My two recent research interests are in the general field of Astrobiology. One is the mineral records of the origin and evolution of the early biospheres. We use electron microscopic and spectroscopic methods to characterize biogenic minerals from the early Precambrian sedimentary rocks. Another one is the evaluation of Qaidam Basin on the north of Tibetan Plateau as a potential Martian analogue. Western Qaidam Basin is characterized by its vast distribution of dried salt lakes, thick deposition of clay and various salts and hyperarid climate. The understanding of the dynamic evolution of this area can provide comparative data for interpreting mysterious Martian geology and providing references for designing Martian land rovers.