Publications by authors named "Doug LaRowe"
The main sources of redox gradients supporting high-productivity life in the Europan and other icy ocean world oceans were proposed to be photolytically derived oxidants, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the icy shell, and reductants (Fe(II), S(-II), CH, H) from bottom waters reacting with a (ultra)mafic seafloor. Important roadblocks to maintaining life, however, are that the degree of ocean mixing to combine redox species is unknown, and ROS damage biomolecules. Here, we envisage a unique solution using an acid mine drainage (AMD)-filled pit lakes analog system for the Europan ocean, which previous models predicted to be acidic.
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- Serpentinization is a geologic process that generates hydrogen-rich fluids, creating an environment for microbial life under high pH conditions, such as those found at 'The Cedars'.
- Research showed that microbial communities in this area produced oscillating electric currents during daylight, with specific bacteria types (like Gammaproteobacteria and Firmicutes) becoming more common in lab experiments.
- A key finding was the successful isolation of a Firmicutes strain (Paenibacillus sp.) that can reduce minerals at a lower pH, indicating the significant role of community dynamics in microbial survival and activity in these extreme conditions.