Alyson E. Santoro

This study shows that ammonia oxidizers contribute only a small fraction to dark ocean DIC fixation, challenging the assumption that nitrification primarily sustains carbon fixation in the deep ocean.

The paper shows hybrid membranes select for D-ribose, deoxyribose, and specific L-amino acids, suggesting membrane permeability influenced life's stereochemistry.

The paper links surface phytoplankton communities to carbon export using genetic tracers and ocean color data, showing diatoms and photosynthetic Hacrobia predict POC fluxes.