Lunar Science Institute and how proof of extraterrestrial intelligence might affect humanity’s ‘world’ view

Welcome! "Alien Life" tracks the latest discoveries and thoughts in the various elements of the famous Drake Equation. You may notice that this and future entries are shorter than usual; career, family and book deal commitments have forced me to cut back some of my projects. Now, here's today's news:
g Abodes - Scientists may have traced a link between a dark eclipsed moon and cold weather. The key is volcanic eruptions, highlighting the interconnections between the geology, climate and life on Earth. See article.
g Life - How life takes shape is a mystery. Butterfly or baby, cells organize themselves into tissues, tissues form organs, organs become organisms. Over and over, patterns emerge in all living creatures. Spiders get eight legs. Leopards get spots. Every nautilus is encased in an elegant spiral shell. See article.
g Cosmicus - NASA has selected seven academic and research teams as initial members of the agency's Lunar Science Institute. See article. For related story, see “University of Colorado at Boulder selected for two lunar research grants totaling $11 million”.
g Learning - NASA has a Facebook page designed for students in grades 9-12 and higher education. The page is updated daily, excluding weekends and holidays. It features information for students regarding competitions, feature articles, podcasts, videos and more. See article.
g Aftermath - How would proof of extraterrestrial intelligence affect humanity’s “world” view? Astronomer Steve Dick discusses the matter in this transcribed Smithsonian Institute lecture, from 2000.

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