I agree that, if the detection is accurate and correct, it could be produced through non-biological processes, but, on earth, the molecule in question is known to be produced solely by biological processes. So when you say “easily”, I must disagree.
Yep. Especially since this is an exotic kind of planet around a very different star. Then again, if abiogenesis is easy you’d expect this planet to have extensive microbial life. It’s a 2.5Gyr old system.
In case anyone’s still looking, here’s the paper, I finally got around to looking at it.
They didn’t just find DMS, they found a buttload of DMS. Like, it’s the third strongest signature they detected after the methane and CO2. On Earth it’s measured in parts per trillion.
