A sugar molecule found in raspberries has been detected near the Milky Way's center. This marks the first time the molecule has been identified beyond our Solar System. Researchers identified erythrulose in a giant cloud of gas and dust. The findings suggest essential ingredients for life may be common across the universe. This discovery strengthens the idea that prebiotic chemistry begins well before planets develop.

Erythrulose, which has four carbon atoms, is the most complex sugar spotted beyond our Solar System.

Astronomers have detected a type of sugar in space that’s also found in raspberries. The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in interstellar space, or the space between stars.

Erythrulose—a sugar found in raspberries—is also prevalent in a giant molecular cloud close to our galaxy’s core, scientists have discovered