ScienceJuly 13, 2026
astrobiologist
/ˌæstrəʊbaɪˈɒlədʒɪst/
Definition
A scientist who studies the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe, specifically investigating chemical precursors to life in space.
Etymology
The word is a hybrid derived from the Greek 'astron' (star), 'bios' (life), and 'logos' (study of). It emerged in the mid-20th century to describe the scientific field concerned with the possibility of life existing beyond Earth.
In the news
In this article, astrobiologists are the researchers who identified sugar molecules in deep space, suggesting these components may have been delivered to Earth to help jumpstart early life. Their work connects cosmic chemistry to the biological origins of living organisms.
Sugar discovered floating in deep space for the first time
Read the full article ↗Popular Science