In an era of rapid climate change and expansion of desertification, the extremely harsh
conditions of drylands are a true challenge for microbial life. Under drought conditions …

The concept of a biosignature is widely used in astrobiology to suggest a link between some
observation and a biological cause, given some context. The term itself has been defined …

The second ExoMars mission will be launched in 2020 to target an ancient location
interpreted to have strong potential for past habitability and for preserving physical and …

We describe the history and features of the Ladder of Life Detection, a tool intended to guide
the design of investigations to detect microbial life within the practical constraints of robotic …

Return of samples from the surface of Mars has been a goal of the international Mars
science community for many years. Affirmation by NASA and ESA of the importance of Mars …

We show that carbonaceous chondrite meteorites actively and selectively catalyze the
formation of relevant prebiotic molecules from formamide in aqueous media. Specific …

Scientists use the Earth as a tool for astrobiology by analyzing planetary field analogues (ie
terrestrial samples and field sites that resemble planetary bodies in our Solar System). In …

Context. Plate tectonics is considered a fundamental component for the habitability of the
Earth. Yet whether it is a recurrent feature of terrestrial bodies orbiting other stars or unique …

The major revolution in modern astronomy recognizing the universe as teeming with
exoplanets, the discovery of liquid water in solar moons, and the continuing focus on Mars …

The rapid rate of discoveries of exoplanets has expanded the scope of the science possible
for the remote detection of life beyond Earth. The Exoplanet Biosignatures Workshop …