Astrobiology

3 articles

NASA scientist analyzing a glowing meteorite sample, with a backdrop of stars and the cosmos, symbolizing the extraterrestrial origin of Earth's life-essential elements.

NASA scientists discover how Earth gained life's essential elements

Scientists have confirmed hexamethylenetetramine (HMT), a key precursor to complex organic molecules, in three carbon-rich meteorites.

Mateo Rojas·June 4, 2026

The James Webb Space Telescope in orbit, focusing its instruments on the distant, temperate gas giant exoplanet TOI-199b, highlighting the detection of methane.

Deep Frontiers

JWST Detects Methane in Atmosphere of Temperate Exoplanet TOI-199b

On a world the size of Saturn, bathed in a balmy 79 degrees Celsius, the James Webb Space Telescope has pierced the veil of exoplanet TOI-199b, pinpointing methane, a fundamental organic molecule.

Mateo Rojas·June 1, 2026

A biodome on Mars where plants are grown in treated regolith, showcasing the potential for off-world agriculture and human settlement.

Human Origins

Biological agents transform regolith, boosting crop fertility

Scientists recently grew 27 grams of duckweed from just one gram of cyanobacteria mixed with Martian regolith simulant.

Sofia Petrova·May 23, 2026