New water form may reveal secrets to alien life

Scientists have discovered a new form of water called "plastic ice VII," which exists under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. This form was observed at 6 gigapascals and 327°C, differing from typical water states. The discovery may provide insights into icy moons like Europa and their potential to support life. Unlike regular ice, plastic ice VII has a crystalline structure but allows water molecules to rotate freely, making it deformable under extreme conditions. This finding enhances understanding of water's behavior in harsh environments and could inform studies of planetary geology. It raises questions about the possibility of life in extreme conditions on other planets.