Life beyond Earth? Purple bacteria may hold clues to alien life on other planets, study reveals

tech.hindustantimes.com:

In the quest to discover extraterrestrial life, scientists are broadening their horizons beyond the traditional green image of alien beings. A recent study suggests that alien life forms might actually be purple, specifically purple bacteria. Astronomers are focusing on these lavender-hued microbes due to their unique chemical makeup, which could make them well-suited to thrive on distant planets orbiting dim red stars.

The study, led by researchers from Cornell University, aims to expand the understanding of potential signs of life beyond Earth's familiar green chlorophyll-based organisms. According to co-author Lisa Kaltenegger, purple bacteria's ability to survive and thrive under diverse conditions makes it conceivable that on many different worlds, purple could be the new green, reported space.

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Life on Earth provides valuable insights into the possible evolution of life on other planets. Our planet's history reveals a transition from purple-pigmented microorganisms to green chlorophyll-based organisms dominating the biosphere.

About 2.4 billion years ago, cyanobacteria, the first known photosynthesizing species, began harnessing sunlight using chlorophyll. This marked a pivotal moment in Earth's history, as these tiny blue-green algae released oxygen as a byproduct of their metabolic processes.

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Before the emergence of chlorophyll-based photosynthesis, microorganisms relied on a purple-pigment molecule called retinal for energy production. Researchers believe that this molecule, if present on other planets, could leave a unique signature detectable by advanced telescopes.

Lígia Fonseca Coelho, the study's lead author from the Carl Sagan Institute in New York, highlighted the adaptability of purple bacteria. She noted that in environments without competition from