The Week's Science News: From Stars To Arsenic-Eating Bacteria

07:57

December 03, 2010

This photo provided by NASA, taken in 2006 by the Hubble Space Telescope shows a cluster of galaxies. (AP) — This photo provided by NASA, taken in 2006 by the Hubble Space Telescope, shows a cluster of galaxies. (AP)

Astronomers now say that the universe holds 300 sextillion stars, that's a three followed by 23 zeros, triple the number previously thought to exist. Also this week, NASA announced the discovery of a bacteria that has a different chemical composition than any other life on earth, and can survive on arsenic - something that should kill, not sustain life.

Joining us to wrap up the latest science news is Kelly Beatty, senior contributing editor at Sky and Telescope magazine.

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This segment aired on December 3, 2010.