Fuel Cell Probe Could Detect Vast Variety of Alien Life Forms, Researchers Say
Life-Detector Test A fuel cell could detect the presence of life on other worlds by measuring the redox reactions that happen in the metabolic process. Technology Review If life exists on other planets, it won't necessarily have the same carbon-based metabolism we do, so detecting its presence will require some sophistication. Now, a group of Argentinian researchers say they've come up with a method that will work to detect any form of life. Ximena Abreyava and colleagues suggest using a microbial fuel cell, which could detect life in a way that is independent of its chemical makeup, according to Technology Review. The only requirement is that the life form in question must have a metabolic process of some sort -- it must take chemical energy from its environment and use it to power itself. Consisting of an anode and a cathode, the fuel cell can detect the redox reactions of...