STONE 6: Artificial Sedimentary Meteorites in Space

The STONE 6 experiment demonstrated the survivability of carbonaceous and microfossiliferous martian analogue sediments during atmospheric re-entry. Doped endoliths died but their carbonised cells remained

Microbial Contamination of Allende and Murchison Carbonaceous Chondrites; Developing a Protocol for Life Detection in Extraterrestrial Materials Using Biotechnology

The arguments used to refute the McKay et al., (1996) hypothesis of possible Martian life in ALH84001 failed to use contamination of the meteorite as a source. This has worrying implications for our ability to detect terrestrial microbiota in meteorites and therefore any potential extraterrestrial biosignatures in both meteorites and possible returned samples. We report on imaging and microbial culturing of both Allende and Murchison carbonaceous chondrites and on the use of molecular biology techniques on a sample of Allende. Contaminating fungi and bacteria were observed (in the case of Murchison) and cultured from both meteorites. DNA was successfully extracted and subsequent PCR showed the presence of both bacterial and fungal DNA although no Archaea were detected. These results show that it is possible to use molecular biological techniques on very small quantities (300 mg) of extraterrestrial material

Rodenticide Exposure Among Endangered Kit Foxes Relative to Habitat Use in an Urban Landscape

Endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica) inhabiting Bakersfield, California exhibit a high incidence of exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs). We examined kit fox habitat use in an effort to determine potential sources of AR exposure. Kit fox capture, den, night, and mortality locations were assigned to one of 10 habitat categories. Using all available locations, foxes that tested positive for second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) were located more frequently on golf courses while those testing negative were located more frequently in commercial areas. Foxes that tested positive for first generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs) were located more frequently in industrial areas while those testing negative were located more frequently on golf courses. Based on night locations (when foxes are foraging), foxes that tested positive for SGARs were found more frequently in undeveloped and golf course habitats. Foxes that tested positive for FGARs were found more frequently in undeveloped, campus, and industrial habitats. Although available data were not sufficient to identify specific point-sources of AR exposure for foxes, golf courses appeared to be used more frequently by foxes exposed to SGARs. However, sources of exposure likely are abundant and widespread in the urban environment. Based on the results of this study, we recommend (1) investigating patterns of AR use in Bakersfield, (2) conducting an outreach program to emphasize the risk from ARs to kit foxes and other wildlife, and (3) continuing to monitor the incidence and patterns of AR exposure among kit foxes in Bakersfield

Fluids, evaporation and precipitates at Gale Crater

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission landed in Gale Crater, Mars, on 6th August 2012, and has explored the Yellowknife Bay area. The detailed mineralogical and sedimentological studies provide a unique opportunity to characterise the secondary fluids associated with this habitable environment

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the senescent phenotype of IPF lung fibroblasts

Increasing evidence highlights that senescence plays an important role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study delineates the specific contribution of mitochondria and the superoxide they form to the senescent phenotype of lung fibroblasts from IPF patients (IPF-LFs). Primary cultures of IPF-LFs exhibited an intensified DNA damage response (DDR) and were more senescent than age-matched fibroblasts from control donors (Ctrl-LFs). Furthermore, IPF-LFs exhibited mitochondrial dysfunction, exemplified by increases in mitochondrial superoxide, DNA, stress and activation of mTORC1. The DNA damaging agent etoposide elicited a DDR and augmented senescence in Ctrl-LFs, which were accompanied by disturbances in mitochondrial homoeostasis including heightened superoxide production. However, etoposide had no effect on IPF-LFs. Mitochondrial perturbation by rotenone involving sharp increases in superoxide production also evoked a DDR and senescence in Ctrl-LFs, but not IPF-LFs. Inhibition of mTORC1, antioxidant treatment and a mitochondrial targeting antioxidant decelerated IPF-LF senescence and/or attenuated pharmacologically induced Ctrl-LF senescence. In conclusion, increased superoxide production by dysfunctional mitochondria reinforces lung fibroblast senescence via prolongation of the DDR. As part of an auto-amplifying loop, mTORC1 is activated, altering mitochondrial homoeostasis and increasing superoxide production. Deeper understanding the mechanisms by which mitochondria contribute to fibroblast senescence in IPF has potentially important therapeutic implications

Rochechouart 2017-Drilling Campaign: First Results

No abstract available

Fluids during diagenesis and sulfate vein formation in sediments at Gale crater, Mars

We model the fluids involved in the alteration processes recorded in the Sheepbed Member mudstones of Yellowknife Bay (YKB), Gale crater, Mars, as revealed by the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover investigations. We compare the Gale crater waters with fluids modeled for shergottites, nakhlites, and the ancient meteorite ALH 84001, as well as rocks analyzed by the Mars Exploration rovers, and with terrestrial ground and surface waters. The aqueous solution present during sediment alteration associated with phyllosilicate formation at Gale was high in Na, K, and Si; had low Mg, Fe, and Al concentrations—relative to terrestrial groundwaters such as the Deccan Traps and other modeled Mars fluids; and had near neutral to alkaline pH. Ca and S species were present in the 10−3 to 10−2 concentration range. A fluid local to Gale crater strata produced the alteration products observed by Curiosity and subsequent evaporation of this groundwater-type fluid formed impure sulfate- and silica-rich deposits—veins or horizons. In a second, separate stage of alteration, partial dissolution of this sulfate-rich layer in Yellowknife Bay, or beyond, led to the pure sulfate veins observed in YKB. This scenario is analogous to similar processes identified at a terrestrial site in Triassic sediments with gypsum veins of the Mercia Mudstone Group in Watchet Bay, UK

Exoplanet Characterization and the Search for Life

Over 300 extrasolar planets (exoplanets) have been detected orbiting nearby stars. We now hope to conduct a census of all planets around nearby stars and to characterize their atmospheres and surfaces with spectroscopy. Rocky planets within their star's habitable zones have the highest priority, as these have the potential to harbor life. Our science goal is to find and characterize all nearby exoplanets; this requires that we measure the mass, orbit, and spectroscopic signature of each one at visible and infrared wavelengths. The techniques for doing this are at hand today. Within the decade we could answer long-standing questions about the evolution and nature of other planetary systems, and we could search for clues as to whether life exists elsewhere in our galactic neighborhood.Comment: 7 pages, 2 figures, submitted to Astro2010 Decadal Revie

The Symptom Monitoring with Feedback Trial (SWIFT):protocol for a registry‑based cluster randomised controlled trial in haemodialysis

BACKGROUND: Kidney failure prevalence is increasing worldwide. Haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplantation are undertaken to extend life with kidney failure. People receiving haemodialysis commonly experience fatigue, pain, nausea, cramping, itching, sleeping difficulties, anxiety and depression. This symptom burden contributes to poor health-related quality of life (QOL) and is a major reason for treatment withdrawal and death. The Symptom monitoring WIth Feedback Trial (SWIFT) will test the hypothesis that regular symptom monitoring with feedback to people receiving haemodialysis and their treating clinical team can improve QOL. METHODS: We are conducting an Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) registry-based cluster randomised controlled trial to determine the clinical- and cost-effectiveness at 12 months, of 3-monthly symptom monitoring using the Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale-Renal (IPOS-Renal) survey with clinician feedback, compared with usual care among adults treated with haemodialysis. Participants complete symptom scoring using a tablet, which are provided to participants and to clinicians. The trial aims to recruit 143 satellite haemodialysis centres, (up to 2400 participants). The primary outcome is change in health-related QOL, as measured by EuroQol 5-Dimension, 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) instrument. Secondary outcomes include overall survival, symptom severity (including haemodialysis-associated fatigue), healthcare utilisation and cost-effectiveness. DISCUSSION: SWIFT is the first registry-based trial in the Australian haemodialysis population to investigate whether regular symptom monitoring with feedback to participants and clinicians improves QOL. SWIFT is embedded in the ANZDATA Registry facilitating pragmatic recruitment from public and private dialysis clinics, throughout Australia. SWIFT will inform future collection, storage and reporting of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) within a clinical quality registry. As the first trial to rigorously estimate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of routine PROMs collection and reporting in haemodialysis units, SWIFT will provide invaluable information to health services, clinicians and researchers working to improve the lives of those with kidney failure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620001061921. Registered on 16 October 2020 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06355-0

Review and Recommendations for Experimentations in Earth Orbit and Beyond

The space environment is regularly used for experiments addressing astrobiology research goals. The specific conditions prevailing in Earth orbit and beyond, notably the radiative environment (photons and energetic particles) and the possibility to conduct long-duration measurements, have been the main motivations for developing experimental concepts to expose chemical or biological samples to outer space, or to use the reentry of a spacecraft on Earth to simulate the fall of a meteorite. This paper represents an overview of past and current research in astrobiology conducted in Earth orbit and beyond, with a special focus on ESA missions such as Biopan, STONE (on Russian FOTON capsules) and EXPOSE facilities (outside the International Space Station). The future of exposure platforms is discussed, notably how they can be improved for better science return, and how to incorporate the use of small satellites such as those built in cubesat format