Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

Dusting off panspermia

Article Abstract:

The radiopanspermia concept replaces the panspermia hypothesis, suggesting that starlight, rather than space-borne microorganisms transmitted life to Earth. Bacteria or viruses can be shielded with a dust jacket to protect against the lethal radiation from stars, and to increase survival chances during interstellar space transit. Smaller organisms have better survival chances because of their ability to support a thicker shield. Dangers from volcanic activity and meteorite effects, and possibility of predicting the rate of life propagation are discussed.

Analysis, Microorganisms, Stars, Radiation effects, Extraterrestrial radiation, Radiation shielding, Shielding (Radiation)

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Buried beginnings

Article Abstract:

Brandes and colleagues have experimentally demonstrated the mineral-catalyzed reduction of molecular nitrogen and oxides of nitrogen to ammonia at temperatures of 300 to 800 degrees C. The results indicate that hydrothermal environments and surrounding waters were ammonia-rich environments in the prebiotic world, making them possible oases for early life.

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