2022

Some microfossils object of this study (Image courtesy D. Papineau)

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An article published in the journal “Science Advances” reports the results of a thorough examination of a rock dated between 3.75 and 4.25 billion years offering evidence of the presence of microfossils. A team of researchers discovered in a rock found in the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, Quebec, fossilized structures that bear similarities to microfossils from a later era and to today’s bacteria living in hydrothermal vents. This discovery offers new evidence that at the time, there were already diversified life forms after the evidence published in an article in the journal “Nature” in March 2017. In that case, the nature of the structures sparked controversy but the ones presented in the new study have greater complexity.

Salvation Lost by Peter F. Hamilton

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The novel “Salvation Lost” by Peter F. Hamilton was published for the first time in 2019. It’s the second novel in the Salvation Sequence and follows “Salvation”.

At the beginning of the 23rd century, the human species faces contacts with alien species of which one wants to help humans while the other has a hidden agenda that brings very serious consequences for humans and the invasion of the Earth is only the first consequence.

In the distant future, one of the human communities that spread out into space sets a trap for the enemy. However, the first to arrive are the ancient allies and in the same star system, another powerful entity is preparing to take action.

Renée Picard (Penelope Mitchell) and Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) in Two of One (Image courtesy Paramount+ / Amazon Prime Video)

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“Two of One” is the sixth episode of the second season of the TV show “Star Trek: Picard” and follows “Fly Me to the Moon”. It’s available in the USA on the Paramount+ streaming platform and in many other countries on Amazon Prime Video.

The time travelers and Tallinn (Orla Brady) must try to prevent Renée Picard (Penelope Mitchell) from giving up on the Europa mission. Any direct contact would be very risky and the dangers of time alterations are only the most obvious ones. Agnes Jurati (Alison Pill) has her problems to deal with while Adam Soong (Brent Spiner) steps in to do what he feels he must do.

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The short story “Paused” by Priya Sarukkai Chabria was published for the first time in 2020 by Future Fiction within the anthology “Avatar. Contemporary Indian Science Fiction”.

An entity that is still growing is trying to manage not only its own development but above all the processes that must lead to a new life development. Chaotic memories of the past and genomes to be used for rebirth are among the complications. The entity is among the ones created by the Shell Beings, who knew the stories of the Hairy Ones and the Earth’s death.

Song of Time by Ian R. MacLeod

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The novel “Song of Time” by Ian R. MacLeod was published for the first time in 2008. It won the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award.

Roushana Maitland is an elderly violinist who is trying to make a very important decision. While she’s walking on a beach near her home in Cornwall, she finds an unconscious naked man in the sand. After verifying that he’s still alive, she takes him to her home.

When the man regains consciousness, Roushana discovers that he’s suffering from amnesia. She tries to help him recover but there’s nothing that can give her any clue as to where he’s from. As she tries to gain some clues about him, she tells him the story of her life.