The study investigates how well bacterial spores maintain their structural and morphological biosignatures after exposure to harsh conditions simulating the surfaces of Enceladus and Europa. It finds that spore structure remains resilient even after exposure to radiation and temperature extremes, suggesting that methods targeting cell morphology could be valuable for future life detection missions.
A research study by Wellesley College student Kennedy Barnes and colleagues explores the role of low-energy electrons in the synthesis of prebiotic molecules, potentially important for both astrobiology and Earth-bound applications.
