Our alumna Dr. Seda Işık’s doctoral research, conducted under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Nazlı Olğun Kıyak, has been selected as a “Planetary Science Highlight” by NASA/JPL.

The summary of the astrobiology research is as follows: 
Objective: The study investigated the thermodynamic suitability of chemical processes that could support life on the moons of Jupiter (Europa, Ganymede) and Saturn (Enceladus, Titan), known as "icy ocean worlds."
Method: The study modeled whether the Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs cycle), which is the basis of living metabolism, would function under the extreme conditions of these moons. 
Findings: The research revealed that some chemical compounds can be formed, but the completion of the cycle requires an "energy bottleneck," similar to hydrothermal vents on Earth, and necessitates external energy.
Significance: These findings are considered a critical reference point for the accurate interpretation of data obtained in future space missions to these satellites (Europa Clipper, JUICE, etc.).

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