Searching for life in alien oceans may be more difficult than scientists previously thought, even when we can sample these extraterrestrial waters directly.

Scientists studying Saturn's icy moon, Enceladus, have discovered that its ocean forms layers that slow the upward movement of life’s chemical signatures. If microbial life exists in Enceladus’ deep sea,

Scientists searching for life beyond Earth often look to ocean worlds like Enceladus, one of Saturn’s icy moons. Enceladus has a vast ocean beneath its frozen surface, and it even sprays water into space through cracks in its ice.

Using computer models similar to those used to study Earth's oceans, researchers say their findings have important implications for the search for life in the solar system and beyond. The study suggests that the physics of alien oceans could prevent evidence of deep-sea life from reaching places where it can be detected.

Asteroid Bennu’s dust reveals amino acid precursors and ancient water traces, fueling hopes that Saturn’s moon Enceladus and other icy worlds might harbor life.