The evolution of life may have its origins in outer space
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 28-Dec-2025 18:11 ET (28-Dec-2025 23:11 GMT/UTC)
To the point
- First tentative detection of prebiotic molecules in a planet-forming disc: In the young V883 Orionis system, ALMA observations have revealed signatures of complex organic compounds such as ethylene glycol and glycolonitrile – potential precursors to sugars and amino acids.
- Chemical evolution begins before planets are formed: The findings suggest that protoplanetary discs inherit and further develop complex molecules from earlier evolutionary stages, rather than forming them anew.
- Evidence for universal processes in the origin of biological molecules: The building blocks of life may not be limited to local conditions but could form widely throughout the Universe under suitable circumstances.
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