Articles for category: Biology & Genetics, Microbiology, Space

Mars in space as seen from afar.

Could Plants Survive on Mars? The Challenges of Growing Life on Another Planet

Trizzy Orozco

The notion of growing plants on Mars has captured the imagination of scientists and science fiction enthusiasts alike. With plans for manned missions and potential colonization, understanding if and how plants could survive on Mars is crucial. Plants not only provide food but also produce oxygen and help recycle carbon dioxide, making them indispensable for ...

The sun with a corona mass ejection.

The Effect of Space Weather on Earth’s Wildlife: How Solar Flares and Cosmic Rays Impact Animals

Trizzy Orozco

Space weather refers to the environmental conditions in space as influenced by the sun and the solar wind. These conditions include solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and cosmic rays that can dramatically affect the Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere. While space weather is predominantly studied for its impact on technology, such as communication systems, it’s ...

Abandoned Desert Dish: What Happened to the Owens Valley Radio Observatory?

Annette Uy

Imagine standing alone in the vast, echoing silence of the California desert, surrounded by mountains and endless sky. Suddenly, you see a cluster of enormous metal dishes rising from the dusty earth—silent sentinels once tuned to the whispers of the universe. The Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO), once a beacon of astronomical discovery, now sits ...

A satellite orbiting above Earth with a view of land and ocean.

How Space Telescopes Help Us Study Earths Biodiversity from Above

Maria Faith Saligumba

Space telescopes are often associated with exploring distant galaxies, stars, and the mysteries of the universe. However, their utility stretches beyond the cosmic to offer valuable insights into Earth’s own systems. By capturing data from above, space telescopes play a crucial role in studying and understanding the complex tapestry of life on our planet. This ...

Satellite flying on space

The Future of Space Based Conservation Efforts for Endangered Species

Maria Faith Saligumba

As the Earth’s biodiversity faces increasing threats from climate change, habitat loss, and human activity, innovative solutions are needed to safeguard endangered species. One emerging frontier in conservation is the use of space-based technology. This approach utilizes satellites and other space-based tools to monitor habitats, track wildlife, and implement conservation strategies at a global scale. ...

bennu asteroid

Asteroid Bennu in Images – The Solar System Time Capsule

Jan Otte

Asteroid Bennu isn’t just another space rock drifting through the cosmos—it’s a relic from the early days of our Solar System. Scientists believe that this 500-meter-wide asteroid holds crucial clues about the origins of life on Earth and possibly beyond. The OSIRIS-REx Mission In 2016, NASA launched the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on a daring mission to ...

Mars and the mysteries it holds.

Could Life on Mars Have a Similar Ecology to Earth’s Wild Habitats?

Trizzy Orozco

With the advancements in space exploration and the intense interest in Mars as a potential host for life, scientists are increasingly curious about whether the planet could support life forms with ecological systems similar to those on Earth. This article explores the fascinating prospect of Martian life, considering its potential ecology and how it might ...