For centuries, humanity has been fascinated by the idea of life on other planets. A team of researchers from George Mason University (Virginia, USA) has developed a new artificial intelligence algorithm that can detect extraterrestrial life with 90 percent accuracy. The team says this is a major step forward in finding life within the Solar System and beyond.
What the researchers reported
During extensive studies of space, scientists have found many components necessary for life — in particular amino acids and nucleotides, which are building blocks of DNA. But it hasn’t been clear whether these molecules indicate life or are just abiotic products, such as gases and other chemicals.
Now, the researchers have developed an artificial intelligence model that can classify whether a sample is biotic or abiotic. The model identifies samples with about 90 percent accuracy, the Daily Mail reported. To create the model, scientists analyzed 134 samples — including living cells, fossil fuels, meteorites, and various organic compounds — breaking the samples into components and identifying subtle differences in molecular structures and masses.
Dr. Robert Hazen, the study’s lead author, said the results represent a major advance in our ability to recognize biochemical signatures of life beyond Earth.
Hazen said the AI could enable intelligent sensors on unmanned spacecraft to search for signs of life.
“These results mean we will be able to find life from another planet or biosphere, even if it’s very different from life on Earth,” Hazen said. If scientists do find signs of life elsewhere, the analysis could help determine whether life on other worlds shares Earth’s origins or arose independently.
Currently, the team plans to use this AI model to test samples collected by the Curiosity rover on Mars. The model may also help scientists interpret the history of ancient rocks on Earth and pinpoint when life first emerged on our planet.
The research was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
