Re:Wow. (Score 1)

It is true that for many years scientists firmly believed in only a biological origin for life here on earth. It is nice to see however, that the abiotic synthesis theory is proving itself in some beginning stages by this evidence in this meteorite found in Australia. These organic molecules are not necessarily protobionts (self-replicating molecules that had their own internal chemistry different from the outside environment and are believed to predate living cells), however it makes room for the assumption that if these organic compounds, (xanthine-a purine base commonly found in body tissues and fluids) and a ribonucleoside (uracil, with its ability to absorb light energy) can form on their own, then it is possible to for the abiotic synthesis theory to gain new merit in the scientific community. Obviously there was nothing living in the meteorite, however it opens the door of possible life elsewhere, or at minimum some room for organisms to develop into living matter, given the optimal conditions. This is assuming that the origin of these molecules is purely extraterrestrial in nature and did not bond with organic material upon entering the Earth's environment. Until we can get some purely sterile research conducted in space on an existing meteor and come up with comparable results, there is no way to make a conclusive analysis.