I'll second the 'not aliens' bit. They are local microbes that have just widely expanded what we can consider habitable enviroments.
I view this as similar to the work done by Lenski on e.coli bacteria and citrate (perhaps on a smaller time scale).
Does it mean these bacteria landed here on a meteorite? nope.
But it does mean that our definition of "elements needed for life" just got a little wider.
I wouldn't be surprised if scientists find life based on silicon or sulfur.
-Terry
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"so listen up boy, or pornography starring your mother will be the second worst thing to happen to you today"
TF2: Spy
I view this as similar to the work done by Lenski on e.coli bacteria and citrate (perhaps on a smaller time scale).
Does it mean these bacteria landed here on a meteorite? nope.
But it does mean that our definition of "elements needed for life" just got a little wider.
I wouldn't be surprised if scientists find life based on silicon or sulfur.
-Terry
-----
"so listen up boy, or pornography starring your mother will be the second worst thing to happen to you today"
TF2: Spy