You've heard the news about a possible detection of ancient life on Mars... now get the inside scoop from one of the paper's key authors. Dr. Michael Tice is a research scientist and planetary geologist at Texas A&M, and has a lot to say about how the research was pulled from the year-old drill sampling, the incredible rigor that was applied to their findings, and what's next in this amazing story. It's the one we've all been waiting for--a possible indication of life beyond our own planet!

Headlines:

• NASA's Interim Chief Declares Mission to Beat China Back to the Moon
• Starlink Satellite Photobombs Maxar Image of Secret Chinese Airbase
• James Webb Telescope Captures Stunning Interstellar Jet "Flatulence"

Main Topic: Signs of Ancient Life Discovered on Mars by Perseverance

• Dr. Michael Tice Explains Potential Biosignatures in Jezero Crater
• Discovery of Unusual "Leopard Spots" Linked to Possible Microbial Activity
• Redox Reactions and Organics Suggest Favorable Conditions for Life
• Debate Between Biological and Abiotic Explanations for Findings
• Cutting-Edge Rover Instruments Push Detection Limits
• Challenges of Confirming Life Without Sample Return to Earth
• Future Work Needed: Sample Return Missions and Analogs on Earth
• Broader Reflections on Mars Science, Search for Life, and Technology Choices

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Michael Tice

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current podcast and newsletter joins Mikah Sargent this week! The impact that generative AI is having on energy and our climate. The privacy and social issues around AI wearables. And everything that was announced at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event.

• Jacob shares a paper published recently that covered generative AI and how the massive use of GPU energy is causing concerns about its impact on the climate.
• Mikah talks about a new wearable AI companion device called Friend and how these always-listening devices present privacy challenges for not just others around the user but also for the company itself.
• And Zac Hall of 9to5Mac was at Apple's 'Awe Dropping' event this past Tuesday and was fortunate to get his hands on the new hardware the company announced. He shares his initial thoughts on the new AirPods Pro 3 and iPhone Air!

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward

Guest: Zac Hall

Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly.

Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Sponsors:

• threatlocker.com for Tech News Weekly
• pantheon.io
• uscloud.com
• cachefly.com/twit

Windows 11's latest update finally tackles a 30-year-old security flaw with a new feature called Administrator Protection. Find out how this major change uses Windows Hello to quietly lock down your PC without making your day-to-day experience a hassle.

Host: Paul Thurrott

Download or subscribe to Hands-On Windows at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-windows

Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.