New gases could indicate life on distant exoplanets

Scientists have discovered new gases, called methyl halides, that could indicate life on distant exoplanets, particularly Hycean worlds. These planets have thick hydrogen atmospheres and deep oceans, making them easier to study with the James Webb Space Telescope. Unlike Earth-like planets, which are difficult to analyze, Hycean planets may provide clearer signals of life. Methyl halides are produced by microbes and could be detected in as little as 13 hours using existing technology. Future missions, like the proposed European LIFE mission, could further confirm these findings. Detecting methyl halides on multiple planets may suggest that microbial life is more common in the universe.