Uracil and xanthine molecules were found in the Murchison meteorite. Scientists have been able to rule out Earthly contamination by examining the carbon in these molecules. These molecules contained carbon 13. This would be highly unusual for terrestrial carbon but would be expected in carbon found in space.
The title to the news article I read is misleading: “Genetic Material Found on Meteorite.” Genetic material would imply a partial strand of DNA or RNA – something with some biological instructions intact. These are just component molecules for DNA or RNA.
Buts its still a big deal:
While no one has established the connection between the development of life on Earth and the molecules’ presence on meteorites, the discovery does shed light on the possibility of life elsewhere in the galaxy. If the basic ingredients are zipping around throughout the cosmos, the likelihood of life taking shape wherever the chemistry is right is most certainly increased.
The implications are profound. Some, like Nick Bostrum, would argue that this is bad news. I’d argue that there is a great gulf between component molecules and sentient life. The Great Filter may lie behind us.
Update: Related topic:”Christian Theologians Prepare for Extraterrestrial Life.”