Scientists searching for life beyond Earth have long focused on finding the right molecules on distant planets and moons. But a new study suggests the most important clue may not be the molecules themselves, but the hidden patterns in how they are organized.
The research, published in Nature Astronomy, found that living systems produce distinctive statistical patterns in certain organic molecules that differ from those created through nonbiological chemistry.
“We’re showing that life does not only produce molecules,” said Fabian Klenner, UC Riverside assistant professor of planetary sciences and co-author of the study. “Life also produces an organizational principle that we can see by applying statistics.”
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