Wed Jul 16 00:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
A team of scientists at ETH Zurich has published research emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions when searching for extraterrestrial life. While no definitive proof of life beyond Earth exists, the researchers argue that even negative results (“no life detected”) can be valuable if obtained through well-designed studies. Their statistical analysis suggests that observing 40-80 exoplanets without finding signs of life could indicate that life is relatively rare (less than 10-20% of similar planets). They caution against vague questions and highlight the need for clear, specific criteria when evaluating exoplanets for habitability. They also stressed that even with advancements in telescope technology, theoretical work defining what constitutes a sign of life or a habitable planet is crucial. The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence if we ask the right question and not solely on the number of exoplanets observed.
**News Article:**
**The Hindu: Alien Hunt Hinges on Asking the Right Questions, Study Suggests**
*Published July 16, 2025 05:30 am IST*
GENEVA – The search for extraterrestrial life may depend more on the questions scientists ask than on the number of planets they observe, according to a new study published in *The Astronomical Journal* by researchers at ETH Zurich. While the discovery of numerous exoplanets has fueled the hope of finding alien life, conclusive evidence remains elusive.
The ETH Zurich team, led by Daniel Angerhausen, argues that “no life detected” results can still be valuable data, provided they are obtained through rigorous and well-defined research. Their analysis suggests that observing between 40 and 80 exoplanets without finding any signs of life could indicate that life is relatively rare in the universe.
The study emphasizes the importance of framing clear and specific research questions. Instead of asking “Does this planet have life?”, researchers should focus on measurable criteria, such as the presence of water vapor, oxygen, and methane concentrations within defined thresholds.
“The risk of false positives is significant when using vague questions,” stated Angerhausen. “Stipulating measurable factors provides more informative data.”
The researchers also caution against relying solely on technological advancements. While upcoming projects like the Large Interferometer for Exoplanets (LIFE) and the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) promise to revolutionize exoplanet observation, the study highlights the need for ongoing theoretical work. Scientists must first establish clear definitions of what constitutes a habitable planet and reliable indicators of life.
“Our study shows that there is still a lot of work to be done on the theoretical side,” Angerhausen said.
Despite the challenges, Angerhausen remains optimistic about the potential to discover habitable worlds. The new study asserts that the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence – provided we allow the right questions to lead us.
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