Duality in the Search for Our Nearest Neighbors - Abiotic Chemistry's Place in Life

Join a seminar exploring the fascinating world of abiotic chemical processes and their significance in astrobiology, presented by Kristin N. Johnson-Finn from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Delve into the often-overlooked non-living chemical pathways that occur naturally on Earth, and discover how understanding these processes can aid in the search for life on other worlds. Learn about groundbreaking research conducted at RPI investigating abiotic organic chemistry in water through hydrothermal and electrochemical studies, with particular focus on environments like hydrothermal vents where organic compounds and minerals interact. Examine how detailed pathway mapping, combining experimental results with theoretical calculations, provides a framework for understanding natural organic processes in geological settings. Gain insights into how this knowledge of geological organic chemistry can enhance space exploration and the identification of potential biosignatures on other planets.