Delving into the significance of asteroids and meteorites in understanding the origins of life on Earth, this chapter examines the organic chemistry found in these celestial bodies and its relation to life's building blocks. Evolution is discussed, focusing on the caution in predicting future forms by reflecting on past organisms like the oldest land plant, Ryni Chirt. The chapter also dives into the professional journey of Chris as an astrobiologist and his collaborations, highlighting the interconnectedness of theoretical science and experimental research.
Guests:
- Heather Graham, Research Associate at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Hosts: Abha Eli Phoboo & Chris Kempes
Producer: Katherine Moncure
Podcast theme music by: Mitch Mignano
Additional sound credits: Digifish music; “Determination of Azimuth,” written by Heather Graham, staged at the Baltimore Rock Opera Society
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Papers & Articles:
- “Investigating the impact of x‐ray computed tomography imaging on soluble organic matter in the Murchison meteorite: Implications for Bennu sample analyses” in Meteoritics & Planetary Science (December 2023), doi.org/10.1111/maps.14111
- “The Vacant Niche Revisited: Using Negative Results to Refine the Limits of Habitability,” in bioRxiv (Nov 8, 2023), doi.org/10.1101/2023.11.06.565904
- “Observations of Elemental Composition of Enceladus Consistent with Generalized Models of Theoretical Ecosystems,” in bioRxiv (Oct 29, 2023), doi.org/10.1101/2023.10.29.564608
- “Planetary Subsurface Science and Exploration: An Integrated Consortium to Understand Subsurface Sources of Energy and the Unique Energetics of Subsurface Life,” in Mars Extant Life: What’s Next? (Nov 2019), hou.usra.edu/meetings/lifeonmars2019/pdf/5047.pdf
- “Detecting life on Earth and the limits of analogy,” in Planetary Astrobiology (June 16, 2020)
- “Identifying molecules as biosignatures with assembly theory and mass spectrometry,” in chemRxiv (Nov 16, 202), chemrxiv.org/engage/api-gateway/chemrxiv/assets/orp/resource/item/60c751e59abda27c1af8dce4/original/identifying-molecules-as-biosignatures-with-assembly-theory-and-mass-spectrometry.pdf
- “The Grayness of the Origin of Life,” in Life (May 29, 2021) doi.org/10.3390/life11060498
- “Generalized stoichiometry and biogeochemistry for astrobiological applications,” in Bulletin of Mathematical Biology (July 2021), link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11538-021-00877-5