NASA: Mystery of Life’s Handedness Deepens

NASA-funded researchers have made a discovery that deepens the mystery of why life uses molecules with specific orientations. The study found that RNA can favor making protein building blocks in either left-hand or right-hand orientations, contrary to what scientists expected. While modern life exclusively uses left-handed amino acids to build proteins, the research shows that RNA - which some scientists believe preceded DNA in early life - doesn't inherently prefer one orientation over the other. The experiment tested various ribozyme (RNA enzyme) combinations under simulated early-Earth conditions and found no consistent bias toward either left or right-handed amino acids. This suggests that life's preference for left-handed amino acids may not have been chemically predetermined but rather emerged through later evolutionary processes. This finding has implications for the search for life across the solar system, particularly in analyzing samples from asteroids and Mars. The research team, which included scientists from UCLA and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, conducted their work with support from NASA, the Simons Foundation, and the National Science Foundation. 

Read More: https://www.nasa.gov/science-research/planetary-science/astrobiology/nasa-mystery-of-lifes-handedness-deepens/​

Trends

In a groundbreaking development that challenges our understanding of life's molecular foundations, recent NASA-funded research has revealed that RNA molecules show no inherent preference for creating either left-handed or right-handed amino acids, deepening the mystery of life's homochirality. This discovery signals a potentially significant shift in how we approach origin-of-life theories and could have far-reaching implications for astrobiology and space exploration over the next 10-15 years, particularly as we analyze samples from asteroids and other celestial bodies. The trend suggests an increasing focus on molecular-level investigations in astrobiology, with advanced analytical techniques and space missions like OSIRIS-REx playing crucial roles in unraveling these fundamental questions about life's origins. The findings point toward a future where the search for extraterrestrial life may need to consider a broader range of molecular configurations, potentially revolutionizing our approach to identifying biosignatures on other worlds. This research trend aligns with the growing intersection of astrobiology, chemistry, and space exploration, indicating that future space missions and research initiatives will likely place greater emphasis on studying molecular chirality and its role in the emergence of life, both on Earth and potentially elsewhere in the universe.

Financial Hypothesis

From a financial analysis perspective, this article primarily focuses on NASA's research activities and scientific discoveries rather than direct financial implications, but there are several notable financial aspects to consider. The research funding structure, involving multiple organizations including NASA, the Simons Foundation Collaboration on the Origin of Life, and the National Science Foundation, demonstrates a diversified investment approach in scientific research. The OSIRIS-REx mission mentioned in the article represents a significant long-term capital investment in space exploration infrastructure and technology development, which could potentially lead to valuable scientific discoveries and technological innovations. The involvement of UCLA and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center indicates substantial institutional investment in research facilities and human capital, while the ongoing analysis of samples from asteroid Bennu suggests continued financial commitment to long-term research projects. The collaborative nature of the research, involving multiple institutions and funding sources, reflects a strategic approach to managing research costs and sharing resources, which is particularly relevant in the context of complex, expensive scientific endeavors.