Studies find hardy Earth microbes may resist conditions on Mars

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (Reuters) – A hardy bacteria common on Earth was surprisingly adaptive to Mars-like low pressure, cold and carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere, a finding that has implications in the search for extraterrestrial life. The bacteria, known as Serratia liquefaciens, is found in human skin, hair and lungs, as well as in fish, aquatic systems, plant leaves and roots. “It’s present in a wide range of medium-temperature ecological niches,” microbiologist Andrew Schuerger, with the University of Florida, told Reuters. …

Reality TV viewers more likely to tan

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – College students who watch reality television beauty shows are at least twice as likely as non-viewers to use tanning lamps or tan outdoors for hours at a time, a new study suggests. That finding doesn’t prove watching shows such as America’s Next Top Model and Toddlers & Tiaras drives people to the tanning booths themselves, researchers said. But it does suggest the shows aren’t promoting the healthiest views on tanning, which has been linked to a higher risk of skin cancer – especially among younger people. …

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