Astrobiology Is Alive and Well

[mickw]

Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, opened AbSciCon 2008, the fifth bi-annual astrobiology science conference. His thoughtful view on life in the cosmic context set the tone for the vigorous and intellectually diverse meeting.
The international astrobiology community gathered together at AbSciCon 2008 to present new discoveries, to build collaborations, and to celebrate a decade of cross-disciplinary science. AbSciCon 2008 was hosted by the SETI Institute, and it attracted more than 675 scientists, students, educators, and journalists from 28 countries. Though dominated by attendees from the US, all the continents were represented, including Antarctica, where several researchers have conducted science programs. Astrobiology is a thriving international endeavor. Working across boundaries of traditional disciplines leads to new discoveries, as was evident in the oral and poster presentations at the meeting.

More:  http://www.space.com/searchforlife/080501-seti-abscicon-2008.html