Oxygen on Mars? Don’t hold your breath.

Sarah Treadwell – BMSIS Science Writer Astrobiology asks three fundamental questions: How does life begin, could there be life beyond Earth and, if so, how can we detect it? For decades, NASA’s sights have been set towards Mars for answers. Previous research presented evidence of an oxygen-rich atmosphere in its ancient past; however a new paper released challenges this. A study from researchers at Washington University suggests that we may need to look for signs of life with a new […]

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A Planetary Defender

By Sarah Treadwell – BMSIS Science Writer Concerns about how to protect our planet from asteroid impacts have long plagued planetary scientists. While statistically speaking the chances of a disastrous one hitting our planet in our lifetime is very slim, the consequences of being underprepared could be significant. Quite infamously, it did not bode well for the dinosaurs the last time a large asteroid found its way to Earth. While confidence has been high that humans will be able to […]

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Phototrophy on Venus?

By Sarah Treadwell – BMSIS Science Writer The astrobiology world was buzzing last year when a study was released stating levels of phosphine had been detected in the cloud decks of Venus. While this study was subjected to the full scrutiny of the scientific method since published, it opened a flood gate of interest in taking a closer look at the potential for life on Earth’s deadly twin planet. NASA selected Davinci+ (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, […]

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Astronauts in the Ocean

By Sarah Treadwell – BMSIS Science Writer Author and aquanaut, Alan A. Allen has worked in an office which few others can say they ever had. If we are ever lucky enough to have a window in our office, we rejoice. Allen’s office view was more than a window, it was the ocean floor. During the 60’s and 70’s, Alan conducted research with NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) studying the effects of oil spills on marine life. Using […]

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Inspiration for these Times

By Sarah Treadwell – BMSIS Science Writer For many of us, the past year has been a challenge. Businesses struggled, workers were laid off, and domestic violence rates skyrocketed. Students had to adapt to virtual learning, while parents strove to maintain work/home life responsibilities and sanity. There was a general uncertainty of how Covid-19 would continue to mutate and a slow vaccine rollout drew a sense of uneasiness amongst many. But quietly in the background, a message of inspiration was […]

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