NAI
2009 Annual Science Report
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Reporting | JUL 2008 – AUG 2009
Advancing Methods for the Analyses of Organics Molecules in Microbial Ecosystems
Project Summary
Eigenbrode’s GCA work over the past year has largely focused on advancing protocols for the extraction and analysis of complex organics molecules in iron-oxide rich samples regarded as analogs to groundwater seeps and ancient surface water environments on Mars and ancient Earth. Eigenbrode has succeeded with some advance in methods for organic extraction and analysis for samples that include iron seep sediments, cultured iron bacteria, and terrace sediments of the Rio Tinto. In addition, Eigenbrode has been part of a successful study aimed at understanding microbial metabolisms and ecological evolution of Neoarchean using Fe, S, and C isotopic records.
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Institutions
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Teams
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Publications
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Field Sites
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PROJECT INVESTIGATORS:
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PROJECT MEMBERS:
Jennifer Eigenbrode
Project Investigator
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RELATED OBJECTIVES:
Objective 2.1
Mars exploration.
Objective 4.1
Earth's early biosphere.
Objective 5.1
Environment-dependent, molecular evolution in microorganisms
Objective 5.2
Co-evolution of microbial communities
Objective 5.3
Biochemical adaptation to extreme environments
Objective 6.1
Effects of environmental changes on microbial ecosystems
Objective 7.1
Biosignatures to be sought in Solar System materials