8legs: Enceladus, solar system

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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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