Sara Seager Archives

MIT researchers found that in extremely acidic conditions, such as those in Venus’ clouds, short peptides can remain stable and fold into shapes that may allow them to have biological functions. Credit: Jose-Luis Olivares, MIT; figures courtesy of the researchers

Study: Peptides Can Form Well-defined Structures In Harsh, Venus-like Conditions

by Keith CowingSeptember 1, 2026September 1, 2026

[MIT] When exploring solar system bodies for signs of past or present life, scientists have mainly focused on planets that have (or had) a liquid surface similar to Earth’s. However, […]

MIT researchers have found that amino acids — major building blocks for life on Earth — are stable in highly concentrated sulfuric acid. Their results support the idea that these same molecules may be stable in Venus’ highly sulfuric clouds. Credit: JAXA/J. J. Petkowski

Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones, Press Release, Venus

Study: Life’s Building Blocks Are Surprisingly Stable In Venus-like Conditions

by Keith CowingMarch 20, 2024March 20, 2024

If there is life in the solar system beyond Earth, it might be found in the clouds of Venus. In contrast to the planet’s blisteringly inhospitable surface, Venus’ cloud layer, […]