erythrulose
/ɪˈrɪθ.rə.luːz/
Definition
A four-carbon ketose sugar molecule, naturally occurring in raspberries, used in the article as the specific type of sugar identified in interstellar space.
Etymology
The name is derived from the Greek word 'erythros' meaning 'red' (referring to its association with red fruits like raspberries) combined with the chemical suffix '-ulose' used for ketose sugars. It entered scientific nomenclature to classify this specific four-carbon sugar.
In the news
Researchers identified erythrulose in a nebula near the Milky Way's center, marking the first time a sugar molecule has been detected in interstellar space. This discovery suggests that the chemical building blocks for life can form in space before stars and planets even exist.
A Sweet Surprise: Scientists Find Sugar Deep in Our Galaxy
Read the full article ↗The New York Times