Fw: Latest News from the Astrobiology Magazine

[LARRY KLAES]

----- Original Message ----- From: Astrobiology Magazine To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 2004 5:34 AM Subject: Latest News from the Astrobiology Magazine Coping with Contamination http://www.astrobio.net/news/article1208.html Drilling is a messy business. Drilling fluid is anything but sterile. For most drilling applications, that's no problem. But when astrobiologists drill into the subsurface for new and unusual life forms, they need to be sure that the bacteria they find really do come from underground, that they're not being fooled by contaminants that hitched a ride down from the surface. One group of scientists is working out a solution to this problem at an astrobiological drilling project in southern Spain. The lessons they learn will help prepare for future drilling missions on Mars. Mars Methane Pairs with Water? http://www.astrobio.net/news/article1207.html The Mars Express team has reported an intriguing connection between methane and water vapor found in three broad geographic regions, a result that may suggest looking further for past or dormant microbial life. Life on Earth: Signpost to Life on Mars http://www.astrobio.net/news/article1206.html  The R�o Tinto is a river in Spain with highly acidic water the color of red wine. A group of astrobiologists wants to know what microbial life forms are lurking deep below the surface where the river's headwaters seep out of the ground. Then answer may help them search for subsurface life on Mars. High Carb Heaven http://www.astrobio.net/news/article1205.html From 26,000 light-years-- near the center of our galaxy-- comes a radio signal that can be interpreted as a cloud of sugar molecules, one key component of what might have assisted the development of life if transported on primordial comets. Wednesday, September 22 ------------------------ For more astrobiology news, visit http://www.astrobio.net To unsubscribe, send subject UNSUBSCRIBE to [EMAIL PROTECTED]