Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:15pm on 17 Apr 2025,Thursday Science
In a groundbreaking find, scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope detected potential biosignatures—dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS)—in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18 b, located 124 light-years from Earth. These gases are produced on Earth only by microbial life, sparking excitement about possible extraterrestrial life. K2-18 b, a "hycean world" with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and liquid water ocean, orbits in a star’s habitable zone. Lead researcher Nikku Madhusudhan calls it a "transformational moment," though scientists urge caution, emphasizing the need for more data and theoretical studies to rule out non-biological explanations. (PC: University of Cambridge/Reuters)
