FEATURED TOPICS

Lunar Microbiology & Metabiosphere Concepts: Oleg Kotsyurbenko introduced the Microbial World Network project and the concept of a “metabiosphere”—a potential interactive zone between Earth and the Moon. He emphasised the need for sustainable biosystems and biomarker studies to support lunar habitats, noting unknowns like toxic comet elements and space’s effect on microbes.

Origins of Life & Microbial Threats: Vladimir Kompanichenko presented a life-origin model based on fluid dynamics and organic microsystems, with implications for Mars and the Moon. Vyacheslav Ilin discussed microbial threats during space missions, citing increased pathogenicity and the importance of probiotics to counter these effects. He also talked about  probiotics in space, focusing on infection control and space surgery

Microbiomes & Space Agriculture: Ismael Roman-Moreno examined arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and sodium chloride treatments for promoting plant growth in microgravity, showing improved adaptation of root systems but heightened fungal susceptibility during long missions.

Astrobiology Education & Lunar Simulants: Petar Eftimov introduced Sophia University’s new Master’s program in astrobiology, combining biology, geology, and planetary science. He proposed developing a lunar regolith simulant in Bulgaria, underscoring the importance of international collaboration, especially within NATO and with Russian scientists.

Lunar Exploration Programs: Anil Bhardwaj discussed India’s Chandrayaan missions, highlighting discoveries such as lunar water and elemental analysis of soil, especially in the South Pole-Aitken Basin. Future missions will include sample returns and deeper lunar surface studies.

Astrobiological Potential of the Moon: Margarita Safonova looked at microbial remnants found in lunar soil and the possibility that life originated or was transferred to the Moon. The potential for extremophiles and biosignatures in lunar regolith was explored as part of a broader astrobiological investigation.

RNA Stability in Harsh Environments: Aaron Engelhart presented breakthrough research on RNA’s resilience in Martian-like conditions, showing that it retains functionality at high salt concentrations and can adapt structurally to extreme environments. This suggests significant potential for RNA applications in lunar and Martian settings.

Tardigrade Radioprotection Research Overview: Mikhail Zarubin presented groundbreaking research on tardigrades, microscopic organisms renowned for their extreme resistance to harsh space environments. His team’s work revealed that tardigrades can survive vacuum, radiation, pressure extremes, and temperature variations. Central to their radioprotection is a unique protein called the “subprotein,” which, when expressed in fruit flies and human cells, enhances resistance to radiation and oxidative stress. Ongoing research aims to decode the subprotein’s molecular mechanisms and explore its applications in medicine and biotechnology.

Mars Colonization – Challenges and Solutions: Aernan Aondofa introduced the Mars Survival Framework, outlining the motivations and challenges of colonising Mars. He addressed key concerns like radiation, transportation, and habitability, suggesting solutions such as greenhouse gas usage and artificial gravity. While Elon Musk’s Mars mission was highlighted for its innovation and resources, ethical and practical concerns were raised, suggesting that Earth’s issues should take priority over interplanetary colonization.

Yaravirus Protein Evolution Insights: Ana Karoline Nunes-Alves shared insights on the Yaravirus, focusing on its many orphan genes and unique viral proteins. Her bioinformatics work suggests these proteins may relate to essential cellular functions and exhibit a modular genomic organization. She also presented findings on Yaravirus involvement in host metabolism, particularly the TCA cycle, likening it to how other viruses sustain infections in high-energy cells. This research contributes to debates about giant viruses and their classification, and the potential for viral biosignatures on extraterrestrial bodies.

Synthetic Microbial Ecosystems for Space: Ramdas D. Mars presented his research on synthetic microbial ecosystems for lunar colonisation, focusing on developing life support systems resistant to cosmic radiation and extreme environments. The presentation discussed methods for engineering microbial communities using CRISPR-based genetics and DNA synthesis, with implications for space missions on the moon and Mars.

Lunar Bioengineering with Extremophiles: Anannya Agrawal discussed using extremophiles, especially Deinococcus radiodurans, in creating sustainable lunar habitats. These microbes withstand extreme heat, radiation, and dryness, making them ideal for lunar bioengineering. She referenced analog sites, such as Ladakh and the McMurdo Dry Valley, along with research from Hawaii’s MDRS, to demonstrate microbial survival in harsh environments. Her presentation emphasised engineering microbes to convert CO₂ to oxygen and recycle waste, highlighting their vital role use in lunar bioengineering and in long-term lunar life support systems.