From: areynold@estsa2.estec.esa.nl (Alastair Reynolds)
Subject: Re: (whorl) metallic lifeforms, artificial worlds
Date: Mon, 17 May 1999 14:51:51 +0200 (MET DST)

Mantis:


> Yes, but actually, as I understand it, the experiments you describe
> produced =both= Left-handed and Right-handed amino acids, in equal amounts.
> The odd thing is, all life on Earth is built from Left-handed amino acids.

someone had a theory recently (it was covered in New Scientist) that 
neutron stars might be responsible for the left-handedness of life here,
and - by extension - throughout the Galaxy. Yes, I know it sounds
unlikely...and unfortunately, I'm buggered if I can remember the details!

Al

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