Researchers from the Max Planck Institute have detected over a dozen types of complex organic molecules near a protostar in Orion, indicating that these molecules can withstand the harsh conditions of star formation. Notably, ethylene glycol and glycolonitrile were identified, which are precursors to DNA and RNA. This discovery suggests that the seeds of life are prevalent in space, opposing the prior belief that organic molecules were destroyed during star formation. The study implies continuity in chemical complexity from interstellar clouds to evolved planetary systems.
"Our finding points to a straight line of chemical enrichment and increasing complexity between interstellar clouds and fully evolved planetary systems."
"This suggests that the seeds of life are assembled in space and are widespread."
"Until now, the assumption has been that most organic molecules would be destroyed when a star system is born from a chilly cloud of collapsing gas called an interstellar cloud."
"Now it appears the opposite is true, where chemical building blocks can survive the violent processes that give birth to stars."
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