In NASA asteroid samples, scientists discover key building blocks of life

The SummaryA NASA spacecraft brought samples from the asteroid Bennu back to Earth in 2023.The first in-depth analyses of that material have revealed organic molecules, including building blocks of life. The results bolster the theory that asteroids that crashed into Earth may have delivered the ingredients for life.In samples taken from a distant asteroid, scientists have discovered a host of organic molecules, including key building blocks of life. The surprising finding suggests the chemical ingredients necessary for life may have been widespread across the early solar system.NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which launched in 2016, scooped up bits of dust, soil and rocks from the asteroid Bennu and then brought them to Earth in 2023. The 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid is thought to have formed in the first 10 million years of the solar system’s existence.An analysis of that collected asteroid material, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, indicates that the samples included thousands of organic compounds and 14 of the 20 amino acids that life on Earth uses to form proteins. The samples also contained four “nucleobases” — the main components of DNA and RNA, which store and transmit genetic blueprints within our cells.The researchers did not find evidence of life itself on Bennu; rather, their results bolster the theory that asteroids that crashed into Earth when it was young may have delivered the necessary ingredients for life to take hold. The findings could also mean that the chances life formed on other planets and moons in the solar system could be higher than scientists previously thought.The asteroid Bennu seen from the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.NASA“The OSIRIS-REx mission is already rewriting the textbook on what we understand about the ingredients thought to be necessary for the emergence of life in our solar system,” Nicky Fox, the associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, said Wednesday in a news briefing.Similar organic molecules, including amino acids, have been detected in meteorites before, but these fragments of space rocks are imperfect specimens because they are studied after enduring fiery trips through Earth’s atmosphere. Whereas meteorites have been exposed to and contaminated by conditions on Earth that could skew scientific results, gathering samples directly from an asteroid in space is like peering into a time capsule from the nascent solar system.“What’s so significant about the OSIRIS-REx Bennu findings is that those samples are pristine,” said Danny Glavin, an astrobiologist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The return canister that carried the Bennu samples shielded them from harsh conditions during atmospheric re-entry, Glavin said.NASA scientists collect data shortly after the sample return capsule from NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission landed at the Department of Defense’s Utah Test and Training Range on Sept. 24, 2023. Keegan Barber / NASA via Getty Images file“The bottom line is: We have a higher confidence that the organic material we’re seeing in these samples are extraterrestrial and not contamination,” he said. “We can trust these results.”In the samples from Bennu, the researchers stumbled on some surprises. For one, they found exceptionally high concentrations of ammonia — “about 100 times more than the natural levels of ammonia that you find in soils on the Earth,” Glavin said.Ammonia is an essential ingredient in many biological processes, including as a building block to form amino acids, which in turn can link together into long chains to make proteins.Another surprise was described in a second paper published Wednesday in the journal Nature: Researchers found traces of 11 minerals that were likely part of a briny mixture left behind after deposits of water evaporated off Bennu and its parent asteroid.The salty crystals left behind by the evaporated water resembled sodium-rich crusts found in dry lakebeds on Earth, such as Searles Lake in California, said Tim McCoy, curator of meteorites at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C., and a co-author of both studies.“We now know from Bennu that the raw ingredients of life were combining in really interesting and complex ways on Bennu’s parent body,” McCoy said in a statement. “We have discovered that next step on a pathway to life.”A microscope image of a sample collected from the asteroid Bennu shows sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash.Rob Wardell, Tim Gooding and Tim McCoy / SmithsonianThe minerals detected included sodium carbonate compounds such as trona (sometimes referred to as “soda ash”) that the scientists said had never been observed in other extraterrestrial samples. Similar briny mixtures are thought to exist on Saturn’s moon Enceladus and the dwarf planet Ceres. The two new studies represent the first in-depth analyses of the Bennu samples. In 2023, scientists announced preliminary findings, including traces of carbon and water locked up in clay minerals. The soil and rock from Bennu are the first samples NASA has collected and brought back from an asteroid, but they were not the first in history. Japan’s Hayabusa mission in 2010 delivered to Earth a few micrograms of material from an asteroid called Itokawa. A second mission, dubbed Hayabusa2, delivered a small sample from an asteroid known as Ryugu in 2020. While the samples from Bennu have already yielded intriguing results, more research is needed to understand what precisely causes life to emerge on one planet or moon and not others. “What did Bennu not have that Earth did have?” said Jason Dworkin, an OSIRIS-REx project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. “This is a future area of study for astrobiologists around the world to ponder, looking at Bennu as an example of a place that had all the stuff but didn’t make life. Why was Earth special?”

Loch Ness Monster is a common water creature, scientist suggests — after prod from Prince William

He’s a regular Sher-Loch Holmes.

After eluding scientists and monster hunters for centuries, the mystery of Loch Ness may have just been revealed — and all it took was an off-the-cuff remark made by His Royal Highness Prince William to a scientist.

During a visit to NatureMetrics, a research lab near London, the heir to the throne asked if the institution’s ability to extract environmental DNA, or eDNA, from water and other natural substances meant they’d been able to answer the nagging Nessie question, The Telegraph reported.

The Prince Of Wales analyzes pond water while visiting NatureMetrics, a DNA research company. News Licensing / MEGA

An iconic alleged photo of the Loch Ness Monster, near Inverness, Scotland, April 19, 1934. Getty Images

While observing a demonstration, he quipped, “does this mean you can find the Loch Ness Monster?”

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Firm founder Dr. Kat Bruce then claimed that the so-called creature was more likely a “very big eel” — at least according to testing done on one of the world’s most infamous lakes.

The Prince of Wales talks with Dr. Kat Bruce, founder of NatureMetrics as they look at eDNA samples extracted around the world. PA Images/INSTARimages

Loch Ness is one of the world’s most famous lakes, thanks to the historic legend that has captivated generations. AFP via Getty Images

“People have tried [to find the monster],” the Loch-blocker lectured. “People came from New Zealand to try that and they took about 500 eDNA samples and no, they said they had found eels.”

She added, “All they needed to find was one unidentified piece of eDNA and they could have had a story.”

Dr. Bruce has reportedly been asked in the past to deploy NatureMetrics’ tech to locate all kinds of cryptozoological curiosities, including Sasquatch and its Himalayan cousin the Yeti, but to no avail.

An eel is not the only critter that monster hunters might be mistaking for the long-necked legend, apparently.

In the past, so-called sightings of the mythical modern-day plesiosaur have been blamed on everything from boat wakes to floating logs — but one expert is calling fowl play.

“Of course, there are long-necked creatures on Loch Ness — we call them swans,” said Adrian Shine, a Scottish Naturalist who has been tracking the creature for 50 years.

“Boat wakes are probably the number one cause of monster sightings, and waterbirds are the long-necked ones,” the self-proclaimed “sympathetic skeptic” explained.

“And in calm conditions, you can lose your ability to judge distance, and if you can’t judge distance, you can’t judge size.”

A few years back, one daring academic proposed that the mythical beast is actually a “whale’s penis” — only to retract the whopper of a theory after being ridiculed mercilessly.

Loch Ness Monster is a common water creature, scientist suggests — after prod from Prince William

He’s a regular Sher-Loch Holmes.

After eluding scientists and monster hunters for centuries, the mystery of Loch Ness may have just been revealed — and all it took was an off-the-cuff remark made by His Royal Highness Prince William to a scientist.

During a visit to NatureMetrics, a research lab near London, the heir to the throne asked if the institution’s ability to extract environmental DNA, or eDNA, from water and other natural substances meant they’d been able to answer the nagging Nessie question, The Telegraph reported.

The Prince Of Wales analyzes pond water while visiting NatureMetrics, a DNA research company. News Licensing / MEGA

An iconic alleged photo of the Loch Ness Monster, near Inverness, Scotland, April 19, 1934. Getty Images

While observing a demonstration, he quipped, “does this mean you can find the Loch Ness Monster?”

Explore More

Firm founder Dr. Kat Bruce then claimed that the so-called creature was more likely a “very big eel” — at least according to testing done on one of the world’s most infamous lakes.

The Prince of Wales talks with Dr. Kat Bruce, founder of NatureMetrics as they look at eDNA samples extracted around the world. PA Images/INSTARimages

Loch Ness is one of the world’s most famous lakes, thanks to the historic legend that has captivated generations. AFP via Getty Images

“People have tried [to find the monster],” the Loch-blocker lectured. “People came from New Zealand to try that and they took about 500 eDNA samples and no, they said they had found eels.”

She added, “All they needed to find was one unidentified piece of eDNA and they could have had a story.”

Dr. Bruce has reportedly been asked in the past to deploy NatureMetrics’ tech to locate all kinds of cryptozoological curiosities, including Sasquatch and its Himalayan cousin the Yeti, but to no avail.

An eel is not the only critter that monster hunters might be mistaking for the long-necked legend, apparently.

In the past, so-called sightings of the mythical modern-day plesiosaur have been blamed on everything from boat wakes to floating logs — but one expert is calling fowl play.

“Of course, there are long-necked creatures on Loch Ness — we call them swans,” said Adrian Shine, a Scottish Naturalist who has been tracking the creature for 50 years.

“Boat wakes are probably the number one cause of monster sightings, and waterbirds are the long-necked ones,” the self-proclaimed “sympathetic skeptic” explained.

“And in calm conditions, you can lose your ability to judge distance, and if you can’t judge distance, you can’t judge size.”

A few years back, one daring academic proposed that the mythical beast is actually a “whale’s penis” — only to retract the whopper of a theory after being ridiculed mercilessly.

Biz Talk: AED launches Arlington Tech Launchpad

AED Launches Arlington Tech Launchpad
Arlington Tech Launchpad: A Global Invitation for Tech Founders to Thrive in Arlington
This article is sponsored by Arlington Economic Development.
Arlington, Virginia, continues to step up as a leader in tech innovation with the introduction of the Arlington Tech Launchpad, an ambitious program designed to attract tech founders from around the world to one of the most dynamic business hubs in the United States.
More than just a business destination, Arlington is a launchpad for success. With strengths in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, aerospace, defense, machine learning, cloud computing, and big data, Arlington offers fertile ground for high-tech ventures. The Arlington Tech Launchpad aims to connect international and domestic founders to this vibrant ecosystem, making it easier than ever for companies to establish and grow in the U.S.
Arlington is home to a rapidly growing tech ecosystem. With global tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing and Accenture calling it home, the region is quickly becoming a recognized hub for innovation, collaboration and growth. Through the Arlington Tech Launchpad, founders will gain access to the region’s extensive resources, business networks, and partnership opportunities — whether they’re entering the U.S. market for the first time or scaling an existing business.
Know a tech founder who could benefit from this program? Whether they’re based domestically or internationally, encourage them to seize this opportunity. Together, we can shape Arlington into a globally recognized tech hub and the premier destination for tech innovation.
“Arlington is committed to making our community even better by bringing new ideas and technologies that fuel growth and innovation. With the Arlington Tech Launchpad, we’re connecting global tech founders with our thriving business ecosystem, helping us stay at the forefront of progress and create more economic opportunities,” said Michael Stiefvater, Director of Business Investment at Arlington Economic Development.
The Arlington Tech Launchpad will host Discover Arlington: Virtual Business Engagement on February 26. Additionally, the exclusive Explore Arlington: 3-Day Immersion Program will provide up to 12 tech founders the chance to tour Arlington, engage with the local business community, and explore opportunities for funding, customer discovery, and partnerships from May 14–16, 2025.
With its diverse and welcoming community, robust infrastructure and extensive network of partners, Arlington is an ideal location for tech startups and established businesses to expand and thrive. The Arlington Tech Launchpad is dedicated to providing the tools, connections, and support necessary for companies to achieve success.
Stay up to date on the Arlington Tech Launchpad by subscribing to email updates, following Arlington Tech Launchpad LinkedIn or follow Arlington Economic Development on LinkedIn.

Wethersfield book theft tied to same crime in other CT towns

A Middletown man was arrested in Wethersfield, accused of book theft and, according to court documents, is tied to other book theft incidents in central Connecticut.

Residents in Wethersfield thought the crime was fiction at first.

“It’s really immoral, I just can’t imagine doing that, taking something precious from the library,” MaryAnne Boscarino said.

Wethersfield police arrested 50-year-old Levi Preston for allegedly stealing $5,600 worth of books from the Wethersfield Public Library.

“It’s like why, you can come to the library, get a library card, take the books out and return them,” another Wethersfield resident said.

In the release from the Wethersfield Police Department, they noted they were assisted by the West Hartford Police Department. Preston was arrested there, as well, for allegedly the same crime.

A warrant application written by the Middletown Police Department accuses Preston of the same crime at their public library, and ties the three together, while noting similar crime at libraries in other parts of central Connecticut.

“When you steal from your public library, you are stealing from your community,” Scott Jarzombek with the Connecticut Library Association said.

According to the warrant, over the course of years, Preston is alleged to have stolen $2,000 worth of books from the Russell Library in Middletown, and over $16,000 worth of books from the West Hartford Library.

The warrant for his arrest noted the theft in Middletown and West Hartford happened back in 2022 and 2023.

“I wouldn’t say this is a pressing issue, but it is something that library directors, staff and professionals have to deal with,” Jarzombek said.

Jarzombek said book theft sometimes happens because people are embarrassed or nervous to check out books on sensitive topics at a small-town library. He understands that, but just asks people to return them.

But, when a book is taken for resale, that’s a different level of frustration.

“We take it personal, we don’t have a ton of money, and we are responsible with our spending, so it comes down to, do we replace these items?” Jarzombek said.

He said typically, they only find out about the theft when someone comes to the desk looking for a specific book. They check their system for its location, the system notes they have it and it isn’t on the shelf.  

“I always feel bad when a patron is really excited for that “Dogman” book and we get to the shelf and I have to say I’m sorry… it’s not there,” he said.

The solution, he said, would be to increase security, which is expensive for often strained library budgets. He also doesn’t believe that is necessarily the right solution, because libraries are meant to be safe and welcoming spaces.

“We don’t want a space where a security guard is watching you, or a staff member is hovering over you,” he said.

Residents also don’t know if that’s the best course.

“I’m sure it’s easy to do unfortunately, and they don’t want to put the money into security, they want to put the money into books and programs,” Boscarino said.

The library association did offer some advice related to book theft. If you come across a book for sale that has a stamp with the name of a library, just reach out.

Jarzombek said the library likely won’t want it back because it’s already reported missing, but it helps them determine if it was stolen.

8 Best Movies About Money and Business on Prime Video (January 2025)

In the vast landscape of Amazon Prime Video, there lies a wealth of cinematic treasures that explore the dynamic intersections of money and business. While Amazon stands as a titan of modern commerce, its streaming platform offers more than just the tale of its ascent. These films serve as compelling narratives, offering entertainment and enlightenment, from the boardrooms of corporate giants to the grassroots struggles of budding entrepreneurs. Join us as we uncover the best movies about money and business on Prime Video, where each story promises to inspire, educate, and captivate audiences with its unique insights and narratives.

19 Best Wedding and Marriage Movies on Netflix (January 2025)

When it comes to Netflix and weddings, there’s a shared thread of commitment weaving through both. Just as subscribing to Netflix means diving into an endless stream of engaging content, entering into a marriage signifies a lifelong promise of companionship and shared moments. What better way to celebrate this bond than by indulging in some of the best wedding and marriage movies available on Netflix? Whether you’re a bride-to-be looking for inspiration, a couple reminiscing about your own special day, or simply a fan of heartwarming stories, these films offer a delightful mix of romance, humor, and drama that beautifully absorb and emit the essence of love and commitment. Get ready to say “I do” to some unforgettable cinematic experiences.

13 Best Love Triangle Movies on Netflix (January 2025)

Peeling back the complicated layers of human emotions, Netflix offers a cinematic feast with its roster of captivating/problematic love triangle movies. From heart-wrenching dramas to exhilarating romances, these films look into the tangled webs of passion, desire, and betrayal. Picture yourself on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you witness characters navigate the precarious terrain of love and longing. Whether you’re drawn to classic tales of forbidden romance or modern twists on age-old dilemmas, Netflix has something to satiate every cinephile’s appetite. Join us as we count down the best love triangle movies on Netflix, where every frame pulses with the heartbeat of romance (or lust?).

Majorca tourist tax set to hit Hollywood A-listers and may stop them from living there

Celebrity A listers will not be exempt from Spain’s controversial property tax, throwing any dreams of buying a property there into doubt.Nicole Kidman, Michael Douglas and Kylie Jenner are just some of the famous faces who love to holiday on the beautiful island. Kidman even fell in love with the island while filming there two years ago, according to reports.Last year Tom Cruise sent the rumour mill into overdrive with reports that he was planning on purchasing a Majorcan property.However, even if Tom Cruise wanted to, the likelihood of mega-stars being able to buy on the island are now “slim” thanks to plans by the Spanish government.The new tax aims to discourage nationals from countries outside the European Union from buying a property there.”The chances of these people becoming a Spanish resident are slim and as they come from countries outside the European Union they will be affected by the proposed tax announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez,” one property expert told Bulletin online.Spain has long been a popular destination for holiday home buyers trying to build a new life in a sunnier climate.Although many people doubt that the tax will ever become a reality, it will have raised concern among non-European Union residents who want to buy property in Spain.The two biggest nationalities it will affect are the British and the Americans – who are among the biggest buyers of Spanish property.Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, announced the “unprecedented” tax in an attempt to get a grip on the housing crisis in Spain.The reform would charge non-EU citizens who are not resident in the country a 100% tax when buying property.Mr Sanchez said: “In 2023 alone non-residents from outside the EU purchased 27,000 houses and flats, not to live in them because mainly they bought them to speculate, to earn money with them, which is something that in the context of the problems many people are experiencing is something we can’t permit.”Property prices had increased by 48% in the past decade in Europe, he added.

Africa’s huge abandoned castle that is now a haven for dark tourism

Most tourists would not necessarily think about visiting castles when travelling to Africa.Castles are normally associated with Europe, and they are architectural monuments from the glorious medieval past.Africa is better known for its stunning natural landscapes and varied wildlife that Europe cannot rival.Yet the continent has its fair share of fascinating castles and fortresses that should be on everyone’s list to visit.From the Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria, Egypt – to the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, Morocco – these royal and military complexes are some of the world’s most breathtaking.One castle that has become a dark tourism hotspot is Ghana’s St George’s Castle, also known as Elmina Castle.Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was originally constructed as a trading post by the Portuguese in 1482.The castle was expanded when slaves replaced gold as the major object of commerce.It is the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa and was eventually captured by the Dutch in 1637.The castle then became the headquarters of their West Indies Company for the following 250 years.The castle offers much to see for those willing to take the time to explore its grounds.Tourists can visit the grim dungeons, punishment cells, Door of No Return and the turret room where the British imprisoned the Ashanti King, Prempeh I, for four years.The castle is located in a picturesque fishing town along Ghana’s coast, which makes it a great place to spend some time.Looming above the town is Fort San Jago, established by the Dutch in 1665 on St. George Hill. It has a commanding view of the castle below.From this vantage point, the Dutch launched their successful land attack on Elmina Castle in 1637.The town also has several impressive Posuban shrines, which can be anything from simple statues to elaborate concrete structures with life-size figures, fantasy creatures, and other strange objects.