Researchers at the University of Minnesota are partnering with scientists across the country to propose a plan that could safeguard Earth’s endangered biodiversity through storage on the moon at extremely low temperatures.
Published in BioScience, the study led by the Smithsonian Institution outlines a roadmap for the creation of a lunar biorepository. The paper proposes an approach for governance, the types of biological material to be stored, and a plan for experiments to address challenges like radiation and microgravity.
Read more about the great work conducted by our very own scientists/professors, Dr. Susan Wolf, Dr John Bischof and researchers at the Smithsonian who were pivotal in developing the lunar biorepository concept. Dr. Bischof contributed his strong background in engineering and cryopreservation techniques, while Wolf provided expert advice on the ethics and governance issues.
Prof. Susan Wolf Part of National Research Group Proposing a Plan to Store Bio Samples on the Moon
Professor Susan M. Wolf and researchers at the University of Minnesota are partnering with scientists across the country to propose a plan that could safeguard Earth’s endangered biodiversity through storage on the Moon at extremely low temperatures. Read more …
Smithsonian Scientists Devise Method to Secure Earth’s Biodiversity on the Moon
Proposed Lunar Biorepository Could Store Genetic Samples Without Electricity or Liquid Nitrogen
New research led by scientists at the Smithsonian proposes a plan to safeguard Earth’s imperiled biodiversity by cryogenically preserving biological material on the moon. The moon’s permanently shadowed craters are cold enough for cryogenic preservation without the need for electricity or liquid nitrogen, according to the researchers. Read more …