Question 29 - Reading and Writing Practice Test for the PSAT/NMSQT Exam

There is a question that has fascinated mankind for millennia: are there life-forms beyond those found on Earth? Theories have abounded, but scientists may be closer to determining a more certain answer to this age-old question. A seven-member scientific team recently developed a simple and reliable test to detect signs of life on other planets using artificial intelligence (AI). The AI is able to determine with 90% accuracy whether a sample is biotic or abiotic material by evaluating each sample’s molecular patterns. This development could allow scientists to determine whether life existed on other planets but also help resolve scientific mysteries here on Earth, including analyzing ancient rock samples for signs of life. Although it is still in the early stages of application, using AI to help address some of these questions could drastically change our understanding of the history and life of the universe.