How many stars are in the night sky? More than we think. Scientists reported on Wednesday that the stars may be undercounted, which could alter theories about how galaxies are created and grow, as well as changing perceptions about the universe. Then, in an announcement more down to Earth, NASA scientists announced that they had trained a bacterium found in Mono Lake to survive on arsenic, thus expanding the notion of what is necessary to support life. Yet at the same time, NASA's budget is under pressure in light of budget concerns in Congress. New information and discoveries clearly suggest that there is still much of the universe unexplored–and more to discover closer to home. Are we putting enough resources into scientific exploration? Or should this type of experimentation and research be shifted to the private sector rather than government? added by: sgwhites
