This week, researchers formulated a new method to calculate the probability of generating intelligent life in the universe. Investigations of a meteorite that originated on Mars revealed that it once interacted with liquid water. And an analysis of fossilized teeth suggests that long childhoods are a precondition for the evolution of large brains. Additionally, astronomers threw cold water on cold dark matter; biologists suggested a new, holistic approach to the field; and if we have to frack, we might as well do it with fewer earthquakes.