Cosmochemistry, Geochemistry, and Astrobiology

Through the analysis of meteorite and asteroid samples and experiments simulating the space environment, we are studying the origin and evolution of organic matter in space.
In particular, we are focusing on how the organic compounds that served as the building blocks of life were formed and evolved in small bodies in the Solar System.

» For more details

Current Research Themas

・Extraction of insoluble organic matter from carbonaceous chondrites and organic analysis by spectroscopic methods
・Amino acid synthesis during aqueous alteration in small bodies: A comparison of starting from formaldehyde-ammonia vs. hexamethylenetetramine
・Characterization of complex organic compounds formed in environments simulating aqueous alteration on small bodies and in simulated interstellar ice environments
・Gamma-ray-induced formation of prebiotic sugars in meteorite parent bodies