Re: Article from space.com -- "Deadly Radiation Spurs Life"

[Jim Muckerheide <jmuckerheide@delphi.com>]

Friends, 

Re the news item identified by Jim Hardeman:

Note that this is consistent with the radiation basis for bacteria in the
earth, and the higher life forms around deep-ocean (e.g., 2000 m) hydrothermal
vents that get no solar energy, and that radiation is essential to life (as
shown from research at below natural background radiation levels (including
the removal of K-40 from essential potassium with strongly detrimental results
- not reported by Oak Ridge).

If you find the Jan 27 Nature, please email if you can send/fax
(1-508-820-2094):
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Nature, 27 Jan 2000
Brief Communications, p. 381
 Energy for microbial life on Europa 
 CHRISTOPHER F. CHYBA
 A radiation-driven ecosystem on Jupiter's moon is not beyond the bounds of
possibility.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I can tell you if I've received it.

Thanks very much.

Regards, Jim
Radiation, Science, and Health
jmuckerheide@delphi.com
==============================

Jim Hardeman wrote:
> 
> RADSAFER's, RAD RAPper's, etc.
> 
> Greetings from the frozen tundra ... and
> your home of the 2000 Super Bowl (if
> Georgia Power can keep the lights on at
> the Georgia Dome over the weekend!)
> 
> I ran across the following article (a portion
> of which is copied below) at the
> space.com web site this morning while
> doing my daily news search ... does
> anyone else see find the juxtaposition of
> "deadly radiation" and "providing fuel for
> life" kind of odd? Guess the press can't
> just use the word "radiation" without
> prefacing it with "deadly".
> 
> The URL for the full article is:
> http://www.space.com/science/solarsystem/europa_life_000126.html
> 
> P.S. Salt and sand trucks are loading up
> now, snow plows (Yes! We DO have
> some down here!) are being hooked up
> now, and "the powers that be" will insure a
> Super Bowl broadcast Sunday evening ...
> how good it is depends on the combatants
> ... not us!
> 
> Jim Hardeman, Manager
> Environmental Radiation Program
> Environmental Protection Division
> Georgia Department of Natural Resources
> 4244 International Parkway, Suite 114
> Atlanta, GA 30354
> (404) 362-2675  fax: (404) 362-2653
> Jim_Hardeman@mail.dnr.state.ga.us
> 
> ==========
> 
> Jupiter's Deadly Radiation Could
> Power Life On Europa
> 
> Scientists Look to Jupiter's Moon for
> Possible Life
> 
> In the search for microbial life on Jupiter's
> icy moon Europa, a new idea has
> emerged, suggesting that heavy doses of
> lethal radiation surrounding the massive
> planet might spur chemical reactions on its
> tiny satellite, providing fuel for life in the
> suspected liquid ocean below.
> 
> ************************************************************************
> The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
> information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html
************************************************************************
The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html