Study Finds Human-like Life Common in Universe

New research from Penn State University suggests that the emergence of intelligent life may be a predictable outcome of suitable planetary conditions rather than a result of improbable events. This challenges the long-standing 'hard steps' theory, which posited that the evolution of complex life, including humans, was highly unlikely and dependent on a series of rare occurrences. The study implies that humanity could be a natural evolutionary result, suggesting that similar intelligent life forms may exist on other planets. Co-authors noted that the evolution of life is more about the interplay between life and its environment, opening new avenues for understanding life's origins. This shift in perspective could significantly alter how scientists search for extraterrestrial life and view humanity's place in the cosmos. The findings were published in the journal Science Advances and mark a notable departure from previous theories about the rarity of intelligent life in the universe.