Dimethyl sulfide
Dimethyl sulfide is a volatile organosulfur compound with the formula (CH₃)₂S. Large amounts enter the atmosphere through marine microbial processes, and it has a strong characteristic odor.
In 2025, K2-18b's atmosphere seemed to show dimethyl sulfide — a gas only Earth's marine life produces — hailed as a possible sign of alien life. Independent reanalyses later found the signal was statistical noise, not a real biosignature.
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