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The sort of small, young, active stars that have become most exciting to astronomers looking for exoplanets may actually push away precisely what could be necessary to carry water to those planets — leaving them too dry to support life. That’s the suggestion of one recent study of just such a star, in the class astronomers call M dwarfs. The lead researcher presented an update about the project at a conference, where she stressed that the research was ongoing — but that it posed intriguing challenges to astronomers’ ideas about where to look for life. “The show’s going to be … Read more

I’m very attached to my writing spots at home. Not only do I have my own office space, but the kitchen table is directly below a skylight. Sitting there I receive a lot of natural light. They’re both great places to work on rough drafts, edits/corrections, and generally create. Sometimes, however, there are too many distractions at home. My loved ones. Other tasks which need to be accomplished. Someone taking a drill to the pavement outside. Sometimes I need a change. I take my notebook or my laptop and go somewhere else. I look for a cafe during its off … Read more

FOR WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer NAME: What would a world be like where babies are only created via test tube, and almost anything about them can be changed by genetic manipulation – sex, color, orientation, gender? Writers: This is a writer chat – you are welcome to share your own book/link, as long as it fits the chat, but please do so as part of a discussion about the topic. Join the chat

A major character on the CW show Arrow just uttered the words “I’m gay” for the first time, following a reveal that his character was either gay or bisexual last fall. In an October 2018 flash-forward episode, the older version of William Clayton (played by Ben Lewis), the illegitimate son of Oliver Queen, made a passing reference to a same-sex significant other, joking that his boyfriend “wonders why I have commitment issues.” On Monday night’s show, William made it explicit after being asked if he and Felicity Smoak used to date. Said William: “God, no! I’m gay, and she’s my … Read more