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.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Some liked it hot. Oceans inside Jupiter's moons. Is metal disposal toxic to deep oceans?
- Abstracts: Stress drives gas into a black hole. Discovery of a young nearby supernova remnant. A supernova engine turns over
- Abstracts: A genome-wide search for quantitative trait loci underlying asthma. From DNA sequence to biological function
- Abstracts: Progress in plant protection. Looking back, forging ahead. Two decades of change
- Abstracts: Seamounts make earthquakes. Probe of a plate interior: Earth science. Earthquakes with gold linings