We'll Find Alien Life in This Lifetime, Scientists Tell Congress
Humans have long wondered whether we are alone in the universe. According to scientists working with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute, the question may be answered in the near future.
"It's unproven whether there is any life beyond Earth," Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, said at a House Committee on Science, Space and Technology hearing Wednesday (May 21). "I think that situation is going to change within everyone's lifetime in this room."
Scientists search for life beyond Earth using three different methods, Shostak said. [13 Ways to Find E.T.]
The first method involves the search for microbial extraterrestrials or their remains. Investigations include robotic missions to Mars, such as Curiosity and Opportunity, which are currently searching for signs that the Red Planet could once have hosted potentially habitable environments.
http://www.space.com/26000-alien-life-prediction-congress-hearing.html
I talked with Seth Shostak via email sometime back, and he very straight forwardly said the only way the scientific would ever accept something as proof of life would be: (here is precisely what said)
"But I'll tell you what you have to do if you really think you've found something (all those who write me believe that they have incontrovertible proof, by the way. None of them has ever had any doubt.) You have to write it up for publication. Get it into a reputable journal, or failing that, into a major magazine (even "Astronomy" or "Scientific American" or "Sky & Telescope" would qualify.) Otherwise, it's no different than my next door neighbor claiming he's found the cure for cancer. If he doesn't write it up -- doesn't put it out there -- well, it's just a story. And I get stories -- several -- every single day".
So, I now pay no attention to anything he says, as he truly is not particularly interested in real findings. Rather he is involved in it just for the money, which is why we see him being quoted so often. Funding is always needed for SETI and others, and this is how to get it - feed the public words that translate to public interest and cash coming! :o :o
Uh, of course IMHO ! :)