Japan-led mission uncovers asteroid with all 5 ‘letters’ of DNA, breakthrough for understanding life’s origins

Analysis of samples from the asteroid Ryugu has revealed all five nucleobases essential to DNA and RNA, strengthening evidence that life’s chemical building blocks are widespread in space. While not proof of extraterrestrial life, the finding suggests asteroids could have delivered key ingredients to early Earth, offering new insight into how life’s fundamental chemistry may emerge across the universe.