The Tiny Electrical Device Hunting for Signs of Alien Life

Researchers at the University of Osaka have developed a tiny electrical sensor that can distinguish mirror-image amino acids at the single-molecule level.

Combined with AI, the technology can detect the chemical patterns associated with life and has already been tested on meteorite and desert samples. The approach could eventually lead to compact instruments for searching for extraterrestrial life on future space missions.

Thank you for listening to Bedtime Astronomy — your guide to the cosmos. New episodes on space exploration, NASA missions & the latest astronomy breakthroughs.

This episode includes AI-generated content.