Extreme Life and the Potential for Life Elsewhere
The Extreme Life Lab uses molecular systems biology to investigate stress response mechanisms in single-celled microorganisms surviving damage by multiple stressors in the most extreme conditions known on Earth - high temperature, saturated salt, nutrient starvation, acid, etc. These extreme environments are analogs of those we expect to find on other planets. However, extremophiles also adapt during wide variations in conditions and nutrients and therefore provide a study system for both constant and dynamic stress resistance mechanisms. Because these extremophiles resemble life’s earliest ancestors, the Schmid lab aims to use their research results to learn about the origins of life on Earth and the potential for life elsewhere.