Scientists synthesized amorphous magnesium silicate particles, mimicking cosmic dust, deposited amino acids onto them, and tested their stability under simulated space heating conditions.

Experiments demonstrate that only certain amino acids, such as glycine and alanine, could survive the harsh space environment and attach to cosmic dust particles, suggesting an 'astromineralogical selection mechanism' that favored specific molecules.

The study found that heat treatment altered the surface properties of silicate dust, which in turn influenced amino acid retention and stability, potentially affecting which molecules were delivered to early Earth.

This interdisciplinary research combines astronomy, chemistry, and geology, employing advanced experimental techniques to explore the cosmic origins of life's essential molecules.

Recent research indicates that cosmic dust may have played a crucial role in delivering amino acids, the fundamental building blocks of life, to early Earth, potentially influencing the origin of life.

High concentrations of organic molecules, including amino acids, have been discovered in micrometeorites and comet samples, supporting the idea that space dust was a significant source of organic material for the early Earth.

Research shows that glycine and alanine adhere to silicate particles, with alanine remaining stable at temperatures above its melting point, while glycine tends to detach earlier, indicating different behaviors based on amino acid type.