DATES: March 11-12, 2010

Workshop Website: http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/2010vcworkshop

A two-day workshop using NAI remote communications tools will be held on March 11 and 12, 2010 to present topics spanning the cosmic evolution of organic complexity, from small molecule formation in interstellar clouds to organic synthesis and inventories in protoplanetary disks, the solar nebula, and primitive bodies such as comets and asteroids in our solar system.

Workshop topic areas include

* Interstellar Dust and the Organic Inventory of Protostellar Envelopes
* Organic Astrochemistry of Protoplanetary Disks
* Laboratory Studies of analog ISM and outer Solar System Materials
* Organics and Volatiles in Comets
* Organic matter in Interplanetary Dust particles.
* The Organic Inventory in Asteroids and Primitive Meteorites

This workshop is also a test of how to best use the advanced virtual communications capabilities of NAI to initiate greater cross-team awareness and dialog on a focused research area well represented across the NAI. What we learn from this will inform the greater NAI community.  

The workshop is open to all and will be accessible via internet browser- no special software or equipment is required. To receive connection details, please register on the NAI website: http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/2010vcworkshop

Themes include:
Microbial life in Yellowstone hot springs,
Mineral precipitation in Yellowstone,
Ancient stromatolites, and
Microbial dynamics in biofilms, emphasis on carbon and nitrogen.

This class will involve a field trip to Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas. Lab work will be conducted at the Colorado School of Mines (Golden, CO) and the USC Wrigley Institute on Catalina Island, CA. The course also includes public mini-symposia. The 2010 GeoBiology course is open to students and researchers at any level, but preference is given to graduate students in their early years. For more information and online applications, please see http://college.usc.edu/wrigley/education/geobio.cfm or contact GeoBiology Course Coordinator Ann Close at close@usc.edu or (213) 740-6705.

Source: NAI Newsletter

Abstract: Life's unique and universal relationship with energy flow offers an added constraint in conceptualizing and quantifying habitability and biosignatures, the central concepts in the search for life beyond Earth. The statement, "life requires energy", is widely accepted and often invoked in astrobiology, but is of little practical use given that energy - in one form or another, and at one level or another - is present everywhere in the universe. However, qualification and constraint are introduced by considering the unique attributes of life's dependence and effect on energy flow, at physical, chemical, and biological levels of specificity. Life's relationship with energy has both thermodynamic and kinetic dimensions: how much and how fast are both important, where energy demand, availability, and transduction are concerned. When considered in concert, these two dimensions yield significant resolving power in quantifying life's need for energy (a constraint on habitability) and life's imprint on energy flow (a form of biosignature). They do so at a fundamental point of interface between life and its host environment, and in a fashion that need not be specific to Earth-type life. This approach will be described at a conceptual level, and then applied to the specific example of habitability of serpentinizing systems for methanogenic organisms.

For more information and participation instructions: http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/seminars/detail/168

Source: NAI Newsletter

Using a geochemical model, the team deduced that Titan's atmospheric methane has much less deuterium than would be expected if the methane were produced in a hydrothermal system. The implication is that Titan's methane is a primordial chemical species that was accreted by the moon during its formation.

While Titan's methane probably came from accreted ices, the analysis of the ASU team suggests that the other major constituent of Titan's atmosphere, molecular nitrogen, could have come from within Titan's core. This work advances the understanding of the origin and evolution of the bioessential elements carbon and nitrogen on icy worlds in planetary systems. More information can be found in the December 2009 issue of Icarus.

Source: NAI Newsletter

Overview: A week of lectures from international experts, plus round-table discussions, student projects, night-sky observations, and a field trip to a nearby site of astrobiological interest. On-site accommodation and all meals are provided at the Santander campus of the Spanish National University, UIMP. Scholarships covering travel costs, school fees, accommodation and meals are provided by NAI for approximately 10 American students. Additional opportunities are available for students of other nationalities. For more information: http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/nai/UIMP/2010

Source: NAI newsletter

Program details: There will be independent research under the guidance of one or more astrobiologists, a field trip to NASA and astrobiology-related sites around Washington, D.C., weekly seminars, laboratory tours, stargazing opportunities, discussion group, and a research symposium.

Expenses: Travel and living expenses will be covered and participants will receive, in addition, a stipend of $4000 for the summer.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents between their sophomore and senior years at a college or university other than Penn State (exceptional applicants between their freshman and sophomore years will be considered). Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a research interest in astrobiology and be contemplating a career in science. College graduates are not eligible.

Participants: Up to ten students will be selected from among the applicants. Application deadline: February 19, 2010 For more information: http://evo.bio.psu.edu/asp/

On January 28-29, 2010, the "NASA and the Navajo Nation" project team hosted a large-scale workshop for educators across the Navajo Nation. Over 100 teachers participated, despite the worst snow storm in 25 years, some traveling hours through severe conditions. On the first day, the teachers heard background lectures from both a cultural expert and an astrobiologist, Scott Sandford from NASA Ames Research Center. On the second day, the team trained teachers on classroom use of the six activities in the So' Baa Hane' booklet, inter-cultural materials developed by the project in 2006.

Microbial Ecology in the Early Fossil Record of Earth and Modern Analogues

Convenors: Nora Noffke & John Stolz

This GRC will discuss the latest research highlights in geobiology and will invite exciting case studies that demonstrate the potential of this interdisciplinary research field. The aim is to involve geoscientists as well as bioscientists into this discussion and to initiate collaboration between the disciplines. Geobiology involves the study of both modern and ancient environments and life therein. It is not only relevant to the appearance and evolution of life and habitats on Earth, but has implications for the detection of life on other planetary systems. The main themes of this conference are: i) Biofilms and microbial mats; ii) Biologically controlled sedimentary processes in modern environments; iii) Products of biologically controlled sedimentary processes in fossil environments: biogenic sedimentary structures; (iv) The geobiological approach for the search for life on other planets; and (v) Perspectives and outlook.

For more information: http://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?year=2011&program=geobiology

Source: NAI newsletter

The biogeochemical cycle of silicon, the second most abundant element of the earth's crust and a key nutrient element for numerous organisms, extends from the continents, via estuaries, to the oceans. In all environmental reservoirs (geo)physical, chemical, and biological processes affect the cycling of silicon. We invite research conducted on all aspects of the silicon cycle, at all spatial and temporal scales, using experimental, observational and modeling techniques. We particularly encourage contributions that explore the interconnections between the geological and biological roles of silicon.

For more information and abstract submission: http://www.goldschmidt2010.org

Source: NAI newsletter

The deadline for applications is Friday, March 5. Award decisions will be made and applicants notified by Friday, March 19.

More information and an application form is posted on the NAI website at http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/abscicon-student-funding.

Please direct any comments or questions to Wendy Dolci: Wendy.W.Dolci@nasa.gov