EXTRATERRESTRIAL bacteria have been found alive and well inside a
meteorite—or so claim two researchers at the University of Naples. Other
geologists say the Italians have probably found little earthlings.
Geologist Bruno D’Argenio and molecular biologist Giuseppe Geraci say they
discovered bacteria wedged inside the crystal structure of minerals in the
meteorite. The bacteria started growing when a bit of the rock was placed in a
culture medium. The researchers claim the bacteria must be extraterrestrial
because they survived when the sample was sterilised at high temperatures and
washed with alcohol.
Bacteria that arrive from space should be able…
