Scientists examining samples returned from asteroid Bennu found ribose and glucose inside — and with phosphate and every RNA nucleobase already detected in the same asteroid material, every chemical c
Scientists have discovered essential biological sugars, including ribose and glucose, in samples returned from the asteroid Bennu. These findings suggest that the fundamental chemical building blocks for RNA could have originated and been preserved in space before life existed on Earth.
Why it matters
This discovery provides critical evidence for the theory of panspermia and helps explain how the raw materials for life may have been delivered to early Earth.
The Bennu sample is becoming less like a single asteroid story and more like a chemistry inventory from the early solar system.
The article reports on scientific findings from a NASA mission using objective, evidence-based language without political or social framing.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in