RNA May Be Common throughout the Cosmos, New Study Suggests

Scientists have demonstrated how RNA, a key molecule in all Earth life, could have naturally formed 4.3 billion years ago through asteroid impacts and chemical reactions involving borate compounds. Laboratory experiments showed that heating and drying mixtures of early Earth materials, including ribose sugar and borate minerals, produced RNA-like molecules that could become proper RNA with minimal additional reactions. The researchers argue this process was likely common throughout the cosmos since asteroid impacts were frequent during planetary formation, suggesting RNA and potentially life could exist widely across the universe, though some experts remain skeptical about natural RNA formation.