Researchers from Tohoku University propose that organic materials on Mars might have originated from atmospheric formaldehyde, suggesting the planet’s early atmosphere could support the formation of life-essential biomolecules. Credit: SciTechDaily.com’ ancient atmosphere, rich in formaldehyde, could have supported the creation of organic materials essential for life, shedding light on the planet’s potential for past habitability.
Organic materials discovered on Mars may have originated from atmospheric formaldehyde, according to new research, marking a step forward in our understanding of the possibility of past life on the Red Planet. Scientists from Tohoku University have investigated whether the early atmospheric conditions on Mars had the potential to foster the formation of biomolecules — organic compounds essential for biological processes. Their findings, published inToday, Mars presents a harsh environment characterized by dryness and extreme cold, but geological evidence hints at a more hospitable past. About 3.8-3.
Diagram showing the formation of formaldehyde in the warm atmosphere of ancient Mars and its conversion into molecules vital for life in the ocean. Credit: Shungo KoyamaThe researchers investigated whether formaldehyde could have formed in the early Martian environment. Formaldehyde is a simple organic compound that plays a crucial role as a precursor for the formation of vital biomolecules through purely chemical or physical processes.
Reference: “Atmospheric formaldehyde production on early Mars leading to a potential formation of bio-important molecules” by Shungo Koyama, Arihiro Kamada, Yoshihiro Furukawa, Naoki Terada, Yuki Nakamura, Tatsuya Yoshida, Takeshi Kuroda and Ann Carine Vandaele, 9 February 2024,SciTechDaily: Home of the best science and technology news since 1998. Keep up with the latest scitech news via email or social media.
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