NASA's 'Arsenic Life' Study Nears Retraction

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In 2010, NASA’s announcement about arsenic-based life sparked global excitement.

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Researcher Felisa Wolfe-Simon claimed the bacterium GFAJ-1 could use arsenic instead of phosphorus.

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The discovery, from Mono Lake, could have reshaped biology and astrobiology.

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Scientists quickly challenged the findings, citing contamination and DNA stability issues.

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A team later confirmed no detectable arsenic in the bacterium’s DNA.

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The debate unfolded rapidly on social media under #arseniclife, changing how science is discussed.

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Science's editor admitted the original peer reviewers lacked biochemical expertise.

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The controversy led major journals to strengthen their review processes.

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Despite the retraction, Wolfe-Simon continues research with NASA funding.

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The case highlights the power of social media in scientific discourse and remains a landmark example of how digital platforms reshape peer review.

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