Presence of long-chain alkanes in rock raises new questions about possible existence of life billions of years ago

Summary

NASA’s Curiosity rover discovered the largest organic compounds ever detected on Mars in a 3.7-billion-year-old rock sample from Yellowknife Bay.

The compounds, including long-chain alkanes, could result from chemical reactions or remnants of ancient Martian life.

Scientists found hints of fatty acid patterns similar to those in terrestrial biochemistry, but no definitive evidence of life.

Researchers call it the best opportunity yet to identify potential life remnants on Mars, though further analysis requires returning the samples to Earth for isotope testing.

  • FooBarrington@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    6 days ago

    I’m training, but still seem to be far away from escape velocity.

    Maybe if we could catapult me at the point of climax?