Genetic Building Blocks Found In Meteorite

FiReaNGeL writes to tell us scientists have confirmed that the components of genetic material could have originated in a place other than Earth. A recently published report explains how uracil and xanthine, two basic biological compounds, were found within a meteorite that landed in Australia. From Imperial College London: "They tested the meteorite material to determine whether the molecules came from the solar system or were a result of contamination when the meteorite landed on Earth. The analysis shows that the nucleobases contain a heavy form of carbon which could only have been formed in space. Materials formed on Earth consist of a lighter variety of carbon."

Comments

Re:I'm interested in what excuse..

[Psychotria]

so, what exactly is a glowing disk shaped object with red, blue, and orange lights in the sky if not a UFO? A disco ball.

Re:I, for one, ...

[pastafazou]

I, for one, welcome our new space overweights. I think they've already infiltrated us! On my drive home from work this evening, I passed a KFC....

not a crash

[deep_creek]

a meteorite that landed in Australia...
landed you say? fascinating indeed.

Re:not a crash

[MichaelSmith]

a meteorite that landed in Australia... landed you say? fascinating indeed. It was a heavy landing.

Re:A booger...of a booger...of a booger.

[Dunbal]

"Honey....your 9th x 10e47 cousin from Rigel is here! He brought the wives and kids. You know they don't like my cooking, so bring home some KFC"

Blegh, can you imagine the politics?

"Remember not to get Taco Bell because Rigellians worship a taco-shaped diety and it would be highly offensive to them... and do remember they have the technology to vaporize this continent with their wristwatches "