g ABODES - New research shows that Earth's atmosphere flipped between "organic haze" and a 'haze-free' environment prior to the oxygenation of our planet. The study could help astrobiologists understand how our planet's climate and biosphere evolved over time. See article.
g MESSAGE - It's not easy to look for life somewhere other than Earth. First, scientists searching for life in space have to come up with a working definition of "extraterrestrial life." Next, they need to develop a strategy identifying places and methods for their search. To make matters more complicated, all of this has to be done without contaminating the search site with life from Earth or contaminating Earth with potential extraterrestrial life. See article.
g COSMICUS - In November 2011, NASA's O/OREOS nanosatellite carried microorganisms into low-Earth orbit. The mission is now providing astrobiologists with valuable information about how the stresses of space affect life's ability to survive beyond our planet. See article.
