by Clarke M.
Member since:
July 20, 2006

DNA Building Blocks Found in Meteorites

August 09, 2011 11:55 AM UTC
views: 0 | 6 people recommend this | comments: 13
DNA Building Blocks Found in Meteorites

Less about the source of DNA coming from outerspace, than  the underlying structure that pervades space time.

BRIAN VASTAG - The Washington Post

For 50 years, scientists have debated whether the components of DNA - the molecule central to all life on Earth - could spontaneously form in space. A new analysis of a dozen meteorites found in Antarctica and elsewhere presents the strongest evidence yet that the answer is yes.

Meteorites are space rocks that have fallen to the ground, and the new report bolsters the notion that heavy meteorite bombardment of the early Earth may have seeded the planet with the stuff of life.

'[M]eteorites may have served as a molecular kit providing essential ingredients for the origin of life on Earth and possibly elsewhere,” write the authors of the report out today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

While life has not been found beyond Earth, all earthly plants and animals rely on DNA to store genetic information. At the center of the ladder-like ...

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Comments: 13

Dennis Gilman Aug 9, 2011, 12:09pm UTC
Old news to me, but many thanks. Unlike most theists, this discovery really does surprise me.
Kenny True Blue Aug 30, 2011, 6:00am UTC
What does this have to do with theism?

Why are you surprised?

Why do you believe "most theists" are not surprised?
Dennis Gilman Aug 30, 2011, 10:53am UTC
What does this have to do with theism?

Not much

Why are you surprised?

OOps, mistyping. I meant I'm not surprised and I expect that most theists will be surprised.
Dennis Gilman Aug 30, 2011, 10:58am UTC
As Ben has commented below, that is the tiny connection with theism.

One thing about his comment that science agrees with is that although life as we know it is based on DNA, DNA did not spark life as we know it.
ben Surbana Aug 9, 2011, 12:12pm UTC
God is a friend of 'descent with modification,' the product of a lesser god!

Evidence, perhaps, of 'life' on other planets?
ben Surbana Aug 9, 2011, 5:13pm UTC
My mom read the article. Here is her response:

They may contain DNA, but life is given by the Spiritual Beings, no matter how much DNA is found.
Dennis Gilman Aug 30, 2011, 10:59am UTC
Although life as we know it is based on DNA, DNA did not spark life as we know it.
Sandi S. Aug 9, 2011, 12:21pm UTC
oooh... so we are made of the same stuff as meteorites? Or meteorites somehow have our stuff on them? Either way, cool.

Whenever I read the term "space time" I hear it in Zachary Quinto's voice. :-)
Heidi S. Aug 9, 2011, 12:48pm UTC
I have heard this too. But I can't imagine why there wouldn't be DNA elsewhere in the universe.
Mike Voyce Aug 10, 2011, 6:07am UTC
What it amounts to is a little bit more of the truth has been opened for all to see. It makes it a little bit harder for the mass of humanity to hid in the cave of isolation.
Dennis Gilman Aug 30, 2011, 11:00am UTC
The lack of a roof is not always a detriment to the hiding place to be used Mike :-D)
Mike Voyce Aug 30, 2011, 2:24pm UTC
The human motivation to hide is very strong. It has always tested the patience of the teacher.

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