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Paleontologist to discuss detecting life on other planets

By clock on November 6, 2008.

In today's News and Observer:

Mary H. Schweitzer, associate professor of paleontology at N.C. State University, will talk about how paleontology can help determine whether life ever existed on other planets.

She will speak at a Periodic Tables event sponsored by the Museum of Life and Science in Durham on Tuesday.

Periodic Tables is a regular program that gives adults a chance to learn and discuss the latest in science. Schweitzer will share her expertise in the field of astrobiology and explain how we can use the tools of molecular paleontology to detect biomarkers not only in fossils but also in extraterrestrial samples.

The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Broad Street Cafe, 1116 Broad St., Durham. It is free and open to the public.

For more information, go to the Periodic Tables page on the Museum of Life and Science's Web site.

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