Extraterrestrial Life Detection Based on Oxygen Isotope Exchange Reactions
- 3 March 1967
- journal article
- other
- Published by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Science
- Vol. 155 (3766) , 1110-1112
- https://doi.org/10.1126/science.155.3766.1110
Abstract
A method is described for detecting extraterrestrial life, based on catalysis of isotopic oxygen exchange between water and oxygen-containing anions such as phosphate, nitrate, or sulfate. This catalytic activity appears to be unique to living systems. Its applicability requires very few assumptions concerning the chemical nature of "life." Data obtained so far indicate that the experiment is sound and technically feasible.Keywords
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