Scientists say they have discovered a new chemical pattern that could help detect signs of life beyond Earth.
The study, published in Nature Astronomy, suggests that researchers may not need to focus only on finding certain molecules on distant planets and moons. Instead, they can study how chemicals are arranged and distributed.
Researchers said living systems create unique organizational patterns that are different from non-living chemical reactions.
The study was led by scientists from institutions including University of California, Riverside and the Weizmann Institute of Science.
According to the researchers, biological samples showed more structured and balanced chemical patterns compared to materials formed naturally in space or laboratories.
The team used statistical methods commonly applied in ecology to analyse chemical data from microbes, soils, meteorites, asteroids and fossils.
Scientists said the method could help future missions searching for life on places such as Mars, Europa and Enceladus.
Researchers also found that even ancient and damaged fossils still carried detectable biological patterns.
They said the new technique will not be enough on its own to confirm extraterrestrial life, but it could become an important tool when combined with other scientific evidence.
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