Scientists have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) program that has the potential to detect alien life in physical samples, challenging our understanding of extraterrestrial existence. Although the inner workings of the algorithm remain a mystery, it has been trained using a variety of materials including living cells, fossils, meteorites, and lab-made chemicals. According to the scientists involved, the AI can successfully differentiate between biological and nonbiological samples 90% of the time.
The implications of this breakthrough are significant. The AI-powered test could be employed in the near future to search for signs of life on Mars by analyzing data collected by the Curiosity rover. Furthermore, it may shed light on the origins of ancient and mysterious rocks found here on Earth. By examining molecular distributions and patterns arising from life’s requirements for functional molecules, the AI method is expected to detect alternative biochemistries, potentially expanding our understanding of life beyond Earth.
Traditionally, identifying whether a sample is of biological origin or formed through random space chemistry has proven challenging. Organic molecules tend to degrade over time, making it difficult for humans alone to provide conclusive answers. Hence, the scientists devised a machine-learning algorithm to assist in this endeavor.
To train the algorithm, the researchers used pyrolysis, a technique employed by NASA spacecraft, which involves the airless heating of a sample to separate it into gas and biochar. The decomposed components of the sample were then analyzed through chromatography and mass spectroscopy to transcribe its atoms into data. The AI algorithm was trained using data from 134 carbon-rich samples of known origin, successfully distinguishing between products of recent and ancient life and organic compounds with abiotic origins.
Although the inner workings of the AI system are not fully understood, the researchers believe that it offers crucial evidence that the chemistry of life operates according to different fundamental rules than nonliving matter. The research findings suggest that biochemistry fundamentally differs from abiotic organic chemistry at a deep level.
According to study co-lead author Jim Cleaves, this research has three major implications. Firstly, it highlights the distinction between biochemistry and abiotic organic chemistry. Secondly, it suggests that we can examine samples from Mars and ancient Earth to ascertain their past existence. Lastly, the novel method holds the potential to differentiate between Earth’s biosphere and alternative biospheres, which could have significant implications for future astrobiology missions.
In conclusion, the development of this AI program represents a significant advancement in our ability to detect alien life in physical samples. By training the algorithm using various materials, the scientists have achieved a 90% accuracy rate in distinguishing between samples of biological and nonbiological origin. This breakthrough not only paves the way for future studies on Mars and Earth but also offers insights into the fundamental differences between biochemistry and abiotic organic chemistry. The potential to detect alternative biospheres further enhances our understanding of the possibility of life existing beyond our planet.
