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This week, we are searching for life, from the ancient microbes found in a Mexican cave to the farms on Hong Kong’s skyscrapers. Plus, we hear from the astronomers who have detected seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a single star.

A Belgian researcher has solved a medical mystery, linking nodding syndrome – a type of epilepsy – to river blindness. The condition can now be treated to avoid the disabling symptoms.

Almost all Europeans and Asians carry Neanderthal genes. Until recently these were thought to have little impact on us, but research shows they may be involved with both our physical and mental health.

How might your heart rate be used as a password? Gareth Mitchell talks to the researchers about securing medical data using your heart beat.

News of a scientist’s plan to resurrect mammoths in two years has spread around the world. However, the story is largely untrue. John Hawks reveals why.

Image caption: An artist's impression of what it would be like to stand on the surface of the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1f, located in the TRAPPIST-1 system © NASA/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle (IPAC)

The Science Hour was presented by Gareth Mitchell with comments from David Robson of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Future

Producer: Graihagh Jackson