Catarina Magalhães
CIIMAR/FCUP

Abstract
In this seminar, I will explore the biological processes involved in the production of dimethyl sulfide (DMS). I will begin by describing the organisms responsible for synthesizing the DMS biological precursor, DMSP (dimethylsulfoniopropionate), how DMSP relates to microbial primary productivity, and the microbial players involved in both its production and degradation, with the release of DMS and other organic sulfur compounds. I will also share some insights from my first postdoctoral research (some time ago!), where I highlight how organic sulfur compounds interact with nitrogen cycling processes. This reflects my broader research focus on nitrogen biogeochemistry and its links to other elemental cycles.  Finally, I will touch on the role of DMS as a climate-active gas and how the complex interactions between the sulfur and nitrogen cycles may lead to contrasting effects on climate feedbacks and global warming. The goal of this seminar is to offer a biological perspective on DMS, grounded in marine microbial ecology and biogeochemistry, to support cross-disciplinary discussions on its relevance as a possible indicator of life in exoplanet research.

2025 June 25, 13:30

IA/U.Porto
Centro de Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto (Classroom)
Rua das Estrelas, 4150-762 Porto