Re: NASA press conference

On Mon, Jan 10, 2011 at 4:16 PM, Seb Gillen <sebgillen@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Sascha--

Nice to "meet" you! Feel free to include me in your response to Barrett re: "arsenic-based" lifeforms--I'm no biologist either but I've done a fair amount of reading on the topic. My understanding is that the whole thing was basically a misguided attempt to drum up some good PR: the lifeforms were neither truly "arsenic based" but rather "arsenic utilizing" and they weren't so much discovered as "bred and selected". Still an interesting finding re: the high adaptability of life, but definitely not even close to a proof of "second genesis" or a lifeform that doesn't incorporate carbon. I'm not sure on whose shoulders and in what proportion the blame should fall, though.

Anyways, I look forward to getting to know you! Do you mind if I ask what you are working on in China?

Best,

Seb

On Mon, Jan 10, 2011 at 4:58 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:

Sascha-

For my next Skeptical Inquirer column, I'll be writing about the flawed manner in which both NASA and the media handled the press conference regarding the allegedly "arsenic-based" lifeforms, and I wanted to see if you had any thoughts on the matter and if you could take a look at my column when it's done to ensure that I have accurately assessed the situation (I know biology isn't your main thing and I'll run it by a biologist as well, but wanted to get your take). Also, wanted to introduce you to Seb Gillen, who will be helping to administrate the Science Journalism Program. I'm going to have Seb serve as a sort of liaison between PM and yourself since your China residency makes it difficult for you to attend meetings; he can provide you with additional info on all this and keep you up to date until such time as I am ready to speak to you further about how you can specifically get more involved.

--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302