During future space missions, humans may finally encounter extraterrestrial life forms, settling the age-old question of whether we are alone in the cosmos. But what if alien biology is so different from that of Earthlings that its presence could become a potential global hazard?
This is the concern raised by researchers Frederick I. Moxley and Anthony Ricciardi in a new study, which argues that in an era of sample return missions and space missions that are carrying humans and our robotic probes farther into the cosmos than ever before, we need to be prepared to enact measures to protect our planet against the unforeseen consequences of any potential alien encounters the future may hold.
To read more, a href="/Scienists%20Warn%20Extraterrestrial%20Encounters%20Could%20Endanger%20Earth—a%20Quarantine%20Facility%20on%20the%20Moon%20May%20Be%20Our%20Last%20Line%20of%20Defense" ">">"lick here.