Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Conversation
The Conversation
Kliti Grice, John Curtin Distinguished Professor of Organic and Isotope Geochemistry, Curtin University

All 5 fundamental units of life’s genetic code were just discovered in an asteroid sample

Ryugu sample in its return capsule. JAXA

A new study reveals all five fundamental nucleobases – the molecular “letters” of life – have been detected in samples from the asteroid Ryugu.

Asteroid particles offer a glimpse into the chemical ingredients that may have helped kindle life on Earth. The Ryugu samples were returned from space in 2020 by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Hayabusa2 mission.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.