What does the article say? We have done the very first lab experiments to show that amino acids will form in ice in deep space. This may explain the amino acids that are seen in meteorites. Click here to read a press release. Click here to read the actual paper.

This is significant because it challenges the old paradigm that the molecules leading to life formed on Earth. Our results suggest that these life-like molecules formed in space and came to Earth after it formed. Becuase these amino acids form in the dense clouds from which solar systems are made, it also means that everywhere there are forming solar systems there will be amino acids literally falling from the sky.

And if thats not a big deal then I don't know what is. (and you can quote me on that)

Did we say there are amino acids in meteorites? Yes, lots and lots of them. Many more kinds of amino acids than are seen in living things on earth. There is an extensive scientific literature on this. See this link, for example.

What are amino acids anyway? Amino acids are very important biological molecules. All living things contain amino acids, and they do all the work of running reactions in the body. They make up all proteins, all enzymes, etc. Click here to see a chemical structure of an amino acid.

How do you simulate deep space in the lab? Well, we have some serious gizmos folks. Click here to see some pictures. How accurate are these simulations? Click here.

Who are you guys? All of the authors work at The Astrochemistry Lab at NASA's Ames Research Center in Mountain View CA. Drs. Bernstein and Dworkin are there as part of a cooperative agreement with the Center for the Study of Life in the Universe at the SETI Institute also in Mountain View. The other authors, Drs. Scott Sandford, George Cooper and Louis Allamandola are civil servants at NASA Ames.

I have questions (and a deadline) may I call? Sure, here is the contact information for all of the authors.

Here are some quotable quotes.

Do you have any pretty graphics? How about this 96 K jpeg image? It shows the connection between interstellar ices via comets and asteroids to life on Earth. See terms of use note.

How different are these two articles, and why are they different? Click here

What is this chirality thing I read about? See this link.

Also, you may want to get a comment from the people at the SETI Institute about how this fits in the larger context of Life in the Universe. Call Diane Richards (drichards@seti.org), press person there (650) 960-4513.

Are there others who can comment on this work? Sure, here are some other people you can contact.

Where can I read more? Click here to find a other web sites and references to papers in the peer-reviewed literature.

Finally, please remember that this paper is under press embargo until wed 11 PST. Contact Nature for more information.