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8 HEALTH AND LABORATORY MAGAZINE

FROM DEEP SEAS TO

DEEP SPACE: TURKISH SCIENTISTS

TRACE THE FOOTPRINTS OF LIFE

One of humanity’s oldest Why? Because according research vessel Atlantis, are no limits in science. “we will be one step closer
questions still lingers: “Is to researchers, similar using the legendary Alvin You can reach the deepest to understanding the
there life beyond Earth?” A hydrothermal systems may submersible, the same oceans—and even deeper possibility of life beyond
team of Turkish scientists is exist on Europa (a moon of vessel that discovered the space.” Earth.”
now seeking answers—not Jupiter) and Enceladus (a Titanic’s wreck. Each dive
by looking up at the stars, moon of Saturn)—potential will last between 6 and 8 Laying the Foundation for A Journey into the
but by plunging into the cradles of extraterrestrial hours, with two scientists the Next Generation of Depths—for Science and
dark, unexplored depths of life. aboard, collecting water Space Data for Humanity
Earth’s oceans. Led by the and sediment samples
Institute of Marine Sciences Secrets of Space Hidden in while conducting real- According to Prof. Dr. This visionary project is
at Middle East Technical the Ocean Depths time measurements using Yücel, the mission is not more than a scientific
University (METU), the advanced sensors. only about understanding endeavor. It’s an
DeepTrace project aims Far more than a national our own planet’s seabeds, inspiration—for young
to uncover clues about undertaking, DeepTrace A Role Model Beneath the but also about preparing researchers, for women
habitable environments in is a globally significant Waves: Women Leading for the analysis of future in science, and for all
space by diving as deep as initiative. Supported by a the Way data from NASA’s and who dare to explore the
2,500 meters into the Black €2.4 million Consolidator ESA’s Europa missions in unknown.
Sea, Atlantic, and Pacific Grant from the European One of the scientists the 2030s. In particular,
Oceans. Research Council (ERC) taking part in these dives the team is focused on This journey descends
and part of TÜBİTAK’s is Dr. Suna Tüzün, who the study of nano-scale not only into the sea, but
At the helm of this Horizon Europe Program, will descend into the particles, which may be the into the depths of human
groundbreaking scientific the project also benefits deep aboard Alvin. Tüzün most stable and revealing curiosity.
mission is Prof. Dr. Mustafa from international expressed her excitement, signatures in the plumes
Yücel, Deputy Director of collaboration. highlighting not only the erupting from Europa and And perhaps, one day,
the Institute. Together with scientific value but also the Enceladus. it may whisper to us the
his team, he will explore The team’s first expedition symbolic importance of the secret of life beyond our
the chemical and physical begins this week, launching mission: “If we can understand the world.
properties of hydrothermal a 36-day deep-sea behavior of hydrothermal
vents, located in regions research mission in the “This journey is a role vents in our own oceans,”
so deep that even Pacific Ocean. The work will model for women. Young Yücel explains,
sunlight cannot reach. be conducted aboard the girls should know that there