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Astronomers discover asteroid containing life-building blocks

The composition of Bennu has been found to include minerals and a vast array of organic molecules, among them the chemical constituents of DNA.

A groundbreaking analysis has revealed that the asteroid Bennu contains the fundamental chemical components of life, which were discovered in the asteroid's dusty grain.

Image of a 500m-wide asteroid called Bennu that looks like a grey rock which is wider in the middle than at each end. It isn't smooth -- there are different sized knobbly lumps sticking out from its surface. — Asteroid Bennu is a 500m-wide pile of boulders, rocks and rubble

The space rock, sampled by a Nasa spacecraft and returned to Earth, has yielded a diverse array of minerals and thousands of organic compounds, including a wide range of complex molecules.

Notably, the samples contain amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and nucleobases, the essential components of DNA, highlighting the asteroid's potential role in delivering these crucial molecules to Earth.

While the discovery does not imply that life existed on Bennu, it lends credence to the theory that asteroids like Bennu may have transported these vital ingredients to Earth billions of years ago, potentially contributing to the emergence of life on our planet.

The same compounds found on Bennu could also have been delivered to other planets and moons in our Solar System, raising intriguing questions about the possibility of life beyond Earth.

According to Prof Sara Russell, a renowned cosmic mineralogist from the Natural History Museum in London, the findings from the asteroid are nothing short of remarkable, offering invaluable insights into the origins of life.

The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of how life began, enabling scientists to address fundamental questions about the emergence of life in the universe, and sparking further investigation into this complex and fascinating topic.

The research has been published in two comprehensive papers in the esteemed journals Nature and Nature Astronomy, providing a detailed account of the findings.

The mission to collect a sample from Bennu was a monumental undertaking by Nasa, marking one of the most ambitious endeavors in the agency's history.

Nasa capsule that looks like an alloy wheel containing the black dusty sample of asteroid Bennu in a central section. The sample resembles coal dust with different sizes of fragments of black rock. There are also a number of bolts that were holding the capsule's lid in place. — The grains of Bennu contain a vast array of organic molecules

In a daring maneuver, the Osiris Rex spacecraft deployed a robotic arm to collect a sample from the 500m-wide asteroid, which was then sealed in a capsule and returned to Earth in 2023.

Although the collected sample weighs only 120g, it has proven to be an incredibly valuable resource, yielding a wealth of new information about the asteroid's composition and history.

As Prof Russell noted, each grain of the asteroid sample holds a unique secret, offering scientists a fascinating glimpse into the asteroid's formation and evolution.

A small portion of the sample, equivalent to about a teaspoon, was sent to researchers in the UK for further analysis, allowing scientists to study the asteroid's composition in greater detail.

The latest research has shown that the asteroid is rich in nitrogen and carbon-based compounds, including a diverse array of organic molecules.

Scanning electron microscope image showing different minerals in a small sample of Bennu. The different minerals are shown in different colours. There are large orange areas on a background of deep blue, and on top smaller bright green areas, mostly in a line to the left of the picture. Clumps of smaller dots of turquoise can also be seen. — Scanning electron microscopes revealed the minerals in the Bennu sample

The sample contains 14 of the 20 amino acids used by life on Earth, as well as all four nucleobases that make up DNA: adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine, highlighting the asteroid's potential role in delivering these crucial molecules to our planet.

The study has also identified a range of minerals and salts, suggesting that water may have been present on the asteroid in the past, and detected ammonia, a key component in biochemical reactions.

While some of these compounds have been found in meteorites that have fallen to Earth, others are being reported for the first time, expanding our understanding of the asteroid's composition and the potential for life beyond Earth.

Prof Russell described the sample as "incredible" and "full of surprises," noting the unique combination of minerals and compounds that have not been seen before in meteorites.

The new findings contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that asteroids played a crucial role in delivering water and organic material to Earth, shaping the planet's early environment and paving the way for life to emerge.

Dr Ashley King, from the Natural History Museum, explained that the early Solar System was a turbulent and dynamic environment, with millions of asteroids like Bennu colliding with planets and moons, potentially seeding them with the ingredients for life.

This process, known as panspermia, may have provided the necessary building blocks for life to emerge on Earth, and potentially on other planets, highlighting the complex and interconnected nature of the Solar System.

The collision of asteroids with other planets would have had a profound impact on the early Solar System, shaping the environment and potentially creating conditions conducive to life.

As Dr King noted, while Earth is currently the only known haven for life, the discovery of organic compounds on asteroids like Bennu suggests that the raw materials for life may have been delivered to other planets and moons, raising hopes for finding life elsewhere in the Solar System.

The question of why life emerged on Earth and not elsewhere in the Solar System remains a profound mystery, and one that scientists are eager to explore further, using the insights gained from the study of asteroids like Bennu.

Answering this question will require continued research and exploration, as scientists seek to understand the complex interplay of factors that led to the emergence of life on our planet.

With decades of research ahead on the samples returned from Bennu, and much of the Solar System still to be explored, scientists are poised to make new discoveries that will shed light on the origins of life and the potential for life beyond Earth.

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Keanu Reeves’ John Wick Video Game Revealed at PlayStation Event

The iconic hitman has made previous appearances in games, however, the version developed by Saber will mark the first instance where the character is voiced by Reeves.

A video game adaptation of the John Wick franchise, which has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, is in development, with Keanu Reeves set to lend his likeness and voice to the project.

An in game screenshot of a video game version of Keanu Reeves as the character John Wick. He is wearing a suit and looking at the camera.

The game, currently titled "Untitled John Wick Game", is being developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, in collaboration with Chad Stahelski, director of the John Wick film series.

A trailer for the game, expected to serve as a prequel to the film series, was unveiled during PlayStation's "State of Play" event on Thursday.

The event also featured announcements for remakes of several major game franchises, including the God of War trilogy, as well as a special 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman.

The John Wick film series, which has earned over $1 billion globally, follows the story of a retired assassin, played by Keanu Reeves, as he seeks vengeance in a world of high-stakes action.

Although the character of John Wick has appeared in games before, this will be the first time Keanu Reeves has provided his voice for the role.

Reeves has previous experience in the gaming industry, having played a key role in the hit game Cyberpunk 2077 as the character Johnny Silverhand.

According to Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, the development team is "honored" to be working with Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves to bring the John Wick universe to life in a AAA game.

The game's story will be an original narrative designed for mature audiences, featuring a mix of familiar characters from the film series and new ones.

Jenefer Brown, president of global products at Lionsgate, the producer of the John Wick films, expressed the company's goal of capturing the "intense action" and "distinctive fight choreography" that define the franchise.

The reaction to the game's announcement has been largely positive among fans on social media.

However, some fans have expressed concerns about the potential impact on Saber Interactive's other projects, including the long-awaited remake of the classic Star Wars game Knights of the Old Republic.

Christopher Dring, editor-in-chief of The Game Business, believes that the John Wick game is a strong fit for Saber Interactive, given the studio's experience with action-oriented IPs and its ability to release multiple games across various genres.

Dring notes that Saber Interactive operates as a collective of studios working on multiple IPs, allowing it to release a diverse range of games annually.

During the same event, Sony announced that Santa Monica Studios is working on remakes of the first three God of War games, building on one of the platform's most successful franchises.

An in-game screenshot of Silent Hill Townfall. We see the back of a man who is looking at a sign that says "Welcome to St. Amelia". — Konami's trailer for Silent Hill Townfall revealed it is set in St Amelia, a "fictional island inspired by Scotland"

Although a release date for the God of War remakes was not provided, Sony did announce a surprise side-scrolling prequel game, Sons of Sparta, which is available now.

The event also offered a first look at Townfall, the latest installment in the Silent Hill series, set on the fictional island of St. Amelia, which draws inspiration from Scotland.

A 30th-anniversary edition of the classic platformer Rayman was also announced, featuring five versions of the 1995 game, along with a near-immediate release.

Loic Gounon, brand producer for the Rayman games, discussed the anniversary edition with the BBC, highlighting the inclusion of a new documentary that explores the making of the original game, as well as accessibility features designed to enhance the experience for modern players.

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Tottenham set to appoint temporary boss ahead of permanent summer hire

Tottenham expect to appoint an interim manager to oversee the team for the rest of the season by this weekend, with plans to make a permanent appointment in the summer.

The task of finding a successor to Thomas Frank has fallen to Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, who are overseeing the selection process.

Tottenham Hotspur intends to appoint an interim manager to see out the current season, with a view to making a more permanent appointment during the summer months.

The dismissal of Thomas Frank occurred earlier this week, at a time when the team was five points clear of the relegation zone.

According to sources close to BBC Sport, Tottenham Hotspur is expected to finalize an agreement with an interim manager before the team resumes training on Monday.

Following their early exit from the FA Cup in the third round, Tottenham has a nine-day break before facing Arsenal in the north London derby on February 22.

With no match scheduled for this weekend, the first-team squad has been given a brief break and is set to return to training on Monday.

The club is aware that the mid-season transfer window presents limited options, and it may be more feasible to secure a long-term manager at the end of the campaign.

An in-depth examination of Thomas Frank's tenure reveals the challenges he faced in winning over players and fans.

A closer look at Frank's time at Tottenham highlights the risks involved in his appointment and the ultimate failure of his tenure.

Although the search for an interim manager is still ongoing, the successful candidate will be considered for the permanent position if they perform well in the role.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a potential candidate to take the reins on a permanent basis, particularly since his contract with the US men's national team is set to expire after the World Cup this summer.

Another candidate being considered is Roberto De Zerbi, who recently parted ways with French club Marseille by mutual consent.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.

If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.

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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.