Latest articles by Michael Schirber
Death Rays From Space: How Bad Are They?
Life may have been significantly affected in the past by a cosmic ray blast, but researchers are still looking for the smoking gun.
Meteorite Dust Hints at Solar System's Origins
Like messages in a bottle, grains inside meteorites carry clues to the history of our solar system.
Exploding Stars: Is Earth at Risk?
When stars go pop, a murderous torrent of energy is released. Life on Earth may have been partly extinguished by just such a violent outburst.
Search is On for the Light of Life
New research suggests we could detect a potential beacon from a planet full of microbes.
Earth Life to Get Space Stress Test
A new satellite is slated to continuously monitor the negative effects of space on biology.
Can Life Thrive Around a Red Dwarf Star?
Not astrobiologists' first choice, red dwarf stars have now gained acceptance as potential hosts for habitable planets
Life Beyond Earth's Tropic Zones
Living in Earth's tropics may beat life at the poles, but the true reason has eluded biologists.
Cometary Life Limit
Large debris disks around certain stars may imply a high rate of killer comets that wipe out any chance of life forming.
A Sliver of Chance for Life on Mars
Some researchers believe life may have had a chance of survival on Mars. based on Phoenix lander data.
How to Search for Ice Age Aliens
Light bouncing off vegetation could be a signal of life on an alien planet.
Attempts to Contact Aliens Date Back More Than 150 Years
Scientists have been dreaming up ways to talk to aliens since the 19th century.
New Device Could Solve Mars Methane Mystery
Methane found on Mars could be a sign of life on the red planet.
Comet Threat More Constant Than Thought
New research says nearby stars and the galaxy influence Earth-bound comets.
Hurry! Life Must Form Quickly on Some Planets
Planets around small mass stars may only have a billion-year window during which life can form.
Diamonds May Be Life's Birthstone
A type of diamond imposes a rigid order on molecules near its surface.
Mini Sub for Small Spaces
Swedish researchers are developing a submersible to explore thick ice caps.
Particles Retain Weight for Billions of Years
New data from a distant galaxy provide evidence that the mass of fundamental bits of matter has not changed since the universe was half its age.
How NASA Might Find Rock-Eating Microbes on Mars
A study offers a new way to detect biological molecules in martian rock.
Stowaways Could Ruin Mars Missions
Contamination of a Mars spacecraft might lead to a false detection of life.
New Cosmic Theory Unites Dark Forces
The two biggest mysteries in cosmology may be one.
