The rock sample that was analyzed in this study revealing the presence of microorganisms that remained isolated within it

0

An article published in the journal “Microbial Ecology” reports the discovery of living microorganisms in rocks dating back about two billion years taken in the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) in South Africa. A team of researchers led by the University of Tokyo analyzed rock samples taken from about 15 meters underground in an area that constitutes one of the largest known layered igneous formations.

That area is known for the presence of precious metals but for once, the discovered treasure is in the form of microorganisms that remained isolated in a sealed fracture in the rock. They’re interesting because they have evolved very little over time and offer interesting information for the search for alien life as well, for example, on the planet Mars.

Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold

0

The novel “Shards of Honor” by Lois McMaster Bujold was published for the first time in 1986. It was also published as part of the omnibus “Cordelia’s Honor”. It’s part of the Vorkosigan saga.

Betan commander Cordelia Naismith and some members of her crew are on a planet as part of a scientific expedition that aims to assess its possibilities of being colonized. They’re attacked by a group of Barrayarans and she’s taken prisoner by Captain Aral Vorkosigan together with a fellow Betan, wounded in the attack.

Cordelia quickly realizes that the situation is more complex than she thought because there’s a power struggle on the Barrayaran spaceship and Aral was abandoned on the planet. Despite their deep cultural differences, she and Aral find themselves working together because it’s the only way for both of them to survive.

Marune: Alastor 933 by Jack Vance

0

The novel “Marune: Alastor 933” by Jack Vance was published for the first time in 1975. It’s the second book in the Alastor trilogy and follows “Trullion: Alastor 2262”.

A man who arrived at the Carfaunge Spaceport appears to have no memory of his identity and there are no indications of the planet he has arrived from. He’s named Pardero after a hussade player but only so that he has a name. The psychologists he’s advised to consult try to awaken some memory in him but with no success.

Having established the impossibility of obtaining information about his origin from the man himself, an investigation is conducted based on his body language and appearance. The results point to Marune, a planet in the Alastor Cluster illuminated by four suns. After he arrives on the planet, he must get used to the customs of the Rhune people, of which he remembers nothing and consequently they seem completely alien to him.

Crossfire by Lee Gimenez

0

The novel “Crossfire” by Lee Gimenez was published for the first time in 2019. It’s part of the J.T. Ryan series.

When the president of the most important social network is killed, a high-profile investigation begins. FBI Assistant Director Erin Welch calls J.T. Ryan but he’s on vacation and doesn’t want to interrupt it. The Pentagon has an interest in the case and General Keating has the investigator taken, reinstates him in the army, and force him to investigate the case.

Other people linked to the world of social media are killed, and recent cases considered accidents are reassessed. Behind the scenes, economic maneuvers have begun that aim to take control of online information. The situation concerns national security as well, also because the presidential elections are approaching.

Revolt of the Micronauts by Gordon Williams

0

The novel “Revolt of the Micronauts” by Gordon Williams was published for the first time in 1981. It’s the third book in the Micronauts trilogy and follows “The Microcolony”.

The changes at the top of the World Food Control (WFC) caused the micronauts’ colony to fall into oblivion for almost all authorities. Even worse, among the few who still know of its existence there’s someone who considers the Arcadia project an abomination and would like to destroy the microcolony killing all its inhabitants.

Left to their fate and unaware of possible external threats, the micronauts are engaged in a clash between factions. To make matters worse, several micronauts have trouble remembering their life before miniaturization while some claim to be able to read the minds of others.