Overview
- Scientists detected ribose and, for the first time in returned extraterrestrial material, glucose, alongside nucleobases, amino acids and phosphates.
- Deoxyribose was not found, bolstering models that early chemistry favored an RNA‑based stage before DNA.
- Researchers identified a flexible, polymeric, gum‑like organic substance likely formed during early mild heating on Bennu’s progenitor body.
- The samples contain roughly six times more presolar supernova dust than any previously studied astromaterial, pointing to a supernova‑rich formation region.
- Hermetically handled, uncontaminated samples confirm an extraterrestrial origin for these compounds, and scientists stress the findings do not indicate life on Bennu.