An important signature of life is the existence of organic molecules that have originated from biological processes.
organic chemistry
Posted inAstrochemistry, Press Release
Probing Computational Methodologies In Predicting Mid-infrared Spectra For Large Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
We extend the prediction of vibrational spectra to large sized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules comprising up to ~ 1500 carbon atoms by evaluating the efficiency of several computational chemistry […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Comets and Asteroids, Press Release
Volatile-rich Comets Ejected Early On During Solar System Formation
Comet C/2016 R2 PanSTARRS (hereafter C/2016 R2) presents an unusually high N2/CO abundance ratio, as well as a heavy depletion in H2O, making it the only known comet of its […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Status Report
Periodic Table: Nuclear Origin Of The Elements – And Life
This periodic table is color coded to indicate humanity’s best guess as to the nuclear origin of all known elements. The simplest elements, hydrogen and helium, are far and away […]
Posted inGenomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
Physicists Discover How Particles Self-assemble
A team of physicists has discovered how DNA molecules self-organize into adhesive patches between particles in response to assembly instructions. Its findings offer a “proof of concept” for an innovative […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs
Mars Curiosity Detects Organic Molecules
Organic molecules revealed in Mars’s Bagnold Dunes by Curiosity’s derivatization experiment, Nature Astronomy ” .. No amino-acid derivatives were detected. However, chemically derivatized benzoic acid and ammonia were detected. Mass […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Status Report
Periodic Table: Origins Of The Elements
This periodic table depicts the primary source on Earth for each element. In cases where two sources contribute fairly equally, both appear.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Meteorites & Asteroids, Press Release
Key Building Block For Organic Molecules Discovered In Meteorites
Scientists from Japan and NASA have confirmed the presence in meteorites of a key organic molecule which may have been used to build other organic molecules, including some used by […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Press Release
The Astrobiological Periodic Table
The Astrobiological Periodic Table has been developed by astrobiologist Charles Cockell. This is the preliminary first version. A second, more advanced version is in development. Larger version.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Meteorites & Asteroids, Status Report
Amino Acids in Chondrites
Many theories about the origins of life involve the delivery of organic molecules to the early Earth by objects from space. Previously, scientists have identified amino acids in carbon-rich meteorites. […]