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science20h ago
Chemistry clues could detect aliens unlike any life on Earth
- Researchers propose measuring amino-acid reactivity to distinguish living from non-living samples.
- In living systems, more reactive molecules are preserved for biological processes.
- The study tested 64 amino acids and compared abiotic and biotic samples.
- The method correctly identified living versus non-living samples about 95% of the time.
- Experts say the approach is simple and highly explainable, linked to physics.
- The authors suggest the test could be part of a life-detection toolkit for space missions.
- Enceladus and other moons are potential targets in the search for extraterrestrial life.
- Amino acids are common building blocks but can form without life.
- The energy-difference calculations underpin the new biosignature approach.
- The study relies on established amino-acid reactivity concepts to interpret results.
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