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Quantifying Microorganisms at Low Concentrations Using Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM)
Published on: November 1, 2017
The detection of extra-terrestrial life and the consequences for science and society
Martin Dominik1, John C Zarnecki
1SUPA, University of St Andrews, School of Physics and Astronomy, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9SS, UK. md35@st-andrews.ac.uk
Abstract:
Astronomers are now able to detect planets orbiting stars other than the Sun where life may exist, and living generations could see the signatures of extra-terrestrial life being detected. Should it turn out that we are not alone in the Universe, it will fundamentally affect how humanity understands itself--and we need to be prepared for the consequences. A Discussion Meeting held at the Royal Society in London, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, on 25-26 January 2010, addressed not only the scientific but also the societal agenda, with presentations covering a large diversity of topics.
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