I'm always interested when scientists talk about looking for conditions necessary for life on other planets. It always seems to be based on the notion that any life must be similar to that that exists here on earth.
Things like water and oxygen are often used as signals that life could exist. I've always wondered whether it's not possible that we're the freak planet and every other life in the universe doesn't depend on hydrogen gas and mercury or something "weird" like that.
Just because all life on earth is carbon based does that mean that it's the same everywhere else? Is this the ultimate form of racial prejudice? Hello to anyone non-carbon based out there, I'm fighting for your rights brother (or sister or whatever.)
