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Sweet discovery: Astronomers find sugar lurking in the space between stars
By Adithi Ramakrishnan | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories
· 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 Frisco News
The discovery of erythrulose, a sugar found in raspberries and self-tanners, in the interstellar medium has significant implications for the study of life's origins. For Frisco residents, this finding may seem like a distant and abstract concept, but it has the potential to impact our understanding of the universe and our place within it. The fact that scientists are using radio telescopes to detect complex sugars in space suggests that the building blocks of life are more widespread than previously thought. As a community with a strong interest in science and technology, Frisco may see increased investment in astrobiology research and education, potentially leading to new opportunities for students and professionals in the field. Furthermore, the research being conducted in this area could have long-term implications for our understanding of the origins of life on Earth, and whether similar conditions exist elsewhere in the galaxy, making it a fascinating area of study for local science enthusiasts.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories . Frisco News 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 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories ·
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 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories and curated for Frisco News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Adithi Ramakrishnan | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) - Top Stories. To learn more about how Frisco News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Frisco News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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