Our group explores how life has interacted with its planetary environment over geological time. "Geobiology" is the study of Earth–life interactions on all scales, from the interface between a single bacterium and a crystal face to the global geological drivers of mass extinctions. "Geochemistry" is the study of chemical constituents, reactions and cycles occurring in Earth’s rocks, groundwater, oceans and atmosphere. Our research group bridges these fields to explore how life has interacted with its planetary environment over geological time. We benefit from access to a large number of cutting-edge instruments and facilities. Key resources for research and teaching Astrobiology laboratories (microbiology and planetary science) - UK Centre for Astrobiology (UKCA) - is based at the University, and hosts aerobic and anaerobic microbiology facilities including sterile flow and anaerobic hoods, plate readers, incubators, phase contrast microscopes, and tools for DNA extraction and amplification (PCR). The UKCA also offers access to low- and high-pressure flow-through chambers suitable for a range of microbiological and geochemical experiments at a controlled pressure, temperature, gas composition and UV illumination. Atomic force microscopy - the Bioimaging Facility - in the School of Engineering - offers an atomic force microscopy facility enabling quantitative imaging at nanometre resolution, revealing topographic and biomechanical features of diverse samples. Cathodoluminescence microscopy Cockburn Museum - the Cockburn Museum holds an extensive collection of rock, mineral and fossil specimens and historical objects which reflect Edinburgh's prominent position in geological sciences since the time of James Hutton (1726-1797) and its continuing activity today. Computed tomography (CT) Cosmogenic nuclide analysis Deep Time Lab Electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Edinburgh hosts numerous electron microscopes suitable for different applications. Fluid inclusion microthermometry Geomicrobiology laboratory GREAT Cell ICP-MS and ICP-OES: ICP-MS is a multi-element technique for trace analysis where low detection limits (0.0005-1.0 ppb) are required and for high-precision isotope ratio studies. ICP-OES is a Varian Vista Pro instrument with an axial view with an associated trace-metal clean laboratory for sample preparation. Microbial Geochemistry Laboratory - this facility houses wide-ranging analytical capabilities for extraction, separation, identification and quantification of a wide range of natural and contaminant organic chemicals, in addition to carbon and nitrogen elemental and stable isotopic analyses. Optical and petrographic microscopy - we host two Leica WHAT polarising microscopes for the study of petrographic thin sections. Microscopes are also available WHERE for the study of biological samples (fluorescence and phase contrast microscopes). Organic geochemistry laboratory Raman and FTIR spectroscopy and microscopy - The School of Chemistry. The Bioimaging Facility in the School of Engineering also offers a confocal Raman spectroscopic microscopy lab suitable for the chemical analysis of both biological and geological samples. Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry - Group members can apply to use the NERC Ion Micro-Probe Facility (SIMS). This facility allows highly sensitive, spatially resolved determination of isotope ratios in geological materials, including light and volatile elements. Applications range from geochronology to the investigation of biogeochemical processes Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometry (Wolfson Laboratory) - In addition to the NERC Ion Micro-Probe Facility, we host two gas source isotopic ratio mass spectrometers with automatic carbonate preparation systems Thin section and sample preparation - The Sample Preparation facility offers a wide range of sample impregnation, cutting, grinding, separation and polishing services for the preparation of geological samples, including the preparation of thin sections, resin blocks, and fluid inclusion wafers. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) - this facility supports internal and external research. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) - this facility consists of an instrument laboratory and dedicated sample preparation laboratories, supported by sawing, crushing, and grinding facilities. X-ray tomography Find out more about our facilities HTML profiles/feed/ {{#if script}}{{{script}}}{{/if}} {{#if css}}{{{css}}}{{/if}} {{#each group}} {{#if people}} Group members Staff {{/if}} {{#each people}} {{title}} {{firstname}} {{surname}} {{#if job}}— {{job}}{{else}}{{#if jobtitle}}— {{jobtitle}}{{/if}}{{/if}} {{#if KeyTerms}}{{KeyTerms}}{{else}}{{/if}} {{/each}} {{#if people}}{{/if}} {{/each}} HTML profiles/students/ {{#if script}}{{{script}}}{{/if}} {{#if css}}{{{css}}}{{/if}} {{#each group}} {{#if people}} Research students {{/if}} {{#each people}} {{firstname}} {{surname}} {{#if ThesisTitle}}{{ThesisTitle}}{{/if}} {{/each}} {{#if people}}{{/if}} {{/each}} This article was published on 2024-07-01
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