Webb finds molecule only made by living things in another world (mashable.com)

submitted 1 year ago by Dave@lemmy.nz to c/space@beehaw.org

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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/5090028

While the James Webb Space Telescope observed the atmosphere of an alien world 120 light-years away, it picked up hints of a substance only made by living things — at least, that is, on Earth.

This molecule, known as dimethyl sulfide, is primarily produced by phytoplankton, microscopic plant-like organisms in salty seas as well as freshwater.

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[-] ConstableJelly@beehaw.org 17 points 1 year ago

tl;dr "only made by" is not the same as "primarily produced by." The molecule in question is only made by living things on Earth.

Scientists involved in the research caution that the evidence supporting the presence of dimethyl sulfide — DMS, for short — is tenuous and "requires further validation," according to a Space Telescope Science Institute statement.