来源：科技日报 科技日报记者 张佳欣 现代生命离不开三样东西：DNA、蛋白质和RNA。 但问题是，它们不可能同时出现。蛋白质就像建筑工人和建筑材料，没有蛋白质，DNA无法复制； DNA就像建筑蓝图，没有DNA，蛋白质无法构建。为了解开这个"先有鸡还是先有蛋"的难题，科学家 提出了一个影响深远的假说："RNA先行"。在这个设想中，RNA分子身兼双职：既是承载遗传信息的 蓝图，也是催化化学反应的"工人"。最早的生命，也许只是一些能自我复制的RNA分子。 这个假说听起来很完美，但几十年来始终卡在一个现实问题上：RNA这么复杂的分子，真的能在原始 地球那个混乱的环境里，自然、自发地形成吗？ 为了破解这个谜题，科学家不再孤立地测试单个化学反应，而是模拟一个更完整、更真实的早期地球环 境。 那个场景大约在43亿年前，地球由火山玄武岩构成了地下含水层。那时的大气中充满了二氧化碳、氮 气、水蒸气和来自火山喷发的硫化物，整个星球正经历着剧烈的地质变动。 科学家依据一个名为"不连续合成模型"（DSM）的路线图，将RNA的形成过程拆解为6个相互关联的化 学步骤，试图还原RNA"从零开始"生成的全过程：从大气中的简单气体出发，逐步生 ...

Core Insights - The China Academy of Sciences National Space Science Center held a press conference on November 24, showcasing significant advancements in space science, focusing on cosmic origins, space weather, and the origins of life [3][10]. Group 1: Satellite Missions and Achievements - Since the launch of the space science pilot project in January 2011, eight scientific satellite missions have been completed, including "Wukong," "Shijian-10," "Micius," "Huiyan," "Taiji-1," "Huairou-1," "Kuafu-1," and "Tianguan," achieving multiple "firsts" for China and the world [5]. - "Wukong," launched on December 17, 2015, is China's first dark matter particle detection satellite, which has provided the most precise secondary cosmic ray boron energy spectrum in the TeV/n range based on eight years of data [5]. - "Huiyan," China's first X-ray astronomical satellite, launched on June 15, 2017, has made significant discoveries regarding black hole accretion bursts and neutron star surface nuclear burning [6]. - "Huairou-1," launched on December 10, 2020, has identified new subtypes of gamma-ray bursts and provided insights into the radiation environment near Earth [6]. - "Kuafu-1," launched on October 9, 2022, has revealed a lower-than-expected correlation rate between high-energy C-class flares and coronal mass ejections, offering new insights into solar eruption mechanisms [7]. - "Tianguan," launched on January 9, 2024, has detected 165 significant X-ray transient sources, contributing to the understanding of X-ray phenomena in the galaxy [7]. Group 2: Future Missions and Goals - The "14th Five-Year Plan" will focus on the "Harmonious Plan," which includes a low-frequency radio telescope array of ten satellites aimed at capturing weak signals from the early universe [8]. - "Kuafu-2" will explore solar magnetic activity and its relationship with solar storms by orbiting the sun's poles [9]. - The exoplanet survey satellite aims to find Earth-like planets in habitable zones, while the enhanced X-ray time-variable and polarization space observatory will study extreme conditions in the universe [9]. Group 3: Development and International Collaboration - The space science sector in China has shown robust growth, achieving breakthroughs in various fields, including macro, micro, extreme conditions, and interdisciplinary research [10]. - The project has led to significant advancements in satellite technology and payloads, establishing a national-level X-ray calibration beamline and developing high-sensitivity X-ray telescopes [10]. - International collaborations, such as the "Smile" satellite project with the European Space Agency, have enhanced China's scientific influence and effectiveness in space science [11].

Core Insights - The recent press conference by the National Space Science Center of China highlighted significant advancements in space science, focusing on the origins of the universe, space weather, and life [2][8] - The "14th Five-Year Plan" will implement the Space Exploration Science Satellite Program, which includes four major missions aimed at achieving breakthroughs in understanding the dark ages of the universe, solar magnetic activity cycles, and exoplanet detection [2][8] Group 1: Satellite Missions and Achievements - Since the launch of the Space Science Pilot Project in 2011, eight scientific satellite missions have been completed, achieving "China's first" and even "world's first" breakthroughs in various fields [3] - The "Wukong" satellite, launched in December 2015, has provided the most precise secondary cosmic ray boron energy spectrum in the TeV/n range, aiding in the understanding of cosmic ray propagation [4] - The "Huiyan" satellite, launched in June 2017, has made significant contributions to understanding black hole accretion bursts and neutron star surface nuclear burning [5] - The "Huairou-1" satellite, launched in December 2020, discovered new subtypes of gamma-ray bursts and provided insights into the radiation environment near Earth [6] - The "Kuafu-1" satellite, launched in October 2022, revealed a lower-than-expected correlation rate between high-energy C-class flares and coronal mass ejections, offering new insights into solar eruptions [7] - The "Tianguan" satellite, launched in January 2024, has detected 165 significant X-ray transient sources, contributing to the understanding of X-ray phenomena in the galaxy [7] Group 2: Future Missions and Goals - The "Hongmeng Plan" aims to capture weak signals from the early universe using a low-frequency radio telescope array consisting of ten satellites [9] - The "Kuafu-2" mission will explore solar magnetic activity and its relationship with solar wind, enhancing understanding of the Earth-sun relationship [9] - The Exoplanet Survey Satellite will search for Earth-like planets in habitable zones, referred to as "Earth 2.0" [9] - The Enhanced X-ray Time-Variable and Polarization Space Observatory will study extreme conditions in the universe, such as black hole event horizons and neutron star surfaces [9] Group 3: Overall Impact and Development - The Space Science Pilot Project has demonstrated a strong development trend in China's space science, achieving breakthroughs across multiple dimensions [10] - The project has led to advancements in satellite technology and international collaboration, enhancing China's influence in global space science [10] - The transition from "catching up" to "keeping pace" and now to "leading" in certain areas reflects the growing importance of China's space science satellite cluster in exploring the unknown universe [10]

Core Insights - During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, China plans to launch four satellites focusing on major frontier issues such as the origin of the universe, space weather, and the origin of life [1][2] Group 1: Satellite Missions - The first satellite, the "Hongmeng Plan," consists of a low-frequency radio telescope array of 10 satellites that will be sent to the far side of the moon to capture weak signals from deep space, revealing secrets from the chaotic period before the first stars appeared [1] - The second satellite, "Kuafu II," will be the first to orbit the solar poles, aiming to understand the ultimate secrets of solar magnetic activity and improve predictions of solar storms [1] - The third satellite, the "Exoplanet Survey Satellite," will search for Earth-like planets in the habitable zone, potentially identifying a second home for humanity [2] - The fourth satellite, the eXTP, will observe extreme regions of the universe, such as the event horizon of black holes and the surfaces of neutron stars, to test Einstein's predictions and explore the boundaries of physics [2]

Core Viewpoint - Chinese scientists are actively exploring fundamental questions about the universe, including its origin, the emergence of life, and the nature of black holes, through a planned satellite program during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period [1][2]. Group 1: Satellite Missions - The first satellite, part of the Hongmeng Plan, consists of 10 satellites forming a low-frequency radio telescope array aimed at capturing faint signals from the universe's early period, specifically before the first stars appeared [1]. - The second satellite, Kuafu-2, will be the first to orbit the sun's polar regions, aiming to uncover the ultimate secrets of solar magnetic activity and improve predictions of solar storms [1]. - The third satellite is the Exoplanet Survey Satellite, which will search for Earth-like planets in habitable zones, potentially identifying a second home for humanity [1]. Group 2: Extreme Universe Observations - The fourth satellite, eXTP, will operate outside Earth's atmosphere to observe extreme regions of the universe, such as the event horizon of black holes and the surfaces of neutron stars, testing Einstein's predictions and exploring the boundaries of physics [2].

Group 1 - The research team from University College London has successfully demonstrated the chemical connection between RNA and amino acids under enzyme-free conditions, providing new insights into the origin of life and protein synthesis [1][3][4] - The study integrates two major theories of life's origin: the "RNA world" and the "thioester world," suggesting that the origin of life may not have a single starting point but rather a collaborative evolution of metabolic and genetic systems [6][8] - The findings indicate that the chemical reaction necessary for RNA and amino acid connection likely occurred in early Earth's lakes or small pools rather than in the ocean, offering a more specific direction for scientists searching for the "cradle" of life [5][6] Group 2 - The research highlights the importance of understanding how RNA can connect with amino acids, which is crucial for grasping the mechanisms of life and protein synthesis [3][7] - The study's methodology involved using thioesters to activate amino acids, allowing for selective and spontaneous connections to RNA, which is vital for the stability and functionality of early life forms [4][6] - The implications of this research extend to potential applications in artificial life systems, in situ protein synthesis, and targeted drug delivery, emphasizing the relevance of understanding the chemical basis of life [7][8]

Core Insights - A breakthrough study by a research team from University College London has successfully demonstrated the chemical connection between RNA and amino acids under prebiotic conditions without enzymes, addressing a long-standing question in the origin of life research [4][5][6] Group 1: Research Findings - The study provides new insights into how proteins are synthesized, which is crucial for understanding the origin of life [5][6] - The research indicates that amino acids can spontaneously connect to RNA in early Earth environments, suggesting a possible pathway for the emergence of life [6][9] - The team utilized a milder method involving thioesters to activate amino acids, allowing for selective connections to RNA, which is essential for functional stability in early life forms [7][8] Group 2: Theoretical Implications - The findings merge the "RNA world" and "thioester world" theories, proposing that life may not have a single origin point but rather a collaborative evolution of metabolic and genetic systems [8][9] - This research narrows the gap between chemical evolution and biological evolution, providing a plausible chemical basis for the transition from non-living to living systems [9][10] Group 3: Future Directions - The research team aims to explore how RNA sequences preferentially bind to specific amino acids, which is vital for understanding the origins of genetic coding [10][11] - The implications of this study extend to potential applications in artificial life systems, in situ protein synthesis, and targeted drug delivery [10][11] - Continued exploration of the chemical microenvironment within cells may offer new strategies for disease prevention and treatment [10][11]

Core Insights - A breakthrough study by a research team from University College London successfully demonstrated the chemical connection between RNA and amino acids under enzyme-free conditions, addressing a long-standing question in the origin of life research [1][3][4] - The research integrates the "RNA world" and "thioester world" theories, suggesting that the origin of life may not have a single starting point but rather a collaborative evolution of metabolic and genetic systems through simple chemical reactions [6][8] Molecular Evolution - The study falls within the realm of molecular evolution, focusing on the self-assembly and functional evolution of biological macromolecules like RNA and proteins, as well as the formation of "primitive cells" [2][6] - The research highlights the importance of understanding how RNA connects with amino acids, which is crucial for comprehending the mechanisms of protein synthesis and the origin of life [3][4] Methodology and Findings - The research team utilized thioesters to activate amino acids, allowing them to connect with RNA in a controlled manner, which was previously unattainable with high-energy molecules that would decompose in water [4][5] - The findings suggest that these reactions likely occurred in early Earth's lakes or small pools rather than in the ocean, providing a more specific direction for scientists searching for the "cradle" of life [5][6] Implications for Future Research - The study opens avenues for further exploration into how RNA sequences preferentially bind to specific amino acids, which is essential for understanding the origin of the genetic code [7][8] - The research may also contribute to the development of artificial life systems, in situ protein synthesis, and targeted drug delivery, highlighting its potential applications in biotechnology and medicine [7][8] Broader Impact - The findings could bridge the gap between chemical evolution and biological evolution, offering a reasonable chemical basis for the transition from non-living chemical substances to living biological systems [6][8] - The research emphasizes the importance of the chemical microenvironment within cells, suggesting that imbalances may lead to molecular interactions abnormalities and metabolic disorders, which could inform new strategies for disease prevention [7][8]

Core Insights - The research focuses on Jezero Crater on Mars, which was once a lake, and aims to uncover clues about ancient Martian life [1] - NASA's Perseverance rover has confirmed the presence of a delta formed by a river, indicating a history of water flow in the area [1] - A study published in Nature highlights the discovery of a rock formation called "Bright Angels," which contains minerals that may serve as potential biosignatures [1][2] Group 1 - The minerals found in the "Bright Angels" formation are rich in iron phosphate and iron sulfide, and their distribution aligns closely with organic carbon, suggesting a possible link to past biological activity [1][2] - These minerals formed in a low-temperature environment post-sedimentation, indicating they were likely created through chemical reactions involving water rather than volcanic activity [2] - The coexistence of iron phosphate and organic carbon is often associated with microbial metabolism on Earth, hinting at the potential for past life on Mars [2] Group 2 - Scientists remain cautious, considering that the minerals could also be products of purely chemical reactions, necessitating further investigation into both biological and non-biological origins [2] - Perseverance has collected multiple core samples from the area, which are sealed in titanium tubes for future analysis on Earth, where advanced laboratory techniques may reveal more definitive evidence of life [2] - The findings raise profound questions about the nature of life in the universe, pondering whether it is a mere chemical accident or an inevitable occurrence [2]

Core Insights - Researchers at University College London (UCL) have achieved a significant breakthrough by successfully connecting RNA with amino acids under simulated early Earth conditions, addressing a long-standing question regarding the synthesis of proteins, which are essential for life [1][2] Group 1: Research Findings - The study demonstrates that amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, can chemically link with RNA, which serves as the "instruction manual" for protein synthesis [1] - The reaction was conducted in a neutral aqueous environment, showing spontaneity and selectivity, suggesting that similar processes could have occurred in primordial Earth environments such as ponds or lakes approximately 4 billion years ago [1][2] Group 2: Methodology - The research team utilized a novel approach by introducing thioester as an activated intermediate, which is a high-energy compound that plays a crucial role in various biochemical processes [2] - They employed a sulfur-containing compound, pantetheine, to generate thioesters, further supporting its potential role in the origin of life under early Earth conditions [2] Group 3: Theoretical Implications - The findings bridge two prevailing theories of life's origin: the "RNA world" hypothesis, which posits that self-replicating RNA is fundamental, and the "thioester world" hypothesis, which suggests that thioesters were the primary energy source for early life [2] - This research provides a new unified framework for understanding the origins of life, indicating that the reaction pathways identified could have naturally occurred on early Earth [2]