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NASA’s Asteroid Bennu Sample Reveals Mix of Life’s Ingredients

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Studies of rock and dust from asteroid Bennu delivered to Earth by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security–Regolith Explorer) spacecraft have revealed molecules that, on our planet, are key to life, as well as a history of saltwater that could have served as the “broth” for these compounds to interact and combine.

The findings do not show evidence for life itself, but they do suggest the conditions necessary for the emergence of life were widespread across the early solar system, increasing the odds life could have formed on other planets and moons.

“NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission already is rewriting the textbook on what we understand about the beginnings of our solar system,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Asteroids provide a time capsule into our home planet’s history, and Bennu’s samples are pivotal in our understanding of what ingredients in our solar system existed before life started on Earth.”

In research papers published Wednesday in the journals Nature and Nature Astronomy, scientists from NASA and other institutions shared results of the first in-depth analyses of the minerals and molecules in the Bennu samples, which OSIRIS-REx delivered to Earth in 2023.

Detailed in the Nature Astronomy paper, among the most compelling detections were amino acids – 14 of the 20 that life on Earth uses to make proteins – and all five nucleobases that life on Earth uses to store and transmit genetic instructions in more complex terrestrial biomolecules, such as DNA and RNA, including how to arrange amino acids into proteins.

Scientists also described exceptionally high abundances of ammonia in the Bennu samples. Ammonia is important to biology because it can react with formaldehyde, which also was detected in the samples, to form complex molecules, such as amino acids – given the right conditions. When amino acids link up into long chains, they make proteins, which go on to power nearly every biological function.

These building blocks for life detected in the Bennu samples have been found before in extraterrestrial rocks. However, identifying them in a pristine sample collected in space supports the idea that objects that formed far from the Sun could have been an important source of the raw precursor ingredients for life throughout the solar system.

“The clues we’re looking for are so minuscule and so easily destroyed or altered from exposure to Earth’s environment,” said Danny Glavin, a senior sample scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and co-lead author of the Nature Astronomy paper. “That’s why some of these new discoveries would not be possible without a sample-return mission, meticulous contamination-control measures, and careful curation and storage of this precious material from Bennu.”

While Glavin’s team analyzed the Bennu samples for hints of life-related compounds, their colleagues, led by Tim McCoy, curator of meteorites at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, and Sara Russell, cosmic mineralogist at the Natural History Museum in London, looked for clues to the environment these molecules would have formed. Reporting in the journal Nature, scientists further describe evidence of an ancient environment well-suited to kickstart the chemistry of life.

Ranging from calcite to halite and sylvite, scientists identified traces of 11 minerals in the Bennu sample that form as water containing dissolved salts evaporates over long periods of time, leaving behind the salts as solid crystals.

Similar brines have been detected or suggested across the solar system, including at the dwarf planet Ceres and Saturn’s moon Enceladus.

Although scientists have previously detected several evaporites in meteorites that fall to Earth’s surface, they have never seen a complete set that preserves an evaporation process that could have lasted thousands of years or more. Some minerals found in Bennu, such as trona, were discovered for the first time in extraterrestrial samples.

“These papers really go hand in hand in trying to explain how life’s ingredients actually came together to make what we see on this aqueously altered asteroid,” said McCoy.

For all the answers the Bennu sample has provided, several questions remain. Many amino acids can be created in two mirror-image versions, like a pair of left and right hands. Life on Earth almost exclusively produces the left-handed variety, but the Bennu samples contain an equal mixture of both. This means that on early Earth, amino acids may have started out in an equal mixture, as well. The reason life “turned left” instead of right remains a mystery.

“OSIRIS-REx has been a highly successful mission,” said Jason Dworkin, OSIRIS-REx project scientist at NASA Goddard and co-lead author on the Nature Astronomy paper. “Data from OSIRIS-REx adds major brushstrokes to a picture of a solar system teeming with the potential for life. Why we, so far, only see life on Earth and not elsewhere, that’s the truly tantalizing question.”

NASA Goddard provided overall mission management, systems engineering, and the safety and mission assurance for OSIRIS-REx. Dante Lauretta of the University of Arizona, Tucson, is the principal investigator. The university leads the science team and the mission’s science observation planning and data processing. Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, built the spacecraft and provided flight operations. NASA Goddard and KinetX Aerospace were responsible for navigating the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. Curation for OSIRIS-REx takes place at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. International partnerships on this mission include the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter instrument from CSA (Canadian Space Agency) and asteroid sample science collaboration with JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Hayabusa2 mission. OSIRIS-REx is the third mission in NASA’s New Frontiers Program, managed by the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

For more information on the OSIRIS-REx mission, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/osiris-rex 

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SOURCE NASA

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Victory Live Named Official Data and Analytics Provider of the Capital One Orange Bowl

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October 19, 2026

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Partnership provides ticketing technology and analytics support ahead of the 2027 College Football Playoff Semifinal

ATLANTA, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Victory Live, a leader in ticketing technology and analytics, today announced a partnership with the Orange Bowl to serve as the Official Data and Analytics Provider of the Capital One Orange Bowl.

Under the agreement, Victory Live will provide ticketing data and analytics tools to support the Orange Bowl’s operational planning and ticketing strategies.

The Capital One Orange Bowl is scheduled to host a College Football Playoff Semifinal on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2027, at Hard Rock Stadium.

“The Orange Bowl has a proud history in college football and a lasting impact on South Florida,” said Sam Soni, founder and CEO of Victory Live. “We look forward to supporting the organization with technology and data insights to assist their ticketing operations. With a College Football Playoff Semifinal ahead, this is an exciting opportunity to work together on an event that means so much to fans and the community.”

About Victory Live

Founded in 2021 by Sam Soni, Victory Live is a technology platform specializing in sports and entertainment event management, ticketing software, data insights, and multi-channel distribution. Its end-to-end solution, Victory Live One, helps manage millions of tickets for live event rightsholders and ticket sellers across sports, concerts, and theatre. Victory Live’s marketplace is the industry leader in B2B ticket distribution and connectivity solutions. Learn more at www.victorylive.com. 

Press Contact:

Eric Nemeth
nemeth@ericpr.com
www.victorylive.com/

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SOURCE Victory Live

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Eastern Michigan University offers $4,000 scholarships to students who join marching band

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October 19, 2026

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YPSILANTI, Mich., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Eastern Michigan University is offering eligible students a $4,000 scholarship to join the university’s Marching Band, giving students the opportunity to participate in one of EMU’s signature traditions while pursuing any academic major.

The scholarship provides $1,000 per year for four years and is available to all students who meet the marching band requirements. Students do not need to major in music to qualify.

“I’m thrilled that President Kelly and the executive leadership team have elected to pursue this opportunity at Eastern because it gives us an opportunity to attract more students and reward them for the countless hours they spend participating in a life-changing activity that they love,” said J. Nick Smith, associate director of bands and director of Athletic Bands at Eastern.

EMU’s Marching Band reflects the university’s broad academic community. Only about 40% of its members are music majors, while students in disciplines across the university make up the rest of the membership.

“As a two-time alum, I’m proud of our band and its continuous momentum over the years,” said EMU President Brendan Kelly. “EMU’s college experience is about finding and building community — that’s what our marching band is all about. I’m thrilled we can offer this scholarship to students who want to be a part of a movement they’ll remember and be proud of among people with shared interests for the rest of their lives.”

Known as the “Pride of the Peninsula,” EMU’s Marching Band has a 132-year history and provides students with opportunities to perform at athletic events and other university and community events. The ensemble also offers diverse musical and performance experiences, including collaborations with groups such as internationally known piano-rock duo and EMU alumni Drew & Kin and Grammy Award-winning artists such as The Temptations, featuring EMU alum Jawan M. Jackson, who joined the group in 2022.

Participation in the band also provides students with experiences that extend beyond the field.

“Students who participate with us develop deep ties to their education, lifelong friends, lessons in leadership, professionalism, time management, high expectations and advanced musicianship and marching skills,” said Smith. “We pride ourselves on providing our students life-changing experiences that develop their core being so that, upon graduation, they have a diverse set of skills that are immediately applicable to their careers.”

Students interested in joining the EMU Marching Band and applying for the scholarship should:

Apply to and be admitted to Eastern Michigan University: emich.edu/apply/Complete the marching band membership form: https://tiny.emich.edu/emumbAttend orientation and register for marching band.Receive the scholarship through their financial aid package once all requirements are completed.

The scholarship is available to students regardless of their intended major. For more information about the EMU Marching Band and scholarship opportunities, visit the band webpage. To view the band’s past performances, visit the band’s YouTube page.

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SOURCE Eastern Michigan University

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Green Ammonia Market to Reach USD 5.10 Billion by 2035 as Renewable Hydrogen Contracts Support New Production

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October 19, 2026

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LONDON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The global green ammonia market was valued at USD 150.8 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 5.10 billion by 2035, according to Credence Research. The report states a 42.22% compound annual growth rate for 2025-2035. Asia Pacific held the largest regional share at 60.2% in 2025, while Latin America is the fastest-growing region at a modeled 54.11% annual rate. Market sizes, segment shares and regional allocations are Credence Research estimates.

Key Takeaways

Credence Research estimates market value at USD 150.8 million in 2025 and USD 5.10 billion by 2035, with a reported 42.22% CAGR for 2025-2035.Asia Pacific held 60.2% of modeled 2025 value. Latin America has the fastest forecast regional growth at 54.11%.Alkaline water electrolysis represented 73.6% of 2025 technology value.Fertilizers accounted for 68.3% of 2025 application revenue, the largest end use.Solid oxide electrolysis has the highest modeled technology growth at 63.37% annually, from a small base.Marine fuel is projected to grow fastest among applications, but its starting commercial base remains limited.

Scope & Segmentation – Green Ammonia Market

The market measures the selling value of ammonia made with electrolytic hydrogen powered by renewable electricity, including relevant renewable output from retrofitted fertilizer plants. It covers fertilizer, chemical feedstock, power and prospective marine fuel uses. It excludes conventional ammonia, blue ammonia made with fossil hydrogen and carbon capture, stand-alone electrolyzers, renewable generation equipment and downstream fertilizer products beyond the contained ammonia value.

By technology: Alkaline water electrolysis; Proton exchange membrane electrolysis; Solid oxide electrolysis.By application: Fertilizers; Industrial and chemical feedstock; Power generation; Marine fuel; Other uses including hydrogen carriers and refrigeration.

Read the full report and request a sample: https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/green-ammonia-market      

Why This Report Matters

Developers can separate announced electrolyzer capacity from renewable ammonia that has a committed buyer and a credible delivery schedule.Fertilizer companies and importers can evaluate the commercial importance of certification, fixed-price contracts and renewable electricity availability.Investors can assess why some projects advance with binding offtake while others remain exposed to cost gaps, policy changes and financing delays.

Market Overview

Green ammonia is produced using hydrogen generated from water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, followed by conventional ammonia synthesis. It can serve fertilizer and chemical demand without changing the basic molecule, but production costs and emissions depend on the power supply and plant operation.

Early commercial output is concentrated in China and a small number of European plants. Indian supply contracts and international offtake agreements are expanding the project pipeline. Marine fuel is a longer-term opportunity, with demand dependent on vessel technology, bunkering infrastructure and shipping regulation.

Market Insights

Alkaline water electrolysis represented 73.6% of 2025 technology value.Fertilizers accounted for 68.3% of 2025 application revenue, the largest end use.Solid oxide electrolysis has the highest modeled technology growth at 63.37% annually, from a small base.Marine fuel is projected to grow fastest among applications, but its starting commercial base remains limited.Asia Pacific represented 60.2% of 2025 value, reflecting early Chinese plant output and demand.

Key Attributes

Attribute

Details

Historical reference

2018-2025 (source report)

Base year

2025

Market size, 2025

USD 150.8 million

Market size, 2026 (source estimate)

USD 415.2 million

Market size, 2035

USD 5.10 billion

Reported CAGR and measurement interval

42.22% (2025-2035)

Largest regional share

Asia Pacific (60.2%, 2025)

Fastest-growing region

Latin America (54.11%)

Segments covered

Technology, Application

Geographic coverage

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa

Market Segmentation

The segmentation below follows the current report taxonomy and separates products, applications and buyers to avoid overlapping revenue definitions.

By technology: Alkaline water electrolysis; Proton exchange membrane electrolysis; Solid oxide electrolysis.By application: Fertilizers; Industrial and chemical feedstock; Power generation; Marine fuel; Other uses including hydrogen carriers and refrigeration.

Market Drivers

Fertilizer producers can reduce reliance on fossil-based hydrogen by purchasing certified renewable ammonia or replacing a portion of their own feedstock. Long-term supply contracts can make the economics more predictable for producers and buyers.

Large renewable energy resources and improving electrolyzer supply support new plants in China, India and prospective export hubs. Project economics still depend heavily on utilization and electricity costs.

Cross-border contracts create a clearer financing route than nonbinding project announcements. Importers that require renewable fuel certification can anchor investments in production and shipping logistics.

Regional Analysis

The following regional shares represent Credence Research estimates of 2025 market value. They are not independently audited supplier sales totals.

Asia Pacific | 60.2% share in 2025

Operating Chinese plants and Indian fertilizer procurement programs underpin the largest base. Japan and South Korea are potential import markets for certified supply.

Europe | 26.7% share in 2025

Pioneer projects and stringent certification requirements support premium demand, while high energy costs encourage some buyers to seek imports.

Middle East and Africa | 8.0% share in 2025

Saudi Arabian and other coastal projects seek to pair renewable power with export infrastructure, but project schedules remain important.

North America | 3.3% share in 2025

Electrolytic ammonia remains a small share of supply, with some producers favoring carbon capture on conventional plants.

Latin America | 1.8% share in 2025

Chile and Brazil have strong renewable resources and potential fertilizer or export demand, producing the fastest modeled regional growth from a small base.

Market Challenges

Renewable ammonia generally costs more to produce than conventional ammonia. Intermittent wind and solar power complicate operation of the synthesis loop and can require storage or grid balancing.

Many proposed projects lack binding buyers, permitting or funding. Uncertain global shipping rules can delay marine-fuel demand, so developers often prioritize fertilizer and chemical customers first.

Future Outlook

The strongest near-term projects are likely to be those with verified renewable electricity, certification and binding offtake. China remains an early production center while India and Gulf projects could expand exports later in the decade.

Marine fuel demand may eventually diversify the customer base, but the timeline is uncertain. Investors should distinguish operating tonnage from proposed capacity and account for power variability, shipping costs and policy risk.

Competitive Landscape

Envision Energy, State Power Investment Corporation and China Energy Engineering are linked to operating Chinese renewable ammonia projects. AM Green, ACME Group and NEOM Green Hydrogen Company are export developers, while Yara and Iberdrola participate in European pioneer projects. Air Products is a NEOM co-owner and contracted offtaker, not simply an independent ammonia producer. Fortescue is excluded from the active producer list because it canceled selected hydrogen projects in 2025. No reliable comparable company-by-company green ammonia revenue ranking is available.

Key Players

Envision EnergyState Power Investment CorporationChina Energy EngineeringAM GreenACME GroupNEOM Green Hydrogen CompanyYara InternationalIberdrolaAir Products (offtaker and co-owner)

Recent Developments

Feb. 27, 2026: Envision announced a commercial shipment of green ammonia from its Chifeng facility in China to LOTTE Fine Chemical in South Korea. The company described the cargo as an end-to-end renewable ammonia delivery.

Jan. 12, 2026: Uniper and AM Green signed a binding long-term agreement for up to 500,000 metric tons a year of certified renewable ammonia from India, with initial deliveries expected from 2028.

Report Coverage

The study analyzes market size, the base-year product and application mix, regional demand, technology adoption, competitive positioning, constraints and dated industry developments. It also examines commercialization, customer economics and the factors that could change the pace of adoption through 2035.

Forecasts and regional shares are proprietary Credence Research model estimates. Company announcements and regulatory materials are used for industry context; they do not independently validate the modeled global revenue totals. The report’s market definition and exclusions should be considered when comparing it with broader adjacent industries.

Read the full report and request a sample: https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/green-ammonia-market

Related Reports

Green Hydrogen MarketBlue Ammonia MarketRenewable Methanol MarketSustainable Aviation Fuel MarketHydrogen Storage Market

About Us

Credence Research Inc. is a global market intelligence and consulting firm founded in 2015. It provides quantitative market research, competitive intelligence and strategic advisory services to organizations assessing new products, investment decisions and regional opportunities. The firm combines primary and secondary research with industry interviews and structured market models.

Its research spans industrial technology, semiconductors, energy, health care, consumer markets and other sectors. Credence Research evaluates market size, segmentation, growth drivers, supply-chain risks, regional policy and competitive positioning to help clients make evidence-led decisions.

Contact Us

Credence Research Inc.
Tower C-1105, S 25, Akash Tower
Vishal Nagar, Pimple Nilakh, Haveli
Pune – 411027, India
Europe: +44 7453 598 606 | North America: +1 6282 627 656
Email: sales@credenceresearch.com

Website: Credence Research

 

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