Searching for extraterrestrial life advances terrestrial sustainability
Astrobiology, while traditionally focused on understanding the origin of life on Earth and the potential for life elsewhere, offers powerful tools and insights for addressing urgent challenges on our planet. We call for a deliberate integration of astrobiological research with applied science. Knowledge gained from biological systems and study sites on Earth that guide investigation of planetary bodies in our solar system can inform strategies for carbon capture, low-carbon energy production, waste remediation, and biotechnology. Therefore, we argue that astrobiology must evolve to become a bidirectional science that not only explores the cosmos but also supports sustainable life on Earth.
Authors
- Alta Howells (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5700-7842)
- Sabrina M. Elkassas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4724-4606)
- A. Tristan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6177-7444)
- Srishti Kashyap (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4950-9636)
- Catherine G. Fontana (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3260-5317)
Institutions
- California Institute of Technology (US)
- Ames Research Center (US)
- University of Colorado Boulder (US)
- Blue Marble Space (US)
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science (US)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US)
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Nature Communications
- Published
- 2025-12-24
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67794-2
- Primary Topic
- Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration