in space, they may want to consider a variable that could be harmful to all of humanity — carbon monoxide. A new study suggests that the poisonous gas, which prevents blood from carrying oxygen to vital parts of the body, could be a promising "biosignature" for extraterrestrial life and scientists should consider it, despite its potential for harm. “Given the different astrophysical context for these planets, we should not be surprised to find microbial biospheres promoting high levels of carbon monoxide,” the study's lead author, Edward Schwieterman, said in the statement. “However, these would certainly not be good places for human or animal life as we know it on Earth.”EARTH'S HISTORY COULD BE USED TO SPOT PLANT LIFE ON ALIEN WORLDSIn January, a similar study suggested exoplanets rich in oxygen may not necessarily contain extraterrestrial life, despite it being a key component for life on Earth. One near-term area of hope for researchers looking for extraterrestrial life is the upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope.

Source: Fox News March 21, 2019 13:21 UTC