Alien life may be detected by spotting patterns, study suggests

Fahad Redha

April 16, 2026
3 min read

Alien life may be detected by spotting patterns, study suggests

A new study has suggested finding alien life by looking for patterns across many planets, rather than focusing on just one at a time. If life spreads and changes the environment of a planet, it may leave behind statistical clues that link planets together. These could reveal life where traditional biosignatures are either unclear or misleading, helping scientists prioritise which planets are the best candidates for life.

The team was led by Specially Appointed Associate Professor Harrison B. Smith of the Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) at the Institute of Science Tokyo and Specially Appointed Associate Professor Lana Sinapayen of the National Institute for Basic Biology. Their research was published in The Astrophysical Journal.

Dying Stars Wiping Out Giant Planets, UCL Astronomers Find

New research reveals how dying stars can destroy massive planets, offering fresh insight into the life cycles of planetary systems.

Artemis II Mission Set to Return Humans to Deep Space

NASA’s Artemis II mission marks a major step toward returning humans to the Moon and advancing long-term space exploration goals.

Ice Ages on Earth May Have Been Caused by Mars, Study Finds

Scientists suggest shifts in Mars’ orbit may have influenced Earth’s climate, potentially triggering past ice ages.

One of the biggest challenges in finding alien life is determining whether the features witnessed on planets are evidence of life. Biosignatures including gases in the atmosphere can also be produced by process that have nothing to do with living organisms, creating false positives. ‘Technosignatures,’ or evidence of technology, could be more accurate. However, that is making an assumption about intelligent life and how it might behave.

The researchers took a new approach. Rather than zeroing in on one planet, they asked if the effects of life could be felt by neighbouring planets. They introduced the concept of “agnostic biosignature,” based on the assumption that life can travel between planets, such as through a process called panspermia, and that it gradually alters the environment of a planet.

To test his, they used an agent-based simulation, modelling how life could spread in a star system and affect the properties of a planet. The results found that if alien life does so, it can create statistical links between where planets are located and what characteristics they show. These patterns can be observed even when the planets show no biosignature.

Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!

About Author

Fahad Redha

Fahad is the Content Editor at EyeOnLondon, overseeing the publication’s editorial output across news, culture, and lifestyle. With a background in journalism from the University of the Creative Arts, he brings a broad range of experience from local London reporting in Kensington & Chelsea, where he held roles including motoring, events, and health editor. At EyeOnLondon, Fahad plays a central role in shaping content and maintaining editorial standards. His work spans everything from daily news to feature coverage, with a particular strength in motoring and events. He also incorporates photography into his reporting, adding a visual layer to many of his stories. Fahad joined EyeOnLondon in February 2021.