Tiny rock-eating microbes could mine precious extraterrestrial resources from Mars and pave the way for the first human colonists. Just don't expect them to transform the Red Planet's surface into a new Earth on a short deadline, researchers say. Mars - Microorganism - Earth - Solar System - Planet

Forty-four years after "Star Trek" made its debut, it looks as if we're a step closer to seeing another type of Trek tech come to life: the tractor beam. But don't expect to capture a Romulan Warbird with it any time soon. Star Trek - Tractor beam - Laser - AustralianNationalUniversity - Science fiction

Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Space Adventures says it has reached "a unique agreement" with the Boeing Co. on future space transportation services. Space Adventure - Space - Boeing - Technology - Alan Boyle

Leonard Mlodinow talks about his new book, co-written with Stephen Hawking, explaining why God was not necessary for the creation of the universe. (Countdown) Stephen Hawking - Leonard Mlodinow - Universe - God - Religion and Spirituality

By tasting a little bit of the rocks and air on Mars, NASA's robotic Phoenix lander discovered secrets about the history of water on the Red Planet over the last 4 billion years, scientists now reveal. Mars - NASA - Phoenix - Red Planet - Water