http://www.ic24.net/mgn/THE_MIRROR/NEWS/P23S2.html WE ARE (ER, ALMOST CERTAINLY) NOT ALONE 50 billion 'Earths' in our galaxy EARTH-like planets capable of sustaining life may be orbiting half the 100 billion stars in our galaxy, astronomers believe. They studied the light patterns being sent out by 466 distant stars and found that many contain large amounts of iron. That shows they could have rocky planets orbiting them which have a surface similar to Earth's and are good candidates for life, say experts at Canada's University of Toronto. Norman Murray, who led the research, told a conference in San Francisco: "It's one more indication that life may be common in the galaxy." But if we ever want to visit them, hibernating bears may hold the secret to long distance space travel, says another team. Astronauts' muscles waste away during prolonged weightlessness. But scientists at the University of Wyoming are studying American black bears to see why their muscles stay firm as they snore through seven months a year. "It may provide insight into long distance space travel," they told the science journal Nature yesterday. == You are subscribed to the Europa Icepick mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Project information and list (un)subscribe info: http://klx.com/europa/
