NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI)

Paleobiology During the Genomics Era

An Astrobiology All-access Event

A two-day workshop using NAI remote communications tools will be held on May 12th and 13th, 2011. Organized by Chris Dupont of the J. Craig Venter Institute, along with John Peters and Ariel Anbar, leaders of the Montana State University and Arizona State University NAI teams.

Agenda and Recordings

Click here to the workshop agenda and recordings.

Presentation topics include:

• Spatial and temporal dynamics of ocean redox chemistry
• Molecular biomarkers: biological role and usage as a proxy
• The evolution of phytoplankton
• The last universal common ancestor
• Applications of synthetic biology in paleobiology
• Modern day analogs of ancient environments
• The evolution of metabolic pathways

The workshop will consist of talks and discussion. Each presentation will allow ample time for questions and answers afterwards. Although talks will be recorded and posted online at scivee.tv, we encourage researchers to attend in real time to engage in what we expect will be a lively exchange of ideas during the workshop.

This will be the fourth Workshop Without Walls organized by NAI scientists. As with the first workshop, we will be experimenting with best use of the virtual communications capabilities of NAI. The workshop is open to the worldwide science community and will be accessible via internet browser—no special software or equipment is required. Once again we look forward to a productive conference with a low carbon footprint and without registration fees, the hassle of travel, and time away from family.

Workshop Organizing Committee

• Chris Dupont, J. Craig Venter Institute
• Ariel Anbar, Arizona State University
• John Peters, Montana State University

Flyer

Click here to download the flyer.

Registration and Remote Participation

Please fill out the registration form below to receive information on how to connect to the conference. Participant registration helps with planning because we will know approximately how many people will be attending.

It will be easy to join in! All you will need is a computer with a browser and an internet connection—no special software or hardware is required. The slides and video of the speaker will be displayed in your browser, and you will be able to hear the presentations through the speaker on your computer. Questions will be entered in a “chat” area in the browser window. Thanks for registering. We’re glad you’ll be joining us!