Science1/29/2025BBC

Asteroid contains building blocks of life, say scientists

Asteroid contains building blocks of life, say scientists

A recent study has revealed that the asteroid Bennu, which is the target of NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, contains the building blocks of life. Researchers have found that Bennu is rich in minerals and thousands of organic molecules, including the chemical components that make up DNA. The discovery of these organic compounds on Bennu is significant because it suggests that the early solar system may have been more hospitable to the formation of life than previously thought. The presence of these molecules on the asteroid also raises the possibility that they could have been delivered to Earth, potentially contributing to the emergence of life on our planet. The findings have important implications for our understanding of the origin and evolution of life in the universe. Further analysis of the samples collected by the OSIRIS-REx mission may provide additional insights into the role of asteroids and other celestial bodies in the development of life on Earth and elsewhere.

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