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Sweet discovery: Astronomers find sugar lurking in the space between stars
By Adithi Ramakrishnan | The Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· 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 Los Angeles
The discovery of erythrulose in the interstellar medium has significant implications for Los Angeles residents interested in the origins of life. As a hub for space research and innovation, Southern California is home to numerous institutions and scientists working to unravel the mysteries of the universe. The fact that this sugar, also found in raspberries and self-tanners, can easily convert to a form crucial for kick-starting life on Earth, raises intriguing questions about the role of comets and space rocks in delivering essential ingredients to our planet. With NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory located in the Los Angeles area, locals can expect to see continued advancements in astrobiology and the search for life beyond Earth. As researchers continue to explore the galaxy for more sugars and their conversions, Angelenos can take pride in knowing that their city plays a vital role in the pursuit of understanding the origins of life and the potential for life elsewhere in the universe.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
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 Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Adithi Ramakrishnan | The Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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