Protein from Space May Help Answer How Life on Earth Began

Scientists have for the very first time discovered a protein molecule from an object from outer space – a historic finding which could provide key clues to understanding how life originated on Earth, or even elsewhere in the universe.

The study, co-authored by molecular biologist at Harvard University Julie McGeoch, notes that traces of the protein called “hemolithin” were found inside a meteorite following over a decade of research.

Now, the scientists are studying whether hemolithin is able to split water into its oxygen and hydrogen parts, which, if it is, “could be a chemical energy source, which is the most important ingredient for a biochemical process leading on to life”, explains McGeoch.