References & Sources  -  August 1, 1998

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Starlight Shows Life the Right Path

In a nearby star-forming region, astronomers have discovered circularly polarized light that could explain why terrestrial life uses only left-handed amino acids and right-handed sugars.

References:

Bailey, J., et al. 1998. Circular polarization in star-formation regions: Implications for biomolecular homochirality. Science 281(July 31):672.

Further Readings:

Peterson, I. 1997. Left-handed excess in meteorite molecules. Science News 151(Feb. 22):118.

Sources:

Jeremy Bailey
Anglo-Australian Observatory
P.O. Box 296
Epping, New South Wales 2121
Australia

 

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