terratogen wrote:

Could extraterrestrial life be made of corkscrew-shaped particles of interstellar dust? Intriguing new evidence of life-like structures that form from inorganic substances in space are revealed today in the New Journal of Physics. The findings hint at the possibility that life beyond earth may not necessarily use carbon-based molecules as its building blocks. They also point to a possible new explanation for the origin of life on earth.

Interesting... I wonder what would happen if you snort it.

The following information on inorganic dust was acquired several years ago. In light of the work of Tsytovich and others, it may be of more interest now:

"There is a force in the universe which is interfering in the fate of the Earth and of human beings and which does not play by the rules. The solar system has entered a portion of the galaxy in which harmful energy is present, an energy which could be described as an intergalactic dust, a substance somewhat like a virus. It is a virus having not a cellular structure but one which resembles a partially-twisted spiral, similar to DNA. It is precisely because this virus does not possess inherent integrity that it mutates easily. The virus possesses a form of consciousness which might be described as reptilian, i.e. one which is direct and merciless. It has no feelings. It is useless to try and reason with it. It understands only force. But this virus, while aware of its destructive, parasitic nature which destroys and enslaves living organisms nevertheless has awareness of its own pathetic nature. It does not possess sufficient awareness to overcome this defect and suffers as a result. This virus is present in almost all human beings. It is an enormous virus, larger in size than the solar system. The virus does not know love. It kills love in humans, but itself suffers by so doing.

"Aware of its pathetic nature, it tries to ease its own suffering by attaching itself to living organisms, including human beings, and consuming their love. Human beings possess energy which gives the virus warmth, so it casts a net over human beings in order to feed off of human energy, in particular the energy inherent in the emotional components of joy, love and vitality. It hopes also to find a way to end its suffering by making human beings suffer. It learns in this way. No one has yet found a way to rid the solar system of the virus.

"In order to protect oneself from the virus, people need to be sincere with themselves and in their dealings with others. Insincerity is immediately evident to other beings, no matter how well one tries to hide it. In addition, one must be well-wishing of others and capable of loving without making demands. One must love oneself, the world and others without expecting love in return. This love must find manifestation in one's emtions, thoughts and acts. It is not easy to cultivate such a love but it is possible. Then the virus which has attached itself to such a person will be transformed and will cease its destructive activity."

Source: translation from Russian of material found on the site: http://sannyasa.narod.ru/godsepoh/chapter2.htm

RE: 'It might be life, Jim...', physicists discover inorganic dust with lifelike qualities