Updated December 27, 2010
Some scientists are challenging the findings of the arsenic life form written about below. Read about it at Wired Science: Doubts Brew About NASA’s New Arsenic Life
Even more doubts and challenges from the LA Times: Something’s amiss with aliens and arsenic
A new life form has been discovered. What makes is unique is that arsenic is one of its core elements. Six elements (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus) are normally essential in all living organisms. Recently a bacteria (strain GFAJ-1 of Halomonadaceae) was discovered at
Mono Lake by Sandy Steinman
Mono Lake and was found to grow using arsenic instead of phosphorus. The discovery was not by accident; Mono Lake was being studied due to its high arsenic content.
This expands our knowledge about what is necessary to create life. One possible implication is that we will have to reconsider how we look for life on another planet.
To read more check out these links:
- LATimes Arsenic-tolerant microbe raises possibility of new types of life on Earth, or elsewhere
- Science.org A Bacterium That Can Grow by Using Arsenic Instead of Phosphorus
- BBC Arsenic-loving bacteria may help in hunt for alien life
- Guardian Nasa reveals bacteria that can live on arsenic instead of phosphorus
Mr. Spock says “Most fascinating”
Natural History Wanderings 
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