Webb finds molecule only made by living things in another world

L4sBot@lemmy.worldmod to Technology@lemmy.world – 328 points – Webb finds molecule only made by living things in another world
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Webb finds molecule only made by living things in another world::undefined

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To me it’s not a matter of whether live exists anymore, but where it exists

While I agree there is a very high probability of life out there, we truly do not know until we can prove it. This evidence JWT found may have another explanation that our scientists are unaware of yet.

Also probably simple life, I mean the eycariote cell happened only once on our planet ...

I’m so excited to discover a totally different take on life because it will help us truly define what life is.

Then again if we find a similar take on life (carbon based, compatible chemistry to life on earth) then that’s pretty interesting too, implying either panspermia or that there’s something special about this configuration. It also likely means we have more potential for useful discoveries from that life system, as well as threats.

Convergent evolution happens all the time with life on earth. The fact the other life has developed in a similar way will not be surprising. It likely wouldn't be identical, but if they use a similar basis for a DNA type thing, or something like that, it won't imply panspermia.

implying either panspermia or that there’s something special about this configuration

Or that it's just as inevitable a result of chemical reactions under certain conditions as mixing baking soda and vinegar.

I’d be pretty happy to put $100 right now on life being found on almost every planet and moon throughout the galaxy where liquid water exists.

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