Researchers at Kepler University achieve scientific breakthrough

A research project by the Johannes Kepler University (JKU) Linz has now shown how the building blocks of life – including amino acids and proteins – could arise in space.

Wolfgang Schöfberger and Lucas Fernández from the Schoefberger Lab at the Institute of Organic Chemistry at JKU can celebrate a scientific breakthrough.

Through electrochemical experiments using a meteorite as a catalyst, the two chemists were able to prove that a mineral contained in the meteorite releases ammonia in a complex reaction – the missing building block of prebiotic molecules was found, the university reports.

“In a further step, we were able to provide concrete evidence of the formation of these molecules. These discoveries significantly expand our understanding of astrobiological chemistry and provide valuable insights into prebiotic processes and the possible presence of building blocks of life throughout the universe,” explains Schöfberger.

These molecules could have arrived on various planets via meteorites – and, under the right conditions, become the building blocks of life. “One of the great mysteries in researching the origin of life is the question of how the first cell and the first living organism came into being,” says Schöfberger.

“Although this is still hotly debated, we now know that prebiotic molecules can actually form on meteorites.”

An important breakthrough, say the two researchers in a statement; and what worked on Earth could well have been successful on other planets as well.

“Our research is an indication that life may actually be more common than we think,” says Lucas Fernández. The research results have now been published in the renowned journal Chemistry – A European Journal.