Examinando por Autor "Amils Pibernat, R."

Mostrando 1 - 18 de 18

Acceso Abierto
Astrobiology of life on Earth
(Society for Applied Microbiology, 2021-04-05) Hallsworth, J. E.; Mancinelli, R. L.; Conley, C. A.; Dallas, T. D.; Rinaldi, T.; Davila, A. F.; Benison, K. C.; Rapoport, A.; Cavalazzi, B.; Selbmann, Laura; Changela, H.; Westall, Frances; Yakimov, M. M.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Madigan, M. T.; Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC); Hallsworth, J. E. [0000-0001-6797-9362]; Mancinelli, R. L. [0000-0002-8200-4878]; Dallas, T. D. [0000-0002-5310-9857]; Rinaldi, T. [0000-0001-6291-245X]; Benison, K. C. [0000-0001-6104-2333]; Rapoport, A. [0000-0002-6185-0039]; Selbmann, L. [0000-0002-8967-3329]; Amils, R. [0000-0002-7560-1033]
Astrobiology is mistakenly regarded by some as a field confined to studies of life beyond Earth. Here, we consider life on Earth through an astrobiological lens. Whereas classical studies of microbiology historically focused on various anthropocentric sub-fields (such as fermented foods or commensals and pathogens of crop plants, livestock and humans), addressing key biological questions via astrobiological approaches can further our understanding of all life on Earth. We highlight potential implications of this approach through the articles in this Environmental Microbiology special issue ‘Ecophysiology of Extremophiles’. They report on the microbiology of places/processes including low-temperature environments and chemically diverse saline- and hypersaline habitats; aspects of sulphur metabolism in hypersaline lakes, dysoxic marine waters, and thermal acidic springs; biology of extremophile viruses; the survival of terrestrial extremophiles on the surface of Mars; biological soils crusts and rock-associated microbes of deserts; subsurface and deep biosphere, including a salticle formed within Triassic halite; and interactions of microbes with igneous and sedimentary rocks. These studies, some of which we highlight here, contribute to our understanding of the spatiotemporal reach of Earth'sfunctional biosphere, and the tenacity of terrestrial life. Their findings will help set the stage for future work focused on the constraints for life, and how organisms adapt and evolve to circumvent these constraints.
Acceso Abierto
Biological production of H2, CH4 and CO2 in the deep subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt
(Society for Applied Microbiology, 2021-05-10) Sanz, J. L.; Rodríguez, Nuria; Escudero, C.; Carrizo, D.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI); Sanz, J. L. [0000-0003-3226-3967]; Rodríguez, N. [0000-0003-4109-4851]; Escudero, C. [0000-0003-1240-4144]; Carrizo, D. [0000-0003-1568-4591]; Amils, R. [0000-0002-7560-1033]
Most of the terrestrial deep subsurfaces are oligotrophic environments in which some gases, mainly H2, CH4 and CO2, play an important role as energy and/or carbon sources. In this work, we assessed their biotic and abiotic origin in samples from subsurface hard-rock cores of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) at three different depths (414, 497 and 520 m). One set of samples was sterilized (abiotic control) and all samples were incubated under anaerobic conditions. Our results showed that H2, CH4 and CO2 remained low and constant in the sterilized controls while their levels were 4, 4.1 and 2.5 times higher respectively, in the unsterilized samples compared to the abiotic controls. The δ13CCH4-values measured in the samples (range −31.2 to −43.0 ‰) reveals carbon isotopic signatures that are within the range for biological methane production. Possible microorganisms responsible for the biotic production of the gases were assessed by CARD-FISH. The analysis of sequenced genomes of detected microorganisms within the subsurface of the IPB allowed to identify possible metabolic activities involved in H2 (Rhodoplanes, Shewanella and Desulfosporosinus), CH4 (Methanobacteriales) and CO2 production. The obtained results suggest that part of the H2, CH4 and CO2 detected in the deep subsurface has a biological origin.
Acceso Abierto
Broad-band high-resolution rotational spectroscopy for laboratory astrophysics
(EDP Science, 2019-06-07) Cernicharo, J.; Gallego, J. D.; López Pérez, Jose A.; Tercero, Felix; Tanarro, I.; Beltrán, F.; De Vicente, P.; Lauwaet, K.; Alemán, Belén; Moreno, E.; Herrero, V. J.; Doménech, Jose Luis; Ramírez, S. I.; Bermúdez, Celina; Peláez, R. J.; Patino Esteban, Marina; López Fernández, Isaac; García Álvaro, Sonia; García Carreño, Pablo; Cabezas, Carlos; Malo, Inmaculada; Amils Pibernat, R.; Sobrado, J. M.; Díez González, C.; Hernandéz, Jose M.; Tercero, B.; Santoro, G.; Martínez, Lidia; Castellanos, Marcelo; Vaquero Jiménez, B.; Pardo, Juan R.; Barbas, L.; López Fernández, Jose Antonio; Aja, B.; Leuther, A.; Martín Gago, J. A.; Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA); European Commission (EC); Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI)
We present a new experimental set-up devoted to the study of gas phase molecules and processes using broad-band high spectral resolution rotational spectroscopy. A reactor chamber is equipped with radio receivers similar to those used by radio astronomers to search for molecular emission in space. The whole range of the Q (31.5–50 GHz) and W bands (72–116.5 GHz) is available for rotational spectroscopy observations. The receivers are equipped with 16 × 2.5 GHz fast Fourier transform spectrometers with a spectral resolution of 38.14 kHz allowing the simultaneous observation of the complete Q band and one-third of the W band. The whole W band can be observed in three settings in which the Q band is always observed. Species such as CH3CN, OCS, and SO2 are detected, together with many of their isotopologues and vibrationally excited states, in very short observing times. The system permits automatic overnight observations, and integration times as long as 2.4 × 105 s have been reached. The chamber is equipped with a radiofrequency source to produce cold plasmas, and with four ultraviolet lamps to study photochemical processes. Plasmas of CH4, N2, CH3CN, NH3, O2, and H2, among other species, have been generated and the molecular products easily identified by the rotational spectrum, and via mass spectrometry and optical spectroscopy. Finally, the rotational spectrum of the lowest energy conformer of CH3CH2NHCHO (N-ethylformamide), a molecule previously characterized in microwave rotational spectroscopy, has been measured up to 116.5 GHz, allowing the accurate determination of its rotational and distortion constants and its search in space.
Restringido
Differential iron management in monocotyledon and dicotyledon plants from the Río Tinto basin.
(Springer Link, 2020-01-06) De la Fuente, Vicenta; Rufo, L.; Rodríguez Rivas, Noé; Ramírez, E.; Sánchez Gavilán, I.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Ministerio de Economia Industria y Competitividad (MINECO); 0000-0002-2239-6523
The study of plants adapted to an extreme environment with a high concentration of iron such as Río Tinto allowed the study of important elements for the development and control of plant growth including their localization, management, and storage. The absorption, transport, and accumulation of iron were studied in different species of dicotyledons (Sarcocornia pruinosa, Salicornia patula, Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, and Halogeton sativus of the Chenopodiaceae family) and monocotyledons (Imperata cylindrica, Cynodon dactylon, and Panicum repens from the Poaceae family), all obtained from the Río Tinto banks in different sample collection campaigns. The results clearly show that phytoferritin is not observed in the chloroplast of monocotyledons, an important difference from what is observed in dicotyledons. The presence of plastids with a high concentration of iron in the sieve tubes of monocotyledons strongly suggests their possible role in the transport and accumulation of iron in these plants.
Acceso Abierto
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas sp. Strain T2.31D-1, Isolated from a Drilling Core Sample Obtained 414 Meters below Surface in the Iberian Pyrite Belt
(American Society for Microbiology, 2021-01-07) Martínez Lozano, José Manuel; Escudero, C.; Leandro, T.; Mateos, G.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN); 0000-0003-3954-2985; 0000-0003-1240-4144; 0000-0002-7560-1033
We report the draft genome of Pseudomonas sp. strain T2.31D-1, which was isolated from a drilling core sample obtained 414 m below surface in the Iberian Pyrite Belt. The genome consists of a 4.7-Mb chromosome with 4,428 coding sequences, 1 rRNA operon, 59 tRNA genes, and a 31.8-kb plasmid.
Acceso Abierto
Draft genome sequence of shewanella sp. strain T2.3D-1.1, isolated from 121.8 meters deep in the subsurface of the iberian pyrite belt
(American Society for Microbiology, 2020-10-01) De Francisco Polanco, S.; Martínez Lozano, José Manuel; Leandro, T.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI); De Francisco Polanco, S. [0000-0002-1192-0502]; Martínez, J. M. [0000-0003-3954-2985]; Amils Pibernat, R. [0000-0002-7560-1033]; Unidad de Excelencia Científica María de Maeztu Centro de Astrobiología del Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial y CSIC, MDM-2017-0737
Shewanella sp. strain T2.3D-1.1 was isolated from the deep subsurface of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. We report its draft genome sequence, consisting of 49 scaffolds, with a chromosome of approximate to 4.6 Mb and a 23.8-kb plasmid. The chromosome annotation identified 4,068 coding DNA sequences, 1 rRNA operon, and 108 tRNA genes.
Acceso Abierto
Editorial: Archaea in the Environment: Views on Archaeal Distribution, Activity, and Biogeography
(Frontiers Media Extreme Microbiology, 2021-03-12) Teske, A.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Ramírez, G. A.; Reysenbach, A. L.; 0000-0001-8122-4898
Acceso Abierto
Extremofiles 2.0
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2021-04-09) Amils Pibernat, R.; Gómez, Felipe; Amils, R. [0000-0002-7560-1033]; Gómez, F. [0000-0001-9977-7060]
Acceso Abierto
Impact of Simulated Martian Conditions on (Facultatively) Anaerobic Bacterial Strains from Different Mars Analogue Sites.
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2020-01-15) Beblo Vranesevic, K.; Bohmeier, M.; Schleumer, S.; Rabbow, Elke; Perras, A. K.; Moissl-Eichinger, Christine; Schwendner, P.; Cockell, Charles S.; Vannier, P.; Marteinsson, V. T.; Monaghan, E. P.; Riedo, A.; Ehrenfreund, P.; García Descalzo, L.; Gómez, Felipe; Malki, M.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Gaboyer, F.; Hickman-Lewis, K.; Westall, Frances; Cabezas, Patricia; Walter, N.; Rettberg, P.; Rettberg, P. [0000-0003-4439-2395]; García Descalzo, L. [0000-0002-0083-6786]; Cabezas, P. [0000-0002-6336-4093]; Marteinsson, V. [0000-0001-8340-821X]; Gómez, F. [0000-0001-9977-7060]
Five bacterial (facultatively) anaerobic strains, namely Buttiauxella sp. MASE-IM-9, Clostridium sp. MASE-IM-4, Halanaerobium sp. MASE-BB-1, Trichococcus sp. MASE-IM-5, and Yersinia intermedia MASE-LG-1 isolated from different extreme natural environments were subjected to Mars relevant environmental stress factors in the laboratory under controlled conditions. These stress factors encompassed low water activity, oxidizing compounds, and ionizing radiation. Stress tests were performed under permanently anoxic conditions. The survival rate after addition of sodium perchlorate (Na-perchlorate) was found to be species-specific. The inter-comparison of the five microorganisms revealed that Clostridium sp. MASE-IM-4 was the most sensitive strain (D-10-value (15 min, NaClO4) = 0.6 M). The most tolerant microorganism was Trichococcus sp. MASE-IM-5 with a calculated D-10-value (15 min, NaClO4) of 1.9 M. Cultivation in the presence of Na-perchlorate in Martian relevant concentrations up to 1 wt% led to the observation of chains of cells in all strains. Exposure to Na-perchlorate led to a lowering of the survival rate after desiccation. Consecutive exposure to desiccating conditions and ionizing radiation led to additive effects. Moreover, in a desiccated state, an enhanced radiation tolerance could be observed for the strains Clostridium sp. MASE-IM-4 and Trichococcus sp. MASE-IM-5. These data show that anaerobic micro-organisms from Mars analogue environments can resist a variety of Martian-simulated stresses either individually or in combination. However, responses were species-specific and some Mars-simulated extremes killed certain organisms. Thus, although Martian stresses would be expected to act differentially on microorganisms, none of the expected extremes tested here and found on Mars prevent the growth of anaerobic microorganisms.
Acceso Abierto
Methanogenesis at High Temperature, High Ionic Strength and Low pH in the Volcanic Area of Dallol, Ethiopia
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2021-06-06) Sanz, J. L.; Rodríguez, Nuria; Escudero, C.; Carrizo, D.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Gómez, Felipe; Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI); Sanz, J. L. [0000-0003-3226-3967]; Escudero, C. [0000-0003-1240-4144]; Carrizo, D. [0000-0003-1568-4591]; Amils, R. [0000-0002-7560-1033]; Gómez, F. [0000-0001-9977-7060]; Unidad de Excelencia Científica María de Maeztu Centro de Astrobiología del Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial y CSIC, MDM-2017-0737
The Dallol geothermal area originated as a result of seismic activity and the presence of a shallow underground volcano, both due to the divergence of two tectonic plates. In its ascent, hot water dissolves and drags away the subsurface salts. The temperature of the water that comes out of the chimneys is higher than 100 °C, with a pH close to zero and high mineral concentration. These factors make Dallol a polyextreme environment. So far, nanohaloarchaeas, present in the salts that form the walls of the chimneys, have been the only living beings reported in this extreme environment. Through the use of complementary techniques: culture in microcosms, methane stable isotope signature and hybridization with specific probes, the methanogenic activity in the Dallol area has been assessed. Methane production in microcosms, positive hybridization with the Methanosarcinales probe and the δ13CCH4-values measured, show the existence of extensive methanogenic activity in the hydrogeothermic Dallol system. A methylotrophic pathway, carried out by Methanohalobium and Methanosarcina-like genera, could be the dominant pathway for methane production in this environment.
Restringido
Subsurface and surface halophile communities of the chaotropic Salar de Uyuni
(Society for Applied Microbiology, 2021-01-28) Martínez Lozano, José Manuel; Escudero, C.; Rodíguez, N.; Rubin, S.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO); 0000-0003-3954-2985; 0000-0002-3387-7760; 0000-0002-7560-1033; 0000-0003-1240-4144; 0000-0003-4109-4851
Salar de Uyuni (SdU) is the biggest athalosaline environment on Earth, holding a high percentage of the known world Li reserves. Due to its hypersalinity, temperature and humidity fluctuations, high exposure to UV radiation, and its elevated concentration of chaotropic agents like MgCl2, LiCl and NaBr, SdU is considered a polyextreme environment. Here, we report the prokaryotic abundance and diversity of 46 samples obtained in different seasons and geographical areas. The identified bacterial community was found to be more heterogeneous than the archaeal community, with both communities varying geographically. A seasonal difference has been detected for archaea. Salinibacter, Halonotius and Halorubrum were the most abundant genera in Salar de Uyuni. Different unclassified archaea were also detected. In addition, the diversity of two subsurface samples obtained at 20 and 80 m depth was evaluated and compared with the surface data, generating an evolutionary record of a multilayer hypersaline ecosystem.
Restringido
Suspension assisted analysis of sulfur in petroleum coke by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence.
(Elsevier BV, 2020-12-02) Fernández Ruiz, R.; Redrejo, M. J.; Friedrich, E. J.; Rodríguez, Nuria; Amils Pibernat, R.; Unidad de Excelencia Científica María de Maeztu Centro de Astrobiología del Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial y CSIC, MDM-2017-0737
The influence of the particle size distribution of a petroleum coke sample compared to its sulfur content was investigated. For this matrix, an optimization procedure of the Suspension Assisted Analysis (SAA) by Total-reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) quantitative method was developed. SAA-TXRF sulfur recoveries were evaluated for three particle size distributions of the same coke sample. The sulfur recovery increased when the particle size distribution was smaller. The observed behaviour was correlated and validated with CHNS elemental analysis and microwave-assisted digestion TXRF measurements. The results indicate that the sulfur signal is strongly influenced by the particle size distribution and the deposition morphology of the petroleum coke material. This effect could be explained by the presence of a strong absorption effect for the sulfur signal in combination with the distortion of the X-ray Standing Waves (XSW) field observed between the analyte, S, and the elements Ti and Co, which were used as an internal standard. The variation in sulfur observed was up to 45.5% lower than the higher recovery obtained by CHNS. This investigation suggests that for an adequate application of the SAA-TXRF method in petroleum coke or similar matrices, careful optimization of the final particle dispersion of the ground coke is crucial and necessary. In this case, the use of a high- power ultrasound probe was the key.
Acceso Abierto
Taxonomic and functional analyses of intact microbial communities thriving in extreme, astrobiology-relevant, anoxic sites
(Spring Nature Research Journals, 2021-02-18) Kristin Bashir, A.; Wink, L.; Duller, S.; Schwendner, P.; Cockell, Charles S.; Rettberg, P.; Mahnert, A.; Beblo Vranesevic, K.; Bohmeier, M.; Rabbow, Elke; Gaboyer, F.; Westall, Frances; Walter, N.; Cabezas, Patricia; García Descalzo, L.; Gómez, Felipe; Malki, M.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Ehrenfreund, P.; Monaghan, E. P.; Vannier, P.; Marteinsson, V. T.; Erlacher, A.; Tanski, G.; Strauss, J.; Bashir, M.; Riedo, A.; Moissl-Eichinger, Christine; European Commission (EC); Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF); Moissi Eichinger, C. [0000-0001-6755-6263]
Extreme terrestrial, analogue environments are widely used models to study the limits of life and to infer habitability of extraterrestrial settings. In contrast to Earth’s ecosystems, potential extraterrestrial biotopes are usually characterized by a lack of oxygen. In the MASE project (Mars Analogues for Space Exploration), we selected representative anoxic analogue environments (permafrost, salt-mine, acidic lake and river, sulfur springs) for the comprehensive analysis of their microbial communities. We assessed the microbiome profile of intact cells by propidium monoazide-based amplicon and shotgun metagenome sequencing, supplemented with an extensive cultivation effort. The information retrieved from microbiome analyses on the intact microbial community thriving in the MASE sites, together with the isolation of 31 model microorganisms and successful binning of 15 high-quality genomes allowed us to observe principle pathways, which pinpoint specific microbial functions in the MASE sites compared to moderate environments. The microorganisms were characterized by an impressive machinery to withstand physical and chemical pressures. All levels of our analyses revealed the strong and omnipresent dependency of the microbial communities on complex organic matter. Moreover, we identified an extremotolerant cosmopolitan group of 34 poly-extremophiles thriving in all sites. Our results reveal the presence of a core microbiome and microbial taxonomic similarities between saline and acidic anoxic environments. Our work further emphasizes the importance of the environmental, terrestrial parameters for the functionality of a microbial community, but also reveals a high proportion of living microorganisms in extreme environments with a high adaptation potential within habitability borders.
Acceso Abierto
The Molecular Record of Metabolic Activity in the Subsurface of the Río Tinto Mars Analog
(Mary Ann Liebert Publishers, 2021-08-26) Fernández Remolar, D. C.; Gómez Ortiz, D.; Huang, T.; Anglés, A.; Shen, Y.; Hu, Q.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Rodríguez, Nuria; Escudero, C.; Banerjee, N. R.; Fundo para o Desenvolvimento das Ciências e da Tecnologia (FDCT); China National Space Administration (CNSA)
In the subsurface, the interplay between microbial communities and the surrounding mineral substrate, potentially used as an energy source, results in different mineralized structures. The molecular composition of such structures can record and preserve information about the metabolic pathways that have produced them. To characterize the molecular composition of the subsurface biosphere, we have analyzed some core samples by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) that were collected in the borehole BH8 during the operations of the Mars Analog and Technology Experiment (MARTE) project. The molecular analysis at a micron-scale mapped the occurrence of several inorganic complexes bearing PO3-, SOx(2 to 4)-, NOx(2,3)-, FeOx(1,2)-, SiO2-, and Cl-. Their distribution correlates with organic molecules that were tentatively assigned to saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, saccharides, phospholipids, sphingolipids, and potential peptide fragments. SOx- appear to be mineralizing some microstructures larger than 25 microns, which have branched morphologies, and that source SO3-bearing adducts. PO3-rich compounds occur in two different groups of microstructures which size, morphology, and composition are different. While a group of >40-micron sized circular micronodules lacks organic compounds, an ovoidal microstructure is associated with m/z of other lipids. The NO2-/NO3- and Cl- ions occur as small microstructure clusters (<20 microns), but their distribution is dissimilar to the mineralized microstructures bearing PO3-, and SO3-. However, they have a higher density in areas with more significant enrichment in iron oxides that are traced by different Fe-bearing anions like FeO2-. The distribution of the organic and inorganic negative ions, which we suggest, resulted from the preservation of at least three microbial consortia (PO4--, and NO2--/NO3--mineralizers PO4-lipid bearing microstructures), would have resulted from different metabolic and preservation pathways.
Acceso Abierto
Viable cyanobacteria in the deep continental subsurface
(National Academy of Sciences (U.S.), 2018-10-01) Puente Sánchez, Fernando; Arce Rodríguez, Alejandro; Oggerin, Monike; García Villadangos, M.; Moreno Paz, Mercedes; Blanco, Yolanda; Rodríguez, Nuria; Bird, Laurence; Lincoln, Sara A.; Tornos, Fernando; Prieto-Ballesteros, Olga; Freeman, Katherine H.; Pieper, Dietmar H.; Timmis, Kenneth N.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Parro, Víctor; Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (MINECO); Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI); European Research Council (ERC)
Cyanobacteria are ecologically versatile microorganisms inhabiting most environments, ranging from marine systems to arid deserts. Although they possess several pathways for light-independent energy generation, until now their ecological range appeared to be restricted to environments with at least occasional exposure to sunlight. Here we present molecular, microscopic, and metagenomic evidence that cyanobacteria predominate in deep subsurface rock samples from the Iberian Pyrite Belt Mars analog (southwestern Spain). Metagenomics showed the potential for a hydrogen-based lithoautotrophic cyanobacterial metabolism. Collectively, our results suggest that they may play an important role as primary producers within the deep-Earth biosphere. Our description of this previously unknown ecological niche for cyanobacteria paves the way for models on their origin and evolution, as well as on their potential presence in current or primitive biospheres in other planetary bodies, and on the extant, primitive, and putative extraterrestrial biospheres.
Acceso Abierto
Visualizing Microorganism-Mineral Interaction in the Iberian Pyrite Belt Subsurface: The Acidovorax Case
(Extreme Microbiology, 2020-11-26) Escudero, C.; Del Campo, Adolfo; Ares, J. R.; Sánchez, C.; Martínez Lozano, José Manuel; Gómez, Felipe; Amils Pibernat, R.; Lorente Sánchez, Cristina; Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI); Martínez, J. M. [0000-0003-3954-2985]; Escudero, C. [0000-0003-1240-4144]; Unidad de Excelencia Científica María de Maeztu Centro de Astrobiología del Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial y CSIC, MDM-2017-0737
Despite being considered an extreme environment, several studies have shown that life in the deep subsurface is abundant and diverse. Microorganisms inhabiting these systems live within the rock pores and, therefore, the geochemical and geohydrological characteristics of this matrix may influence the distribution of underground biodiversity. In this study, correlative fluorescence and Raman microscopy (Raman-FISH) was used to analyze the mineralogy associated with the presence of members of the genus Acidovorax, an iron oxidizing microorganisms, in native rock samples of the Iberian Pyrite Belt subsurface. Our results suggest a strong correlation between the presence of Acidovorax genus and pyrite, suggesting that the mineral might greatly influence its subsurface distribution.
Acceso Abierto
Zoé
(Gobierno de España: Ministerio de Defensa, 2012-05-15) Cuesta Crespo, L.; Ruiz Zelmanovitch, B.; Vaquerizo Gallego, J. A.; Sánchez Verdasco, R.; Gómez Elvira, J.; Martín Pintado, J.; Mas-Hesse, J. Miguel; Parro García, V.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Rodríguez Manfredi, J. A.
Si hacemos una búsqueda en la web de REMS+Marte conseguimos cerca de 4 millones de coincidencias. Lo que quiere decir que nuestro proyecto ha tenido un razonable impacto en la sociedad. Aunque, por supuesto muy por debajo de REM, el grupo musical, del que el buscador nos da más de 155 millones de resultados. REMS ha supuesto para el Centro de Astrobiología (CAB) situarse en la élite de la exploración planetaria. El poder participar en la más ambiciosa de las misiones enviadas hasta el día de hoy a Marte, ha sido realmente un reto para los investigadores del Centro. Cuando en 2004, al poco de instalarse los laboratorios del CAB en su sede actual, comenzó el proyecto, desconocíamos los retos a los que íbamos a tener que enfrentarnos. Nos adentramos en un camino por el que no todo el equipo había caminado antes. Lo que sí sabíamos era que estábamos completamente decididos a hacerlo. Hoy en día, la perspectiva es totalmente distinta. Se ha conseguido formar un equipo de científicos e ingenieros que caminan juntos, con una relación muy estrecha con la industria y con una experiencia ganada que, seguro, nos permitirá afrontar los siguientes retos de una forma mucho más sólida. El segundo número de Zoé se ha querido dedicar íntegramente a REMS, en respuesta al interés que ha despertado tanto fuera como dentro del Centro. En sus páginas se muestra el enorme trabajo realizado hasta el momento del lanzamiento: la ciencia que se quiere hacer, cómo es su diseño, y cómo nos estamos preparando para el momento del aterrizaje y el comienzo de los dos apasionantes años que nos esperan explorando Marte. Tenemos que seguir haciendo un esfuerzo de divulgación de la ciencia y la tecnología, para conseguir que cada vez la distancia entre los proyectos de ciencia y los grupos musicales se vaya reduciendo. Este número de Zoé es un nuevo esfuerzo en esta dirección. Javier Gómez-Elvira – Director del Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA) e Investigador Principal de REMS
Acceso Abierto
Zoé
(Gobierno de España: Ministerio de Defensa, 2011-05-15) Cuesta Crespo, L.; Ruiz Zelmanovitch, B.; Vaquerizo Gallego, J. A.; Montesinos Comino, B.; Cuevas Manrubia, S.; Gómez Gómez, F.; Martín Torres, Javier; Martín Soler, J.; Gómez Elvira, J.; Cernicharo, J.; Mas Hesse, J. M.; Parro García, V.; Amils Pibernat, R.; Rodríguez Manfredi, J. A.
La pregunta “¿Hay vida en otros lugares del Universo?” tenía, hasta hace poco, únicamente implicaciones filosóficas. Pero, actualmente se está empezando a abordar desde otros campos de la Ciencia. Precisamente, la Astrobiología aglutina todos los esfuerzos dirigidos a encontrar su respuesta, tratando de entender cómo son los procesos por los que una nube de polvo interestelar llega a transformarse en un sistema planetario en el que alguno de sus cuerpos se desarrolla de tal forma que aparecen microorganismos que lo pueblan y evolucionan. El reto de la Astrobiología es fabuloso y, embarcarse en esa misión, es realmente una aventura: la “aventura de la vida”. “La divulgación es una obligación que tiene la comunidad científica y tecnológica con la sociedad”: ésta es una frase que, desgraciadamente, todavía no ha calado lo suficiente en nuestra comunidad. Quizás el problema esté en nuestra formación: nadie nos ha enseñado a hacerlo y muchos no sabemos cómo se hace, pero nuestra obligación es intentarlo, porque es realmente una obligación para con la sociedad. No cabe duda de que la divulgación en Astrobiología es muy atractiva para el gran público por el interés del tema que aborda y porque su multidisciplinariedad atrae a “curiosos” de muchas áreas. Desde su creación, de la mano de Juan Pérez-Mercader, el Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA) ha considerado la divulgación como una de sus actividades básicas: esta revista es un intento más en esa dirección. Con ella, no sólo se quiere informar a la sociedad de sus actividades más relevantes, sino que pretende ser un “imán” para atraer hacia la ciencia y la tecnología a todo aquel que sienta curiosidad y quiera satisfacerla. D. Jaime Denís Zambrana – Director General del Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA)