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Sweet discovery: Astronomers find sugar lurking in the space between stars
By Adithi Ramakrishnan | The Associated Press at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· July 13, 2026
· 3 min read
The space between stars just got a little sweeter.
Astronomers have detected a type of sugar in space that’s also found in raspberries and self-tanners. The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what’s called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Sugar d...
Key takeaway Using two dish-shaped radio telescopes in Spain, researchers collected data from a large gas cloud near the center of the Milky Way.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The discovery of erythrulose in the interstellar medium has significant implications for San Francisco 's vibrant scientific community, particularly those involved in astrobiology and the search for life beyond Earth. As researchers at local institutions, such as the University of California, San Francisco, and the SETI Institute, continue to explore the origins of life, this finding provides valuable insight into the potential building blocks of life in our galaxy. The fact that erythrulose can easily convert to a form crucial for kick-starting life on Earth suggests that the essential ingredients for life may have been present in our solar system from the beginning, rather than being delivered by comets or space rocks. This theory has important implications for the field of astrobiology and may inform future research directions for scientists in the San Francisco Bay Area.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The space between stars just got a little sweeter.
Astronomers have detected a type of sugar in space that’s also found in raspberries and self-tanners. The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what’s called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Sugar d...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Adithi Ramakrishnan | The Associated Press at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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