The moonmilk is a secondary calcite deposit (speleothem) formed by nanofibers of and commonly found in karst caves. While its biogenic origin widely accepted, the mechanism production remains unclear. Crystallization formation calcium carbonate nanostructures are high interest different fields, such as geomicrobiology (rock-microbes interactions), astrobiology (biosignatures), medicine (antibio...

Data from ice 3590 meters below Vostok Station indicate that the ice was accreted from liquid water associated with Lake Vostok. Microbes were observed at concentrations ranging from 2.8 x 10(3) to 3.6 x 10(4) cells per milliliter; no biological incorporation of selected organic substrates or bicarbonate was detected. Bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA genes revealed low diversity in the gene populati...

Aquatic, motile bacteria that orient and rate along geomagnetic field Iines,known as gnetotactic bacteria, were discovered three de cades ago by Richard P. Blakemore, then a uate student at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Initially considered a mere osity, these bacteria have gained celebrity tus as well as deeper respect among scientists, engineers, and the general public. Thus, ma...

One unresolved issue in geomicrobiology is the involvement of microbial activity in the formation of secondary mineral deposits, or speleothems, in caves. Although there is extensive literature demonstrating the importance of bacteria in the precipitation of calcite in noncave environments, the role that these organisms play within caves remains unclear. Evidence in support of microbial involve...

Our understanding of the diversity life on our planet and possibility finding or sustaining elsewhere in universe plays a central role supporting human space settlement exploration. Astrobiology its outcomes require multidisciplinary comprehensive approach, which microbial, geological, chemical, astronomical, physical domains research are interlinked. An example applications astrobiology microb...