A new study finds that many planets may host so-called "autocatalytic" chemical reactions,It can use a variety of chemical elements other than carbon to create life forms that are completely different from the carbon-based life on Earth.It is known that life on Earth is based on organic compounds, molecules composed of carbon and often elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur.But scientists have always suspected that the basis of alien life may be based on completely different chemical reactions. For example, some scientists speculate that silicon may also be the basis of life.
Autocatalysis is a chemical interaction crucial to life on Earth. An autocatalytic reaction produces molecules that cause the same reaction to happen again, allowing the reaction to continue.
In the latest research, scientists aimed to look for autocatalytic reactions outside of organic compounds. The scientists analyzed scientific documents written in many different languages over more than two centuries. The research team noted that through efficient language search and translation tools, they were able to design and evaluate for the first time the universality of autocatalytic reactions.
Ultimately, the scientists found 270 different autocatalytic reactions, most of which did not use organic compounds and some involving elements that do not exist or are extremely rare in life on Earth - such as mercury or the radioactive metal thorium.
Many autocatalytic reactions may only occur at extremely high or low temperatures or pressures, and the researchers even discovered four autocatalytic reactions involving noble gases.
Researchers said that in addition to having an impact on the search for life in the universe and understanding the origin of life, the latest research may also have practical applications, such as optimizing chemical synthesis and efficient use of resources and energy.