Astronomy science ~ A surprising discovery: researchers showed that DNA can survive in conditions that barely sustain life in space. DNA ca...
Astronomy science ~ A surprising discovery: researchers showed that DNA can survive in conditions that barely sustain life in space. DNA can also survive on the way out and back from the atmosphere.
Researchers put the two small samples of DNA on the outside of the rocket, and was very surprised because almost all of the samples was found to survive. It means that DNA could survive despite having to go through extreme temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Celsius, while the journey to orbit and back to Earth. The findings sparked a possibility molecules of life from outer space into the earth.
Research conducted by scientists from the University of Zurich in Switzerland, with the mission TEXUS-49 launched from the base Esrange in Kiruna. Previously intended to study the effect of gravity on the human gen.
But the scientists decided, in addition, to test the effects of space travel on the DNA are placed at three positions on the outside of the rocket, and was surprised that DNA could survive.
Many scientists believe comets have brought organic elements of life such as amino acids to earth, in the early history of the emergence of life. Some even think further, that the DNA reaches the earth through meteor dust.
A theory called panspermia, mention that there are 100 tons of meteor dust that reaches the earth every day. During the experiment, it was found partially DNA can be fully functional. "We were very surprised with the findings," said Dr. Cora Thiel, one of the scientists involved in the study.
Other scientists, Professor Oliver Ullrich, adding that the studies that they do provide evidence that the genetic information of DNA is essential to survive in extreme conditions in space, and made it into the earth through the atmosphere.
The researchers said the mission trips to other planets must be examined carefully the possibility of contamination. "The results show, even with all the precautions, a spacecraft can carry foreign DNA life," said Ullrich.
In August, Russian cosmonaut find any traces of plankton and other microorganisms, which live on the outside of the International Space Station. They claim plankton are not taken at launch, but presumably the wind while on earth.
It showed that the organism could survive in the vacuum in space, as well as very cold temperatures, after a very hot temperatures while through the atmosphere.
Researchers put the two small samples of DNA on the outside of the rocket, and was very surprised because almost all of the samples was found to survive. It means that DNA could survive despite having to go through extreme temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Celsius, while the journey to orbit and back to Earth. The findings sparked a possibility molecules of life from outer space into the earth.
Research conducted by scientists from the University of Zurich in Switzerland, with the mission TEXUS-49 launched from the base Esrange in Kiruna. Previously intended to study the effect of gravity on the human gen.
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TEXUS-49 rocket launch |
Many scientists believe comets have brought organic elements of life such as amino acids to earth, in the early history of the emergence of life. Some even think further, that the DNA reaches the earth through meteor dust.
A theory called panspermia, mention that there are 100 tons of meteor dust that reaches the earth every day. During the experiment, it was found partially DNA can be fully functional. "We were very surprised with the findings," said Dr. Cora Thiel, one of the scientists involved in the study.
Other scientists, Professor Oliver Ullrich, adding that the studies that they do provide evidence that the genetic information of DNA is essential to survive in extreme conditions in space, and made it into the earth through the atmosphere.
The researchers said the mission trips to other planets must be examined carefully the possibility of contamination. "The results show, even with all the precautions, a spacecraft can carry foreign DNA life," said Ullrich.
In August, Russian cosmonaut find any traces of plankton and other microorganisms, which live on the outside of the International Space Station. They claim plankton are not taken at launch, but presumably the wind while on earth.
It showed that the organism could survive in the vacuum in space, as well as very cold temperatures, after a very hot temperatures while through the atmosphere.