Locating thermophiles in other parts of the universe could very
well aid in the search for extraterrestrial life. Most people
have agreed that if life is found among the stars, it will be
microbial (at least in the near-term future). Many individuals
have also suggested that intelligent life forms might very well
be extinct in other parts of the universe. If scientists could
locate thermophile microbes, they could piece together an
archaeological picture of once powerful civilizations. Taiwan is
well known for its hot springs. Most tourists that visit the
island end up visiting at least one. Many people like to take
relaxing baths in them. Hot springs can be great for people with
arthritis. New research is proving that they can also be a great
place to find astrobiological data. Photosynthetic thermophiles
that live in hot springs may potentially be removing significant
amounts of industrially produced carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere. They’ve thrived because of fundamental changes to
the atmosphere caused