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Bacteria @ 41km

Posted by Hemos on from the finding-the-new-life dept.

Makarand writes " According to this article in The Times of India, air samples collected using balloon-borne cryosamplers at altitudes of around 25 miles contained bacteria that are believed extra terrestrial. This was revealed recently by legendary Indian astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar, who supervised the experiments last year. The article throws light on the brilliant Indian efforts to find if there is anyone out there. Here is an older article announcing the launch of this project. "

5 of 52 comments (clear)

  1. sounds dubious by tps12 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    If I collected stuff with a balloon, I'd probably hold off on assuming its extra-terrestriality. Unless it's some kind of super space balloon, but I don't think we have those yet.

    And what's with the repeated mention of the guy's Indian-ness? Can we try to keep the nationalism out of Science, please? (Oh, wait, I guess that would be "multiculturalism," since he's swarthy.) And what's with calling him "legendary?" That sounds almost like WWF (or whatever it's called these days).

    In any case, this sounds like only so much limelight-grabbing. I'm placing my bet now on peer review punching a hole in this guy's metaphorical balloon.

    --

    Karma: Good (despite my invention of the Karma: sig)
    1. Re:sounds dubious by The+Cydonian · · Score: 5, Insightful
      And what's with the repeated mention of the guy's Indian-ness? Can we try to keep the nationalism out of Science, please?

      Personally, I think it's a response to the general anti-Indian bashing that Indians apparently face on most international newsgroups. Add the fact that India is only now coming out of its socialist hibernation and you have a perfect situation for some oh-I'm-so-Indian chest beating. (Disclaimer:That's not a troll. I might have something in common with Indians.)

      But you're right; I agree that's a tad too gooey. Science is beyond nationalism and even (presumed) patriotism.

      As for the experiment, I've read about this before. Andromeda Strain anyone? :-D

      --
      More than mere navel gazing.
  2. Let me get this straight... by BigChigger · · Score: 4, Funny

    These bacteria are 41km from Earth, a bazillion light years from somewhere else, thus, they are from somewhere else.

    good logic.

    BC

  3. No explanation != Amazing Discovery by helix400 · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Here is the text of the article explaining what was found:

    The probes sucked air at four different heights. Some bacteria were found in the air samples. These were not common contaminants.

    Nor had they been used in the laboratory where the test was held. Moreover, no such growth was found on control membranes.
    (End of Document)

    Now how in the world does this mean its extraterrestial?

    -----
    Abortions for some...miniature American flags for others! - Kodos

  4. DNA? by BCGlorfindel · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I wonder, does this "extraterrestrial" life have DNA in it? If it does shouldn't that raise a few questions? Like perhaps contamination from terrestrial sources? Attention grabbing headlines like this are rather unscientific if they are so premature as to not even do basic tests.