Astrobiology magazine
Last updated November 7, 2010.

Stem Cells: The Next Generation
October 14, 2010
Embryonic stem cells behave differently outside the pull of Earth's gravity, researchers suggest. These findings indicate why the human body deteriorates during long space missions, and warn that procreation in space may be fraught with peril.

Where in the World is Europa?
August 16, 2010
Before they can be sent out to explore planets or moons, rovers first need to be tested in the field. While there is no perfect analog for Jupiter’s icy moon Europa, there are various spots on Earth and elsewhere that are similar enough to conduct trial runs.

Supernova’s Spin on Life
August 12, 2010
A bias in the way amino acids twist could be due to supernovae, researchers now suggest. If correct, this could be more evidence that the molecules of life came from elsewhere in the cosmos.

Odds for Life Better in Photosynthesis Zones
July 22, 2010
By calculating where photosynthesis might be possible around the galaxy, scientists are developing a new way to figure out where Earth-like planets with life might be located.

Hunting for Fossils on Europa
June 17, 2010
Jupiter's moon Europa has a salty ocean where life could exist. A thick ice shell separates the ocean from our exploration vehicles, and it’s not known how far down we’d need to drill. But why drill at all, when evidence for life could be lying right on the surface?

The Chance for Life on Io
June 10, 2010
Jupiter’s moon Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system. Could it also be a habitat for life?

Europa’s Churn Leads to Oxygen Burn
May 27, 2010
Jupiter’s moon Europa has a salty ocean, and scientists have long wondered if life could be found there. One scientist says Europa also has enough oxygen to support an ocean teeming with life.

Mars Contamination Dust-Up
May 17, 2010
A new study finds that microbes on spacecraft might be able to survive on Mars longer than previously thought. The key to their survival? Dust.

Asphalt Lake Points to Possibility for Life on Titan
May 6, 2010
Single-celled organisms found in lakes of liquid asphalt may indicate the type of extreme life that could exist on Saturn’s moon, Titan.

Seeing the Closest Aliens Will Take Centuries
April 29, 2010
As telescopes become more advanced, we’ll be able to see more details about planets orbiting other stars – including indications that those planets have life. However, it would probably take many centuries before we could actually see the aliens.

Europa on Earth
March 25, 2010
Cracks in the icy shell of Jupiter’s moon Europa contain sulfur-rich material. An expedition to a sulfur spring in the Arctic could help solve some mysteries about Europa – including its potential for life.