Phosphates on Enceladus could mean sub-surface oceans teeming with aliens

Scientists analyzing data from the Cassini space probe have discovered that the sub-surface oceans of Saturn's moon Enceladus contain phosphates, a chemical necessary for the presence of life. Phosphorus in phosphate form is essential in DNA, RNA, and cell membranes so researchers have long been curious about its presence on …

[JimmyPage]

Hmmmm ...

Much as I agree that certain chemical processes are highly indicative of life, I do wonder if our quest for extra terrestrial life is limited by our own ideas of what "life" really is. Since it's impossible to define without quickly making a circle.

Same goes for intelligence.

However all of that can be put aside for a great story of real science. Here's something that makes life a lot nicer -->

[UCAP]

Re: Hmmmm ...

"It's life, Jim, but not as we know it"

[Wellyboot]

Re: Hmmmm ...

If it's guano, someone will claim the mining rights.

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: Hmmmm ...

It might be more about the chemical complexity that phosphorous enables -- hence improving the likelihood of life -- rather than a simple "Ooh, phosphorous, we use phosphorous".

[Jou (Mxyzptlk)]

Re: Hmmmm ...

It is simply some form of goo, slime, or plankton style. Discovering something on the development level of water bears would a sensational. More would blow our mind.

[M.V. Lipvig]

Re: Hmmmm ...

We know what is required to make life as we know it, and we have to start somewhere. Why look for a million things that might not work when we can look for what we know does work? I'm sure they're not going to look at a alien that lands on the White House lawn and says "Take me to your leader, no I said a leader, like someone in charge, are you kidding me, THAT'S who leads this planet?" and say, "Nope, no phosphorus, nothing alive there."

[Fruit and Nutcase]

Rwanda

It's off to Rwanda with them if they land on England's shores, says Braverman

[Sampler]

The chances of anything coming from Enceladus...

..is a million to one, they say..

[Neil Barnes]

I, for one, welcome

our new Coca-cola drinking alien neighbours!

[DJV]

Re: I, for one, welcome

And, if it turns out they're hostile, we can always throw Mentos at them.

[Neil Barnes]

Re: I, for one, welcome

Only possible icon --->

[WonkoTheSane]

The locals should be more careful

If excessive phosphates are detected, it can cause planning applications to be rejected.

[s. pam]

Shhhh -- that's where Crapita

gets it's zero hours staff from, the primordal soup zone!

[KittenHuffer]

Re: Shhhh -- that's where Crapita

P-p-p-please don't be so offensive to primordial soup!