2009 09 17 Nature - Vol 461 - SETI at 50

Magazine Overview

NATURE, Volume 461, Issue 461, dated 17 September 2009. This issue features a prominent article on the 50th anniversary of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and also delves into comparisons between the UK and US healthcare systems, particularly focusing on cost-benefit analysis and the role of NICE.

Editorials

The editorials section addresses two key topics: the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK and the broader implications of healthcare spending. The first part discusses a scenario where NICE opted against a costly cancer treatment, leading to organized lobbying and a modification of guidelines for patients with short life expectancies. The author urges NICE to be cautious about making changes under pressure, emphasizing the importance of maintaining evidence-based decision-making. It acknowledges that assessing the value of health and life is complex, but notes ongoing efforts to improve methods for such assessments, including comparative-effectiveness research in the US.

The second part of the editorial contrasts the UK healthcare system with the US system. It highlights the American public's concern over the UK system, while simultaneously pointing out the 'nightmare' in the US where individuals face financial ruin due to unaffordable medical treatments and lack of insurance. The editorial suggests that American politicians should learn from NICE's cost-saving lessons.

SETI at 50

This major feature article, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of SETI's inaugural publication, explores the progress and challenges of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The article notes that SETI has always been on the fringes of mainstream astronomy, partly due to its association with UFO believers and its nature as a potentially unfalsifiable experiment. The null result of radio silence does not definitively rule out alien civilizations, only that they might not be using radio for communication or might not be intentionally broadcasting towards Earth.

Despite these challenges, the article highlights significant advancements. The first SETI search in 1960 used a single radio channel, whereas the modern Allen Telescope Array, funded by Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen, uses 42 dishes and can monitor hundreds of millions of radio channels simultaneously. This progress is linked to exponential growth in computer power, as described by Moore's Law, named after Intel founder Gordon Moore. The article also points out that the expertise gained in operating large, multi-dish arrays for SETI will benefit the broader field of radio astronomy.

Furthermore, the article discusses how SETI's mission of finding other worlds like our own has become more feasible. It anticipates that within a few years, astronomers will discover Earth-sized planets orbiting other stars. The subsequent step will involve characterizing these exoplanets by studying their atmospheres for biosignatures like oxygen or methane, and determining details such as their day length, weather, and the presence of continents and oceans. While finding evidence of life is a significant step, the article distinguishes this from finding other thinking creatures, which will still require SETI efforts.

The article concludes by posing the question of whether humanity should beam messages to these potential 'other Earths,' suggesting that while Earth may choose not to broadcast, it should not 'cover its ears' to potential signals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of scientific endeavor, public health policy, and the philosophical implications of humanity's place in the universe. The editorial stance appears to advocate for evidence-based decision-making in healthcare, while also acknowledging the complexities of valuing human life and health. It implicitly supports the continuation of scientific exploration, such as SETI, even in the face of long odds, due to the profound potential implications of success. The magazine champions technological advancement and rigorous scientific methodology as crucial for progress in both fields.