Microscopy reveals signs of life in Earth’s extremes, boosting search for alien life

New research from Portland State University focused on identifying signs of life—biosignatures—in extreme environments here on Earth. Researchers investigated whether microbial active motion (e.g., swimming), morphology, and optical properties could serve as biosignatures using in situ video microscopy at a range of extreme field sites, many of which had not been previously explored with this technique. New research from Portland State University focused on identifying signs of life—biosignatures—in extreme environments here on Earth. Researchers investigated whether microbial active motion (e.g., swimming), morphology, and optical properties could serve as biosignatures using in situ video microscopy at a range of extreme field sites, many of which had not been previously explored with this technique. Astrobiology Phys.org – latest science and technology news stories