Supernova explosions would be deadly for life on nearby planets, but they are crucial for creating the heavier elements that form the stuff of "terrestrial" (earth-like) planets.

All the C, N, and O that forms the basis of life on Earth was made in ancient stars and recycled in interstellar clouds.

We expect that only stars with heavy element enrichment like the Sun's will be able to form significant rocky planets (such stars are found in the disk and central bulge of the Galaxy).

Supernovae may also influence life through the creation of COSMIC RAYS, high speed atomic nuclei. Cosmic rays that reach Earth's surface may cause genetic mutations that drive biological evolution and diversity.