New evidence has emerged supporting the theory that the building blocks of life on Earth were deposited by comets and asteroids millions of years ago. According to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications, scientists have discovered essential amino acids, including uracil, in samples collected from the near-Earth asteroid Ryugu by the Japanese-led space mission Hayabusa2. RNA, a crucial molecule present in all living cells, relies on these building blocks to function and create proteins.
The Hayabusa2 mission, which was supported by various international space agencies, including NASA and the Australian Space Agency, collected samples from two sites on Ryugu that had remained untouched since formation. The pristine extraterrestrial material allowed researchers to analyze the asteroid’s composition without contamination from Earth’s atmosphere and biosphere.
The study provides further evidence that organic molecules can survive on the surface of asteroids and be transported throughout the Solar System. The discovery of amino acids on Ryugu supports the theory that the ingredients for life on Earth may have originated from outer space.
This latest study highlights the importance of space exploration and the valuable insights it can provide into the origins of life. As scientists continue to study the universe, we may uncover more clues about our origins and the potential for life beyond Earth.
