Signs of life found inside rock salt
Researchers have found traces of life inside salty halite crystals
By Aaron L. Gronstal
updated 2:47 p.m. CT, Thurs., July. 31, 2008
...
Now, a team of researchers working in New Mexico has found traces of life inside salty halite
crystals. The discovery is "an invaluable resource for understanding the evolutionary record
over a geological time frame," according to Jack Griffith of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and his colleagues, who recently published their work in the journal Astrobiology.
...
The halite crystals have kept these tiny water drops safe for an astonishing length of time, but the story doesn't end there. Scientists discovered abundant amounts of cellulose fibers inside the water.
...
Most importantly for astrobiologists, cellulose is only formed by living organisms. If cellulose is present, there must have been life.
...
If we can find halite on other planets, the crystals may be an excellent place to search for proof of ancient life.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25952663/
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Hmmm.... Mars....
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