Scientists were able to create a new AI algorithm, grounded on machine learning, that can differentiate non biological and biological samples with an accuracy level of 90%.
AI Algorithm Can Distinguish Life
The algorithm was trained with actual cells, meteorites, fossils, and chemicals made in the laboratory. With its incredible capacity and accuracy, the algorithm could be put to test. The algorithm could search for life on Mars by examining data on the samples that the Curiosity rover collected. It can also be used to shed light on the ancient and mysterious rock samples found on our planet.
It is already known that combining chemicals and keeping them at primordial sea temperatures may lead to the generation of organic molecules like amino acids. However, if the hypothesis regarding life beyond Earth is to be proven, scientists need to be able to concretely identify biological origins.
This is where the machine-learning algorithm comes to play. The scientists started by using an approach known as pyrolysis that is already taken by a NASA spacecraft. Pyrolysis refers to airlessly heating a sample in order to separate it into biochar and gas. Chromatography is then used to arrange the decomposed parts of a sample before transcribing its atoms via mass spectroscopy.
After receiving 134 samples of carbon-rich specimens, the algorithm was able to differentiate ancient and recent life from abiotic-originating organic compounds with a whopping 90% accuracy.
However, the researchers are not very certain about the internal mechanisms at work in the new AI model. Nevertheless, the algorithm may offer vital evidence that life chemistry follows fundamental principles compared to those from the abiotic world.
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Search for Alien Life
Astrobiologist Rober Hazen from the Carnegie Institution for Science explains that the results suggest that different life forms may be found in another planet and biosphere even if this life form will be completely different from what is known about life on Earth. Hazen adds that if life signs are indeed picked up elsewhere, they will be able to distinguish if life on other planets and on Earth have a synonymous or different source.
Simply stated, the approach should be capable of picking up alien biochemistries and life on Earth. The algorithm can even be incorporated into NASA's Mars rovers.
Jim Cleaves, a co-lead author of the study and chemist from Carnegie Institution for Science, explains that the study comes with three major takeaways. Firstly, it sheds light on how biochemistry is different from abiotic organic chemistry. Secondly, it offers room for specialists to examine ancient Earth and Martian samples to see if they used to be alive. Thirdly, it could help distinguish other biospheres from Earth's.
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