Adam Robinson

Microbiology | Astrobiology | Biodefense

[Adam Robinson @martianmicrobes]

I don’t think humanity is some sort of plague on the cosmos. But humans will absolutely bring contamination with them. That’s unavoidable.

The more immediate issue is that large scale terraforming is still much closer to science fiction than an actual Mars exploration strategy. Getting humans to Mars, keeping them alive, and sustaining even a small settlement will already be extraordinarily difficult. We have Mars-like environments on Earth, like Antarctica, that are vastly more habitable than Mars. Antarctica has breathable air, accessible water, Earth gravity, and protection from radiation, and even there permanent habitation is largely limited to scientists and support personnel at research stations. People don’t live there because it is isolated and extremely cold. Mars is that on a much larger scale, and the novelty isn’t going to change that.

Terraforming gets romanticized because, admittedly, it’s an incredibly cool idea. But the first humans on Mars will be explorers and scientists, not settlers transforming an entire planet.

For the foreseeable future, the priority should be exploration and science, including determining whether Mars ever had, or still has, indigenous life. We only get one uncontaminated Mars. Once terrestrial biology is widely dispersed, some of those questions become much harder to answer.

[Adam Robinson @martianmicrobes]

A growing community in astrobiology is focused on the search for extant life on Mars, and a recent National Academies report, A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars, identifies the search for signs of indigenous Martian life as part of the #1 science objectives for human exploration of Mars.

As we revise planetary protection policy to enable humans to reach Mars, we should also ensure we preserve our ability to attempt to answer that question once we get there. It is in humanity’s best interest to balance our ambitions with the reality that, if we irreversibly contaminate Mars, there will never be an opportunity to undo it.

Do we want the human exploration of Mars to be solely about planting a flag, or do we want to preserve our ability to attempt to answer one of the greatest questions humanity has ever asked once we get there?

https://t.co/kFoBT8Wz21

https://t.co/Az3ncS1Hpf

https://t.co/U0LPxXzwkp

[UF Astraeus Space Institute @UFAstraeus]

Exciting work from @Nils_Averesch on his research using microbes to turn CO2 into sustainable bioplastics that could tackle plastic waste on Earth & aid long-term space exploration. @UF_IFAS @UFexplore @UF @UF_MCS

https://t.co/MmgwNx8VjZ
#SpaceResearch

[ARCHIVED – NASA Astrobiology @NASAAstrobio]

👏 We're proud to announce that our astrobiologists Natasha Batalha and Mary Beth Wilhelm received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the U.S. government's highest honor for early-career scientists. Congratulations to them and the 17 other NASA scientists on this remarkable achievement! https://t.co/PO2NURiZdj

[ARCHIVED – NASA Astrobiology @NASAAstrobio]

Are you an undergraduate interested in exploring icy worlds? Apply to our @EuropaClipper ICONS internship and conduct original scientific research alongside the science team! Interns receive a $12K stipend and could be eligible for relocation allowances.

Sign up: https://t.co/n64XRLq8Pp

[NASA People @NASApeople]

We’re hiring a Biological Studies Scientist to oversee the Extravehicular Activities (EVA) & Environmental Physiology Laboratory (EEPL) at @NASA_Johnson. The team conducts critical research to support astronauts’ health & safety during EVAs. Apply by Jan. 27: https://t.co/3PrUdwba8x

[USF College of Marine Science @USFCMS]

Are you an undergraduate student interested in gaining paid, hands-on experience in marine science? Apply for the 2025 Making Waves REU at USF CMS! The deadline for applications is Feb 3, 2025. Apply below!

https://t.co/CN17WvCYT4

[ASM: Florida Branch @FLMicrobiology]

FLASM is soliciting applicants for the 2025 Peggy Cotter Award. Please submit an updated CV and letter describing your current or future contributions to FLASM by February 1 to [email protected]. More information about this award can be found at https://t.co/boeUWYW1Ds.

[Don Pettit @astro_Pettit]

Flying over aurora; intensely green.

[University of Florida Research @UFexplore]

In 2024, @UF researchers continued moving the state, nation and world forward. As we look toward 2025, we eagerly anticipate the continued impact they will create across various fields.

[CDC @CDCgov]

CDC confirms first severe case of H5N1 Bird Flu in the U.S. While an investigation into the source of the infection is ongoing, it has been determined that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks.

No person-to-person spread of H5 bird flu has been detected. This case does not change CDC’s overall assessment of the immediate risk to the public’s health from H5N1 bird flu, which remains low.

Read full statement: https://t.co/a3XJb9zc31

[NASA GeneLab @NASAGeneLab]

Excited about advancing #SpaceBiology ? NASA's GeneLab is seeking a #Bioinformatics #ProgramDeveloper to drive research with #omics data from space biology experiments. Develop workflows and analyze data critical to human space exploration.

🔗 Apply now: https://t.co/MYKKOwFlqu

[USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service @USDA_APHIS]

ANNOUNCEMENT: APHIS updates Select Agents and Toxins registration list; removes agents including brucella.
Link: https://t.co/sZ9wO583qH

#USDAAPHIS #APHIS

[Adam Robinson @martianmicrobes]

@DrVasshe I know someone who might. Shoot me an email and I will connect you!

[email protected]

[Blue Marble Space @BlueMarbleSpace]

The SETI Institute invites motivated undergraduates to apply for their 10-week summer REU program in California’s Silicon Valley. Work alongside scientists from the SETI Institute and NASA Ames!

📅 Deadline to Apply: February 1, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/i1Si28MDuK

[Erin Gibbons, PhD 🚀 @ErinSpaceCase]

Just came across a great opportunity for undergrads (wish I were eligible...)

NASA is offering a paid internship to train the next generation of scientists to lead the Europa Clipper mission. Students will be paired with mission team members and be hosted at their institutions!

[UF Astraeus Space Institute @UFAstraeus]

On Friday, SpaceX CRS-31 returns to Earth, bringing microbial biomanufacturing samples that could make self-sustaining space missions a reality. Led by Dr. Amor Menezes & @UF team, this experiment helps us unlock sustainable solutions for life beyond Earth
https://t.co/i0e2s3fisv

[Pascal Lee @pascalleetweets]

CAVE EXPLORATION ON MARS
Internship!

@SETIInstitute just released @NSF REU-Research Experience for Undergrads internship opportunities for Summer 2025: https://t.co/P9pqHVPqha

Am mentoring project to find best caves to explore among 1000+ on Mars.
Apply: https://t.co/bFS6NZboQ2

[National Park Service @NatlParkService]

Your chances of being hunted by a turkey are low, but never zero.

[CDC Director @CDCDirector]

When public health works, it’s often invisible. On this Public Health Thank You Day (#PHTYD) I’d like to thank all of our #publichealthworkforce, especially the team at @cdcgov for the work they do every day to protect health & improve lives.