Extraterrestrial life can exist thanks to different from earthly “chemistry” – research
[ad_1]
Alien life is able to develop on space objects, where various chemical elements dominate, except carbon, on which life on Earth is based. This is evidenced by the results of a study by scientists from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, USA, writes Space.com. On Earth, life is based on organic compounds that are composed of carbon and other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. As a result of the repetition of chemical reactions, autocatalysis occurs – a phenomenon during which molecules are formed that encourage the repetition of the same reaction. Photo: Iurii/Depositphotos “In the new study, we looked for autocatalysis beyond organic compounds, hypothesizing that it could contribute to abiogenesis, that is, the birth of life from lifelessness,” said senior study author Betyul Kachar. To find the seeds of extraterrestrial life, Kachar’s team analyzed more than two centuries of scientific research on the subject. Scientists have studied chemical reactions during which several copies of molecules can be created – as the origin of the process of autocatalysis. In the end, the researchers discovered 270 different cycles of autocatalytic reactions that mostly did not involve organic compounds. Most of the 270 cycles were simple and consisted of two reactions. Only 8 reactions consisted of four or more reactions. According to the scientists, the four cycles took place with the help of noble gases, such as xenon, which rarely enters into a chemical reaction with other elements. Some cycles took place with the help of elements that are absent or rare on Earth – mercury or thorium. Photo: Ruletkka/Depositphotos Scientists also suggested that some of the 270 reactions occurred due to extremely high or low temperatures or pressures. It remains uncertain how plausible these cycles are, the researchers cautioned. “It is not guaranteed that all the examples we have collected will be able to be run in the laboratory or found at other astronomical objects,” Peng added. We previously reported that UFOs were officially discussed in the US Congress for the first time. Read also: “One of the biggest mysteries of the planet”: NASA released the results of the UFO report
[ad_2]
Original Source Link
