Gizmorama - September 22, 2014

Good Morning,

Audi is now beginning to test self-driving cars in California. Great, another reason for people to get used to not looking where they're driving and continue texting.

Learn about this and more interesting stories from the scientific community in today's issue.

Until Next Time,
Erin

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*-- Scientists say Martian meteorite held ingredients for life --*
MANCHESTER, England (UPI) - Scientists say a cavity inside a Martian meteorite once held water, further evidence Mars has all the ingredients for life.

The meteorite in question goes by the name Nakhla; it was blasted off the surface of Mars during an impact more than 1.3 billion years ago and later fell to Earth's surface. The Martian meteorite offers scientists a rare glimpse of Mars' geological history.

While examining the rock, scientists found a small cavity deep inside the meteorite. Upon further examination, researchers at the National Technical University of Athens and University of Manchester determined the cavity once contained water -- further proof, the scientists say, the Mars could support life, and that life may still be lurking below the Martian surface.

"We have been able to show the setting is there to provide life," explained Ian Lyon, a professor at Manchester's School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences. "It's not too cold, it's not too harsh."

"Life as we know it, in the form of bacteria, for example, could be there, although we haven't found it yet," Lyon added. "It's about piecing together the case for life on Mars -- it may have existed and in some form could exist still."

Lyon and his colleagues plan to probe further and scour the meteorite for other biomarkers, more certifiable evidence of living organisms.

"Before we return samples from Mars, we must examine them further, but in more delicate ways," Lyon said. "We must carefully search for further evidence."

The initial findings of Lyon and his fellow researchers were published this week in the journal Astrobiology.


* Automaker gets first permit in the Golden State *
HERNDON, Va. (UPI) - On Tuesday, Audi got the first permit issued by California to test self-driving cars. New state laws took effect today allowing automakers to do such testing on California roadways. Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America said, "Audi is a driving force behind the research taking automated driving from science fiction to pre-production readiness." California isn't the first state where Audi has" tested it's autonomous vehicles. According to the press release, Nevada and Florida have joined forces with the automaker to test the cars. The German automaker isn't alone when it comes to testing self-driving vehicles, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Ford and GM. Many expect to have such vehicles on the road by 2020.

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