In Situ Real-Time Quantification of Microbial Communities: Applications to Cold and Dry Volcanic Habitats

We report field tests of an instrument using multi-wavelength excitation and detection of fluorescence capable of detection and discrimination of viable cells, non-viable cells (not metabolically active but not decomposed), and spores in extreme arid environments where low microbial abundances are expected. These new results are presented for cold and dry volcanic habitats worldwide, e.g., the arid core of the Atacama Desert, Mt. Kilimanjaro glacier and Kibo area, Pali Aike caldera, and the western US volcanic and desert soils in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and California. Our results are comparable to previous studies reported in the literature for the same environments. We find these extreme environments there have a base level of ∼103 - 104 cells/g. This is the lower limit of detectable life on terrestrial soils, as we did not observe any quantities less than this, even though the described instrumentation is capable of such measurements. Samples from more conventional environments show much higher microbial cell densities, ca. 108 cells/g or higher, with this same instrument. This base level of microbial life is nearly equal in all the measurements from the extreme environments both hot and cold, and is likely controlled primarily by the sparse nutrients rather than temperature

In Situ Real-Time Quantification of Microbial Communities: Applications to Cold and Dry Volcanic Habitats

We report field tests of an instrument using multi-wavelength excitation and detection of fluorescence capable of detection and discrimination of viable cells, non-viable cells (not metabolically active but not decomposed), and spores in extreme arid environments where low microbial abundances are expected. These new results are presented for cold and dry volcanic habitats worldwide, e.g., the arid core of the Atacama Desert, Mt. Kilimanjaro glacier and Kibo area, Pali Aike caldera, and the western US volcanic and desert soils in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and California. Our results are comparable to previous studies reported in the literature for the same environments. We find these extreme environments there have a base level of ∼103 - 104 cells/g. This is the lower limit of detectable life on terrestrial soils, as we did not observe any quantities less than this, even though the described instrumentation is capable of such measurements. Samples from more conventional environments show much higher microbial cell densities, ca. 108 cells/g or higher, with this same instrument. This base level of microbial life is nearly equal in all the measurements from the extreme environments both hot and cold, and is likely controlled primarily by the sparse nutrients rather than temperature

The Sample Handling System for the Mars Icebreaker Life Mission: from Dirt to Data

The Mars icebreaker life mission will search for subsurface life on mars. It consists of three payload elements: a drill to retrieve soil samples from approx. 1 meter below the surface, a robotic sample handling system to deliver the sample from the drill to the instruments, and the instruments themselves. This paper will discuss the robotic sample handling system

Ladakh: Diverse, high-altitude extreme environments for off-earth analogue and astrobiology research

This paper highlights unique sites in Ladakh, India, investigated during our 2016 multidisciplinary pathfinding expedition to the region. We summarize our scientific findings and the site's potential to support science exploration, testing of new technologies and science protocols within the framework of astrobiology research. Ladakh has several accessible, diverse, pristine and extreme environments at very high altitudes (3000-5700 m above sea level). These sites include glacial passes, sand dunes, hot springs and saline lake shorelines with periglacial features. We report geological observations and environmental characteristics (of astrobiological significance) along with the development of regolith-landform maps for cold high passes. The effects of the diurnal water cycle on salt deliquescence were studied using the ExoMars Mission instrument mockup: HabitAbility: Brines, Irradiance and Temperature (HABIT). It recorded the existence of an interaction between the diurnal water cycle in the atmosphere and salts in the soil (which can serve as habitable liquid water reservoirs). Life detection assays were also tested to establish the best protocols for biomass measurements in brines, periglacial ice-mud and permafrost melt water environments in the Tso-Kar region. This campaign helped confirm the relevance of clays and brines as interest targets of research on Mars for biomarker preservation and life detection.The team would like to express its gratitude to BirbalSahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Department of Science and Technology,Office of Chief Wildlife Warden of Ladakh, Government of India for helpingarrange the requisite clearances and permits for the conducted work. Projectmentoring and guidance provided by Spaceward Bound members at NASAAmes Research Center. Financial and logistics support provided by TataMotors Ltd, Inspired Journeys Co, Pearl Travels Ltd and NationalGeographic Traveller India. Website and IT support provided by the BlueMarble Space Institute of Science. Audio-video documentation support pro-vided by Astroproject India and The H

Subsurface scientific exploration of extraterrestrial environments (MINAR 5): analogue science, technology and education in the Boulby Mine, UK

The deep subsurface of other planetary bodies is of special interest for robotic and human exploration. The subsurface provides access to planetary interior processes, thus yielding insights into planetary formation and evolution. On Mars, the subsurface might harbour the most habitable conditions. In the context of human exploration, the subsurface can provide refugia for habitation from extreme surface conditions. We describe the fifth Mine Analogue Research (MINAR 5) programme at 1 km depth in the Boulby Mine, UK in collaboration with Spaceward Bound NASA and the Kalam Centre, India, to test instruments and methods for the robotic and human exploration of deep environments on the Moon and Mars. The geological context in Permian evaporites provides an analogue to evaporitic materials on other planetary bodies such as Mars. A wide range of sample acquisition instruments (NASA drills, Small Planetary Impulse Tool (SPLIT) robotic hammer, universal sampling bags), analytical instruments (Raman spectroscopy, Close-Up Imager, Minion DNA sequencing technology, methane stable isotope analysis, biomolecule and metabolic life detection instruments) and environmental monitoring equipment (passive air particle sampler, particle detectors and environmental monitoring equipment) was deployed in an integrated campaign. Investigations included studying the geochemical signatures of chloride and sulphate evaporitic minerals, testing methods for life detection and planetary protection around human-tended operations, and investigations on the radiation environment of the deep subsurface. The MINAR analogue activity occurs in an active mine, showing how the development of space exploration technology can be used to contribute to addressing immediate Earth-based challenges. During the campaign, in collaboration with European Space Agency (ESA), MINAR was used for astronaut familiarization with future exploration tools and techniques. The campaign was used to develop primary and secondary school and primary to secondary transition curriculum materials on-site during the campaign which was focused on a classroom extra vehicular activity simulation

MARTE: Technology development and lessons learned from a mars drilling mission simulation

29 pages, 21 figures, 2 tables.-- ISI Article Identifier: 000250768000006.-- Special issue: Mining Robotics.The NASA Mars Astrobiology Research and Technology Experiment (MARTE) performed a field test simulating a robotic drilling mission on Mars in September 2005. The experiment took place in Minas de Riotinto in southwestern Spain, a highly relevant Mars analog site. The experiment utilized a 10 m class dry auger coring drill, a robotic core sample handling system, onboard science and life detection instruments, and a borehole inspection probe, all of which were mounted to a simulated lander platform. Much of the operation of the system was automated, and the resulting data were transmitted via satellite to remote science teams for analysis. The science team used the data to characterize the subsurface geology and to search for signs of life. Based on the data being received and operational constraints, the science team also directed the daily operation of the equipment. The experiment was highly successful, with the drill reaching over 6 m in depth in 23 days of simulated mission. The science team analyzed remote sensing data obtained from 28 cores and detected biosignatures in 12 core subsamples. This experiment represents an important first step in understanding the technology and operational requirements for a future Mars drilling mission. In the past there have been numerous rover field tests that have helped guide the design and implementation of the highly successful rover missions to Mars. However, a drilling mission potentially adds a new level of complexity, and it is important to understand the associated challenges. This paper documents the design of the experimental system, highlighting some of the more important design criteria and design trades. It also discusses the results of the field testing and lists some of the key technological lessons learned.MARTE was jointly funded by the NASA Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP) program through NRA 02-OSS-01. Partial funding for automation was provided by the NASA Intelligent Systems program. Spanish participation in MARTE was funded by the Centro de Astrobiología. We also thank the Museo Minero de Rio Tinto, Spain and the staff of the Vazquez Díaz Hotel in Nerva, Spain for providing field facilities and logistical support to the MARTE project.Peer reviewe

Subsurface formation of oxidants on Mars and implications for the preservation of organic biosignatures

8 pages, 4 figures.-- Printed version published Jul 30, 2008.Hydrogen peroxide can form through the interaction of pyrite and anoxic water. The oxidation of pyrite results in the precipitation of sulfates and iron oxides, high redox potentials (~ 1000 mV) and acidic pH (3–4). The oxidative potential of the resultant solution may be responsible for the oxidation of organic compounds, as observed in the subsurface of the Rio Tinto Mars analog. On Mars subsurface migration of groundwater interacting with volcanogenic massive pyrite deposits would have mobilized acidic and oxidizing fluids through large portions of the crust, resulting in the widespread deposition of sulfates and iron oxides. This groundwater could have leached substantial volumes of aquifer material and crustal rocks, thereby erasing any organic compounds possibly down to depths of hundreds of meters. Therefore, the preservation of organic biosignatures must have been severely constrained in the portions of the ancient Martian crust that were exposed to aqueous processes, calling for a redefinition of the future targets in the search for biomolecular traces of life on Mars.AFD, AGF and RB wish to thank the Oak Ridge Associated Universities for financial support. We wish to thank the MARTE team for obtaining the data of the project used in this work and also the funds from the Centro de Astrobiologia and the NASA ASTEP program, devoted to the development of the project.Peer reviewe

Lactoferrin differently modulates the inflammatory response in epithelial models mimicking human inflammatory and infectious diseases

Conflicting data are reported on pro- or anti-inflammatory activity of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) in different cell models as phagocytes or epithelial cell lines infected by bacteria. Here we evaluated the bLf effect on epithelial models mimicking two human pathologies characterized by inflammation and infection with specific bacterial species. Primary bronchial epithelium from a cystic fibrosis (CF) patient and differentiated intestinal epithelial cells were infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa LESB58 isolated from a CF patient and Adherent-Invasive Escherichia coli LF82 isolated from a Crohn's disease patient. Surprisingly, bLf significantly reduced the intracellular bacterial survival, but differently modulated the inflammatory response. These data lead us to hypothesize that bLf differentially acts depending on the epithelial model and infecting pathogen. To verify this hypothesis, we explored whether bLf could modulate ferroportin (Fpn), the only known cellular iron exporter from cells, that, by lowering the intracellular iron level, determines a non permissive environment for intracellular pathogens. Here, for the first time, we describe the bLf ability to up-regulate Fpn protein in infected epithelial models. Our data suggest that the mechanism underlying the bLf modulating activity on inflammatory response in epithelial cells is complex and the bLf involvement in modulating cellular iron homeostasis should be taken into account. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York

The 2005 MARTE Robotic Drilling Experiment in Río Tinto, Spain: Objectives, Approach, and Results of a Simulated Mission to Search for Life in the Martian Subsurface

25 páginas, 13 figuras, 7 tablas.-- et al.The Mars Astrobiology Research and Technology Experiment (MARTE) simulated a robotic drilling mission to search for subsurface life on Mars. The drill site was on Peña de Hierro near the headwaters of the Río Tinto river (southwest Spain), on a deposit that includes massive sulfides and their gossanized remains that resemble some iron and sulfur minerals found on Mars. The mission used a fluidless, 10-axis, autonomous coring drill mounted on a simulated lander. Cores were faced; then instruments collected color wide-angle context images, color microscopic images, visible–near infrared point spectra, and (lower resolution) visible–near infrared hyperspectral images. Cores were then stored for further processing or ejected. A borehole inspection system collected panoramic imaging and Raman spectra of borehole walls. Life detection was performed on full cores with an adenosine triphosphate luciferin-luciferase bioluminescence assay and on crushed core sections with SOLID2, an antibody array-based instrument. Two remotely located science teams analyzed the remote sensing data and chose subsample locations. In 30 days of operation, the drill penetrated to 6 m and collected 21 cores. Biosignatures were detected in 12 of 15 samples analyzed by SOLID2. Science teams correctly interpreted the nature of the deposits drilled as compared to the ground truth. This experiment shows that drilling to search for subsurface life on Mars is technically feasible and scientifically rewarding.MARTE was funded by the NASA Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP) program through NRA 02-OSS-01. Spanish participation in MARTE was funded by the Centro de Astrobiología.Peer reviewe