For the paper trail of life on Mars or other planets, find cellulose

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Cellulose microfibers. Credit: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Cellulose microfibers. Credit: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Looking for evidence of life on Mars or other planets? Finding cellulose microfibers would be the next best thing to a close encounter, according to new research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.


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All News summaries from Space & Earth science news
All News summaries for March 31, 2008

How will the Arctic sea ice cover develop this summer?

3 minutes ago | User rating: not rated yet
The ice cover in the Arctic Ocean at the end of summer 2008 will lie, with almost 100 per cent probability, below that of the year 2005 – the year with the second lowest sea ice extent ever measured. Chances ...

NOAA takes first broad look at soot from ships

53 minutes ago | User rating: not rated yet
Tugboats puff out more soot for the amount of fuel used than other commercial vessels, and large cargo ships emit more than twice as much soot as previously estimated, according to the first extensive study of commercial ...

Biofuels and biodiversity don't mix, ecologists warn

1 hour ago | User rating: not rated yet
Rising demand for palm oil will decimate biodiversity unless producers and politicians can work together to preserve as much remaining natural forest as possible, ecologists have warned. A new study of the potential ecological ...

Wolverine advocates give notice of intent to sue

8 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- Nine environmental groups said Tuesday they plan to sue the federal government if wolverines aren't granted protection under the Endangered Species Act within 60 days.

Polar bear harassment by oil companies challenged

8 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- Two conservation groups filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging the Bush administration's decision to let oil companies unintentionally harass or harm polar bears and walruses off the northwestern ...