‘Goldilocks and the Water Bears’ by Louisa Preston
A scientist in his laboratory is not a mere technician: he is also a child confronting natural phenomena that impress him as though they were fairy tales. Marie Curie’s quote offers an apropos guide for Dr Louisa Preston’s book. In Goldilocks and the Water Bears, astrobiologist and planetary geologist Preston tackles the science of astrobiology, a science that “has yet to prove its subject matter exists”. Us ing the latest discoveries, Preston takes readers on a lively tour of the search for life in the Universe, its many potential forms, and the challenge for its detection in the Solar...
Read MoreNew Scientist Live Festival
At the recent New Scientist Live Festival, ASB’s Zita Martins has been speaking astrobiology and the search for life in the Universe. On the opening day of the festival Zita joined astronaut Tim Peake and oceanographer Helen Czerski for BBC Radio 4’s Inside Science show – the full broadcast can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07vjx9d Additionally, Zita spoke to the Microbiology Society about the beginnings of life on earth, and the search for life elsewhere in the universe. Watch the full interview below:
Read More5×15 on Aliens: Science from the Other Side
Aliens are coming… Join 5×15 stories & Jim Al-Khalili for an evening of fascinating astrobiological investigation on 9th November at Conway Hall, London. It’s the biggest question we’ve ever faced, one that has fascinated generations of humans: do aliens exist? If they did, what would they look like? How would they think? And – what would it mean for us if we found them? Join us as Professor Jim Al-Khalili considers these questions, alongside four other curious minds who have all contributed to his new book on the topic, Aliens. If you’ve ever...
Read MoreTenure-Track Faculty Position in Geobiology, McGill University
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (www.mcgill.ca/eps) at McGill University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in Geobiology. McGill University is one of Canada’s leading research and teaching institutions, located in the heart of vibrant Montreal, Quebec. The position, with a start date of August 1, 2017 or later, is at the rank of Assistant Professor, although an appointment at a higher level will be considered in the case of an applicant with exceptional qualifications. We seek a candidate who uses quantitative field, laboratory, and/or modeling...
Read MoreExplore the High Altitude Bioprospector at the V&A Museum
The High Altitude Bioprospector is a NESTA-funded balloon-borne astrobiology experiment flown in 2010 by ASB member Oliver de Peyer. Oliver will be showcasing this project, and running hands-on experiments for visitors, at the V&A’s Digital Design Weekend. Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 September 2016 The Leighton Room V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL Open 10:30 – 17:00 (free entry) http://www.bom.org.uk/2016/09/20/ingenious-fearless-companions-tours-to-va-digital-design-weekend/
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