AI finds signs of life in ancient rocks

"A specially trained algorithm could aid the search for biological activity both on the early Earth and on other worlds."

"Machine-learning algorithms can help to identify traces of life in ancient rocks - expanding the ways in which scientists can look for life on Earth and beyond."

Specially trained machine-learning algorithms can detect traces of past biological activity by recognizing complex patterns in geological and chemical data. These algorithms can analyze textures, mineral associations, chemical signatures, and spatial distributions in ancient rocks to distinguish biogenic signals from abiotic features. Automated pattern recognition can process large and diverse datasets more consistently than manual inspection, revealing subtle or composite biosignatures. The approach widens the range of detectable indicators and reduces reliance on single diagnostic criteria. Integration of algorithmic screening with field sampling and laboratory analyses can prioritize targets for detailed study on Earth and extraterrestrial missions.

Read at Nature