Habitability and the Limits of Life

This theme investigates biology at the limits and habitability.

We are interested in research on the limits of life and the implications for habitability and life elsewhere.

Projects have included:

• The study of the response and adaptations of microorganisms and proteins to combined extremes such as ions and pressure to understand how multiple extremes shape the conditions for life on Earth and habitability elswhere.
• The study of the habitability of aqueous extraterestrial environments, including Mars and icy worlds.
• The study of the microbiology of the deep susburface, including asteroid and comer impact craters.
• The study of the microbiology of volcanic environments and applications to the robotic and human exploration of locations such as Mars.