined images of life beyond the Earth: Left: a tube like structure, right a blubus plant-like structure

AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

It was our absolute pleasure to host Dr Andrew Steele, from @carnegiescience.bsky.social, today for an AstrobiologyOU Seminar. His talk covered martian environments, the characterisation of organic matter in martian samples including meteorites, and their relevance for life on Mars.

A group of people surrounding a large screen with Dr Andrew Steele smiling on the screen

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

🚨 New Publication Alert🚨 From disorder to harm? Governing the Moon and protecting its sites of interest by Dr Alessandra Marino buff.ly/8o6JOxA

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AstrobiologyOU @astrobiologyou.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

🚨 PAPER ANNOUNCEMENT!!🚨 A paper has just been published, Led by Al del Moral with several members of AstrobiologyOU, titled: Microbes from ambient-pressure analogues offer insights into possible life in Europa's high-pressure subsurface ocean 👉 buff.ly/S6spNaX

Left: A striking image of a geothermal vent underwater, releasing dark plumes against icy blue surroundings.
Right White background with black text:
"Microbes from ambient-pressure analogues offer insights into possible life in Europa's high-pressure subsurface ocean"
Subtext: The first study to demonstrate that microorganisms from ambient pressure environments can adapt to Europa’s upper ocean conditions. Authors listed.

Black background with three colored text boxes stacked vertically:

Pink: "Controlled laboratory simulation experiments were performed using microorganisms from a terrestrial Europa analogue site in Canada."
Purple: "Microbes survived and grew at high pressures (up to 30 MPa), comparable with Europa’s upper ocean."
Teal: "The dominance of sulphate reducing microbes shows this is a plausible and significant metabolic pathway within the Europan ocean."

Black background with a white quote inside a rounded box:
"Studies like this can reveal how microbes adapt over time, and can help identify potential biosignatures."
Attribution: Alvaro del Moral.