The gap between chemical evolution and the beginning of biological evolution may be smaller than we originally thought. Two Japanese scientists created a microscopic particle capable of replicating itself, known as a “coacervate droplet”. Link: https://www.studyfinds.org/missing-link-origins-of-life/
Observations towards Proxima Centauri, the nearest star to us after the sun, has led to the detection of a signal which aligns with the hypothesized ‘technosignatures’ (engineered signals possibly indicative of extraterrestrial intelligence). Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-021-01479-w
The Miller-Urey experiment: one of the most famous in all of science for simulating a prebiotic Earth which is capable of producing complex organic molecules. This new study shows the importance of using, interestingly, borosilicate glass! Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-00235-4
Due to the significant distance between us, detecting exoplanets outside our own galaxy is extremely difficult. However, these scientists investigated the planet M51-ULS-1 in the galaxy M51 by studying the light curves of its X-ray binaries. Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-021-01495-w
Lucy, a NASA spacecraft with beautiful history, was launched on the morning of the 16th on a 12-year quest to explore eight mysterious asteroids, seven of which are thought to be leftovers of planetary formation. Link: https://phys.org/news/2021-10-nasa-asteroid-hunter-lucy-soars.html
Colorblind zebrafish helped molecular genetics researchers at Tokyo University identify how some animals regulate their ability to see blue light. Link: https://phys.org/news/2021-10-colorblind-fish-reveal-vision-evolved.html
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope observations of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa have revealed the presence of persistent water vapor – but, mysteriously, only in one hemisphere. Link: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2021/hubble-finds-evidence-of-persistent-water-vapor-in-one-hemisphere-of-europa
Happy World Space Week! This week is possibly the most fruitful and eventful for space-lovers. Scroll down to find out what you can take part in! Link: https://www.worldspaceweek.org/
