By Mike Wall, The Christian Science Monitor, January 10, 2011

When considering the prospect of alien life, humankind should prepare for the worst, according to a new study: Either we're alone, or any aliens out there are acquisitive and resource-hungry, just like us.

These two unpalatable options are pretty much the only possibilities, according to the new study. That's because evolution is predictable, and alien biospheres should thus produce intelligent creatures much like us, with technological prowess and an ever-increasing need for resources.

By Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press, 23 October 2010

The dream of rocketing tourists into space edged closer to reality yesterday, as the world's first commercial spaceport opened a runway in the New Mexico desert.

All that is left for Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic company, which will operate the flights, is more rocket testing on SpaceShipTwo and sending it into space. The British billionaire said he expects flights for space tourists to begin in nine to 18 months, and he will be among the first passengers.

"Today is very personal, as our dream becomes more real," Branson said. "People are beginning to believe now."

By Jack Kennedy, Christian Science Monitor, August 9, 2010

Source: The Telegraph
Credits: Richard Alleyne (Science Correspondent)
Dated: 2010-08-09

The human race must look to outer space within the next century or it will become extinct, Professor Stephen Hawking has warned.

The renowned astrophysicist said he fears mankind is in great danger and its future "must be in space" if it is to survive.

In an interview he said threats to the existence of the human race such as war, resource depletion and overpopulation meant it was at its greater risk ever.

How Is America Going To End?

Slate's "Choose Your Own Apocalypse" lets you map out the death of the United States.

Source: http://www.slate.com/id/2223285/

By Josh Levin

Updated Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, at 2:34 PM ET

By James Turner, The Christian Science Monitor, May 5, 2009

Sunspot cycle beginning in 2012 may put satellites, power grids at risk.

When we look at the sun (carefully), it appears to be a uniform, unchanging star. But scientists and engineers have a much different perspective. To them, the sun is a dynamic, chaotic, and poorly understood caldron of thermonuclear forces, one that can spit out fierce bursts of radiation at any time.