Scientific novelty beyond the experiment

Microbial Biotechnology, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 16(6), С. 1131 - 1173

Опубликована: Фев. 14, 2023

Practical experiments drive important scientific discoveries in biology, but theory-based research studies also contribute novel-sometimes paradigm-changing-findings. Here, we appraise the roles of approaches focusing on experiment-dominated wet-biology areas microbial growth and survival, cell physiology, host-pathogen interactions, competitive or symbiotic interactions. Additional examples relate to analyses genome-sequence data, climate change planetary health, habitability, astrobiology. We assess importance thought at each step process; natural philosophy, inconsistencies logic language, as drivers progress; value experiments; use limitations artificial intelligence technologies, including their potential for interdisciplinary transdisciplinary research; other instances when theory is most-direct most-scientifically robust route novelty development techniques practical experimentation fieldwork. highlight intrinsic need human engagement innovation, an issue pertinent ongoing controversy over papers authored using/authored by (such large language model/chatbot ChatGPT). Other issues discussed are way which aspects can bias thinking towards spatial rather than temporal (and how this biased lead skewed terminology); receptivity that non-mainstream; science education epistemology. Whereas briefly classic works (those Oakes Ames, Francis H.C. Crick James D. Watson, Charles R. Darwin, Albert Einstein, E. Lovelock, Lynn Margulis, Gilbert Ryle, Erwin R.J.A. Schrödinger, Alan M. Turing, others), focus microbiology more-recent, discussing these context process types they represent. These include several carried out during 2020 2022 lockdowns COVID-19 pandemic access laboratories was disallowed (or limited). interviewed authors some featured microbiology-related and-although ourselves involved laboratory fieldwork-also drew from our own experiences showing such not only produce new findings transcend barriers between disciplines, act counter reductionism, integrate biological data across different timescales levels complexity, circumvent constraints imposed techniques. In relation urgent needs, believe global challenges may require beyond experiment.

Язык: Английский

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Weaponising microbes for peace

Microbial Biotechnology, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 16(6), С. 1091 - 1111

Опубликована: Март 7, 2023

There is much human disadvantage and unmet need in the world, including deficits basic resources services considered to be rights, such as drinking water, sanitation hygiene, healthy nutrition, access healthcare, a clean environment. Furthermore, there are substantive asymmetries distribution of key among peoples. These can lead local regional crises peoples competing for limited resources, which, turn, become sources discontent conflict. Such conflicts have potential escalate into wars even global instability. Ergo: addition moral ethical imperatives level up, ensure that all essential living reduce inequalities, nations self-interest pursue with determination available avenues promote peace through reducing world. Microorganisms pertinent microbial technologies unique exceptional abilities provide, or contribute provision of, lacking many parts thereby address might constitute However, deployment this end seriously underexploited. Here, we highlight some emerging demand greater consideration exploitation endeavours eliminate unnecessary deprivations, enable lives remove preventable grounds competition over We exhort central actors: microbiologists, funding agencies philanthropic organisations, politicians worldwide international governmental non-governmental engage - full partnership relevant stakeholders, 'weaponise' microbes fight resource asymmetries, particular most vulnerable populations, create humanitarian conditions more conducive harmony peace.

Язык: Английский

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Mars: new insights and unresolved questions

International Journal of Astrobiology, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 20(6), С. 394 - 426

Опубликована: Дек. 1, 2021

Abstract Mars exploration motivates the search for extraterrestrial life, development of space technologies, and design human missions habitations. Here, we seek new insights pose unresolved questions relating to natural history Mars, habitability, robotic exploration, planetary protection, impacts on society. Key observations findings include: – high escape rates early Mars' atmosphere, including loss water, impact present-day habitability; putative fossils will likely be ambiguous biomarkers life; microbial contamination resulting from habitation is unavoidable; based current protection category, payload(s) should characterize local martian environment any life-forms prior habitation. Some outstanding are: which interpretation hemispheric dichotomy planet correct; what degree did deep-penetrating faults transport subsurface liquids surface; in abundance are carbonates formed by atmospheric processes; properties meteorites could used constrain their source locations; origin(s) organic macromolecules; was/is inhabited; how can designed uncover activity eliminate potential false positives caused contaminants Earth; ensure that humans microbes form a stable benign biosphere; relate life biocentric viewpoint (preservation all biology), or anthropocentric expanding space? Studies evolution shed light habitability extrasolar planets. In addition, drive future policy developments confirm (or put into question) feasibility and/or extent space.

Язык: Английский

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Water is a preservative of microbes

Microbial Biotechnology, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 15(1), С. 191 - 214

Опубликована: Дек. 22, 2021

Water is the cellular milieu, drives all biochemistry within Earth's biosphere and facilitates microbe-mediated decay processes. Instead of reviewing these topics, current article focuses on activities water as a preservative-its capacity to maintain long-term integrity viability microbial cells-and identifies mechanisms by which this occurs. provides for, maintains, structures; buffers against thermodynamic extremes, at various scales; can mitigate events that are traumatic cell membrane, such desiccation-rehydration, freeze-thawing thermal shock; prevents dehydration otherwise exacerbate oxidative damage; mitigates biocidal factors (in some circumstances reducing ultraviolet radiation diluting solute stressors or toxic substances); effective electrostatic screening so damage intense fields ions. In addition, retained in desiccated cells (historically referred 'bound' water) plays key roles biomacromolecular structures their interactions even for fully hydrated cells. Assuming components membrane chemically stable least repairable, environment fairly constant, molecules apparently geometries over very long periods provided configurations represent thermodynamically states. The spores vegetative many microbes survive longer presence vapour-phase (at moderate-to-high relative humidities) than under more-arid conditions. There several large bodies water, when cooled during subzero weather conditions remain liquid state thus preventing potentially dangerous (freeze-thaw) transitions microbiome. Microbial life be preserved pure freshwater systems, seawater, brines, ice/permafrost, sugar-rich aqueous milieux according laboratory-based studies carried out years decades natural environments have yielded thousands, (for hypersaline fluid inclusions mineralized NaCl) hundreds millions, old. term preservative has often been restricted those substances used extend shelf foods (e.g. sodium benzoate, nitrites sulphites) conserve dead organisms, ethanol formaldehyde. For living microorganisms however, ultimate may actually water. Implications role discussed with reference ecology halophiles, human pathogens other microbes; food science; biotechnology; biosignatures aspects astrobiology; large-scale release/reactivation caused global climate change.

Язык: Английский

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Venus, the Planet: Introduction to the Evolution of Earth’s Sister Planet

Space Science Reviews, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 219(1)

Опубликована: Фев. 1, 2023

Abstract Venus is the planet in Solar System most similar to Earth terms of size and (probably) bulk composition. Until mid-20th century, scientists thought that was a verdant world—inspiring science-fictional stories heroes battling megafauna sprawling jungles. At start Space Age, people learned actually has hellish surface, baked by greenhouse effect under thick, CO 2 -rich atmosphere. In popular culture, demoted from jungly playground (at best) metaphor for redemptive potential extreme adversity. However, whether much different past than it today remains unknown. this review, we show how now-popular models evolution mirror scientific understanding modern changed over time. Billions years ago, could have had clement surface with water oceans. perhaps then underwent at least one dramatic transition atmospheric, interior conditions before present day. This review kicks off topical collection about all aspects Venus’s can teach us other planets, including exoplanets. Here provide general background motivation required delve into manuscripts collection. Finally, discuss our ignorance motivated prioritization new spacecraft missions will rediscover Earth’s nearest planetary neighbor—beginning age exploration.

Язык: Английский

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The Habitability of Venus

Space Science Reviews, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 219(2)

Опубликована: Фев. 22, 2023

Abstract Venus today is inhospitable at the surface, its average temperature of 750 K being incompatible to existence life as we know it. However, potential for past surface habitability and upper atmosphere (cloud) present day hotly debated, ongoing discussion regarding a possible phosphine signature coming from clouds shows. We review current understanding about evolution with special attention scenarios where planet may have been capable hosting microbial life. compare possibility on case Earth by reviewing various hypotheses put forth concerning origin habitable conditions emergence plate tectonics both planets. Life emerged during Hadean when was dominated higher mantle temperatures (by $200~^{\circ}\text{C}$ 200∘C ), an uncertain tectonic regime that likely included squishy lid/plume-lid tectonics, proto continents. Despite lack well-preserved crust dating Paleoarchean, attempt environmental this critical period based zircon crystals geochemical signatures period, well studies younger, relatively rocks Paleoarchean. For these early, primitive forms, not but it became important means nutrient recycling, consequences global environment in long-term, essential continuation early Venus, question stable water closely related tectonics. discuss transitions between stagnant lid (episodic) crustal volatile cycling Venus’ interior atmosphere. In particular, insights into climate examine questions rotation speed, reflective clouds, silicate weathering, summarize implications long-term habitability. Finally, state knowledge Venusian proposed detection covered.

Язык: Английский

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Stability of nucleic acid bases in concentrated sulfuric acid: Implications for the habitability of Venus’ clouds

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 120(25)

Опубликована: Июнь 12, 2023

What constitutes a habitable planet is frontier to be explored and requires pushing the boundaries of our terracentric viewpoint for what we deem environment. Despite Venus' 700 K surface temperature being too hot any plausible solvent most organic covalent chemistry, cloud-filled atmosphere layers at 48 60 km above hold main requirements life: suitable temperatures bonds; an energy source (sunlight); liquid solvent. Yet, Venus clouds are widely thought incapable supporting life because droplets composed concentrated sulfuric acid-an aggressive that assumed rapidly destroy biochemicals on Earth. Recent work, however, demonstrates rich chemistry can evolve from simple precursor molecules seeded into acid, result corroborated by domain knowledge in industry such leads complex molecules, including aromatics. We aim expand set known stable acid. Here, show nucleic acid bases adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine, uracil, as well 2,6-diaminopurine "core" purine pyrimidine, cloud concentration range, using UV spectroscopy combinations 1D 2D

Язык: Английский

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Stability of 20 Biogenic Amino Acids in Concentrated Sulfuric Acid: Implications for the Habitability of Venus' Clouds

Astrobiology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 24(4), С. 386 - 396

Опубликована: Март 18, 2024

Scientists have long speculated about the potential habitability of Venus, not at 700K surface, but in cloud layers located 48–60 km altitudes, where temperatures match those found on Earth's surface. However, prevailing belief has been that Venus' clouds cannot support life due to chemical composition concentrated sulfuric acid—a highly aggressive solvent. In this work, we study 20 biogenic amino acids range acid concentrations (81% and 98% w/w, rest water) temperatures. We find 19 tested are either unreactive (13 w/w 12 81% w/w) or chemically modified side chain only, after 4 weeks. Our major finding, therefore, is backbone remains intact acid. These findings significantly broaden biologically relevant molecules could be components a biochemistry based

Язык: Английский

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Iron-sulfur chemistry can explain the ultraviolet absorber in the clouds of Venus

Science Advances, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 10(1)

Опубликована: Янв. 3, 2024

The clouds of Venus are believed to be composed sulfuric acid (H

Язык: Английский

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Production of ammonia makes Venusian clouds habitable and explains observed cloud-level chemical anomalies

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 118(52)

Опубликована: Дек. 20, 2021

The atmosphere of Venus remains mysterious, with many outstanding chemical connundra. These include the unexpected presence ∼10 ppm O2 in cloud layers, an unknown composition large particles lower and hard to explain measured vertical abundance profiles SO2 H2O. We propose a hypothesis for chemistry clouds that largely addresses all above anomalies. ammonia (NH3), key component has been tentatively detected both by Venera 8 Pioneer probes. NH3 dissolves some sulfuric acid droplets, effectively neutralizing trapping dissolved as ammonium sulfite salts. This clouds, together release below droplets settle out higher temperatures, explains anomaly. A consequence is must be semisolid salt slurries, pH ∼1, which matches Earth acidophile environments, rather than concentrated acid. source but could involve biological production; if so, then most energy-efficient NH3-producing reaction also creates O2, explaining detection layers. Our model therefore predicts are more habitable previously thought, may inhabited. Unlike prior atmospheric models, ours does not require forced constraints match data. hypothesis, guided existing observations, can tested new situ measurements.

Язык: Английский

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