In the interstellar medium (ISM), the complex prebiotic molecule cyanamide (NH2CN) plays a key role in producing adenine (C5H5N5), purines (C5H4N4), pyrimidines (C4H4N2), and other biomolecules via a series of […]
organic chemistry
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report
Alternative Solvents For Life: Framework For Evaluation, Current Status And Future Research
Life is a complex, dynamic chemical system that requires a dense fluid solvent in which to take place. A common assumption is that the most likely solvent for life is […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Press Release
Hunt For Complex Cyanides In Protostellar Ices With JWST: Tentative Detection Of CH3CN And C2H5CN
Nitrogen-bearing complex organic molecules have been commonly detected in the gas phase but not yet in interstellar ices. This has led to the long-standing question of whether these molecules form […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Microbiology & Virology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
The Potential Origins Of Life In Ancient Hot Springs
Newcastle University research turns to ancient hot springs to explore the origins of life on Earth. The research team, funded by the UK’s Natural Environmental Research Council, investigated how the […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Habitable Zones, Origin & Evolution of Life, Status Report, Titan
Organic Hazes As A Source Of Life’s Building Blocks To Warm Little Ponds On The Hadean Earth
Over 4 billion years ago, Earth is thought to have been a hazy world akin to Saturn’s moon Titan. The organic hazes in the atmosphere at this time could contain […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Interstellar, Meteorites & Asteroids, Origin & Evolution of Life, Panspermia, Press Release
Studying Life’s Origins By Simulating a Cosmic Evolution
Amino acids make up millions of proteins that drive the chemical gears of life, including essential bodily functions in animals. Because of amino acids’ relationship to living things scientists are […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
A Deep Search For Large Complex Organic Species Toward IRAS16293-2422 B At 3 mm With ALMA
Complex organic molecules (COMs) have been detected ubiquitously in protostellar systems. However, at shorter wavelengths (~0.8mm) it is more difficult to detect larger molecules than at longer wavelengths (~3mm) because […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Interstellar, Status Report
Organic Chemistry In The H2-bearing, CO-rich Interstellar Ice Layer At Temperatures Relevant To Dense Cloud Interiors
Ice chemistry in the dense, cold interstellar medium (ISM) is probably responsible for the formation of interstellar complex organic molecules (COMs).
Posted inStatus Report
Astrobiological Potential of Venus Atmosphere Chemical Anomalies and Other Unexplained Cloud Properties
Long-standing unexplained Venus atmosphere observations and chemical anomalies point to unknown chemistry but also leave room for the possibility of life.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Brown Dwarfs, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release
Presence Of Methane Suggests Brown Dwarf Atmospheric Heating By Auroral Processes
Astronomers using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have found a brown dwarf (an object more massive than Jupiter but smaller than a star) that may display possible aurorae, like the […]