'Life chemical' detected in comet Mar 6, 2010
"The discovery of glycine in a comet supports the idea that the fundamental building blocks of life are prevalent in space, and strengthens the argument that life in the Universe may be common rather than rare," commented Dr Carl Pilcher, who leads Nasa's Astrobiology Institute. See how Stardust grabbed material from Comet Wild-2. (BBC News -- Science)
Could the Tumbleweed Rover dominate Mars? Mar 6, 2010
"I've actually had a very influential scientist in astrobiology call the idea "loopy" to my face," she added. But critics be warned, the Tumbleweed scientists have been working on this project for a decade and Kuhlman is lead author of a chapter titled "Tumbleweed: A New Paradigm for Surveying the Surface of Mars for In-situ Resources" of the book. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Watercolors depict underwater world Mar 3, 2010
Though Jacobsen and Van Dover have no direct affiliation with Penn State, their exhibit was chosen to be displayed at the university because of Penn State's NASA-funded astrobiology research team, said Heather Nelson, assistant director for NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium. The exhibit will present "art in the service of science," Snyder said. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Astrobiology Science Conference 2010 Feb 22, 2010
SpaceRef - Space News as it Happens. Monday, February 22, 2010. (NASA Watch)
McDonald receives award Feb 18, 2010
McDonald said while he worked there, he founded the Astrobiology Institute and the institute sent satellites to the moon and mars for research. Additionally, McDonald worked for military and civilian clients in the field of aeronautics to help create the first tiltrotor aircraft that could take off vertically. (The University Echo, TN)
Did human DNA hitch a ride to Mars? Feb 17, 2010
A SETG prototype will have its first field test this year with funding from NASA's Astrobiology Science and Technology Instrument Development program. DNA detectionSome argue that it is too soon to be thinking about DNA on Mars. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Jan 30, 2010
LPSC brings together international specialists in petrology, geochemistry, geophysics, and astrobiology, and astronomy to present the most recent results in lunar and planetary science. Members of the media who are interested in a firsthand opportunity to discover breaking news about the latest results from an international field of scientists conducting space and planetary science research will not want to miss this five-day conference. (NASA Watch)
Extraterrestrial Life: Is there anybody out there? Jan 30, 2010
" At an astrobiology conference in Texas in April, SETI enthusiasts will discuss new methods of discovering extraterrestrial life, including sending out interstellar messages. However , Dr Marek Kukula, public astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, UK, warns advertising our presence could be risky. "We might like to assume that if there is intelligent life out there it is wise and benevolent," he said. "But of course we have no evidence for this. Therefore, we need governments and the... (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Proof of life on Mars by year-end: NASA expert Jan 16, 2010
According to David McKay, chief of astrobiology at NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston, the fact that Mars has bred life will be confirmed this year and the historic discovery will not be made on the Mars, but here on Earth using the chunks of the red planet. "Powerful new microscopes and other instruments will establish whether features in martian meteorites are alien fossils," said McKay. (India Times, India)
Proof of Martians 'to come this year' Jan 15, 2010
David McKay, chief of astrobiology at NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston, says powerful new microscopes and other instruments will establish whether features in martian meteorites are alien fossils ... David McKay, chief of astrobiology at NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston, says powerful new microscopes and other instruments will establish whether features in martian meteorites are alien fossils. (Scientific American)
