Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in the search for signs of life on other planets. A group of US researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that boasts 90% accuracy in identifying signs of life, even if they may not initially appear as such. The development of this AI system marks an important step forward in our ability to recognize biochemical signs of life on other worlds.
For decades, scientists have known that simple chemicals can combine to form complex molecules necessary for life, such as amino acids. Additionally, many of the components required for life, like nucleotides for DNA, have been detected in space. However, experts have been unable to determine whether these components have a biological origin or are a result of non-biological processes.
Lead researcher Robert Hazen, from George Mason University, explained that the new AI system offers a remarkable advancement in our ability to identify signs of life. It opens up the possibility of using smart sensors on unmanned spaceships to search for signs of life on other planets. The researchers applied a form of chemical analysis to break down samples and train the AI system to distinguish between biotic (biological) and abiotic (non-biological) origins.
The AI system was trained using data from 134 samples, including living cells, fossil fuels, lab-synthesized amino acids, and samples from carbon-rich meteorites. The machine-learning methods employed resulted in a model with over 90% accuracy in predicting whether a specimen is of biotic or abiotic origin. Moreover, the system has the potential to differentiate between fossil samples and more recent biological samples.
This breakthrough has significant implications for space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life. The AI system’s ability to differentiate between biotic and abiotic compounds could help determine whether life on Earth and other planets shares a common origin. It also offers hope in identifying different attributes of life, such as photosynthetic life or cells with a nucleus.
Astrobiologists have praised this study as very exciting and have suggested testing the AI system on some of the oldest and most disputed traces of Earth life, as well as modern and fossil organisms, to help settle ongoing debates.
In conclusion, this AI system represents a valuable tool in the search for signs of life on other planets. Its ability to accurately identify biochemical signatures opens up new possibilities for future exploration and understanding the origins of life, both on Earth and beyond.
