Discoverer Asks for Time, Patience Over Arsenic Bacteria Controversy

摘要: Newsmaker Interview: Felisa Wolfe-SimonThree weeks ago, NASA astrobiology fellow Wolfe-Simon published a paper in Science about bacteria that can use arsenic instead of phosphorus DNA and other biomolecules. Four days before the publication, sent out media advisory it would hold press briefing "to discuss an finding will impact search for evidence extraterrestrial life." Then came torrent criticism by scientists. her co-author Ronald Oremland then under attack journalists when they declined to respond calls response these comments. On 16 December, authors posted responses some issues on http://scim.ag/arsenicresponse, publish technical comments early 2011. In meantime, agreed share thoughts interview with 's news department last week. A longer version is available online at http://scim.ag/arsenicqa.