New technological breakthroughs in amino acid detection and brain monitoring

Researchers have developed new technological methods to advance both astrobiology and medical monitoring.

At the University of Osaka, scientists have created an electrical method using gold nanowires and artificial intelligence to identify amino acids. This technology can distinguish between the mirror-image forms of amino acids—L-form and D-form—with over 80 percent accuracy. Because living organisms predominantly use L-form amino acids while non-living processes produce both in equal amounts, this ability to detect chirality serves as a potential biosignature for extraterrestrial life. The method has been tested on samples from the Murchison meteorite and soil from the Atacama Desert.

In a separate medical development, an international research team has utilized graphene-based technology to monitor brain activity following a stroke. By using highly sensitive graphene sensors, researchers were able to record slow electrical changes known as spreading cortical depolarizations. This allows for the identification of brain regions at risk of further damage due to altered blood flow. The study involved collaboration between the Spanish National Research Council, the University of Manchester, the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and Multi Channel Systems.