Today’s physics news: Monday, 23 August 2010

Life on Mars provides tip that may boost solar power on Earth
Martian technology could help solve the world’s energy problems by improving solar power’s efficiency
Times  

Aliens ‘may be thinking machines’
The hunt for aliens should allow for the fact that ETs may be thinking machines rather than like us
BBC 
 
Nick Clegg backs tax on university graduates
Nick Clegg has become the most senior member of the Government to endorse introducing a “graduate tax” for university students.
Telegraph 
 
Solar system older than we thought
Meteorite hints at alternative beginning for the solar system
Physics World