Erythrulose becomes first 'true sugar' molecule detected in space

Scientists have detected erythrulose, a four-carbon sugar molecule, in space — making it the most complex sugar ever found beyond our Solar System. The discovery, published on 13 July 2026 in Nature, offers new clues about the chemical origins of life. Previously, only simpler organic molecules had been identified in interstellar space.

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More on this topic

🔬 Science Erythrulose sugar molecule detected in deep space for the first time Wired · 12d ago 💡 Did You Know Sugar detected in space — a new clue to the origins of life Big Think · 8d ago 🔬 Science Lab-made cosmic dust sheds light on origins of life in the universe Science Daily · 9d ago