The Cosmic Code: Life's Genetic Units Found in Asteroid Ryugu
02 April 2026

The Cosmic Code: Life's Genetic Units Found in Asteroid Ryugu

Bedtime Astronomy

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Scientists have identified all five nucleobases of the genetic code in pristine samples from the asteroid Ryugu, collected by the Hayabusa2.

The finding shows that the core components of DNA and RNA existed in space before life on Earth, supporting the idea that asteroids may have delivered the raw ingredients for biology.

The origin of life may be deeply rooted in cosmic chemistry.

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