Stephen Hawking is looking for a new host

Stephen Hawking, spokesperson for one of the universe's most dangerous viruses - us - points out that it's time we found a new host.

... Astrophysicist Professor Hawking insists the survival of the human race depends on it finding new homes on other planets. He believes global warming, nuclear war or a genetically engineered virus could wipe out the earth.

Speaking at a news conference in Hong Kong the 64-year-old scientist said humans could have a permanent base on the moon in 20 years and colony on Mars in the next 40 years.

He said: "We won't find anywhere as nice as Earth unless we go to another star system. It is important for the human race to spread out into space for the survival of the species.

"Life on Earth is at the ever-increasing risk of being wiped out by a disaster, such as sudden global warming, nuclear war, a genetically engineered virus or other dangers we have not yet thought of." Link

Global warming, nuclear war, genetically engineered viruses - all mankind's work. And as for those dangers 'we havn't thought of yet' only time will tell - but some of the best minds on the planet are working on it. It's difficult to see why it would be a good idea to propagate these works in other star systems. In fact it may be better if we just die off.