A rare carbonaceous chondrite meteorite that crashed through a New Jersey roof has provided scientists with pristine chemical evidence regarding life's origins.

Researchers using radio telescopes have identified erythrulose within a massive gas cloud near the center of the Milky Way. The discovery supports the theory that essential chemical components for life were present in the galaxy before the solar system formed.

New research indicates Enceladus possesses a high-energy chemical environment and hydrothermal activity, suggesting its ocean could support biological life.

The discovery of complex organic molecules in Martian mudstones provides a chemical foundation for life, though scientists debate if the origin is biotic or abiotic.