Special Issue "Archaea in Astrobiology: Experiments, Methods, and Applications"

Dear Colleagues,

For almost 50 years, archaea have been known to be the third domain of life on Earth. At first, they were considered to be extremophiles which only thrived under very harsh conditions. This view has changed over the last 25 years, and archaea are now seen as a major part of life on Earth. Archaea can be found in almost all habitats on Earth and have been identified as a major part of global ecosystems. In addition, they are also known for their biotechnological potential, e.g., for the production of lipids or squalene, or for bio-hydrogen and -methane production. Due to their high resistance against various kinds of environmental stresses, organisms of this domain of life became very attractive models for astrobiology. Over the past few decades, archaea have served as model organisms for life on (early) Mars or the icy moons of the outer Solar System, have been detected in clean rooms or on the ISS, and have played a major role in studies regarding the origin of life. The study of archaea might help us to re-revaluate the definition and search for biosignatures and habitability, not only within the Solar System but also beyond. On Earth, archaea are the main source of atmospheric methane, thereby largely influencing our planet’s climate. Archaea’s ability to influence the atmosphere of our own planet shows that the detection of methane in the atmospheres of exoplanets could be an indirect sign that organisms with similar metabolisms live on their surface. Similarly, other products of archaeal metabolisms could be used as potential, but not yet established, biosignatures.

In this Special Issue, we would like to highlight the most recent astrobiological studies that deal with these extraordinary organisms. We invite the astrobiological community to submit articles dealing with any kind of experimental studies (in situ/in vivo/in silico) related to the topic, but also presenting, e.g., new methods or theoretical attempts.

Dr. Ruth-Sophie Taubner
Dr. Boris Sauterey
Prof. Dr. Christiane Helling
Guest Editors

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•  archaea
•  astrobiology
•  biosignatures
•  solar systems
•  exoplanets
•  origin of life
•  missions
•  Mars
•  icy moons
•  ISS
•  planetary protection