A research team led by scientist Yasuhiro Oba (Institute of Low Temperature Science – Hokkaido University, Japan) has recreated the early universe to answer the question “Where do we come from?” and received a surprising response.
Previously, scientists discovered some basic organic molecules essential for life hidden within comets and asteroids. Comets and asteroids have also been suggested by earlier studies to be the “life vessels” that seeded life on Earth and other planets.
A device helping scientists recreate the building blocks of early life, thereby exploring the true origins of all species in the universe – (photo provided by the research team).
However, what seeded life onto these “comet vessels” and “asteroid vessels” remains a mystery. In this new study, astronomical models based on numerous direct and indirect data have ultimately indicated the presence of gigantic and bizarre molecular clouds, seemingly suspended between the stars. This is the “homeland” of all species in the universe, the true origin of ourselves!
To conduct the experiment, researchers used an ultra-high vacuum reaction chamber to simulate the environment inside these ancient giant gas clouds. A gas mixture of water, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and methanol was continuously “sprayed” onto a material mimicking cosmic dust within the gas clouds. Everything was cooled to -263 degrees Celsius, and then specialized lamps were used to activate chemical reactions.
Afterward, the products of the reactions were warmed up and analyzed. They were astonished to discover the emergence of nucleobases – the building blocks of early life that form DNA and RNA, in addition to other interesting materials like amino acids, which will form proteins. This was the first step leading to the formation of molecular precursors of life.
In other words, the research has rewritten the early stages of the chemical evolution process in space.
