Oxford Research Challenges Earlier Claims of Dimethyl Sulphide Detection on Potentially Habitable Exoplanet

Initial excitement over potential signs of life on exoplanet K2-18b has been dampened following a new study challenging the reliability of earlier data. The planet, which orbits a cool dwarf star about 120 light-years away, was recently at the center of global scientific interest after researchers from the University of Cambridge reported the possible detection of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) — a gas on Earth strongly associated with biological processes.

The initial claims, derived from James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) data, suggested K2-18b might be a watery, potentially habitable world. However, scrutiny from other research groups has revealed significant uncertainties in both the methodology and the interpretation of the data.

Neutral Statistical Test Finds No Molecular Signatures

On April 22a new analysis led by Jake Taylor of the University of Oxford questioned the Cambridge team’s findings by applying a neutral statistical method to the same JWST data. The result? A flat line with no clear molecular signals.

Taylor’s study suggests the DMS signal may be statistical noise or too weak to substantiate claims of biological activity. He noted that the Cambridge-led team had only achieved a three-sigma detectionwell below the five-sigma threshold typically required for scientific certainty. Critics have also pointed out the absence of other expected moleculessuch as ethaneand highlighted that the modeling used may have overestimated DMS concentrations.

Astrobiologists Urge Caution, More Peer Review Needed

Astrobiologists such as Eddie Schwieterman and Michaela Musilova have emphasized that the current evidence does not meet the rigorous standards needed to confirm the presence of life. Both experts stressed the importance of independent verification from multiple research teams before drawing any conclusions.

Adding to the doubts, recent research indicates that K2-18b may orbit too close to its parent starpotentially ruling out the presence of liquid water — a key ingredient for life. Furthermore, the detection of DMS on a cold comet has weakened its role as a definitive biosignature, as it appears such molecules can exist without biological origins.

Ongoing Debate Highlights Science in Action

While PROFESSOR Nikku Madhusudhanlead author of the original Cambridge study, continues to defend the team’s findings, he dismissed Taylor’s statistical approach as “too simple” and “irrelevant” to the complexity of the model used. Nevertheless, most experts agree that the existence of DMS on K2-18b remains unproven and requires more rigorous, peer-reviewed analysis.

This evolving debate underscores a fundamental aspect of the scientific process: progress through questioning, correction, and continuous review. As new data emerges from JWST and other observatories, the status of K2-18b as a potentially habitable world remains uncertain but actively under investigation.