Biochemistry Student Spotlight

Publication alert: Biomarkers of an ancient microbial ecosystem

Kyla Malo (B.Sc. Biochemistry & Biotechnology/2024 and M.Sc. Biochemistry/current) has presented research on biochemical markers of extinct microbial life trapped in 460 million year old rock formations. This work was part of a larger astrobiology project in the group of Prof. Allyson Brady (Institute of Biochemistry). The work indicates that specific biomarkers present in laminated rock formations may help distinguish between ancient and modern microbial systems, helping to understand life on early Earth or other planets.

Read the research here. For more information on Prof. Brady’s research, visit https://carleton.ca/biology/people/allyson-brady/.