The guiding principle of our research enterprise is the inevitable co-evolution of early Earth and prebiotic chemistry, and addresses a single, compelling question: “Which early Earth environments hosted the prebiotic chemistry that led to life’s emergence?”
The RARE Center hosts a suite of analytical instruments which allow for the study of prebiotic chemistry. One project making use of this equipment seeks to explore unique microdroplet chemistry as a route for the synthesis of prebiotic molecules and biomolecule precursors on the early Earth. Another project focuses on the abiotic polymerization of amino acids in geological settings, specifically on the formation and evolution of primordial peptides in realistic early Earth environments.
Both prebiotic chemistry and early life are dependent on atmospheric composition; thus, constraining the atmospheric composition on the early Earth is vital to the Earth First Origins project’s central question. One method of tracking the atmospheric composition of the Earth comes in the form of stable isotope geochemistry, which facilitates the tracing of not only atmospheric composition, but also of broader biogeochemical cycles. Another method to constrain ancient atmospheres and environmental conditions is through the study of fluid inclusions. The current fluid inclusions project seeks to analyze fluid inclusions within Neoproterozoic halite to better constrain the atmospheric oxygen during the Neoproterozoic oxygenation event.
Investigating the role that impact craters played in the evolution of life on the early Earth is one of the most recent fields emerging in the origins of life community. With emphasis on impact-generated hydrothermal systems, this project aims to simulate impact conditions in order to understand the dynamic geochemistry within these systems. These investigations will provide the foundation to understand the processes behind high-pressure high-temperature conditions and how they affect target mineralogy and hydrology of the system.
The evolution of impact-generated hydrothermal systems is currently poorly understood, and it is possibly critical in the formation of the first life forms on Earth. Also, impacts are ubiquitous in space and hence studying them in depth will provide insight into how they interact in different systems and their chances to develop life outside the solar system.
At RARE, data scientists collaborate with domain experts to bridge the gap between vast data sets and meaningful scientific insights. By leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, and cutting-edge computational tools, this team automates complex analyses and workflows, transforming raw data into interpretable and actionable findings. Projects include developing algorithms to predict mineral compositions from spectral data, building models to simulate geochemical processes, and constructing data pipelines that integrate diverse datasets across various astrobiological experiments.
This approach not only accelerates research but also brings a level of precision and scalability that allows scientists to explore hypotheses at unprecedented levels of depth and breadth. In addition, these data-driven methodologies are essential for studying life's potential on other planets, where remote sensing and rover-gathered data need rigorous processing and interpretation. Through their work, data scientists at RARE are unlocking new pathways to understanding the intricate conditions necessary for life, both on Earth and beyond.